The Groupie

The Logbook — Real Guest Soundings

Depth Sounding: This is a composite account from multiple guest experiences, edited to our venue standards for clarity. Individual sailings vary by ship, itinerary, and crew.

The Groupie Review: Private Karaoke That Hits the Right Notes

Introduction. The Groupie is Virgin Voyages' private karaoke venue — bookable rooms with decades of song selections spanning all genres, designed for groups of friends or couples who want to belt out their favorites without the pressure of a public stage. The rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis (check the app for availability) and include touchscreen song selection, quality sound systems, and theatrical lighting. Drinks are ordered from the adjacent bar; Bar Tab applies. The rooms are complimentary to book — you only pay for drinks.

Drinks & Service

Drinks are ordered from the bar before entering or between songs — there is no in-room drink service, which means someone in the group has to make bar runs. The cocktail menu is standard ship fare; the espresso martini and champagne are popular karaoke fuel. Draft beer is quick for those who do not want to miss their turn. Where it falls short: the lack of in-room service is the biggest miss — having to leave the room to get drinks disrupts the flow of the session. The bar itself is small and can have wait times during popular evening hours. A dedicated drink menu or bottle service for karaoke rooms would significantly improve the experience.

Service

The karaoke system is well-maintained — the song library is extensive, the touchscreen interface works smoothly, and the microphones are quality (no feedback or lag). Room setup is handled by staff who explain the system quickly and check in periodically. The sound system is properly balanced — loud enough to feel like a real performance, not so loud that it is painful. The staff are helpful if you have technical issues.

Atmosphere

The private room format is a smart choice — it removes the social anxiety of public karaoke while maintaining the fun of performing for friends. The rooms are well-designed with comfortable seating, theatrical lighting (color-changing LED), and enough space for a small group to dance. The vibe is celebratory and perfect for birthday groups, bachelorette parties, or any group looking for a fun evening activity. Where it falls short: the rooms are small — groups larger than 8 will feel cramped. Availability can be limited, especially on sea days and after 9 PM. The sound isolation between rooms is not perfect — you can hear neighboring rooms during quiet moments. The song selection, while large, skews toward Western pop and rock — non-English options are limited.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.7/5. The Groupie is a fun, well-executed karaoke experience that benefits from the private room format — no stage fright, good sound quality, and a celebratory atmosphere. It falls short on drink service (no in-room ordering), room availability (books up fast), and song variety for non-English speakers. Tip: book through the app as early in the voyage as possible — evening slots fill up within hours of embarkation. Bring your own drinks from the bar before starting to avoid interruptions.

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