Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - Still Cruising Across the Atlantic

 Last night I spent an hour trying to figure out what time and day it was and contemplating if it was time to move into the "home".  I finally figured it out.  Not only do I need to change the time on my Chromebook, Kindle and phone but also my Google account, which thought I was still in Barcelona, where it was the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday.  

This morning I woke up confident it was Tuesday.  And that it was 6:30 a.m.  Then I looked at the app, which said it was 5:30 a.m.  Long story but the app is wrong.  It has changed times multiple times today and none of them are correct.  As long as I make my dinner reservation on time, I don't care what time it is.

I spent the majority of the morning on the balcony.  Yup, more than three hours of reading, swaying and snoozing.

Later, I caught up with friends on video calls and tonight I'm hitting Razzle Dazzle for dinner.  Another fabulous day at sea.

Photos!

View from my pillow at 5:30 a.m.

And, 630 a.m.

The Galley was getting ready for hungry sailors.

Sunrise from the back of the boat.

You can lie in this net on deck 16.

There are many breakfast options.  I had toast and bacon with a view.

Then enjoyed some apple juice in my hammock.

As the breeze picked up I got chilly. I always travel with a down blanket.  Folds away to nothing, is great on long flights and wonderful with the hammock.  Thanks, Julius, for taking the photo.

Lunch was sushi from the Bento box, in my cabin with two extraordinary desserts.  The desserts on the ship are AMAZING.

The game of "What Time is It?" continues.  The app says 2:39 p.m.  Customer Service agrees with my phone, with says it is 4:39 p.m.  Yesterday on Reddit a guy posted an email he got from Virgin.  He booked a cruise to the ABC Islands, departing this Sunday from Miami.  But the email said embarkation had been changed to San Juan.  Others booked on the cruise chimed in saying they'd gotten the same email.  Several called Sailor Services and some were told it would be from San Juan.  Others were told the email was an error.  I'm guessing it had to be an error.  In any case, it made me feel better about not knowing what time it is on a sea day.

Dinner was in Razzle Dazzle, where I dined on embarkation day.  I was seated at the same table, coincidentally.  Apparently, there was a solo travelers' table available but I passed.

Many good choices.

I skipped the entree and went for the lamb shank.  This time, they offered mint jelly, which took it over the top.

The excellent server, whose name I've already forgotten, brought me a knife and I laughed.  The lamb was fork-tender.

Anybody else remember the old Alka Seltzer and "I can't believe I ate the whole thing." ?  That's how I felt.

But hey, I skipped the appetizer so I could have dessert.

I went for the creme brulee, which had a strong smoky flavor.  Very smooth, with the crunchy crust I love.  Yum.  And, as with most of the restaurants, I ended up chatting with the people next to me, which was also enjoyable.

Anybody know what's up with the orange letters on doors?  

There are two or three in my hallway.  

BTW - even though the app said I was two hours early, I showed up on time for my dinner reservation.  It still has an incorrect ship's time.  After another stroll around the ship, I'm back in my cabin for the evening.  Now, I'm watching "Dave".  Sweet dreams everyone.  Tomorrow will be another exciting sea day of food and hammock time.

Virgin Voyages vs Holland America

 I've cruised Carnival, MSC, Norwegian, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Virgin Voyages.  Of those, I prefer HAL and Virgin.  I'm basing this on my experience with longer cruises.  Since I've only done the current 14 day on Virgin, I can't talk about what the experience is like on their more typical 4-7 day itineraries.

Here are my thoughts about who wins, loses or ties in what I consider key categories.

Crew/Service - Holland America, by a hair.  Both lines have a "no tipping" policy.  Both brag about great service.  In my experience they are similar.  Crew is friendly, helpful and service oriented on both lines.  But, Virgin embarkation in Barcelona was a cluster.  Waiting in the sun for more than 30 minutes to embark in Las Palmas was a turn off. And, I've skipped several shows because there are lines to get in 30-60 minutes before the show.  That's a hard no from me.  

Food - Virgin, by a hair.  I'm enjoying the variety of "specialty" restaurants on board Virgin, although I do miss a sit-down table service lunch option on board, like the Main Dining room on HAL.  I've had great meals on both lines and also a few clunkers.  For me, the Test Kitchen, Gumbae and the take-away fridge in the Galley tip the scales to Virgin.   Holland has classic food loved by us geezers but Virgin has some unique and creative options that I'm loving.  Holland America needs to try the tacos in the Gallley, then revisit their sad "taco bar".  The downside with Virgin is the difficulty in getting reservations for the "specialty restaurants".  And, I do miss free afternoon tea on HAL.

Bottom line, both are cooking for thousands so you're not going to get gourmet food.  But if you want tasty eats, you can't go wrong on either line.

Balcony Cabins - Tie.  Again, a close call.  Balconies are of similar size.  So are the cabins. Virgin gets HUGE points for the hammock chair on the balcony.  But why no closet door?  And, if there are two people in the cabin, one is going to be sitting on the bed, since there's only one chair.  And, the bathroom is functional for one but so tiny.  And, storage is fine for two for a seven day cruise, but is limited.

