Travel by Gretchen

03/22/2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It is 2024 and the start of making more travel memories. 2024 is expected to be an even busier travel year. For all those who have been talking about traveling this year, now is the time to start your planning.
If your thoughts are for adventure, think about a weekend in Cuba. OnCubaTravel is a company that does Cuba better than anyone else. They hand select every aspect of your trip every step of the way to create unforgettable experiences and memories to the culturally vibrant, historically rich island nation. The highlights of a weekend include exploring Vedado district/ Tour Old Havana/ Cuban cuisine/ tour the city in American Classic Cars/ Jazz concert/ and other local events. If you are interested, let me know.
Windstar cruises is yacht style cruising 180-degrees from Ordinary. Welcoming just 148-342 guests on small, all-suite that can navigate into islands that the big ships cannot navigate or can no longer go. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation offering guests culinary all-stars . Windstar is friendly, casual, and fun-loving designed to make you feel at home. Windstar is for travelers, not tourists, and the perfect alternative to a river cruise, small-group tours, luxury hotel or all-inclusive resort.
Charleston SC offers unforgettable hospitality, history, and culture. Take time to indulge in small curiosities, breathe the salt air, and explore.
Whenever you are ready, Travel by Gretchen will be here to assist you.

03/22/2024

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

UPDATE ON REAL ID’S … The required Real ID has been pushed back to May7,2025. It is suggested that you request the Real ID when it is time to renew your drivers license. The reason for the push back is due to a backlog at Homeland Security.
If you are traveling internationally you will need to make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond your return date. If not, passports are taking 2-3 months to obtain. If needed sooner, you will need to pay for expedited service in order to get them in time.
It is hard to believe we are coming up on the holidays. With the holidays there will be an uptick in travel by air, rail, and car. If you are flying, first I suggest you take the first flight out to your destination. The weather tends to be better in the morning than later in the day. Your plane is already at the airport, not arriving in from another city. There are things that can affect your flights like stormy weather, shortage of air traffic controllers, smoke from the Canadian wildfires. These are some of the things that can affect your travels. Here are some tips to help you navigate a canceled or delayed flights. Check with the airlines about re-booking/ cancellation fees. If you are cruising or connecting to a tour, and you would miss your departure, make sure you have taken travel insurance to protect yourself. I suggest flying in a day early so you are there. I suggest you also do not take the last flight that would connect and give yourself at least 1 or 2 other flight options if arriving on the day your cruise leaves. Make sure you know the flight delay rules in the US. If a flight is delayed for reasons beyond the airline’s control, such as weather, strikes, air traffic control and mechanical issues, US carriers are not obligated to anything more than get you to your destination on their next available flight. Each airline has its own policies. If delayed, ask the airline staff it it will pay for meals or a phone call. Some airlines charging very low fares do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Contrary to popular belief, for domestic itineraries airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled. Compensation is required by law only when a passenger is bumped from an oversold flight. If you know ahead of time, it is easier to be calm and courteous when you ask for information about your flight and what assistance is available to you. Don’t yell at the gate agent! They are just as frustrated and are working within the rules to assist you.

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02/12/2024

An organ player called Josh decided to play Bohemian Rhapsody on the largest pipe organ in the world and it sounds epic! The instrument boasts 33,112 pipes, 447 ranks and 7 manuals when it was completed in 1929. Playing this organ to a high standard is a triumph - but for Josh Stafford, his two hands were not enough to fully get his point across. As the song's legendary rock section kicks in - you'll notice that this virtuosic performance actually involves using his feet to play another set of bass keys beneath the organ. The instrument in question is actually the largest pipe organ on the planet - with a whopping seven keyboards up top, not including the set below. Watch video on The Music Man in comments below 👇

06/19/2023

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

UPDATE ON REAL ID’S … The required Real ID has been pushed back to May7,2025. It is suggested that you request the Real ID when it is time to renew your drivers license. The reason for the push back is due to a backlog at Homeland Security. If you are traveling internationally you will need to make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond your return date. If not, passports are taking 2-3 months to obtain. If needed sooner, you will need to pay for expedited service in order to get them in time.

