Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady just got a glow-up! After heading into dry dock in November 2024, she’s back on the water with some fresh new changes.
Some of these updates are super exciting, while one, in particular, left me pretty disappointed. If you’re sailing on Scarlet Lady soon, here’s everything you need to know about what’s different onboard in 2025.
Don’t forget you can WATCH this entire blog post in the full Youtube video by clicking here or below!
Razzle Dazzle is Now Lucky Lotus
One of the biggest changes is in the dining scene—Razzle Dazzle has been completely transformed into Lucky Lotus, a Chinese-inspired restaurant.
This is a restaurant we’ve seen the MOST amount of changes on Virgin Voyages.
The full deep dive on Lucky Lotus can be found in this blog post.
While the new menu is exciting, I do miss some of the original Razzle Dazzle dishes—like the butter chicken (which you can now find in The Galley on a rotating dinner menu) and those iconic tots.
What’s one thing you’ll immediately notice? The new decor.
The dining space has a whole new setup. It’s more intimate now, with smaller tables instead of long communal ones.
The back section has been redesigned, and the booths are a nice touch for a cozier dining experience.
The overall vibe has changed—where Razzle Dazzle was loud and playful, Lucky Lotus feels more modern, sophisticated, and subdued.
What about the food? The dinner menu has changed completely, but the brunch menu has stayed the same (with 3 dishes switched out).
Again, a full review of Lucky Lotus can be found in the blog post review by clicking here.
If you’re wondering why they made this change, it’s because of the overwhelming success of the Asian Night Market at Sea during the Eat & Drink Festival.
That event transformed The Galley into a series of Asian food stalls, and it was such a hit that they decided to bring that concept permanently to Scarlet Lady.
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Pool & Poolside Seating Changes
No, they didn’t remove the tiny pool (though wouldn’t that be a shocker?).
Instead, they’ve made a few changes:
- Easier Access: New railings have been added for a smoother way to get in and out.
- Cabanas: The red seats have been replaced with upgraded rentable cabanas for a more upscale experience.
- More Day Beds: The booth-style seats on Deck 15 have been swapped for day beds, creating a more open and spacious feel.
These changes make the pool deck feel a bit larger with an elevated experience.
I’ll be honest – I was WATCHING the cabanas throughout my sailing to see if people would use them. On Scarlet Night, I saw some people had rented them, but depending on what kind of traveler you are, I prefer to be IN THE ACTION and IN THE POOL (vs. watching from above).
The new cabanas are not inexpensive
Don’t forget you can WATCH this entire blog post in the full Youtube video by clicking here or below!
The Grounds Club Too Upgrade
The Grounds Club Too on Deck 15 got a big upgrade—now it’s more than just a coffee spot.
This update is a great example of how Virgin Voyages is focusing on elevating casual spaces into areas you actually want to hang out in.
Expanded Menu: Still serving all your favorite coffees, but now with a much wider selection of wine, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks.
New Look & Feel: The space has a sophisticated new design, making it a great spot to sit, sip, and enjoy the ambiance instead of just grabbing coffee on the go.
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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!
OR if you’re just looking for some inspo! See the curated list of Amazon items I’ve put together (and use!) for Virgin Voyages.
More RockStar Quarters
If you love the RockStar suites, you’ll be happy to hear that 24 brand-new Rockstar rooms (specifically the “Seriously Suite”) have been added! This is the most popular rockstar room type on Virgin Voyages.
More suites mean more people at Richard’s Rooftop, so expect it to feel a little more crowded, especially during sunset hour.
These are the most popular suites on the ship, and now there are even more options.
Previously, there were around 78 RockStar rooms, so this is a big expansion.
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The New Wine Bar at The Wake
One of the most anticipated changes on Scarlet Lady was the introduction of a wine bar at The Wake. But does it live up to the hype?
- The back section of The Wake, which previously felt underutilized, has been converted into a dedicated wine bar.
- The concept was marketed as a space where guests could enjoy wine by the glass, interact with a sommelier, and sample small bites.
- However, in practice, it doesn’t fully operate like a traditional wine bar. Most wines are poured back-of-house rather than at the table, which takes away from the interactive experience many were hoping for.
- On the plus side, this new space allows for more seating at The Wake, meaning guests without reservations might have a better chance at securing a spot.
- While it’s still a fantastic place to enjoy great wine and food, it might not meet the expectations of wine enthusiasts looking for a deep, hands-on tasting experience.
If you were excited about a true wine bar experience, manage your expectations. But if your goal is to simply get a seat at The Wake and enjoy a good meal with a glass of wine, this update is a win.
Additional Changes on Scarlet Lady
Casino Expansion: More slot machines have been added, giving the casino a fresh, updated look. If you love a little gaming action, you’ll have more options to play.
Fitness Equipment Changes: Some outdoor fitness equipment on Deck 16’s Training Camp has been removed. There’s still equipment there, but not as much as before.
General Makeover & More Seating
- Fresh Paint & Touch-Ups: You’ll notice a lot of things look newer and fresher, including a new look for the mermaid on the front of the ship.
- More Seating Areas: Larger group seating has been added in the Galley, making it easier to find a spot for meals or hanging out.
- New Couples Massage Rooms: The spa now offers dedicated rooms for couples’ massages, making it an even better space to relax together.
The Muster Video Got a Makeover: The safety video has been updated. No spoilers—just something new to check out on your next sailing!
Don’t forget you can WATCH this entire blog post in the full Youtube video by clicking here or below!
Want more on Scarlet Lady?
See the updated deck plans (overall) or deck by deck in this blog post here.
Watch a full walk through of the newly updated Scarlet Lady ship by clicking here. Or read more in the blog post here.
Bottom Line
If you skipped ahead to see what’s new on Scarlet Lady in 2025, here’s the quick rundown:
- Lucky Lotus replaced Razzle Dazzle, offering a fresh Chinese-inspired menu and a more sophisticated vibe.
- The pool deck got new cabanas, day beds, and railings, making it feel slightly bigger.
- Grounds Club 2 is now a coffee and cocktail lounge, making it a great spot to hang out.
- 24 more RockStar suites have been added, making Richard’s Rooftop a bit more crowded.
- More slot machines in the casino and less outdoor fitness equipment.
- The Wake’s new wine bar doesn’t fully function like a wine bar, but it does help more people get into the restaurant.
- A general ship-wide refresh with new paint, updated seating, and improved spa options.
Overall, Scarlet Lady’s updates are exciting, with a fresh take on dining, more premium accommodations, and a refreshed look throughout the ship.
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