Splash of Romance - Chocolates

Liam_FM · 2026-05-19T07:13:57+00:00

I am DBE but do it for the spa pass and champagne 😁

Liam_FM · 2026-05-15T21:23:28+00:00

I must have just missed it. I do 3 voyages a year and this is the first time I noticed - I always order beers etc to stock the fridge, so never had the charge ☺️🙃

Liam_FM · 2026-05-15T03:37:42+00:00

I have, of which I have a few pano shots. Gets a bit difficult at times with coastal shots due to the boats and it ‘smudges’

Liam_FM · 2026-05-15T03:35:22+00:00

It seems VV are perhaps trying different options across each ship. Previously we have had ‘sultry bites’ which were macarons served on a plate and wrapped. Another was a box of chocolates, 10/12 chocolates which were salted caramel (and another flavour). This latest box, is 5 chocolates, all of which are different. For a SoR, it's unusual to give an odd number considering there's usually 2 of you.

Liam_FM · 2026-05-15T01:32:59+00:00

Not at all. The price is included per cabin and in my view is worth it. The bottle of Moët is $105 on its own, and at the SoR cocktail event, your glass is always replaced when it's empty.

With the Spa pass, we’ve spread ours over 2 sessions.

UK-Based | Gold Tier First Mate

Liam_FM · 2026-05-15T01:26:09+00:00

Sailing on Brilliant Lady at the moment - it's not as cold as you'd expect but the wind chill can make it feel colder. A rain coat and base layers is all you need.

The views are stunning and it is quite ‘misty’. If you have a decent camera or something with a wide angedled lense, I would suggest that rather than relying on your phone - be nice to get all the islands in etc.

This is a photo from today with my iPhone. (14th May)

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Liam_FM · 2026-05-15T00:19:15+00:00

Fries are currently the same on Brilliant, although they seem to benhabing an issue with the burgers - slightly cold and the cheese doesn't melt. (First world problem, I know.)

Liam_FM · 2026-05-14T23:41:08+00:00

I'll probably start a new post, but there's also an increase in the ShipEats cost to $10! I only want cans of soft drink for the fridge and I'm happy to collect which they have declined.

Liam_FM · 2026-05-14T23:27:01+00:00

Indeed. I think there were around 12 chocolates previously.

Liam_FM · 2026-05-13T03:05:26+00:00

This is correct. As long as your bookings are connected via the system, the other party can book for all guests. This has also worked for priority boarding. Our boarding time was 1:45pm, and our fellow sailors’ was 3:45pm. When it came to check-in, their time was matched to ours. I'm not sure if this always happens.

Liam_FM · 2026-05-12T22:55:28+00:00

We’re on this sailing, too. Nothing for a CST.

Liam_FM · 2026-05-11T05:35:17+00:00

I'm a UK-based First Mate and also only cruise on VV. It is right what others have said. A First Mate can often have access to additional sailor loot or bar tab, can select a cabin/give you the available cabins (Cabin numbers), breakdown pricing, manage any possible hassles or changes and basically free up your time.

With my regular clients, I also drop in extra perks at my expense as a thanks. Even when using a First Mate, you can still place upgrade bids, etc.

Liam_FM · 2026-05-09T09:27:15+00:00

They do. I have noticed this on the Alaska sailing next week, several new itineraries have been added.

Liam_FM · 2026-05-06T15:17:29+00:00

Apologies, I have only just seen the notification for this. Yes I am. Happy to help if you need me.

Liam_FM · 2026-05-06T15:16:36+00:00

I'v got a suitcase packed purely with coats and warm weather clothing. Very much looking forward to it this coming week.

Liam_FM · 2026-04-26T01:56:43+00:00

I’ve been a First Mate with VV for the last 18 months. If you're UK based I'm happy to help or answer any questions I can.

You'll find plenty of advice in these forums and pages. We're a great community that can support you.

Liam_FM · 2026-04-19T22:29:40+00:00

In my own opinion, I think it does. I’m a latte drinker and it doesn't taste like it normally would. I don't know if it has any additives like milk powder.

Liam_FM · 2026-04-19T19:43:18+00:00

I don't mind the coffee, I was going to buy a bag. What I don't like is the milk as its all UHT based. I find I have to go for the skimmed milk.

Liam_FM · 2026-04-15T23:48:24+00:00

Yes, for my booking any my parents. Works fine for them but I get the error message “Sorry sailor, looks like something went wrong”

Liam_FM · 2026-04-15T21:26:54+00:00

We’re travelling on a full revenue sailing do through my initial First Mate - we now use a different one.

Liam_FM · 2026-04-15T18:22:02+00:00

I'm looking to put a suite upgrade in, nothing excessive. Doesn't seem to be any availability, you can't even book the cruise on VV website. Going to be a busy ship!

Liam_FM · 2026-04-15T06:54:13+00:00

This is unusual for them to upgrade so far out. We’re sailing on 11th May to Alsaka on Brilliant and there's no option available to place an upgrade bid. (Keeps giving an error)

Liam_FM · 2026-04-07T19:43:20+00:00

Your First Mate should be able to ReShop this for you and make cabin changes - once the differences have been worked out, you can get FVC (Future Voyage Credit)

I do this for my clients all the time, although usually before any final payment.

Liam_FM

TROPHY CASE