I have been exploring airfares this vacation season. Prices are higher this year both domestically and internationally. My suggestion is to purchase your tickets when you see a price you like. Most travelers book their flights less than 90 days before travel. The airlines know this and that is when ticket prices tend to start going up. International prices have 3 price points. High season is summer..Low season is winter (not including Thanksgiving and Christmas) through till Spring. Shoulder season is from September to mid November and one of the most popular. Air flights can be purchased 330 days prior to travel.
Family travel can be challenging when you cannot reserve seats together. United has rolled out a new family seating policy designed to seat children under 12 next to an adult. A new seat map feature has been launched to find seating together at the time of booking.
U.S citizens will soon have to apply for permission before their United Kingdom trips and pay a small fee to enter as part of the country’s upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization.

Whenever you are ready, Travel by Gretchen will be here to assist you.

Call me for more information on the destinations listed or the destination of your choice for your next vacation and options for your family and friends. After 50 + years, I have lots of ideas for your next adventure. Find me on Facebook at Travel by Gretchen.

06/05/2023

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

UPDATE ON REAL ID’S … The required Real ID has been pushed back to May7,2025. It is suggested that you request the Real ID when it is time to renew your drivers license. The reason for the push back is due to a backlog at Homeland Security. If you are traveling internationally you will need to make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond your return date. If not, passports are taking 2-3 months to obtain. If needed sooner, you will need to pay for expedited service in order to get them in time.

This year travel is at an all time high! In the past waiting to book your trip was popular. Now if you wait, you could be paying more or out of luck unless you can be flexible. This is true for domestic and international travel.
River cruising both in the United States and around the rivers in Europe are selling out. Viking is offering a $25. deposit to complete your booking. Most river cruise companies are offering free or discounted air along with free WiFi, all drinks, specialty dining, and some offer free shore excursions.
When traveling to Hawaii and wanting to visit the historic Iao Valley State Monument on Maui, as of May 1,2023 will require reservations. This is the 4th state park to require reservations. Non resident reservations are required at Wai’anapanapa State Park on Maui, Ha’ena State Park on Kauai and Leahi, Diamond Head State Monument on Oahu and the Nature Preserve at Hanauma Bay. Reservations can be made online at https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov.
Solo travel without a single supplement is being offered by a number of tour companies and cruises both domestic, Caribbean, and Europe. I believe that this is a movement that will be found for travel worldwide.

Whenever you are ready, Travel by Gretchen will be here to assist you.

Call me for more information on the destinations listed or the destination of your choice for your next vacation and options for your family and friends. After 50 + years, I have lots of ideas for your next adventure. Find me on Facebook at Travel by Gretchen.

06/05/2023

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

UPDATE ON REAL ID’S … The required Real ID has been pushed back to May7,2025. It is suggested that you request the Real ID when it is time to renew your drivers license. The reason for the push back is due to a backlog at Homeland Security. If you are traveling internationally you will need to make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond your return date. If not, passports are taking 3-4 months to obtain. If needed sooner, you will need to pay for expedited service in order to get them in time.
Travel to Seattle is easy to explore and get around with Step on Step Off transportation. The City Pass at $109 for adults is about half the entry fees to attractions such as the Space Needle, the Seattle Aquarium and the Museum of Pop Culture. There is much to explore on foot from the parks near the waterfront and the 534 acres of beaches, seaside cliffs and nature trails. Take a fascinating with Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour in historic Pioneer Square to explore the city below the city that was destroyed by fire in 1889.
Houston offers visitors free admission to the city’s museums. The Museum of Fine Art has free admission, gallery talks and tours all day on Thursday. From March to November you can enjoy live performances of all kinds at the Miller Outdoor Theater in Herman Park.
Miami can be pricey, but you can ditch the crowds of South Beach and head to nearby Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park where parking in $8 per day. The park has shaded picnic pavilions, beach wheelchairs and an undeveloped stretch of sand with shallow water for swimming. In the Design District the Institute of Contemporary Art (free admission) features experimental contemporary art. Pack a picnic and a lawn chair to enjoy a free outdoor wallcast of the New World Symphony projected in Soundscape Park.
Whenever you are ready, Travel by Gretchen will be here to assist you.
Call me for more information on the destinations listed or the destination of your choice for your next vacation and options for your family and friends. After 50 + years, I have lots of ideas for your next adventure. Find me on Facebook at Travel by Gretchen.

