Almost everything is different on this brash new entry to the cruising market, including an emphasis on adult relations, gym time, and self-indulgent social activity.
Sir Richard Branson's adults-only, bright red-liveried new ship also has a fantastic nightclub and a food court instead of a buffet. There are exciting plans for a fleet of new ships on the horizon, to join the already established fleet of cruise ships that go against the grain.
The island of Mykonos, where the mythic winds were said to be tamed by Apollo himself, is a destination that cruise lines like Celebrity and MSC expertly highlight for its serene beauty and vibrant local life. With a climate that blesses the island with sun-drenched days and cooling breezes, it is perfect for those who wish to explore at a leisurely pace. This place escapes the usual clamor of mainstream spots, offering an unspoiled glimpse into the lifestyle that has been preserved over the ages. Unique to Mykonos are the iconic windmills from the 16th century, standing as silent sentinels over the town, providing a picturesque backdrop that is as photogenic as it is historic.
Day 3
At sea
Day 4
Kotor
Day 5
At sea
Day 6
Catania
Welcome to Catania, where the ancient ruins whisper tales of a vibrant past. Set against the backdrop of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, Catania boasts a Mediterranean climate that bathes its streets in perpetual sunshine. This Sicilian gem offers a genuine slice of Italian life, free from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps. Cruise lines often anchor here to showcase Italy's true essence, from its lively markets brimming with local delicacies to its stunning Baroque architecture. As the sun sets, indulge in Catania's famed street food scene, where arancini and granita reign supreme, adding a flavorful twist to your Mediterranean adventure.
Day 7
Amalfi
Set against the backdrop of rugged cliffs and azure seas, Amalfi beckons with its illustrious maritime history. Its ancient seafaring tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages, infuses the town with a palpable sense of adventure. Nestled along the stunning Amalfi Coast, this enchanting destination boasts a Mediterranean climate, offering balmy summers and mild winters, perfect for leisurely exploration. Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Amalfi offers an authentic glimpse into Italian coastal life, where charming piazzas and quaint alleyways invite serendipitous discoveries. As the birthplace of the renowned Amalfi lemon, this region boasts unparalleled limoncello, capturing the essence of its sun-kissed landscapes.
Day 8
At sea
Day 9
La Spezia
Enter the maritime gateway of La Spezia, where the whispers of ancient maritime trade still echo in the harbor. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, this coastal gem offers a respite from the bustling cities, inviting cruisegoers to bask in the warmth of the sun-kissed shores. Dive into the vibrant local scene, where quaint villages and hidden coves beckon explorers seeking an authentic Italian experience. La Spezia's strategic location has made it a haven for sailors and merchants throughout history, while its stunning vistas of the Cinque Terre coastline captivate travelers with their rugged beauty, a testament to nature's artistry.
Day 10
Cannes
Cannes, famed for its opulent film festivals, welcomes travelers with a storied past steeped in glamour and luxury. Bask in the Mediterranean sunshine along its golden beaches, where celebrities once strolled and paparazzi snapped. The Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and sun-drenched summers, offers a respite from harsher climates, inviting cruisegoers to savor alfresco dining and leisurely promenades. Beyond the glitz of the Croisette lies a vibrant city brimming with authentic French charm, from bustling markets to quaint cobblestone streets. Don't miss the chance to explore the iconic Le Suquet neighborhood, offering breathtaking views of the azure sea and the Lins Islands.
Day 11
Marseille
Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille beckons with a vibrant past steeped in maritime lore. Its bustling port has been a hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries, with influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East converging in its bustling streets. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, Marseille offers a haven for sun-seekers year-round, while its labyrinthine alleys and bustling markets promise an authentic taste of French life. Beyond the tourist hotspots, hidden gems await exploration, such as the secluded coves of the Calanques National Park, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs in a breathtaking tableau.
Day 12
Barcelona
Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.
The island of Mykonos, where the mythic winds were said to be tamed by Apollo himself, is a destination that cruise lines like Celebrity and MSC expertly highlight for its serene beauty and vibrant local life. With a climate that blesses the island with sun-drenched days and cooling breezes, it is perfect for those who wish to explore at a leisurely pace. This place escapes the usual clamor of mainstream spots, offering an unspoiled glimpse into the lifestyle that has been preserved over the ages. Unique to Mykonos are the iconic windmills from the 16th century, standing as silent sentinels over the town, providing a picturesque backdrop that is as photogenic as it is historic.
Welcome to Catania, where the ancient ruins whisper tales of a vibrant past. Set against the backdrop of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, Catania boasts a Mediterranean climate that bathes its streets in perpetual sunshine. This Sicilian gem offers a genuine slice of Italian life, free from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps. Cruise lines often anchor here to showcase Italy's true essence, from its lively markets brimming with local delicacies to its stunning Baroque architecture. As the sun sets, indulge in Catania's famed street food scene, where arancini and granita reign supreme, adding a flavorful twist to your Mediterranean adventure.
