In September 2024, Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady went into dry dock for some much-vaunted upgrades.
I’m on the first cruise right after dry dock from Rome to Miami (16 nights) and I’m getting to try out all of the new features first hand!
Some changes are more mundane (hello new carpet smell), but some are making major changes to the usual line-up on the Scarlet Lady.
Grounds Club, Too
On Deck 15, the familiar coffee shop in The Galley has received a major upgrade and is now the Grounds Club, Too — a coffee venue by day, and the newest cocktail bar on board the ship by night.
The vibe is very dark green plush upholstery with leather and marble tones throughout. The seating is much more relaxed that previously, when it felt like an extension of the dining seating in The Galley.
Lucky Lotus (Razzle Dazzle)
Lucky Lotus is the all-new Chinese-themed restaurant in the space that was Razzle Dazzle beforehand.
For Razzle Dazzle lovers, that menu survives, but as a brunch spot only. In the evening (from 5.45pm onwards), Lucky Lotus takes over and serves Chinese-themed food.
The veggie gyoza and barbecue ribs are top favourites, as well as the rib-eye steak and tofu main courses. Read my Lucky Lotus review here.
Rockstar Cabanas
Scarlet Lady is upping the amount of exclusivity that it offers to higher-paying clients with the launch of the Rockstar Cabanas.
These are velvet-rope-protected spaces only for those paying top dollar for larger suites.
In a week on board I’ve not yet seen one in use, just some staff members retouching some of the paintwork. No doubt these will be popular in warmer waters in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
New Carpets
This is not remotely exciting, but at least on my deck for this trip (Deck 9) there is that new carpet smell and everything is looking pristine.
To find out more about Virgin Voyages and its ships, read my Virgin Voyages Guide.