Save Water, Drink Champange

Embarkation Day! 

It’s time to set sail, Sailors!   I can hardly contain myself when embarkation day arrives!  Terminal V is now open in the Port of Miami. The beauty of the Scarlet Lady beckons you upon arrival.    With a later sail time of 7, boarding doesn’t start until 2 pm so you can sleep in and rest up for the party that awaits you and your fellow Sailors.  No need to fear, porters are lined to assist with luggage, so you are hands free to enjoy the ship once on board.

We made our way to Palm Way, Virgin's separate entrance for rock stars.  We didn’t need to select a pre arrival port time as the red carpet is always rolled out and check in is extremely easy.  We showed our negative covid tests and were given a band indicating that we were cleared and not awaiting test results.  Passports were verified and our Bands given to us since we did not receive them ahead of time in the mail. Made with recycled ocean plastic, these sleek keepsakes will unlock your adventure including boarding the ship with ease, accessing your cabin, making onboard purchases and allow rock star access to Richard’s Rooftop. 

While waiting in a separate part of the terminal, there was water and snacks and the opportunity to mingle with others.  There was lots of chatter of people’s favorite activities if they had sailed before and for those like us who were first timers, lots of excitement and sharing of what everyone was looking forward to once onboard.

Boarding began promptly at 2 and we excitedly made our way to the party that started as soon as we stepped foot onto Scarlet Lady.  There were crew members greeting each sailor and a DJ playing music as we were directed to the Manor where we had the opportunity to meet our roadie while sipping champagne and mimosas. We knew we were in good hands with Lazar once he grabbed my phone to ensure that no dining or activity I had previously scheduled interfered with any fun onboard that he was aware of.  I also requested a bridge tour and we told him of our mini bar preferences that were included in our Seriously Suite.  We were all set with our weekly overview and made our way to our quarters where our luggage was waiting for us.

Seriously, it was sweet!  I wasn't sure what to do first! Grab a drink from the stocked bar, listen to some tunes on the record player, relax in the hammock on the terrace or explore the bathroom that was bigger than my own! Our home for the next 5 nights had lighting for any mood, and we quickly met our steward, MJ, who stopped by to make sure we had everything that we needed and if he could be of any help.

After we took in our safety video we decided to explore!  Gosh it was beautiful and with only 580 people onboard it seemed more like a private yacht.  We made our way to The Dock bar located on Deck 7 aft. This spacious location with plenty of seating quenched our thirst with sangria and very delicious tapas. With a view of the city and watching a train pass over the trestle in front of us, we kicked back on the sofa bed and soaked up the rays, which were the first of many on the appropriately named cruise, Mayan Sol.

The minutes flew by, and we found ourselves on Richard’s Rooftop for the sail away party.  Free champagne is at your fingertips and nightly from 5-7 if you are rockstars.  We took in the excitement of other ships leaving the port before us and the sunset while heading out to sea was breathtaking. 

Once we entered the open waters, we headed back to the room.  I had yet to spin some tunes on the record player or try out the hammock which was a huge draw for me especially since I love to sip coffee by morning and wine by night on the terrace.   We had made dinner reservations at Extra Virgin and everything about it was extra!  I think I'll save dining as a separate blog since there is so much to share and say about the exquisite meals and service we had on board. 

We ended the night dancing, meeting new friends and hanging out on the net that overlooks the ocean- thank you neon lights that read, “Save Water, Drink Champagne”.  You aided in making my sea legs strong and my fear non-existent as I waltzed out over the crashing waves below all captured on video in case I forgot that moment in time where I felt like a kid again (and possibly looked ridiculous).  But the best part?  No one cares!  You get to do what you want and be who you want when onboard.  And that, my friend, is priceless. Until day two!

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Let's Set Sail!