Virgin gets points, though for the walk-in shower with giant rainfall shower head and hand-held wand for those of us who think using a giant rainfall shower head is like being water-boarded. Plus, the weird configuration of the beds takes up valuable cabin space when you opt for one bed.  I do prefer the firmness of the Virgin bed and it doesn't feel like two beds shoved together (although it is.)  I also really miss bedside table drawers.

Virgin also scores with technology.  I love the control pad and all the cool lighting/drape modes.  When I walk into my cabin at night, the lights automatically come on.  Virgin is light years ahead of HAL when it comes to technology.

In terms of decor, it's like comparing a Kimpton to a Ritz Carlton.  Different but which you prefer comes down to personal taste.

Pools - Holland America.  The pools on Virgin are, at best, cocktail pools.  Great for standing in them with a cocktail but you cannot swim in them.

Loyalty Programs - Holland America.  The highest level on Virgin matches mid-tier on Holland.  Then again after five four-day cruises, you have top status on Virgin.  You have to cruise 400 days on HAL to get free laundry.

Itineraries - Holland America, by a mile. Virgin tried longer itineraries when they first began but their target market wasn't buying.  Holland has world cruises and unique itineraries around the world, with a much bigger fleet.  Virgin has newer ships (a big plus) but they're big, so can't go to smaller ports.  And, they've made a business decision to focus on 4-7 day itineraries.  Shorter than I prefer.

Accessibility - Holland American, by a mile.  I haven't found a way to get to decks 16 and 17 without taking the stairs.  HAL focuses on seniors and makes it easy to navigate the ship in a wheel chair or scooter.  The downside?  There are often a lot of wheelchairs and scooters.

And, let's talk seating.  Almost every other passenger has mentioned the rather unique and challenging seating.  Lots of daybeds.  Lots of deep couches that mean you can't bend your legs.  

Overall Vibe - Virgin, by a mile. Virgin doesn't allow passengers under the age of 18.  They cater to a younger crowd, although on this Transatlantic, there are a lot of us who qualify for AARP.  Still, there's a good mix of 20-somethings to seniors, which I enjoy.  HAL can feel a bit like a retirement home on their longer cruises, although they are working to attract a younger crowd.

I also love that there are no announcements.  Other than announcements in public areas about crew drills, it is like staying in a hotel, with no one waking you up to announce you've docked.

I also love the diversity on Virgin.  I was trying to imagine Bingo with the Diva on a HAL ship.  I suspect the many HAL cruisers from The Villages would have a collective stroke.  Tattoos?  Colorful hair?  Fine with me.

And, there's no Cruise Director.  Instead, there's the Happening Cast.  They lead activities and are around, just making sure everyone is having fun.  Seriously, the Halloween bash?  With free face make-up to get you in the mood?  Stellar.

Entertainment - Virgin. This is not your grandparents entertainment.  Expect games and cultural references that Boomers won't get.  Expect risque humor.  Some "bad" words.  And, entertainment that breaks the stereotypical cruise ship fare.  

The App - Virgin, by a mile. HAL has a history of nautical experience going for it but they need a lot of work on their technology, from their website to the app.  It is not helpful to have a messaging system if there are no notifications that you have a message.

Virgin also invested a lot in lighting and cabin technology.  Even on the newest HAL ships, there seems to be no interest in the types of technology that would appeal to generations past Boomers.

Public Areas - Holland America.  HAL gets the nod because of the Crow's Nest.  And, the Lido, which can be covered during bad weather.  Virgin has a lot of areas to hang out, but I haven't found many with comfortable seating and a view.

Bottom line, I'll happily cruise both lines again.  I'd love to cruise Virgin more but until they add some longer itineraries, I'll stick with HAL.  And, will look forward to next year's Transatlantic cruise on the Scarlet Lady.

 

Monday, November 3, 2025 - Somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean

I just love Monday mornings, don't you?  Nothing to do today but eat, relax and be waited on, hand and foot.  I love retirement.  But retirement on a cruise with 8 consecutive sea days is epic.

I don't want to brag, but apparently my blog has power.  I posted that I didn't like the lights on at night on the balcony.  The next night...lights off.  Then I posted that even though they'd cleaned the balconies while we were in Valencia, they needed it again because of the sandstorm in Casablanca.  Yesterday, they cleaned my balcony.  I also posted that I missed having a map available, showing where we are.  Today, there is a giant electronic map, tracking our progress across the Atlantic.

Thank, you, Richard Branson, for paying attention and following through.  Not to be greedy, but if you're still reading, could you arrange for my friend Roland to win a big enough lottery to bring he and the ones he loves joy?  If it's easier to just Zelle a few million, that works too.

While we wait to see if Mr. Branson, who owns a very awesome cruise line, is still listening, here are photos!

I love to wake up, push a button on the tablet and have the curtains open.  To this view. At 6:30 a.m.  

It was clear, sunny and about 70 at 6:30.

I went for my morning walk and came across a candle charging station.  Pro tip:  bring a non-flame candle.  I love mine in the evenings.  I'd love having all these tea lights even more.  Just saying, Richard.

The daybeds around the ship encourage lounging and napping.  This lady was sound asleep.

