CHARLOTTE – The crew was amazing. Most were new but many had a good deal of experience with other lines. There was a good mix of nationalities, but everyone spoke excellent English, perhaps better than I.

Entertainment was above average, but minimal. It was hard to find consistent live entertainment as this ship uses “pop up’ performances, where performers walk up to an area or venue, plop down on chairs, and begin performing for a short period. We found it difficult to find them, but when we did, they were excellent. The 2 main shows were well above average. Now we must enter a caveat here. Virgin has a show, late at night, that is billed as naughty. We were reluctant to go there at first. After talking to several guests who did attend the show, we agreed it was not our cup of tea. We never saw that show, so we cannot comment on it at all. I do understand it is very popular.

Desserts, for those of you who enjoy them as much as I, are plentiful and very well done. Every venue has special deserts. There is an entire dessert restaurant in the galley, rife with the best-looking desserts one can imagine. There was a particular dessert that was constructed to look like a hot dog on a bun. It was a cream-filled cake and it was very popular.

Like most cruise lines that are starting back up, Virgin is offering some incentives now. Coupled with the reduced occupancy rates, Virgin is a good choice forAdults, who are vaccinated, love good food, good shows, and the ideal private Caribbean island in the sun.

Look for our family trip to Jamaica next.

Phil and Barbara have owned Leisure Travel experts here in Mint Hill since 1994 and are proud members of the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce. Contact them at (980) 406-1650 or phil.angelo@leisuretravelexpert.com.