Valiant Lady- Activities & Entertainment 2022
Virgin Voyages has taken up the cruise playbook and ripped it to shreds, with fabulous results. In my earlier posts you will have read about the innovative accommodation on board, the fabulous included restaurants and bars; now it’s time to look at what entertainment is in store for us on Valiant Lady and her older sister Scarlet Lady.
What is there to do on Valiant Lady?
What can you do on Valiant Lady? Apart from lounging in your personal hammock, or eating and drinking in the 20+ restaurants and bars, do you mean?
The Virgin Voyage App contains the daily schedule and has a booking facility for activities that have limited numbers. You can pick up a paper version from Sailor Services down on Deck 5, but it won’t be delivered to your cabin as on other ships. There are also some LED screens around the ship showing planned events.
Daytime Activities on Valiant Lady
During the daytime, apart from chilling at the Aquatic Club with its glamorous pool area, there are many wellness activities to enjoy such as the fabulous Redemption Spa, free group exercise classes and the adult playground and training camp with an actual boxing ring, all of which will feature in my wellness post coming soon.
So apart from the fitness and healthy lifestyle activities (each to their own ;) ), what else can you get up to? Well, you definitely won’t find ballroom dancing classes on a Virgin Voyage, but you will find a fabulous drag brunch in Razzle Dazzle. You may not get a galley tour, but you could experience a creative, fun cookery or mixology class in The Test Kitchen. Music obviously features majorly on Valiant Lady and you will find daytime acoustic sets being played in The Dock House, DJ sets at the Roundabout, and a library of Vinyl albums to browse in Virgin Vinyl, not to mention your own personal Karaoke session should you feel the urge.
The Social Club hosts cheeky trivia quizzes and ad hoc fussball (table football), air hockey and even table shuffleboard competitions; you can relive your favourite electronic games in The Arcade (also free - no coins required); or chance your luck in the casino. Also on Deck 7, you will find a huge nautical trunk/cabinet - Gamers Club - filled with board games for personal use, and even hosted “boarding meet-ups”. It was great to see old favourites having a revival as many chose to play on our recent cruise.
You might use your down time to get pampered in the hair salon, Dry Dock, a visit to Stubble & Groom barbers, or even get inked in the onboard tattoo parlour, Squid Ink. Do ensure you book in advance or as soon as you are onboard, particularly for Squid Ink which was fully booked up within two hours of boarding Valiant Lady.
Me? You will probably find me relaxing at The Dock in easy reach of delicious meze and a refreshing cocktail.
Entertainment On Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady Nightlife
Forget traditional cruise production shows, Broadway-style musicals and tribute acts - on a Virgin Voyage you can expect immersive modern entertainment more suited to the 21st Century.
Valiant Lady Venues
Virgin Voyages know their Sailors - and know how they want to be entertained.
● The Red Room
Designed as the first ‘transformational multi-form theatre at sea’, The Red Room transforms into four different configurations - a traditional Proscenium stage, an alley stage used in fashion shows, a dance flat-floor configuration, and finally a unique reverse stage setup. This first at-sea theatre has enabled Virgin Voyages to create completely different experiences for each day of the voyage. The Red Room is definitely not a traditional-style theatre with tiered rows of plush armchairs, heavy drapes and ornate decor. Think in terms of more flexible stadium style seating. The Red Room is forward on Decks 6 and 7.
● The Manor
The Manor doubles as a nightclub and a space for entertainment. It’s a very dark,’ atmospheric venue with plush seating, a cool bar (for drinks menu check out my Bar here), a stage and a large dance space. The Manor is on two levels and has a really cool, not-to-be missed mirrored entrance on its lower level - probably the most instagramable area on the whole ship. Many of the shows take place in The Manor before the late-night crowd take over to dance the night away.. Whereas on most ships the (usually relatively small) nightclub is virtually empty past midnight, on Valiant Lady the beat goes on into the very early hours. The Manor spans Decks 6 and 7 on Port Side, with the sparkly, mirrored entrance found in Deck 6.
● Voyage Vinyl
Virgin Vinyl is Valiant Lady’s onboard record shop and the go-to spot for Sailors to experience music from all eras and genres. Voyage Vinyl features personal listening stations where you can enjoy your favourite albums both current and classic. If you are looking for something unique you can also shop for limited-edition albums and special editions of classics. You can also purchase music magazines, headphones and record players. Within Voyage Vinyl is the resident DJ box, where throughout the day and night you will find DJs spinning a variety of genres on the decks. There isn’t a dance floor here but there is plenty of lounging areas plus you are close enough to both Sip (starboard) and Draught Haus to get a drink to enjoy while you soak up the vibe and enjoy the sets. Voyage Vinyl is situated midships at the top of The Roundabout on Deck 7.
