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.
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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.