My wife and I (30F and 35M) recently completed a 7-night cruise on Brilliant Lady sailing round-trip from Long Beach, California. The itinerary included stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. We flew from Seattle to Long Beach with a layover and stayed at the DoubleTree in San Pedro, which offered a free shuttle to the cruise terminal. We booked an interior cabin using a “lock it in” fare and have previously sailed with Princess, MSC, and Norwegian.
Below is a detailed breakdown of our experience.
Embarkation and disembarkation:
Embarkation went mostly smoothly, though the terminal signage and boarding lines were not clearly organized, which caused some confusion. Once inside, check-in and boarding were efficient. The safety process was straightforward. Disembarkation was very easy and well organized, and we were off the ship by 10am with the option to keep luggage the night before.
Cabin:
We stayed in a cabin on deck 13 and were generally very satisfied. Storage space was adequate, the bed was slightly firm but manageable, and the in-room tablet system worked well for entertainment and lighting control. The shower pressure and temperature were good. The toilet flushing system was loud but functional. Power outlet placement was slightly inconvenient but workable with adapters.
App experience:
The onboard app had several issues. Event scheduling did not always sync correctly, excursion details were missing at times, and room service functionality was unreliable. Chat support also did not function consistently. Staff acknowledged ongoing IT issues.
WiFi:
We upgraded to premium WiFi and found performance to be solid. Streaming and browsing worked well, and WiFi calling functioned without issues.
Food:
Food quality overall was strong, especially in the main dining areas. However, many Galley options closed early, which limited late afternoon and evening flexibility. Ordering locations were sometimes unclear, but food quality was consistently good.
Specialty dining:
We dined at multiple specialty restaurants including The Wake, Rojo, Pink Agave, and Extra Virgin. Reservations were partly made in advance and partly through onboard availability. Service and food quality were consistently high, with meals typically lasting 90 to 120 minutes.
Ship layout:
The ship has a modern design but smaller venue spaces that can become crowded quickly during events. The layout is more segmented compared to traditional cruise ships, which may not appeal to everyone.
Pool deck:
Pool areas are relatively small but usable. Lounge seating on upper decks was generally available, and hot tubs were not overly crowded during our sailing.
Entertainment:
Entertainment was a highlight. We especially enjoyed Duel Reality, Scarlet Night, and live performances throughout the ship. The nightlife and themed events created a strong overall atmosphere.
Excursions:
We skipped Cabo but participated in excursions in Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The beach excursion in Puerto Vallarta was a standout experience with food, drinks, music, and water activities included.
Overall impression:
The overall atmosphere on Virgin Voyages was lively, modern, and very social. Staff were friendly and the entertainment and dining experiences were strong. The environment is very inclusive, and the vibe may not suit everyone depending on personal preferences.
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