Cruise week report: New adults-only ship, Star of the Seas, Virgin Voyages inside cabin, and more!

This is a helpful roundup of everything you may have missed from this week on Cruise Blog, including a first look at Virgin's newest adults-only cruise ship and cons about sailing onboard Star of the Seas. 

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First look at Virgin Voyages' new Brilliant Lady cruise ship

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Virgin Voyages' newest ship finally hit the high seas.

Brilliant Lady set sail from New York City on Friday, September 5, on her highly anticipated "MerMaiden" voyage. Now, Virgin has four adult-only ships in its modest fleet. 

If you've sailed with Virgin Voyages before, you'll find that Brilliant Lady feels familiar. Virgin has continued to double down on its signature product, with sleek cabins, edgy entertainment, and high-energy fun. However, there are a few minor changes. 

Read more: First look at Virgin Voyages' new Brilliant Lady cruise ship

3 things I loved and 3 I hated about my vacation on Star of the Seas, the world's biggest cruise ship

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Jenna just cruised on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, and there were some things she liked more than others during her time onboard.

Star of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world, and she truly lives up to her name. The number of things to do onboard is astronomical, with more restaurants, bars, activities, and entertainment options than she ever thought possible

During Jenna's short cruise, she found little to complain about. However, there were three things she didn’t love about cruising on Star of the Seas, including the staggeringly high price tag and subpar itinerary.

Read more: 3 things I loved and 3 I hated about my vacation on Star of the Seas, the world's biggest cruise ship

I chose an inside cabin on my recent Virgin Voyages cruise because it was the cheapest option. I loved my little shoebox

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Interior cruise cabins are controversial. Some love them because of their value, while others can't imagine spending seven nights in a windowless stateroom.

Generally speaking, Elizabeth falls somewhere in between. Although they aren't her preferred cruise room, she can be easily convinced to book an inside cabin if the deal is right.

Recently, Elizabeth sailed in an interior stateroom on Virgin Voyages' newest cruise ship, Brilliant Lady. Being one of the first to sail on a new ship is exciting, so when she found a deal for just $2,010, she didn't hesitate to book the "MerMaiden" voyage, despite cruising in a room with no windows.

Read more: I chose an inside cabin on my recent Virgin Voyages cruise because it was the cheapest option. I loved my little shoebox

I took my first Virgin Voyages cruise on its newest ship. Here are my brutally honest thoughts

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Elizabeth debated going on a Virgin cruise for years. She had heard mixed reviews about the ships, with some claiming the food wasn't good and the tiny pool deck was a nuisance. However, she had heard stellar things about Virgin's unique entertainment, ranging from murder mystery shows to bingo hosted by drag queens.

After 5 days onboard Virgin's newest ship, Brilliant Lady, she is not convinced Virgin is her new favorite cruise line. However, she understands its appeal.

Here are her honest thoughts about her first-ever Virgin Voyages cruise, and why — even though it had its cons — she would book another sailing in the future. 

Read more: I took my first Virgin Voyages cruise on its newest ship. Here are my brutally honest thoughts