Last Night on Virgin's Valiant Lady

This is our last night on Virgin's Valiant Lady and I must say, it has been a game changer! Things that you have to pay for on other lines are included in the cost of the cruise here. There are no a la carte restaurants! All dining is included! Even sodas, tea, and coffee is free. (Specialty coffee and red bull type drinks cost). There is no buffet! Big game changer. You go into the Galley, find a seat, use your phone to scan the QR code for the menu. Once you decide what you want, raide the flag on the table and someone will come take your order and deliver the food to you. This whole cruise was a learning experience. Virgin Voyages has disrupted the industry. I believe there are going to be a lot of people who crave an adult-only experience while on a cruise. And while I did not attend some of the shows and entertainment because of my personal preferences, I did enjoy the experience and would sail again with more insight and wisdom on what to do better. This hammock on the balcony of our room has me wanting to get one when I return home. All I will need is a loop of the ocean water splashing so I can close my eyes and revisit this experience. While I would have loved to have a photographer on-board, I brought my own. I would have loved a little bigger bathroom and would have enjoyed being able to book restaurant reservations a little better.  I will know how to improve next time. Maybe a group of couples would like to go with me. I'm taking names. Just let me know.

Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady: Day 1

This is my first morning on the ship. We boarded around 2:30pm yesterday. From the beginning I knew it was going to be different. Before we left home, there were no luggage tags to print! That was a first. When we got to the port, there were porters there tagging our luggage. We just showed him our room number on the interactive app, and we left our luggage with him. Then we got in line to go up escalators in order to check in and receive our bracelets. Bracelets? Yes, our bracelets were our key cards! 

We opened our door and charged purchases with it. What a novel idea. If you wear it, you are less likely to forget it or misplace it. Check-in was relatively quick. Then thru scanning and we were ready to board the ship. I glimpsed the beautiful waiting area with the red seating but bypassed it and went directly to the gangway to board the ship. We were greeted at the doorway, told our staterooms were ready and went to find our room. When we opened the doors the curtains opened automatically! Then I videoed the room so you could see what it was like.

 After exploring the room, we went to find some brunch. The first place we saw was the pizza restaurant, so we went and ordered. I was not used to waiting for pizza. Before, you would just gram what was left under the heat lamp. Not on Virgin. Everything is cooked to order. Makes for less waste. So we ordered and received our buzzer (like in the restaurants) to let us know when our food was ready.

 They also had pre-made salads, so I grabbed one of those to eat with my pizza. Everything was very good.

 So we went exploring and found the Social Club Diner. They serve carnival type foods there. I had to get a soft pretzel with green chili cheese dip.

 After more exploring, we found the ice cream shop called Lick me till...ice cream. I am just telling you the name of it, not endorcing any behaviors. Anyways, I got a scoop of key lime pie and a scoop of strawberry sorbet in a chocolate waffle cone. 

You can also get a cup instead if you like. Everything was very good. I look forward to other treat that await us on the cruise. 

Learn To Play While You Work!!

Being a travel agent is fun but it is also hard work! So, while I work hard to learn and take in information that will help my clients, I always take time to smile and enjoy my surroundings! Here are some of the fun moments from the Outside Agent Conference in Universal Orlando.

Day Five Outside Agents Conference

Today it was back to presenters in our general session. We heard more companies and what they offered us. I could tell the business development managers work hard to make sure we are successful as agency owners. After a long day of class, Universal Studios threw us a Mardi Gras party at Sound Stage 33 on the lot! It was great. And I had to take photos of the beautiful layout food and drinks! Universal was an awesome host and from the looks and sounds, all of us had a great time! Thanks Universal!!

Sometimes it about food (and drinks)

So, before and during my Outside Agents travel agent convention in Orlando at Universal Cabana Bay Resort, I was fortunate to be able to taste some new foods and enjoy some of the foods I already like. I have a habit of taking photos of my food so I can share it with you! So, here are some of the meals and beverages I was able to enjoy.