03/14/2023

New York is know to be an expensive destination. The New York I know is all about free museum nights neighborhoods explorations and great Pizza slices. Lodging at the hotels can be a challenge, but think about calling AirBnB for a short term rental or consider a hotel in Long Island, Queens which is a short subway ride from Manhattan. You can purchase a 7day for $33 per person (mta.info/accessibility) There are always the buses. Now what to do while in the Big Apple. The Museum of Modern Art ($25 p/adult,$18 for children and seniors over 65). First timers to NYC will want to get a CityPass for $87 which gets you into 3 top attractions from a list of 12 options. A must see is the 911 Memorial and Museum. I also suggest taking the ferry from Battery Park that includes Ellis Island as one of several stops. One of the best places to explore is Central Park. Bring a picnic and spend the day. Bagels and Pizza by the slice are great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sit down meals are expensive but you may want to splurge for dinner or drinks and appetizers. If you want to see a musical or play, go to TKTS,TKTS,TKTS which is located in Time Square. Unsold tickets are available there for a discount for that days showtimes. There is always the Carnegy Hall. Enjoy your time in the Big Apple!!!

03/14/2023

It is so great to be busy again with travelers ready to explore our world again. It is time to help find some frugal fun in some of our great cities on a budget. Chicago is known for chilly windy weather, but much of the time you can enjoy comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities like the architectural and natural pleasures – many are free. Lodging by the L or subway train lines as in Old Town or Lincoln Park are wallet friendly. Transportation using the elevated and subway trains are an easy and less expensive way to get around compared to cabs Take the Brown line that weaves around skyscrapers, crosses the Chicago River and provides backyard views of many neighborhoods. A 7 day unlimited pass is $25. A must see tour is the 90 minute Chicago walking tour or the Chicago River cruise offered by the Chicago Architecture Center. Don’t miss the Art Institute, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium. Many of the free attractions hug the lakefront like Millenium Park or Navy Pier. Food can be $$$, but there are places like downtown food halls where you can find affordable offers from multiple eateries. My personal favorite meals are a Chicago Dog, Italian Beef and Chicago pizza!
Next issues will focus on New York, Miami, Seattle and Houston.

03/14/2023

Princess Cruises has extended the 35% discount plus added 7 perks like onboard credits, Wi-Fi, drink and dessert packages.
Viking Cruises is offering a new discount of the all-inclusive 2023 voyages for their 25th Anniversary Sale with $25.00 deposits and up to free airfare. Call for details.
The Smoky Mountains are gearing up for the 2023 season. Whether you are coming for a long romantic weekend, planning spring break or a summer vacation, I can help you save with the specials and deals on Smoky Mountain cabins.
It is Whale Season in Hawaii between December to May every year. This is a bucket list event to see these awe-inspiring animals from both sea and shore. Every island has special places to view these majestic mammals.
With tours and cruises tightening their rules and penalties, taking Trip Protection/Insurance should be added. There has be uncertainty with air travel, clogged highways and travelers not making it to the airport or ships on time. There are many reasons for buying insurance such as medical emergencies, lost luggage, emergency medical care. Insurance in an inexpensive investment to protect your vacation. Travel companies are not waiving fees without having travel protection.
2023 will be able to ride the high speed Brightline train. It will link passengers from south Florida to central Florida. Right now a line is being constructed with stops in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando.

