Q&A: What to expect on Virgin Voyages’ new Valiant Lady

Clare Vooght talks to Abi Weigold, the hostess for Virgin Voyages’ newest ship Valiant Lady

Q. What does a typical day on board look like for you?

A. I start the day with coffee at the Grounds Club, then I head to The Galley for some French toast. Usually the first thing I do in the morning is run bingo, then in the afternoon we have different events. At the Retro Glam Pool Party I serenade people with some songs and we just have random serendipitous fun. In the evening you’ll find me in Sip, our champagne bar, and later in The Dock House outside, where I host Stargazers, an evening of storytelling about the stars.

Q. What’s your favourite song to get people in the spirit?

A. I love it when people laugh, and even though I’m a professional singer, I don’t take myself seriously. One song that I do that really gets people laughing is Pony by Ginuwine.

Q. What do you love most about your job?

A. Virgin Voyages wants us to be our authentic selves. You can say what you want in front of Sailors [customers], you don’t have to be careful – that’s really refreshing for a cruise line. If I’ve got a spare hour I’ll just go to Sip, chat with some Sailors and have a drink. Everything’s so relaxed and people engage with that a lot more. Also, there’s so much to do and so much to eat and drink. When I get on Valiant Lady I’m going to make a TikTok where I try every drink on the ship – but not in one night!

 

Everyone has the freedom to be a big kid on Virgin Voyages ships

Q. What’s your favourite thing to do on board?

A. There’s the VHS Workout – I don’t like to sweat for anybody, but that one, I’ll go to. It’s in The Manor, our nightclub, and it’s all dark and 1980s-themed. It’s just so funny. Another popular thing is the Scarlet Night. We recommend everyone wears red and goes all out. There are different pop-up performances throughout the ship, and we take everyone to the pool deck for a massive party.

Q. Have you visited the tattoo parlour yet?

A. You’ll find out when you come on board! I thought it was a gimmick at first, but the biggest queue you’ll ever see is for the tattoo parlour. From day one they are fully booked for the whole voyage. There was a lady in her late 80s, she was living her best life, and she said Abi I’ve got something to show you – they’d done a transfer stick-on for her. They’re so lovely in there.

Q. Who should come on a Virgin Voyages cruise?

A. Some people think a Virgin Voyages cruise is for young people, but it’s not, it’s for the young at heart. Everyone has the freedom to be a big kid on Virgin Voyages ships, and that’s what I like.

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