MICCHECKJIM

Three Generations, Days 2–5 Onboard Scarlet Lady

Boomer. Gen X. Gen Z.

Five days. One ship. Very different sleep schedules.

In Part 1, we set expectations.

In Part 2, we find out whether Virgin Voyages actually delivers — once the novelty wears off, the hangovers kick in, and real life (and real energy levels) take over.

This is Days 2 to 5 of travelling with three generations onboard Virgin Voyages — and it’s where the truth shows up.

Morning After Reality: Can Everyone Keep Up?

Day 2 started exactly how you’d expect when travelling with an 18-year-old.

Florence finished the night at 3am.

I suggested the stairs.

She said yes (surprisingly).

That alone told me a lot.

Key takeaway:

Virgin Voyages lets each generation run at their own pace — without judgement.

• Party until sunrise? ✔️
• Early gym session? ✔️
• Nana nap then dinner? ✔️

No one feels out of place doing their version of the cruise.

Booking the Good Stuff: What Sells Out Fast (And How to Get It)

A quick but crucial tip that matters for every age group:

🔥 Bungee Workouts

• Must be booked once you’re on ship Wi-Fi
• Slots drop fast
• If it’s full, keep checking
• If all else fails: just turn up — no-shows happen

This is classic Virgin Voyages: structured chaos, but with enough flexibility that persistence usually pays off.

Working Out, Without the Crowd

One of the most underrated spaces onboard?

The Training Centre (Deck 16)

It’s quiet.

It’s well-equipped.

And most people never find it.

Kettlebells, rowing machine, open space — it felt like a private gym at sea, which matters if you’re:

• Travelling with mixed energy levels
• Trying to keep a routine
• Or just escaping the party for an hour

Food: Still Exceptional (And Still Dangerous)

By Day 3, Granny Susie had a clear verdict:

“I’m going to need a health farm after this.”

She wasn’t wrong.

From The Wake to the Galley to late-night snacks, the food remained consistently excellent, not just impressive on Day 1.

Highlights:

• The Wake (again)
• Cocktails at On The Rocks
• Comfort food without compromise
• No one feeling limited by age or appetite

Virgin Voyages gets this right:

no dress codes, no fixed dining times, no pressure.

Parties, But Make Them Optional

This is where Virgin Voyages really separates itself.

Y2K Party

Florence:

• Pulled on stage
• Danced
• Got “married” in a Year-2000 ceremony

Granny Susie:

• Watched proudly
• Didn’t feel excluded
• Still slept well

Later came Scarlet Night, and predictably…

Day 4 arrived very suddenly.

Scarlet Night Recovery (A Multi-Generational Skill)

By the evening of Day 4, we found ourselves in Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle — a Scarlet Lady exclusive.

Why it matters:

• Cozy
• Calm
• Perfect for post-party recovery
• Still social, without chaos

Order this:

• Popcorn Old Fashioned
• Crispy sticky ribs

Universal approval. Every age.

The Quiet Side of Virgin Voyages

Day 5 slowed everything down — and that’s a good thing.

Talks.

Stories.

Context.

We attended sessions about:

• The Virgin Group story
• Ship design changes
• Future vessels (including Brilliant Lady)

I also caught talks by senior leaders and creatives — including insights into Virgin Galactic — reminding me that this brand isn’t just about parties. It’s about curiosity and culture, too.

So… Is Virgin Voyages Really for Everyone?

After five days, the answer is clearer than ever:

Yes — but not because everyone does the same things.

Virgin Voyages works because:

• It doesn’t force shared schedules
• It respects different energy levels
• It allows independence and togetherness
• No one feels “too old” or “too young”

Three generations.

Zero compromises.

Coming Up in Part 3

In the final part of this series, we answer the real question:

Did expectations meet reality — for each generation?

If you’re travelling with:

• Parents
• Adult children
• Or across age gaps

…this series is for you.

👉 Part 3 drops next.