03/14/2023

New ships, new resorts and new destinations are coming in 2023. Secrets has a new resort in Isla Mujeres Mexico where you can arrive in style by catamaran, personalize your stay with a dedicated butler, meals prepared by master chefs, explore the island in a golf cart, indulge in the latest spa treatments, unwind with water activities and share awe-inspiring sunsets.
Cuba has been named the destination of the month where you can learn to salsa dance, explore Havana by classic car or relax on the beach.
When you need transportation from airport transfers to guided or unguided tours. The fleet includes minibus, motor coaches, vans, stretch limos, SUV, and sedans. Call me for details.
For those wanting an adult only vacations, there are adult only all inclusive resorts throughout the world and now there is an adults only cruise with Virgin Voyages that are also all inclusive. I would enjoy telling you more about these.

03/14/2023

During the holidays, families and friends gather and many times the conversation turns to discussing where the group might like to travel in the future. There is way to earn free travel when you book your group with Travel by Gretchen.
River cruising is very popular. Most think of the rivers in Europe which has a special value with air included along with being all inclusive with a selection of included shore excursions. There are river cruises in the USA. American Cruise Line offers cruises on the Mighty Mississippi from 22-5 days with 5 ships, 10 special itineraries rich with American history. New for 2023 are the Tennessee Rivers. Take a journey on the Columbia and Snake Rivers or the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and the Great Rivers of Florida.
Other options to consider for vacations are small ships to unique destinations like on Paul Gauguin cruises to the South Pacific with itineraries to Tahiti and the Society Islands, Marquesas, Cook Islands and Tuamotus. Air is included from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti.
Hurtigruten cruises can show you the Northern Lights in Norway also experience the Galapagos Islands brimming with unique creatures on the remote isles of this UNESCO Heritage Site.
Ireland has been named the Friendliest Country. I can vouch for that with having made 3 trips. The people, scenery, food and lodging are 1st class. The Giants Causeway in named the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom. The Cliffs of Moher offer visitors vistas across the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks and 12 Pins mountain ranges to the north.

11/09/2022

REMINDER….Real ID’s is required by May 3, 2023. The renewal process takes longer, so don’t wait. If flying, you will be required to show your Real ID to get through security.
If you are traveling internationally you will need to check your passports. Passports need to have a minimum of 6 months beyond your return date.
Bucket list destinations are popular among travelers. AFRICAN SAFARIS are one of the world’s great travel adventure. Botswana is known for its large hers of elephants with scenic bush flights, unspoiled nature and wildlife encounters. You may want to extend to Victoria Falls. Tanzania is host to the wildebeest migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, Flamingos in the Great Rift Valley and with the extensions to the stunning coastline like Zanzibar. Rwanda is famous for the endangered mountain gorillas found on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, Enjoy game drives, walks, and a boat cruise in Akagera National Park, home to the Big 5. Nambia is one of the best places to see the endangered black rhinos and the world’s largest population of free-roaming cheetahs. This area has the oldest desert, and highest sand dunes in the world. South Africa’s offerings are diverse with game drives in Kruger National Park and marine life and nightlife. Known as a Foodie adventure for winery and excellent cuisine. Encounter the Marine Big 5 and beauty of Cape Town. Zimbabwe has 2 major rivers on it’s boundaries and shares Victoria Falls. With this water the landscape is lush, green and teeming with wildlife. You can take in the Big Five on a safari and experience 5 UNESCO world heritage sites. Kenya is home to over 40 distinct tribes with cultural encounters with the Maasai people, experience the annual Great Migration of the Thomson gazelle, wildebeest, and zebra. Amboseli National Park is one of the best places in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants. Zambia combines impressive game drives, Victoria Falls, activities on the Zambezi River, and Safari lodges on the banks of the rivers.

11/09/2022

REMINDER….Real ID’s is required by May 3, 2023. The renewal process takes longer, so don’t wait. If flying, you will be required to show your Real ID to get through security.
I have received some interesting ideas for your next vacation. There is a company called Island Windjammers that does cruises on sailing ships for small groups. It is a great selection for a family or groups of friends. If you would like to be a group leader or an individual cruise, let me know. We will find the itinerary for you!
With travel increasing, the suggestion is that you have trip insurance. Some options are available thru your insurance, but if you became hospitalized and traveling more than 150 miles from home having membership with Medjet Assist will offer stress free assistance from anywhere in the world. Contact me for printed material with more details and application forms.
Tips to stay safe while traveling. 1. Disable your devise's automatic connecting feature. 2. Do not connect to any network that has low security. 3. Avoid posting vacation information on social media until you return home. 4. Protect your devises and keep them safe particularly in groups, taxi, airport or hotel rooms. Secure USB devices or storage devices and not leave them unattended. Before you leave let your bank and credit card know where you are traveling.
Have you ever wanted to do a sport fishing expeditions? Think about Costa Rica and Crocodile Bay!! Exciting both on and off the water. Call for details!

