You’re Thinking About the Summer Season Pass—Now What?
Claire, a Kiwi in London, is preparing for a month aboard Scarlet Lady with the Summer Season Pass. In this guest post, she shares how she’s planning for voyage swap days, packing smartly for a month at sea, and balancing remote work with life on board.
Guest Post By Claire Gilligan-Murrell (Kiwi in London, 43, F, countries visited 52)
Why I Chose the Scarlet Lady Summer Pass
The thought of working remotely aboard a Virgin Voyages ship for a month was equal parts exciting and daunting. When I saw the Season Pass announcement for 2025 I knew I had to be on board. I’ve always loved cruising, and with 10 Virgin Voyages already in the works, the Summer Season Pass on board Scarlet Lady seemed like a dream come true—a chance to escape London for a month, enjoy the Mediterranean, and experience all the luxuries of the ship while keeping up with my job.
But it wasn’t a decision I made lightly. Working remotely while cruising comes with its own challenges, and I had to carefully consider the logistics before committing.
Balancing Working from Helm
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Reliable Wi-Fi is essential for remote work, and Virgin Voyages offers Work from Sea Wi-Fi for two devices per cabin on the Summer Season Pass. This meant I could connect my laptop and phone, but my second sailor would need to rely on Classic Wi-Fi unless we switched devices. Thankfully, my work landline can divert calls to my phone via Wi-Fi, so this setup worked for me—but it’s something to double-check with your employer before booking.
Time Zone Adjustments
One key detail I learned is that ship time stays consistent with the port of departure—in this case, Barcelona (GMT+1). My usual UK work hours of 9am – 5pm would overlap perfectly with the ship’s time, allowing me to finish work just in time for Richard’s Rooftop Sunset Happy Hour (5-6 pm). My boss even agreed to adjust my hours slightly to UK 8am – 4pm, giving me a little more flexibility to enjoy the ship’s amenities.
Logistics of Being On Board
Voyage Swap Days
One challenge with the Summer Pass is managing the voyage swap days (or back to back days), which occur every 5-7 nights as the ship transitions between voyages. From previous back-to-back cruises, I knew this process could be time-consuming, with requirements like resetting my wristband and possibly rewatching the safety video each morning. To avoid disruptions, I decided to take swap days off work and use the time to enjoy the ship or explore the port.
Packing Essentials
Packing for a month at sea requires careful planning. I prepared for every scenario, from cold and flu tablets to a small dental repair kit—better safe than sorry. I also packed full-sized toiletries to last the entire trip and planned outfits for multiple Scarlet Nights, PJ parties, and Sail Away Celebrations. The Summer Pass includes laundry service, so I don’t need to overpack.
Switching from Home Life
A month aboard the Scarlet Lady offers luxuries I don’t have at home in London: no cooking, no cleaning, and a private balcony for fresh air. It’s a lifestyle upgrade in every sense. Even mundane routines like coffee runs to Grounds Club or lunchtime sushi will feel indulgent when paired with the ship’s atmosphere.
Second Sailor On Board
One of the unique perks of the Summer Pass is the ability to bring a second sailor—a friend or family member—onboard for part of the trip. I invited a close friend to join me, and Virgin’s flexible cabin arrangements allowed us to switch to twin beds. While I worked during the day, my second sailor could enjoy the ship, and we’d reunite in the evenings to share stories over cocktails on Richard’s Rooftop.
Dining and Entertainment
With a month on the Scarlet Lady, I planned to savor every dining experience, from fresh salads to Test Kitchen menus. I also looked forward to catching all the shows—some more than once—and enjoying trivia and quizzes on weekends.
Port Days
Because I’d be working weekdays, I planned to stay onboard during most port stops, with one exception: Casablanca. I will use a holiday day to explore this city, which I’ve never visited before. Weekends would be reserved for other excursions or simply soaking in the ship’s many amenities.
Looking Ahead to My Month at Sea
As I prepared for my Scarlet Lady Summer Season Pass, I realized this trip represented more than just a cruise—it was a leap into a new way of living and working. The decision to embrace this experience, despite the logistical challenges, felt like a commitment to myself and my happiness.
For anyone considering a similar adventure, my advice is simple: plan ahead, communicate with your employer, and don’t forget to pack for both work and play. I plan to report back and review my experience once I’ve been on board!
At VV Insider, we’d like to express our thanks to Claire for sharing her thoughts on her upcoming experience. If you’re interested in writing a guest post, we’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us through our contact form!
Looking to Book?
The pass offers sailings ranging from 24 to 40 nights starting at $14,999. It includes a variety of perks aimed at providing both comfort and connectivity for those balancing work with vacation.
Find Out More about Summer Season Pass
Work from Helm T-Shirt
Here at VV Insider we know that sailors love the Summer Season Pass and have designed an exclusive t-shirt in a range of different colors to celebrate the launch of the 2025 season.
Visit VV Insider Store