In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and guest Mandi share their experiences from their January 2025 cruise on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.

They discuss how they secured a comp offer, the dining experiences onboard, and various port stops, including Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya, Mexico, and Bimini Beach, Bahamas.

They highlight the ship's amenities, including fitness classes, casino sessions, and ways to save money using credit card rewards. The episode also covers tips for scheduling rideshares and navigating disembarkation challenges. Finally, listener questions are addressed about MGM status and comparing the experience with other cruise lines.

00:00 Introduction to Low-Cost Travel

00:49 Virgin Voyages Cruise Overview

02:15 Dining and Rewards on the Cruise

02:51 Comp Offers and Casino Matches

06:30 Boarding and Initial Impressions

08:30 Dining Experiences on the Ship

15:47 Casino Adventures and Challenges

27:56 Delicious Dining Experiences

32:09 Exploring Fitness Classes on the Ship

34:30 Port Adventures: Roatan and Costa Maya

36:42 Bimini Beach: A Tropical Paradise

39:02 Entertainment and Shows on Board

41:07 Disembarkation and Travel Tips

45:52 Listener Questions and Future Plans

52:00 Closing Announcements and Farewell