TPG Awards: Our pick for 2021's best new cruise ship cabin
With so many cruise lines vying to be the largest, flashiest and most innovative, it takes a lot to disrupt the industry these days. When it comes to accommodations, we've seen everything from two-deck, apartment-style digs to staterooms with their own exercise equipment, plunge pools and baby grand pianos. Even so, Virgin Voyages has managed to offer a fresh take on its first ship, Scarlet Lady.
The vessel debuted in early 2020, but its first revenue sailings were scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the restart of voyages in the U.K. and North America, the ship has impressed many of those who have sailed on it.
This year, the TPG award for best new cruise ship cabin goes to Virgin Voyages' Mega RockStar Quarters Massive Suites. Although the ship has 78 cabins that fall into the RockStar Quarters category, there are just 15 that are considered Mega RockStar Quarters. Of those, only two are classified as Massive Suites, and they don't disappoint.
For the latest travel news and tips, subscribe to TPG's daily e-mail newsletter.
Outfitted by British designer Tom Dixon, these 2,147-square-foot suites are less than half the size of last year's winner, but they still pack a punch, with the amount of space rivaling that of many land-based homes.
Overall, the ambiance in these cabins is one of elegant pomp, showcasing decor that's refined and simple with just enough glitz. Navy blue is offset with pops of red and purple. Brass furniture and fixtures further complement the color scheme, and the bathroom's iridescent accent windows add a whimsical rainbow touch to the otherwise white marble surroundings.
Bonus: The bathroom also has a soaking tub — perfect for those days when you need to unwind after a hard night of partying like a ... well, rock star.
In line with what it calls a "Rebellious Luxe" vibe, Virgin Voyages draws on its musical history — remember Virgin Records? — by including a dedicated guitar room, which also serves as a second bedroom with a pull-out sofa. Passengers booked in one of the accommodations will find a selection of axes and an amp. For those who don't play but who still want to enjoy some tunes, the rooms also feature turntables with a selection of records to borrow, tying in perfectly with the vessel's modern-retro feel.
Found on Deck 15, atop the bridge, the Massive Suites also offer stunning views via floor-to-ceiling windows. Each of these staterooms boasts an extra-large balcony with its own hammocks, a private hot tub, loungers, a circular sitting area with a Champagne table at the center and an outdoor shower so you can rinse off under the sun or stars. There's also a large dining table with a staircase built in, allowing you to channel your inner Richard Branson (below, circa the 2018 float-out of Scarlet Lady).
Nuts-and-bolts items in each Massive Suite include a king-size bed with premium linens, luxury toiletries, mood lighting, two full-size closets, a dressing room, a full bar stocked to the specifications of the cruisers booked there, a dedicated team of crew members to help with everything from unpacking to express swimsuit drying, and exclusive access to Richard's Rooftop, a private sun deck for suite passengers.
Travelers savvy (and swift) enough to snag one of these special accommodations also get complimentary transfers to Port Miami along with priority embarkation.
Above all, the Massive Suites are dripping with indulgence. From bowls of all-red gummy bears to butler service, you'll feel like rock 'n' roll royalty if you book one of these cabins for your voyage on Scarlet Lady, cementing their selection as TPG's best new cruise ship cabin of 2021.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
10X | Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
5X | 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. |
2X | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X card is one of the best all-round travel credit cards ever launched. Not only is it offering a tremendous welcome bonus, but cardholders can earn tons of miles on everyday spending and receive a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus to boot. Its annual fee is $395, but cardholders can count on up to $300 in statement credits toward travel booked through Capital One Travel each year and other valuable benefits like access to Priority Pass lounges and Capital One’s own growing family of airport lounges.Pros
- Excellent welcome offer worth 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.
- Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits toward bookings make through Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 toward travel) each account anniversary.
Cons
- The $395 annual fee might be expensive for some, but this card’s benefits provide much more value than that.
- If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Named editors' choice for "Best New Credit Card of 2021" by The Points Guy
- Earn 10 miles per dollar when you book on Turo, the world's largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023
Rewards Rate
10X | Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
5X | 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. |
2X | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
Intro Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel75,000 bonus milesAnnual Fee
$395Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X card is one of the best all-round travel credit cards ever launched. Not only is it offering a tremendous welcome bonus, but cardholders can earn tons of miles on everyday spending and receive a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus to boot. Its annual fee is $395, but cardholders can count on up to $300 in statement credits toward travel booked through Capital One Travel each year and other valuable benefits like access to Priority Pass lounges and Capital One’s own growing family of airport lounges.Pros
- Excellent welcome offer worth 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.
- Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits toward bookings make through Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 toward travel) each account anniversary.
Cons
- The $395 annual fee might be expensive for some, but this card’s benefits provide much more value than that.
- If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Named editors' choice for "Best New Credit Card of 2021" by The Points Guy
- Earn 10 miles per dollar when you book on Turo, the world's largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023