Someone asked where I am.  Here!  Just six more days of the Atlantic before Miami.

Ahhh.  Anybody read Charles Martin?  I'm reading the second in the Murphy Shepard series, "Letter Keeper".  Excellent cruise material.

If you have status on another cruiseline, Virgin "matches", which means giving you their mid-tier level, Blue Extras.  One perk is a free specialty coffee, per day.

Then the sea looked like this, so I came inside.

Another pro tip:  book a cabin with the seating area next to the balcony.   This is great, but I prefer the chair next to the sliding door.

And, about half an hour after being completely in the clouds?  The sun is back.

I didn't have dinner reservations this evening.  I checked the app and it was a miracle - I got a 6:15 p.m. res at the Pink Agave, a modern Mexican restaurant that is supposed to be one of the best on the ship.  Still hoping to get into Extra Virgin, the Italian restaurant that is supposed to be the best onboard.

For lunch, I headed to the Galley and got this Thai curry with pork, vegetables and noodles.  I asked for some chili on the side.  

With the addition of the chili, this curry was great.  I'd happily pay for it in a restaurant on shore.

And, the clouds are back.  We expect the weather to be windy and changeable for the entire cruise.

I grabbed a chocolate mystery bowl from the take away fridge on my way out of the Galley.

OMG good!  Chocolate mousse.  I almost grabbed the Tres Leches but this would be hard to beat.  If you love chocolate, this is the bomb.

I lucked out and got a reservation at Pink Agave.  This is the entrance.  On my way to the restaurant I got a notice that my reservation had been cancelled.  WTH?  It took a minute to figure out, I'd set my clock back an hour last night, based on the list of time changes they gave us on embarkation day.  Seems they changed it so I spent the entire day an hour behind, lol.  Since we're "falling back" again tonight I don't have to do anything, since I'm already there!  And it's a good vacation when you can go all day without being on time to anything.

My table and seat were odd, I thought.  See that rounded end of the banquet?  My table for one was set up one an end just like that.  Comfortable and since I faced the entrance, it was great for people watching.

I went with the Bistec for the main course.  My waiter, Alfredo, who was from Cancun, so I got to practice my Spanish.  

I started with the corn (esquites).  And finished with the chocolate taco.

Everything was tasty and the steak was large, flavorful and cooked medium rare.  After all the raves I'd heard I was expecting a bit more.  Don't get me wrong, it was a good meal with great service.  But I won't dream about any of those dishes like I will about the strawberry/wasabi dessert from the Test Kitchen.

The steak was well-cooked and flavorful.  I prefer my steak a bit less saucy, though.

The corn was good, IMHO, but not great.

Like the Test Kitchen, the restaurant has lots of large windows but isn't open during the day when you could enjoy the view.

The chocolate tacos with cherry sauce were tasty but didn't taste like dulce de leche as described in the menu.  The cherry sauce was delicious and a good addition.

I was surprised that the restaurant was not full, given how hard it is to get reservations.  It's a lovely setting with Latin music playing, not too loudly.

November 2, 2025 - Dinner at the Test Kitchen

 The Test Kitchen is known for it's "experimental" cuisine and uses a tasting menu approach.  Three apps, a main and dessert.  All were good, service was excellent and it was an enjoyable meal.  

Here are some photos!

The aperitif was hibiscus tea with honey and ginger.  

The restaurant is deceptively large and bustling.  Lots of staff, and as in Razzle Dazzle, loud, somewhat frenetic music.  

Seating was comfortable but unusual.  I thought at first I was being seated at the counter overlooking the open kitchen.  Instead, I was seated at a lower counter that faces a prep area for the servers.  Huge windows but no views at night and the restaurant isn't open during the day.

There are three menus, which rotate (weekly?  monthly?).  On the left is the "B" menu.  I was offered the option of mixing and matching with the vegetarian menu but opted to stick with the B menu.

First up was corn and truffle.  The surprise is that is not a piece of corn, but a molded corn mousse.  On the side were grilled corn and truffle crumbs.  Tasty.  This was served with a bread plate of three tasty/crunchy rolls, served warm.

The next course was smoked salmon and cucumber.  It arrived covered with a cloche keeping in a cloud of smoke (photos of that later when they brought it for another diner).  The sauce was buttery with lemon.  Delicious and would be good as a cold lunch entree.

Next was shrimp and garlic, with pasta and roasted tomatoes.  The broth was made with lobster stock.  Another tasty dish.

There was attention to detail, including new silverware for each course.  This was for the lamb that was coming next.

One of the chef's was making the dessert, which was excellent.

The lamb was cooked sous vide to the requested medium rare.  It was served with zucchini, eggplant, some sort of blackened eggplant sauce and a flavorful jus.

Check out her cloche with the smoke for the smoked salmon.

That's the actual smoke after the cloche was removed.

I typically love desserts the most and tonight was no exception.  There was a strawberry gel, strawberry marshmallow, strawberries, pistachio crumble and...wasabi cream.  Yup, the white fluffy stuff was wasabi cream.  I'm now going to be using wasabi on my strawberries.  Just enough heat to balance the sweet, it was an excellent dessert.