In an era where cruising has become a staple for travel enthusiasts, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady stands out as a dynamic and fun-filled experience for the young (but not too young) – and young at heart
First Impressions
As travellers ascend the gangway onto The Resilient Lady, the ship’s sleek and contemporary design is immediately apparent. Virgin Voyages has clearly placed emphasis on both aesthetics and functionality, and I receive a multifunction ‘access and payment bracelet’ the moment I step on board, which will make my entire experience throughout the voyage seamless. Large windows maximise natural light, spacious decks promise ample room for relaxation as well as socialising, and, as a 20-something travelling with my partner, the brand’s Adults Only policy suits me to a tee.
Accommodation
The Resilient Lady has been designed to provide a home-away-from-home experience. Solo travellers have the option of booking solo cabins, ensuring privacy and comfort, while those travelling in pairs or groups can select from a range of suites, each characterised by modern amenities, spacious layouts, and panoramic sea views. All cabins are also fitted with the brand’s signature red hammock for supreme relaxation, along with a multipurpose tablet so that everything you could ever want or need while on board is attainable through the touch of a button.
Select cabins also have exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop bar, a serene location with unlimited champagne, private hot tubs and stunning views – a luxurious addition to the experience.
Dining
The culinary journey aboard Resilient Lady is impressive. Virgin Voyages has collaborated with world-renowned chefs to craft menus that are both diverse and seasonally inspired, and each dining venue offers a distinct culinary narrative.
The Wake offers fine dining, Pink Agave, designed by Tom Dixon, is a joy to experience thanks to both the beautiful design and delicious food, and Extra Virgin along with Pizza Place offer casual dining. The Galley, meanwhile, is a modern reinterpretation of the traditional and often-disliked buffet, emphasising individual stalls serving fresh dishes, allowing guests to customise their meals while enjoying the ambience of a bustling marketplace.
Wine tasting sessions at Sip are ideal for connoisseurs, while the unlimited offerings at Lick Me Till…Ice Cream will undoubtedly appeal to those with a sweet tooth. Drinks at The Roundabout, perfectly accompanied by live music from local artists, is the perfect way to end the night.
Entertainment
Showcasing global entertainment talent is central to the Virgin Voyages experience. The Red Room is an adaptable theatre, transitioning from a traditional stage to an immersive cinema experience, and this fluidity ensures that guests have a new experience each night. Productions are diverse, ranging from modern dance performances to classical music recitals and the talent ranges from acrobats and dancers to singers, cabaret performers and comedians.
In addition to the Red Room, The Manor offers dinner theatre experiences. Named after Richard Branson’s first recording studio, this venue combines gourmet dining with world-class entertainment. Post-show, The Manor transitions into a vibrant nightclub, with DJs playing ’til the early hours.
Every show on board Resilient Lady encapsulates a particular story in a unique way, and my personal favourite is The Miss Behave show – a comedic and interactive take on a game show with unexpected twists, comedic relief and the perfect showgirl. Words truly don’t do it justice, it’s something you need to see experience to appreciate!
Wellness
For guests seeking rejuvenation, the ship’s spa on Deck 5 offers a holistic wellness experience. Treatments are inspired by both modern and traditional practices. Indulging in the thermal spa circling through the salt room, steam room, spa, sauna, cold plunge and mud rooms leaves you feeling entirely refreshed and revived.
The adjacent fitness centre boasts state-of-the-art equipment and offers a variety of classes, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to morning yoga on the ship’s front deck – an absolute must do!
Resilient Lady features a hair salon, nail parlour, barber and, in a unique spin on onboard facilities, a tattoo parlour. There, skilled artists offer a range of designs for those seeking a permanent memento of their journey, although, I can’t say I wasn’t tempted.
Virgin Voyages might have a ‘no kids’ policy, but that doesn’t stop me from finding my fair share of childlike fun on board. The Social Club, boasting a full blown arcade, is my favourite place to hang out. It transports me straight back to my childhood and I spend hours here trying to beat my own score. The Social Club’s cuisine is suitably laid-back, with hotdogs, chicken wings and a candy bar to indulge in to tide me over while I play. The Social Club also hosts games and trivia, and the Solo Sailors Meet Up is an opportunity for all solo voyagers to meet and socialise.
Programming
The ship’s programming is carefully curated to engage a wide range of interests. The Virgin Voyages app enhances the on-board experience, allowing you to book spa appointments, order room service and even “Shake for Champagne”! With a simple shake of your phone, you can have a bottle of bubbly delivered direct to your location – wherever you are on board. For art enthusiasts, the ship also delivers a curated art collection, with pieces from emerging artists adorning its walls. Interactive art installations and workshops ensure that guests can both appreciate and create art during their journey.
Shore Excursions
I’m experiencing a taste of the Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems voyage, departing Athens and visiting Split, Dubrovnik and Kotor in Croatia, as well as the island of Corfu in Greece. The full voyage, which takes ten nights, cruises the most idyllic locations in the Adriatic Sea by way of Croatia’s coastline and a peppering of Greek Islands.
The most convenient way to plan shore excursions (Shore Things) onboard is to use the Virgin Voyages app, and doing so ensures transfers to and from the location are arranged ahead of time if needed.
Sustainability
Virgin Voyages has made sustainability a cornerstone of its operations. Resilient Lady employs energy-efficient technologies to minimise its carbon footprint, and single-use plastics are notably absent, replaced by sustainable alternatives. Additionally, the ship’s waste management system prioritises recycling and waste reduction.
With its emphasis on design, dining and unique entertainment, Virgin Voyages delivers a memorable experience at sea. Rich in activities, design and programming, it does a fantastic job of awakening your inner child and encouraging you to let down your hair while in their care. If you’re looking for some good old fashioned fun, Virgin Voyages might just be the perfect fit for you.
Journey Notes
The rate includes dining at all venues, all entertainment and shows, access to games rooms and the arcade, use of the gym and access to select classes, essential beverages (water, soft drink etc.) and WiFi. Spa Treatments, alcoholic beverages and cocktails, Shore Things (shore excursions), casino games and treatments at the hair/tattoo/nail parlour are at an additional cost.
To explore itineraries and book a Virgin Voyages cruise, visit virginvoyages.com.