● The Groupie
The Groupie is Valiant Lady’s bookable karaoke, gaming and movie lounge. The Groupie was designed as a modernist take on a Japanese-style karaoke room for you to enjoy singing along to your favourite tunes with friends. The Groupie was designed by Academy Award-nominated film director Roman Coppola, and challenges the notion of doing Karaoke in front of a room of strangers. Instead, they are designed as intimate, curved, sound zones perfect for those looking to share their vocal talents and dance moves with only the company of invited guests. To book go to The Groupie reception during opening hours shown on the Virgin Voyages App, and write your name on the clipboard for your slot. There are different sized rooms for small or larger groups.. we booked an hour before getting ready for the evening. The Groupie can be found forward on Deck 7 Port Side.
Events and Gigs
Valiant Lady features several original shows for you to enjoy. In fact some are the same shows across both Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, so if you have sailed on one you will already know what fun is in store for you.
UNTITLED Dance Show Party Thing
Producers Sam Pinkleton & Ani Taj have created a hype music video disguised as ‘an absurdist style dance party’, and it is hugely popular with Valiant Lady guests. It’s colourful, high energy and includes a variety of dance styles. From the neon lights and beat influences of a nineties nightclub to electronic and hip-hop vibes, and even a modernist take on the iconic theme from Titanic you have one hell of a party. A word of advice - ditch the heels - its standing (dancing) room only and you will be on your feet for the hour duration. The Red Room, Deck 6 Forward.
● Phantom Folktales
Phantom Folktales is a collection of song-driven micro plays that pop up throughout the ship, seemingly appear out of thin air - and disappear just as quickly - created by PigPen Theatre Co. the show includes a band of travelling troubadours - actors and musicians - expert storytellers with a musical accompaniment. Pop-up Around the Ship.
● Ships in the Night
Ships in the Night is an emotion-filled contemporary experience telling its story through the use of cutting edge digital projection. The show explores how we, as humans, navigate the world—passing each other on the street without ever really knowing or understanding one another’s inner stories. This production features re-covered songs that are familiar, where dance and technology combine to create a live music video experience.
●Duel Reality
Duel Reality examines the age-old tale of Romeo & Juliet with a modern twist featuring acrobatic storytelling. Both performances were made possible through collaboration with the innovative circus company, The 7 Fingers. There are some nail-biting anxious moments, so be prepared. The Red Room, Deck 6 Forward.
● Never Sleep Alone (NSA)
The somewhat raunchy Never Sleep Alone is a highly interactive comedy/musical show featuring the hysterically funny, straight- talking relationship therapist, Dr. Alex Shiller, by producers Roslyn Hart (The original Dr Alex), and Alfredo Guenzani. The show is presented as a sex and dating seminar, lead by a self-help superstar.
Spoiler alert, Dr Alex is a character devised by Roslyn Hart, and is NOT actually a qualified medical professional. Dr Alex, initially very formally dressed (albeit with a riding crop at her side), dishes out hilarious yet profoundly wise dating advice. Audience members must choose whether they are ‘players’ sitting at the front, or ’Voyeurs’ sitting in the back section. Those in the PLAYERS section consent to participating onstage in blind dates, group demonstrations and hilarious games, often resulting in spontaneous make outs with complete strangers. Your reward is an invitation to the after-show party in Sip and a golden condom. One for the open-minded - if you are ultra shy or easily shocked, be prepared - its X-rated!. The Manor, Deck 6 Forward Port Side.
● It’s A Ship Show
Described as part variety show, part dinner show and part talk show. The Manor, Deck 6 Forward Port Side.
● PJ Party Under the Stars
Pack you favourite comfies or raunchiest nightwear for this grown-up slumber party under the stars on deck (if the weather is good), or in The Dock House if not. Sadly we lost a night of our recent voyage so missed out on this (although I had packed just in case). The Dock House Deck 7
● Risky Quizness
A grown-up cheeky quiz night. The Dock House Deck 7.
● Salty Trivia
A tongue-in-cheek adult trivia session. The Loose Cannon Deck 7 Mid-Forward Port Side.
● Karaoke with the Happenings Cast
Karaoke Night with the entertainment team, or as they are known on a Virgin Voyage, the Happenings Cast. The Social Club Deck 7 Mis-Forward Starboard.
● Scarlet Night
This is THE biggest night of your cruise. Be sure to pack something racy red for this ship-wide flash of Scarlet (Deck 7), a weather-permitting deck party, culminating in the ultimate party in The Manor. Not a traditional formal night, but if you want to get the cheeky little red sequin number out, go for it (I did). Equally, play it down with a red t-shirt or a touch of red nail varnish.