5 Nights Channel Islands and The Netherlands Experience Cruise

5-Star First Cruise Experience on Margarita

This was both mine and my friend’s first cruise ever, and after hearing so many negative things about this cruise line, we were honestly blown away by how great the experience was! No, it’s not the most bougie ship out there—but what it lacks in glitz, it more than makes up for in good vibes, entertainment, and service. The Highlights (a.k.a. The Pros!) Accommodations: Our room was spacious, clean, and super comfortable. The beds? So good after a long day of sun and dancing! Embarkation/Disembarkation: Total breeze. Seriously, couldn’t have been easier. Entertainment: This ship’s heartbeat! Teri, the cruise director – high-energy, hilarious, and crazy talented! Great singer and those dance moves? Iconic. Live Music Everywhere – There were bands playing all over the ship and they were fantastic! Whether we were lounging with a drink or dancing the night away, the island vibes were non-stop. Shoutouts to Muzi (guitarist), Blake (piano player), and the steel drummer (wish we caught your name!)—they set the mood all day, every day. Karaoke every night was a blast and always drew a fun, enthusiastic crowd. Euphoria Lounge: One of our favorite hangouts on the ship! Great music, chill vibe, and hands down the best service at sea. Ana, the bartender, was a total gem—friendly, fast, and had an incredible memory. She greeted us like old friends every time we walked in and always had our go-to drinks ready without even asking. Her energy and attentiveness truly made Euphoria feel like our home base on the cruise. Wilson: An absolute rockstar on this ship. He was everywhere, and always brought an infectious energy that made every interaction more fun. Whether he was hosting games, managing the flow of guests at events, hyping the crowd for the evening shows, or just making sure people were enjoying themselves—Wilson crushed it. His charisma, professionalism, and ability to make everyone feel welcome really stood out. He helped make the cruise feel like a tight-knit, lively party you never wanted to leave. Trivia and activities with Venus and Svetlana were also tons of fun—we genuinely looked forward to every session! Shows & performers were top notch, especially the aerial acrobat—seriously impressive! Crowd & Vibe: For a smaller ship, it never felt crowded. As two adults just wanting a relaxing, fun weekend, we loved the laid-back, no-kids-running-everywhere vibe. Freeport Excursion: Gorgeous. Pro tip—bring water shoes for the beach! The cabana upgrade was so worth it. Our attendant was on point, keeping drinks flowing and our cooler stocked. Dining at Fins: Meals were delicious every night with a great variety of options. Just a Note The pools on this ship are definitely on the smaller side. We honestly didn’t spend much time by the pools and didn’t feel like we missed out, but if pool lounging is a priority for you, just keep that in mind. The Not-So-Great (The Cons) Limited Food Options Between Meals: We missed lunch one day and were surprised there was only one place open (Cheeseburger in Paradise). Would have loved more healthy options like a salad bar or lighter fare. Hidden Upcharges: This one was frustrating. Brunch at Fins wasn’t clearly marked as an extra charge until we were already seated ($24 per person). Dinners were included, so this felt inconsistent. Specialty menu items at dinner were marked with prices, which was great—wish all charges were that transparent. Drink Package Confusion: We were told $89/day, but charged $323 for 3 days... which didn’t add up. Plus, we didn’t need full packages for port days. More customizable drink options would be great—maybe pick your days or half-days? Also, having to wait in a long line on day one to finalize the drink package felt like pressure—would have preferred to select that during booking. Theater Seating: The shows were amazing, but the theater seats were definitely not the most comfortable—a bit cramped and not ideal for longer performances. Desserts at Fins: Sadly, a letdown. We tried multiple hoping to find a winner, but the texture, flavor—just all of it—missed the mark. They looked pretty, but just didn’t deliver. On the plus side, the desserts at the buffet were delicious, so we stuck to those for our sweet fix. Final Thoughts Despite a few hiccups, we had an amazing time and are already talking about booking the next one! If you’re thinking about sailing with Margarita Cruise Line but hesitant because of mixed reviews—go for it. We went in with low expectations and left blown away by the fun, the people, and the unforgettable memories.

Five star service

Was my first cruise in Virgin Voyages.Four nights of excellent service and lot of things to do. The food was excellent. Do you have to take reservations in advance for the six top restaurants. Lot of variety of high quality food. Lot of choices for vegan and vegetarian food including gluten free food. Also lot of variety of snacks like brownies pretzels and delicious ice cream. The crews members extremely nice and friendly. We getting more than we expected. Im planning to come back very soon. If you’re going to Extra Virgin restaurant dont forget to ask for Jessica. Also if you’re going to The Wake ask for Conrad. High level of service on both restaurants. Thank you Zarina from deck 10 for every time try to help us!!! Five star people working in this ship. Highly recommended for couples and doesn’t matter whats ages. I saw 82 years old woman enjoying like younger people!

Do yourself a favor and BOOK IT NOW!!!

Everything about this trip and experience on board was absolutely top notch! From cuisine, to entertainment, Virgin Voyages sets The bar unbelievably high! From the accommodating and courteous staff, to the destinations and excursion choices, this is one experience that will be remembered for years beyond. If you are like us, the. You will be planning your next cruise with Virgin before you finish the current one! There are so many food choices that whatever mood strikes you, there is something for you. Dining and snack options range from “grab and go” to a variety of different ethnic cuisine choices. There are so many activities, and comfortable places to relax and unwind. You will find everything from gym equipment, to intellectual stimulation such as gaming, to music, try your luck at the ships Casino, enjoy a show, or take advantage of a variety of libations. There is truly something for everyone! See for yourself! You can thank me later!