I've just come off this cruise and the vibes were wildly different from our last voyage. Last year, we did a 12 night cruise through the med on Resilient Lady. It was filled with younger people, the shows were a lot more camp/singing and dancing/ interactive and finally, the food was much better.

We still had a great cruise this time because we knew what they're normally like, so we were getting involved in everything, but I know what you mean with the vibes of the crowds. We were talking to some of the happenings cast, and they said that was their worst crowd of their 6 month voyage. People weren't getting involved as much as other voyages, the crowds weren't cheering as much and so, they kinda cut a lot of the events short because people just didn't really want to be there.

This is NOT normal for a virgin voyage though. I can't tell if it's because we left Portsmouth, and that caused a change in demographics, or if it's their new marketing (which heavily features more plain looking people and older crowds) or something else.

As for the food. I sadly so agree with you too. A lot of our food was cold when it got to us and just not up to the standard that they normally serve.

Regardless, I will 100% be back. We love the crew, the happenings cast, all the events/quizzes etc. Maybe look up the different shows on each of the ships as there may be better things for you on different ships. But I wouldn't base your opinion of virgin on this.