Scarlet Lady has returned from dry dock with some exciting changes, and one of the biggest transformations is the complete revamp of Razzle Dazzle into a brand-new Asian-inspired restaurant, Lucky Lotus.
If you’ve sailed Virgin Voyages before, you may remember Razzle Dazzle as a veggie-forward restaurant with playful, bold decor.
Now, it has evolved into something entirely new—so what’s different, and is it worth dining here? Let’s dive into my first impressions and honest review of Lucky Lotus.
Don’t forget there is a VIDEO version of this blog post. You can watch it by clicking here!
Why Did Virgin Voyages Change Razzle Dazzle?
While Virgin Voyages hasn’t officially announced why they made the switch, my best guess? They’re evolving to appeal to more cruisers. The success of their Asian Night Market at Sea event (see it here), which was part of the Eat & Drink Festival, showed that guests loved the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine.
So, Virgin took a chance and transformed Razzle Dazzle into an elevated, modern take on Asian dining.
If you’re a longtime fan of Razzle Dazzle, you might be wondering: Is Lucky Lotus as good? Read on for more…
First Impressions of Lucky Lotus
I’ve spent over 150 days on Virgin Voyages ships and I’ve dined at Razzle Dazzle let’s just round it to “a lot”. When I first walked in I was said out loud “ooooh this is different”…
Ambiance & Design
Walking into Lucky Lotus, I immediately noticed a shift in atmosphere. While Razzle Dazzle was bold and playful, Lucky Lotus feels more mature and sophisticated.
The space is more muted, modern, and elevated, but it still keeps some of the Virgin Voyages flair and theme of the Razzle Dazzle (the black and white lined design).
The Cocktail & Tea Experience
As soon as I sat down I started with the drink menu. As expected, it’s unique and specific to Lucky Lotus (each restaurant has it’s own drink menu) and it’s different than the previous Razzle Dazzle menu.
Each restaurant on Virgin Voyages has a signature cocktail menu, and Lucky Lotus brings some truly unique flavors. A few examples:
- Dragon’s Breath – Sichuan peppercorn-infused gin, dragon fruit puree, lemon juice, agave nectar.
- A curated JoJo tea selection, perfect for cutting through the salty, umami flavors of Asian cuisine.
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Lucky Lotus Dinner Menu – My Honest Thoughts
I didn’t want to make a content piece after dining one time. So even though I’ll be back on Scarlet Lady for 27 days out of the next 90 days, these are my “thoughts so far” after two dinners and one brunch.
Appetizers & Small Plates
The Peking Duck Bao Buns immediately caught my eye. Soft, fluffy, and packed with flavorful duck and hoisin sauce, these were a great starter.
I didn’t walk in comparing these buns to my favorite ones from renowned restaurants like Momofuku or Ippudo.
Translation: they’re REALLY good. Are they the best ones in the world in the grand scheme of “Asian-insipred restaurants”? No. It’s a cruise ship and Virgin Voyages is doing something unique in the restaurant space. I’m not expecting Michelin stars to be rolling in.
I also loved the walnut shrimp. An appetizer perfect for one, crispy and sweet and savory.
A reminder to please “don’t be THAT guy”. So many people message, email and COMPLAIN to me they are STARVING when they leave Virgin Voyages. They look at the photo above and say “wow that’s it? It’s small!”
Me: “Did you ask for multiple portions? Did you ask for another dish? Did you order three appetizers?”
Them: “I can do that?”
Me: “If you didn’t ask, then don’t complain”.
Main Dishes & “Treat Yourself” Items
I opted for the Lobster & King Crab Hot Pot, a seafood-lover’s dream. The broth was rich and flavorful, and I paired it with white rice for the perfect balance.
A reminder that each restaurant has an “upgrade item” (or items). By no means is the “regular menu” at all limited. There are MANY dishes on there, but on this occasion I was curious to try what’s pictured below.
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Want to see Lucky Lotus in action?
I filmed my entire experience, including first impressions, must-try dishes, and my honest verdict. Check out the video below for a deeper look!
Lucky Lotus Brunch – What’s Changed?
Most people think the change to Lucky Lotus means brunch is discontinued. It’s closed. It’s gone. There is no more brunch.
This is wrong.
Brunch is here to stay and the classic Razzle Dazzle brunch hasn’t disappeared entirely. Instead, they’ve kept many of the fan-favorite items while introducing three new dishes:
- Stir-Fried Rice Noodles – This takes the place of the Impossible Burger.
- Kombucha & Chicken Wonton Soup – Replaces the old gazpacho.
- Pan-Roasted Vegetable Dumplings – A truffle soy dipping sauce makes this a standout.
My personal brunch order is the apple cruffin (they walk around with a tray), the salmon bowl (with no salmon) and instead a side of bacon.
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What About the Razzle Dazzle Theme?
Fun fact: Razzle Dazzle wasn’t just a quirky name! It was inspired by a World War I camouflage technique designed to confuse enemy ships.
While Lucky Lotus has moved away from the bright, high-contrast decor, you’ll still find subtle nods to the original concept in small design elements throughout the space.
What else is different on Scarlet Lady?
The Razzle Dazzle Lucky Lotus change is just one of many changes on Scarlet Lady after dry dock. Read more about the changes by clicking here or see the full video.
- Pool Area Updates – New railings for easier access, rentable cabanas, and more open deck seating with daybeds.
- Grounds Club Too Upgrade – Expanded alcohol menu with more wines, cocktails, and a lounge-style atmosphere.
- More Rockstar Suites – 24 new suites added, increasing total to over 100, making Richard’s Rooftop busier.
- Casino Expansion – More slot machines added.
- Spa Enhancements – New couples’ massage rooms.
- General Ship Refresh – Fresh paint, more seating areas, and an updated muster video.
- Wake Restaurant Update – New seating section, but the “wine bar” lacks a true Sommelier experience.
Bottom Line
Should You Dine at Lucky Lotus?
If you skimmed this entire post, here’s what you need to know:
- Lucky Lotus is a less bold looking, but very flavorful update to the Scarlet Lady dining lineup.
- The new ambiance is elevated and modern, but still keeps Virgin Voyages’ unique touch.
- Must-try items: Peking Duck Bao Buns, Walnut Shrimp, consider the Sip & Savor Menu
- Brunch keeps the best of the old menu, with some fresh additions.
- Overall? A fantastic upgrade if you love Asian-inspired flavors and a fun dining experience.
Would I dine here again? Absolutely. I can’t wait to try more of the menu on my upcoming sailings!
Want more? Watch the video version of this blog by clicking here.
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