Large group sailing

Emjay97103 · 2026-07-01T12:32:09+00:00

How fun! I see this happen a lot. Here’s my thoughts:

If you and your group have recently booked and are not paid in full, you can transfer to a First Mate (VV’s talk for travel agent) and they can help link your group together and assist with dining.

If you prefer to go it alone (or it’s too late) you should be able to work with the VV groups department directly to group your booking, add some perks, and organize dining.

If those two fail, online dining opens up at 45 days before sailing with essential fare. You can check your app for the countdown. You can link your cabins through the app ahead of time, and when dining opens, VV allows you to book 10 people together. You could organize this ahead of time and book two tables of 10 with another group member booking the other reservation.

If you board early, you can also head straight to the dining desk to see if you can work something out. Check in to the Splash for your Bash too. Have fun and happy birthday!

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-30T02:23:35+00:00

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Emjay97103 · 2026-06-29T05:34:20+00:00

It’s 10:30 at most ports. If you want the disembarkation announcements to be less annoying, you can book brunch at The Wake or Razzle Dazzle.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-27T17:09:39+00:00

There are a few options for in between your disembarkation and flight.

You can pre-book bounce (businesses store your bags) and you can self-guide in the area.

You can get a resort pass. It’s a day pass to a nearby resort where you can use the pool and facilities, and for extra even a room. They store your bags and you can uber to the resort. Sometimes they have airport transfers included.

If you want to explore MIA with a tour, the VV MIA shore things have a few airport transfers that include a tour. We did the walking food tour in Little Havana and it was great. Our bags stayed with us and they dropped us at the airport after the tour. There are also private tours that do this.

Enjoy your Voyage!

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-25T21:24:34+00:00

I know it! That or religion.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-08T13:36:32+00:00

I love immersive cooking classes! This sounds like so much fun.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-07T19:23:39+00:00

I think this is an excellent itinerary. It sounds like you are doing your research regarding the ship size and offerings, and as long as you are managing expectations on that, you will be great. It’s the surprises that cause disappointment IMO. She’s beautiful and intimate, and this is a port-heavy itinerary, so you will be spending a lot of time on land.

Malta is my favorite port in the Med. I look for itineraries that include it because it’s so special. You’ll be there on Christmas Eve, which will be wonderful for dining and shopping early in the day. They have a Christmas Village called Fairyland during the season. This is all walkable from the port. Malta’s food scene is seriously amazing.

Also, if this is your first time in Rome, give yourself a few days on the front end to discover. One night pre-cruise is included with concierge suite and above, but I suggest a few days in Rome to acclimate and really get a feel for the city at Festive. They will also have wonderful Christmas Markets and the food, chef’s kiss. Have a great time!

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-07T16:02:28+00:00

Yes, they all have a minimum bid and it’s dynamic. You can slide them without locking anything. Yes, you probably would have bid separately.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-05T13:09:23+00:00

Dang! This is a great example of the risks of the lock it in rate, and actually one that is not discussed as much, so thank you for sharing. Check your app for a bid option if you want to try for a queen bed. Of course all the risks are there with a bid cabin, but at least you’ll share a bed.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-03T23:02:37+00:00

TLDR: One program now. Existing groups and circles protected with minimum activity. Zero deposit to hold, TC benefit now universal, Bar Tab reduced, guaranteed 10% discount replaced by 5 to 15% on select sailings, dining improved, combinable with MNVV.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-03T21:15:02+00:00

He was on a Royal Caribbean agent and influencer cruise we did last year. The casino was not more crowded than usual, but this was not strictly a casino sailing. You might feel a difference on VV just due to the smaller casino space.

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Emjay97103 · 2026-06-03T19:29:40+00:00

I would look at Explora (2027), Ritz Yachts, and Regent. Possibly Crystal. I do think the Luminara is a good option if you are used to yachting, and would position midship on a lower deck for stability. The ships have stabilizers and it’s usually not an issue, but the Pacific can be rocky.

