Virgin offered Staycations of three or four nights to those over 40 and double vaccinated. For £549 per person we were given a Sea Terrace balcony, free Wi-Fi, tips included, unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages. $200 Sailors Loot paid for alcohol or you could pay to have a $300 bar bill if you drank more.
My sister and I had booked for a Transatlantic with QM2 and as that had been cancelled, this seemed the next best thing. Departing from Portsmouth was great as we live up the road. The first departure was chaos with the ship departing 3 hours late due to the Lateral Flow Testing. By the third departure, ours, we had to go to the Park and Ride, wait, then drive to the other side of the Motorway for the testing. We originally had an arrival time of 16.00, finally arrived at 17.05 after leaving the car in the Port car park.
An onboard App was used for everything. Mobile phones went into Airplane mode and we could book meals, entertainment and Spa breaks. We played Bingo and Salty Trivia. Cuba Libra cocktails were wonderful, Jen had wine, I had cider. Food was beautifully prepared and so much of it. In the American Zone there were a sweet area with fudge and cake popsicles. Popcorn, hot dogs and burgers. The Italian had loads of pasta and anti pasta. We loved the Galley which had everything. The afternoon cake selection was divine, breakfast substantial. If you wanted a proper coffee you paid $4. There was a $5 service charge on room service as all food is free. Entertainment was sparse and unable to book due to limited seating. As tips were included, we took chocolate and biscuits for the stewards who were very happy.
Scarlet Lady sailed up and down the English Channel. We never saw land at all. My daughters were tracking us saying we were going around in circles off Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We could talk on Facetime and WhatsApp. We spent our $200 Sailors Loot on a few presents and drinks plus $45 on Bingo. We ended up with nothing on our credit card bill which was delightful.
Downside was the air conditioning as it was so noisy. Nothing could be done to turn it off. The other pain was no kettle in the cabin so you could not make yourself a cup of tea.
We loved Scarlet Lady and waved goodbye to her last Friday. She is sailing to New York/ New Jersey before she starts travelling to the Caribbean from Miami. Next year Valiant Lady sails from our shores, her first voyage to Zeebrugge for Bruges.