Virgin Voyages appears to have made a quiet change to Murder in the Manor on Brilliant Lady. Starting last week, multiple sailors onboard reported that the show shifted from a first come, first serve line to a ticketed booking system. The performance remains free to attend.

At the time of writing, VV Insider has not been able to independently verify every detail of how the new system is operating across all sailings. The information below is based on consistent reports from sailors currently onboard.

Re-Introducing Booking Events

In recent years, included shows on Virgin Voyages have operated on a first come, first serve basis. That approach replaced the original reservation system used in the brand’s early years. Now, at least on Brilliant Lady, Murder in the Manor is reportedly bookable in the Virgin Voyages app under the Booking Events section.

One sailor onboard shared: “Starting today, Murder in the Manor will require reservations,” noting it may explain why the event temporarily disappeared from their app before returning as a bookable listing.

How Booking Works

Based on sailors from guests currently sailing, reservations for Murder in the Manor open at 5:00 PM on embarkation day. That timing may create a more even system than simply being first onboard and lining up early.

• Reservations open at 5:00 PM (1:45 PM Rockstars) on embarkation day on the Virgin Voyages app (reported).
• Guests with reservations must check in at least 15 minutes before showtime (reported).
• A standby line reportedly forms about 30 minutes before the show.
• Standby guests may be seated if reserved guests do not arrive on time.

One guest currently onboard confirmed: “When you reserve now, you have to check in 15 minutes before the show. They have a standby line that starts 30 minutes before and they fill no shows on a first come, first serve basis.”

Why Virgin Voyages May Be Doing This

Earlier this week, Virgin Voyages executives said they were looking to address ongoing line management issues onboard which have been reported on Facebook. This ticketing change could be an early attempt to reduce the long queues that have become common for Manor based shows.

Murder in the Manor takes place inside The Manor, one of the smaller entertainment venues onboard. Because of the limited capacity, demand has often exceeded available space. During the maiden season and on several sailings since, sailors have reported waiting in line for up to an hour.

Complaints about long queues were frequently mentioned in guest discussions and on forums such as Cruise Critic, particularly on early Brilliant Lady sailings.

Is This Permanent?

At this stage, this appears to be a targeted change specific to Murder in the Manor on Brilliant Lady. There are no confirmed reports of other included shows or other ships moving to a reservation system at this time. Dinner shows such as Up with a Twist and paid events continue to operate under their existing booking structures.

This could be a temporary measure while Virgin Voyages works to improve overall crowd flow, but no official statement has been issued confirming whether the change is permanent.

RockStar Access

Rockstar’s must still reserve a space in the app but they get first dibs as soon as they board plus priority access to the show venue as is typical for Rockstar guests.

VV Insider Guide Updates

We have updated our guides to reflect that Murder in the Manor will now require reservations on Brilliant Lady:

• Booking Events and Reservations Guide
• Full Murder in the Manor Show Guide

If you are sailing soon and see the reservation option in your app, booking promptly at 5:00 PM on embarkation day may help you avoid a long wait later.

Clips From The Show