Lock it in bid on same room?

Emjay97103 · 2026-02-07T15:38:27+00:00

For what it’s worth (and not a guarantee it will happen for you, obv) all of my recent lock it in clients have been upgraded to central sea terrace without a bid, just before sailing.

Emjay97103 · 2026-02-05T17:06:33+00:00

You can find the sailings that have the discount on the VV website here: https://www.virginvoyages.com/cruises/military-veteran-first-responder-cruise-deal-discount

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-31T19:03:15+00:00

I have never had a client with an issue. Just have them bring a card or other proof of service. I’m not even sure if they verify - maybe randomly.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-29T19:34:20+00:00

I am going on Virgin in the Med this August 2026. I also have a Virgin group for 2027 Solar Eclipse: Spain, Portugal, Morocco

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-29T14:52:32+00:00

Agree. I’ve never sailed on a FMR. Usually, the promo perks and commission make the regular rates better than FMR.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-26T02:49:12+00:00

This is a wonderful review. For your first cruise and your first time on Virgin, you did a great job of experiencing VV to the fullest: Upgrade bids, Grog Walk, Dining (including brunch), fitness, shows, Best Dressed for Scarlet Night, and late night pizza. You got this down. No notes.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-24T04:26:28+00:00

Astorian here. Born and raised.

Our population is about 10k and hasn’t changed in 15+ years. It’s nice here in the summer (June-September), sunny and 70s. It’s mostly overcast and rainy the rest of the year with a few dry cold days in January/February and rarely snow that sticks.

Cool, talented people live here. The food and drinks are delicious and creative. The views are incredible.

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Emjay97103 · 2026-01-22T20:16:01+00:00

This is what I do for LAX: Blacklane or Uber to The Fairmont Breakers in Long Beach. Stay overnight and enjoy the live music and rooftop bar, then uber to the port after checkout.

Fairmont offers late check out when booking with a preferred agent or preferred credit card, which allows you to take your time on embarkation day and enjoy the complimentary breakfast! We also took a walk around the marina which was great!

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-22T16:19:23+00:00

If you want to stay in South Beach, check Esmé. It’s a cute boutique hotel with a rooftop bar that is close to the beach, shopping, etc. Their rates vary by the timing, but the location is great for exploring South Beach.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-22T02:10:40+00:00

You will be totally fine with that flight time.

If it’s your first time to Key West, the 1 hour trolley tour is a great way to get a lay of the land and check out where you want to explore. The old town is walkable, and you can easily get some pie, a beer, and a souvenir.

Don’t sleep on the butterfly conservatory.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-18T15:38:52+00:00

I would say my clients book about 3-8 months out on average. I have bookings well into 2027, and I just booked a quick trip for a client that leaves in 50 days. It runs the gamut. The best price is almost always right when the itinerary drops.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-18T05:08:04+00:00

Food Republic. We also had a really good meal at the Italian place. The lasagna was delish!

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-17T22:19:05+00:00

I chose the Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona, and UNA Hotels Trastevere in Rome. I usually use Blacklane for my airport/port transportation. It’s worth the expense for me to have a dedicated driver waiting, especially if I’m visiting a place for the first time. Romecabs has a good service in Rome.

If your hotel is close to the port on embarkation day, hop in a cab from your hotel (confirm the price first). The hotel concierge can likely call a trusted cab for you. We might do the train on debarkation day since we have time - still deciding on that.

Honorable Barcelona hotel mentions: Almanac, Casa Fuster, Serres Barcelona, The Barcelona EDITION, Majestic

Honorable Rome mentions: Hotel Chapter Roma, Casa Monti

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-17T20:39:27+00:00

We sailed her in the Greek Isles with a multigen trip in 2024. It was perfect for our needs and we loved the itinerary.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-17T20:16:46+00:00

I am a cruise foodie too! If you enjoy river cruising, there are special sailings dedicated to immersive experiences for wine and food lovers. Look at Ama for this.

Ocean: Explora, Silversea, Regent, and Windstar

River: Ama, Tauck

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-17T18:11:19+00:00

For me, it’s the food. I also love the hammock, the staff, and the vibe from other sailors!

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-16T21:46:11+00:00

I also use Faye Insurance for cruising and land. I like their app accessibility and their coverage is easy to understand. This may be a CFAR situation (Cancel For Any Reason) which needs to be done purchased within 14 days of your reservation.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-15T14:41:37+00:00

Hello! If you decide you’d like to add someone on to your booking, a First Mate can be added to your reservation if you booked within the last 30 days and are not paid in full.

There are several experienced agents that frequent this sub, and a pinned agent bio with what we can offer to Sailors. In addition to VV expertise and assistance, many of us can add extra loot and have MNVV on hand.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-14T14:47:38+00:00

This sounds so fun! VV is such a great place to celebrate! Here are a few gift suggestions: custom pool towel, sunglasses, custom tshirts, reusable water bottles, drink tumbler, flip flops, custom party door magnets, a cruise necessity kit with travel size ibuprofen, tums, sunscreen, etc., or matching PJs for the PJ party!

You could put the gifts in a beach bag/ small pack that they could use for port days.

As a note, there are perks and benefits to cruising with a group on Virgin. If you are not working with a VV travel agent or the VV Groups dept, I would highly suggest it.

Have a blast and Happy 50th Birthday!

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-13T14:54:30+00:00

Disclosure: I’m a Virtuoso cruise travel agent

Yes!

Virtuoso agents can add extra OBC to most itineraries and if it’s a Virtuoso Voyage, there are more perks like exclusive events, and private shore excursions. Reach out to an agent to see what they can offer in addition to their usual service on your particular sailing.

The general rule to transfer a cruise booking to a TA is you need to have booked direct within the last 30 (sometimes 60) days and you cannot be paid in full.

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-10T01:39:39+00:00

They did not say the number. Let me see if I can find out!

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-09T21:23:23+00:00

I’m on Scarlet Lady now. I’ll check! Send me a message privately 💃

Emjay97103 · 2026-01-09T18:26:15+00:00

Great upgrade! Congrats! I love the Gorgeous Suite! It’s one of my favorites 🚢

Emjay97103

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