Set against the backdrop of rugged cliffs and azure seas, Amalfi beckons with its illustrious maritime history. Its ancient seafaring tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages, infuses the town with a palpable sense of adventure. Nestled along the stunning Amalfi Coast, this enchanting destination boasts a Mediterranean climate, offering balmy summers and mild winters, perfect for leisurely exploration. Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Amalfi offers an authentic glimpse into Italian coastal life, where charming piazzas and quaint alleyways invite serendipitous discoveries. As the birthplace of the renowned Amalfi lemon, this region boasts unparalleled limoncello, capturing the essence of its sun-kissed landscapes.
Enter the maritime gateway of La Spezia, where the whispers of ancient maritime trade still echo in the harbor. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, this coastal gem offers a respite from the bustling cities, inviting cruisegoers to bask in the warmth of the sun-kissed shores. Dive into the vibrant local scene, where quaint villages and hidden coves beckon explorers seeking an authentic Italian experience. La Spezia's strategic location has made it a haven for sailors and merchants throughout history, while its stunning vistas of the Cinque Terre coastline captivate travelers with their rugged beauty, a testament to nature's artistry.
Cannes, famed for its opulent film festivals, welcomes travelers with a storied past steeped in glamour and luxury. Bask in the Mediterranean sunshine along its golden beaches, where celebrities once strolled and paparazzi snapped. The Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and sun-drenched summers, offers a respite from harsher climates, inviting cruisegoers to savor alfresco dining and leisurely promenades. Beyond the glitz of the Croisette lies a vibrant city brimming with authentic French charm, from bustling markets to quaint cobblestone streets. Don't miss the chance to explore the iconic Le Suquet neighborhood, offering breathtaking views of the azure sea and the Lins Islands.
Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille beckons with a vibrant past steeped in maritime lore. Its bustling port has been a hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries, with influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East converging in its bustling streets. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, Marseille offers a haven for sun-seekers year-round, while its labyrinthine alleys and bustling markets promise an authentic taste of French life. Beyond the tourist hotspots, hidden gems await exploration, such as the secluded coves of the Calanques National Park, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs in a breathtaking tableau.
Barcelona, a city defined by its innovative spirit from the architectural wonders of Gaudto the bustling medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, offers a vivid window into Spains artistic soul. The city benefits from a Mediterranean climate, ensuring pleasant weather perfect for leisurely explorations of its many districts. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian utilize Barcelona as a key port, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in a blend of modernist architecture and vibrant local life. An intriguing fact about Barcelona is its beach was artificially created in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, showcasing the city's ability to ingeniously reinvent itself while maintaining its historical roots.
After a year of adversity and adaptation, it's only fitting that we name our third ship, "Resilient Lady". While the proverbial seas may have been rough, we've never been more excited to set sail from our new homeport of Piraeus (Athens), Greece - seeing the world with fresh and appreciative eyes.
When we arrived shipside we were not welcomed as if it was a luxury experience and had to struggle aboard with our suitcases.
The room was very noisy all day and long into the evening as we were just below the gym area. It was a very comfortable room with a sea view, but being on the 13th deck there was a huge overhang which hampered the view and we hadnt been made aware of either the noise issue or the restricted view.
We couldn't secure a booking at any restaurant until we complained about it near the end of the cruise. It seemed that loads of groups had booked up everything and we weren't the only ones complaining that we couldn't get availability at any restaurant at any time.
The comedians weren't funny at all and at the last gig I don't believe anyone there laughed once. The musicians were the same one almost every night and she seemed to have issues every single night and so only sang a one or two songs.
We felt the food in the individual restaurants wasn't the quality of our previous cruise and were quite disappointed with the menu. The galley was generally good though. We also felt the entertainment wasn't as good as our previous Virgin cruise.
Maybe we had high expectations as we had been a Virgin cruise before. We felt considering this was a cruise where most folk were 'indoors' most of the time Virgin could have tried a bit harder with the activities as if you dont like zumba or karaoke you are pretty much stuck.
Not sure I would pick Virgin again
The food is incredible, especially Extra Virgin restaurant. The takeaway food is also amazing, the sushi boxes are fresh and tasty.
Love the no kids element! Great atmosphere - it's what you make of it, you can find an area on the ship that suits your vibe.
A truly awful experience, from beginning to end (and beyond, as trying to get Virgin to respond to our complaints took over three months and then they only ever responded to our booking agent).
A lovely-looking ship, but the crew were either under-trained or just didn't care about customer service and enjoyment.
We were celebrating our disabled daughter's 30th birthday and asked that Virgin do something nice for her. They did nothing! Not a cake, drink, notice, nothing.
I cut my leg quite badly on the edge of the (moveable) bed frame, which had a very sharp edge.
My wife was first ignored and then treated shabbily by our server/chef in the Korean restaurant. Our complaint to the restaurant manager and ship customer services got us absolutely nowhere!
One afternoon, when we were onboard and wanted some drinks, we were told that the rear outside bar was closed so we should walk down one flight to [try and] find one that was open! We've never heard or seen anything like it before - or since!
All in all, this was easily our worst cruise experience and we hadn't planned to ever cruise with Virgin again, except that they refused to refund monies to us but instead gave us a future cruise credit.