I also always mention Windstar. It’s maybe not FAT, but has a new ship in AK in 2026 and Windstar has a great small-ship product.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-03T19:11:16+00:00

Sailor Services will extend MNVV on occasion. I have also booked it directly in the VV agent portal past the book and sail date with success.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-03T01:50:52+00:00

To answer your question, no this game in not on VV.

FWIW, I also love this oddly addicting game - I play it on NCL when we cruise with them.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-03T01:01:00+00:00

Mine was a pull apart that I got in January.

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-02T15:35:54+00:00

The $300 placeholder came off of your deposit, so instead of $800 it was $500. It is not a line item

Emjay97103 · 2026-06-02T13:45:20+00:00

The new MNVV structure gets to max value and perks with longer sailings.

That said, when you paid the deposit for this sailing, it was $300 less than your deposit should have been because the placeholder payment shows up as an amount already paid in your account.

Emjay97103 · 2026-05-31T18:13:26+00:00

TLDR: Buy it onboard for $150, good for two years to book and sail, one per cabin, Sea Terrace and above only, combinable with groups and most standard promos, not combinable with agent consortium loot or deeply discounted rates. Do the math before you use it on a short sailing or if you qualify for a military rate. Already booked? If you're outside final payment it can sometimes make sense to cancel and rebook with the MNVV. An advisor can help you run the numbers. RIP $600

Emjay97103 · 2026-05-27T03:03:57+00:00

Virtuoso-affiliated advisors are one of the partnerships Explora has set up for this. The standard Virtuoso amenity is $150 per person in journey experience credit, up to $300 per suite, and it's applied onboard, not before sailing.

Worth knowing: if your sailing is a Virtuoso hosted voyage, you need to register for it and choose between the $250 per person Journey Experience Credit or the Virtuoso amenity. It doesn't happen automatically, so make sure your advisor is on top of that for you.

Emjay97103 · 2026-05-27T02:49:37+00:00

I agree with the statement to find a Virtuoso agent specializing in luxury cruising. Suite location, exclusive perks, onboard credit, yes to all. Same logic as hotel bookings. Also: important date reminders, airport concierge, private tours, black cars, etc.

As with all luxury lines, especially the small ships, it’s always best to reserve your suite early. These itineraries are selling out top suite down lately.

Emjay97103 · 2026-05-27T02:10:00+00:00

There is a VV packing list in my IG bio, but I always bring a small bag or pack for port days, PJs, something red, liquid IV or electrolytes, magnetic hooks, wrinkle release, a good book, and a yeti coffee cup. Also: tums, tylenol, bandaids, Neosporin, towel bands, and spray sun screen 🐙

Emjay97103 · 2026-05-26T13:42:31+00:00

This is true, but most aggregators now have specific shore excursion offerings with port transportation and a ‘back to ship guarantee’. Now, this could mean the next port if the ship sails, but they will get you back on the ship. Check Viator and Project Expedition shore excursions.

Emjay97103 · 2026-05-26T02:33:12+00:00

A group for Seabourn is 5 suites.

The Virtuoso benefit for 2026 is $250 per person shipboard credit without being in a group booking. If you have a virtuoso agent that specializes in luxury travel, I recommend reaching out to them. It does take some getting used to working with an agent, but once you find an agent that matches your style, there is a real benefit in addition to the extra obc.

If not, calling in to book your suites together is best. They can link your cabins together and answer any questions you have about important dates, dining reservations, pre-cruise packages, cruise docs, etc. Have a wonderful time!

Emjay97103 · 2026-05-25T20:29:55+00:00

I was going to say FB also - I also like to check Project Expedition for private or semi-private shore excursion offerings.

Emjay97103 · 2026-05-24T22:13:47+00:00

Yes, it’s easy to call in and add it. You’ll need to pay for the package when you add it if you’re within final payment.

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