11/09/2022

REMINDER….Real ID’s is required by May 3, 2023. The renewal process takes longer, so don’t wait. If flying, you will be required to show your Real ID.
I have received an update from the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Their tour packages have sold out for 2022, but reservations are being taken for 2023. There are still hotels and tickets to the ground available. Don’t miss this special photographers event!
Make the most of the summer and enjoy a vacation at the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Florida. The shores are thick with beautiful shells.. There are lovely pools overlooking the ocean with its palm tree lined shores. Many amenities and activities are there for you to experience.
There are some very interesting cruise itineraries. There is a world of discoveries to be had with trips that include South America, South Africa, Northern Europe to mention a few. Think about cruising with Atlas Cruises, MSC Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Ponant Cruises, and my favorite Windstar Cruises.
Club Med shared their specials with flexible bookings with kids staying fee with free room upgrades and NO single supplements at all their resorts. Their new resort in Quebec Charlevoix offers all inclusive ski vacations plus the fall foliage colors. I have seen those colors when returning from Norway. It is burned in my memory.
Wellness travel has become a hot ticket. Most hotels/ resorts have a Spa, but there are places and destinations that focus on mind, body, and spirit. The destinations are around the world and some in your backyard. Prices vary so give me a call for assistance.
Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma is a new all-inclusive resort in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic. Beautiful beaches, great food and drink and Jimmy Buffet’s style and music influences.

11/09/2022

REMINDER….Real ID’s is required by May 3, 2023. The renewal process takes longer, so don’t wait. If flying, you will be required to show your Real I.D.
For those who want to experience Alaska, but don’t want to cruise, think about the Alaska Railroad packages. There are packages that include Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery and Denali Star trains. Many other options are available.
Are you looking for a bucket list trip? Think about the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque NM. I have mentioned this in earlier articles. It is a 2 week event in October.
Halloween is coming up soon and Universal Studios has their Halloween Horror Nights 2022. Tickets are available. Disneyworld also have their special Scary nights. It is a special ticket which is not included in your daily passes.
Enjoy Canada’s great outdoors with family activities and all-inclusive biking and hiking experiences. There is a 3-night Summer or Fall package with round-trip flights from selected cities – transfers included!! Discover Quebec cities Joie De Vivre come back to Club Med and enjoy locally sourced gourmet dining. The feeling of France without the long flight.
Italy is very popular as a destination. When in Rome, see Rome like a local. Indulge at the Mercato Centrale Roma, enter a bathhouse turned church built in 1541,
sip an Aperol spritz during a break. Escape to Villa Ada and enjoy the 450 acre public park. For architecture, admire the Quartiere Coppede.
Europe has tours that shine in autumn like Haunted Halloween Tour of Dublin, Edinburgh and London, Celtic New Year, and the Samhuinn Fire Festival in Edinburgh. Soak in the sunny fall days in the Greek Islands. Take a Scandinavia cruise and enjoy the colorful foliage and the warmth of the Scandinavian people. Raise a stein of beer at Oktoberfest in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Christmas is only 5 months away which is perfect time to think about the Christmas Markets Tour of Europe. Every market are is like being at a festival. Get a taste of regional holiday foods, discover local traditions and hunt for special Christmas treasures.

