Are you considering a back to back sailing with Virgin Voyages? If you are… you should!
But what are the key things to know?!
How does back to back cruising on Virgin Voyages work, what can you expect and does Virgin Voyages really make you get off the ship and get back on?
In this blog post, helpful things to know (and things to AVOID) to have the BEST back to back sailing on your Virgin Voyage Cruise!
Why Consider a Back to Back Sailing with Virgin Voyages
When deciding on a back-to-back sailing with Virgin Voyages, here are the key things to consider:
- Extend your vacation time: More days to enjoy.
- Explore different cruise ports: Variety in your travel destinations.
- Experience everything: A single sailing might not be enough to explore all onboard activities and amenities.
Choosing to sail back-to-back with Virgin Voyages is an excellent way to maximize your vacation. The most compelling reason is, of course, the opportunity to extend your holiday.
Who wouldn’t want more time to relax and explore, especially when you’re enjoying the high seas in style?
But there’s more to it than just adding days to your getaway. A back-to-back cruise allows you to experience a wider variety of cruise ports.
A key reason to do a back to back sailing is to choose two sailings that will stop at different cruise ports. This enables you to SEE MORE.
Many travelers don’t realize until they’re onboard that it’s challenging to fully experience everything a Virgin Voyages ship has to offer in just one sailing.
If I’m honest, there are MANY things I discovered on sailings seven and eight that I had NO idea existed on my first few sailings.
From the hidden gems on the upper decks to the diverse entertainment options that change with the seasons, there’s always something new to discover. By booking consecutive sailings, you give yourself that extra time needed to delve deeper into the ship’s offerings and enjoy a broader range of destinations.
I talk very honestly about some of those things I missed out on with JC (my travel agent!) of Sea Sun Vacations in the video below!
The KEY Concern Most People Have Sailing Back to Back
One might think the main concern with back-to-back cruising is monotony.
Won’t it be BORING?!
However, a top misperception about Virgin Voyages is there isn’t enough to do. If I’m honest, I needed a vacation after my vacation from my first sailings.
Not only did I do too much, I didn’t come close to doing everything. (I talk about it very honestly in my “top mistakes” video which can be found here).
One thing to consider? If you have a 4 night sailing, and there are 6 dinner restaurants on Virgin Voyages…. how will you hit all of them in a single sailing?
AH. Yet another reason why it’s hard to “do everything” on your first sailing! I didn’t discover the seafood plateau (pictured above) until a later sailing. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend sailor loot! (Sailor loot is “on board credit”) which I get TONS of for free by booking with my travel agent.
Grab a deal on Virgin Voyages!
Be a smart traveler and PRICE COMPARE. Whether you’ve picked your sailing (already booked your sailing) or aren’t sure which one is right for you – reach out to my travel agent JC. He’ll help you to get a price quote and make the right choice for you.
With Virgin Voyages, there’s too much to see and do for just one trip. From numerous activities and dining options to exploring new ports and themed events, boredom isn’t an issue. Even regular cruisers always find something new.
The idea of being bored is quickly dismissed amid the ship’s bustling environment and variety of experiences.
Bottom line: you won’t be bored on a back to back sailing.
How the Process of Back to Back Sailing Works
The process for back-to-back sailing with Virgin Voyages is designed for ease and convenience, ensuring a smooth transition between your cruises. Here’s how it works…
First, you’ll receive a letter in your stateroom. This letter is your heads-up about the back-to-back sailing process. It will inform you of the meeting point on the ship, where you and other back-to-back cruisers will gather as a group.
Next, you’ll all be escorted off the ship together.
This step is part of the seamless process Virgin Voyages has put in place to manage the transition between your sailings. Despite leaving the ship momentarily, you won’t need to worry about your luggage if you’re staying in the same room. Simply leave your belongings where they are, ensuring a hassle-free process without the need to pack and unpack multiple times.
Reminder! If you want to see IMAGES and VIDEO of all of this – be sure to check out the video that goes along with this blog post!
Once off the ship, you’ll quickly be taken through the reboarding process, which is much faster and easier than the initial boarding. This expedited procedure involves reactivating your boarding band and immediately allows you back on the ship.
Being among the first to return onboard offers a unique advantage. You have the ship practically to yourself for a brief period, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and use the app to book activities for your next sailing. This process ensures that you can dive right back into the cruise experience, making the most of every moment on your back-to-back adventure with Virgin Voyages.
A key reminder: Sailor Loot DOES NOT carry over. Use it or lose it on each sailing!
Don’t forget to pack THIS!
Virgin Voyages has reimagined sailing and what you need to pack on for this trip is DIFFERENT than a normal cruise line. There are many items I wish I knew to bring (that I didn’t have with me on my first sailing).
Get a free printable pack list and save yourself the headache!
A Review: Our Experience Back to Back Sailing
Our back-to-back sailing experience with Virgin Voyages was unforgettable and packed with variety.
My specific sailing was THE SAME and tbh, I was a little nervous. 4 nights, same ports, same entertainment, no changes in anything.
Despite repeating the itinerary, the plethora of activities, dining options, and the different vibe of each cruise ensured we were never bored.
For JC – his first voyage was a huge group cruise with A LOT going on. His second sailing allowed for a more relaxed pace, letting him and his wife enjoy the ship’s amenities and revisit their favorite spots without the initial rush.
For me: my first was with my boyfriend and my second alone. I got to try solo sailing and also got to hit every restaurant and activity (it’s really hard to do them all even on a 6 night sailing). You can see what this experience was like sailing solo in this video or read more in this blog post!
This contrast highlighted the beauty of back-to-back cruising: the freedom to experience the cruise in multiple ways, from energetic exploration to tranquil relaxation. Leaving luggage in the same room and not having to pack between sailings added to the ease of the experience, making it a seamless transition from one adventure to the next.
Bottom Line
Back-to-back cruising with Virgin Voyages is an ideal option for those looking to extend their vacation time, experience a diverse range of activities and destinations, and enjoy the convenience of an uninterrupted vacation.
From the vast array of dining and entertainment options to the seamless transition between sailings, back-to-back cruising offers an unparalleled vacation experience.
Whether you’re seeking an extended adventure at sea or looking to delve deeper into the Virgin Voyages experience, back-to-back cruising presents an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
And don’t forget – score yourself on not just ONE sailing, but both by getting a quick price quote!