11/09/2022

May 3, 2023 is the date that Real ID will be required for domestic air travel and entrance to any federal buildings.
For those traveling looking for an option for cancellation and that would get them to the medical facility of their choice, the product I recommend is MedJet Assist. Call me for information and pricing.
European Tourism is recovering, but full recovery is not expected till 2025. Now is the time to find special discounts for that bucket list destinations.
Viking and Pearl cruises are cruising the Great Lakes.
Cruise through Lake Michigan to Mackinac Island, Sault Sainte Marie and then thru Little Current and the Parry Sound. The Great Lakes have picturesque port towns and historic homes for you to explore.
Free airfare with Viking makes Travel to Europe easy with newly reduced prices on River Cruising and its becoming one of the hottest vacations.
Le Ponant, the completely renovated yacht with 16 staterooms and suites is returning to the Seychelles. Windjammers is hoisting the colors and sailing to Martinique. Windstar has sail ships cruising 180 degrees from ordinary sailing the caribbean and the mediteranean.
For those who are looking for summer vacations, there are special last minute destinations that do not require passport. Beach locations and National Parks are some of the most requested.

11/09/2022

Traveling is coming back. With the option of traveling without masks, many are breathing a sigh of relief. Before traveling, do your research as there are many inconsistencies.
For those traveling to Hawaii and visiting Kauaii, Blue Dolphin Charters are offering a fun-filled day on their 65 foot catamarans along the Napali Coast for sailing, snorkeling or an afternoon sunset dinner cruise. The raft tours delight those adventurous with guarantees of viewing dolphins.
Are you thinking about visiting South America? Good news.. Argentina has opened their boarders to unactivated and PCR testing has been eliminated. Uruguay allows entry to vaccinated but no need for further tests. If you cannot prove your vaccination status, a negative PCR test is required.
There are options for Solo Travel with guided tours and cruises where everything is handled for you. Call me for details on destinations for your next travels.
Cruising has a large varieties of options from luxury cruises that include your air, shore excursions, unlimited beverages, wines and spirits, open bars, lounges plus in-suite minibar, prepaid gratuities, specialty restaurants, WiFi, and valet laundry service to all-inclusive Windjammer cruises with small capacities of 10-26 guests. See the USA via the rivers and lakes on American Queen Voyages that is now offering 50% off specific dates from May 2 thru July 31 if booked before May 31, 2022.
Touring in small groups is a specialty of Abercrombie & Kent. This fall the mysteries of India from 11-16 days between October – December 2022.
Have you ever wanted to travel to Palau’s Tropical Paradise? Swaying coconut palms, silky sand beaches, mangrove forests, secret sea caves and hidden bays are experienced in, on, or near the water.

02/19/2022

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

It is hard to believe we are entering March. I am getting anxious for Spring and the warmer weather. Travel is still the challenge for many deciding what they want to do and what is available. It seems that many mandates are being relaxed, but there are some that have become more restrictive. Cruising out of the US ports to the Caribbean have become one of those more restrictive. When cruising out of one of those ports, all passengers must to be vaccinated and boosted.
Travel to Australia opened on February 21 for double vaccinated travelers with visas without quarantine with a negative result within 72 hours of arrival into Australia.
Villas continue to be the most popular choice of accommodations in 2022. Whether seeking sunshine, adventure, romance or making memories for a lifetime, there is a destination for you.
When traveling to Mexico, there is a multitude ways to enjoy the marine life. In Cancun and Riviera Maya, whale shark season runs from Mid-May to Mid-September when the water is the warmest. These gentle giants can be more than 40 ft long and up to 20 tons. Green turtles and loggerheads nest June to October. They make their way to the sea in September and October. Los Cabos celebrates whale watching season from early December to Mid-April for humpbacks and orcas heading south from Alaska. There are multiple ways to experience the marine marvels. My favorite is snorkeling, but there are boat excursions available. Other locations also include dolphins (bottle-nose, spinners, rough-toothed) along with other varieties of turtles.
Greece is waiting for you! Come enjoy the ultimate romantic destination from Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, and Paros. Combine a once in a lifetime experience with superb food and wine with unique and active excursions.
Welcome to adults only cruising on Virgin Voyages out of Miami to the Caribbean. Her name is Scarlett and she won Best New Cruise Ship in 2021 with dining at over 20 eateries, gratuities, free WiFi, basic beverages and unlimited group fitness classes.