Why Virgin Voyages Redefines Luxury Cruising

Virgin Voyages are known for their refined adults-only cruises, where the ordinary turns into the extraordinary! I was lucky enough to embark on a 7-day Virgin Voyages cruise, French Daze & Ibiza Nights, and I made memories to last a lifetime. I was told before setting off on my adventure that sailing with Virgin Voyages is like no other cruise, and that proved to be right!

Our cruise involved setting out to sea from Barcelona with a stop in the French metropolis of Marseille, an overnight in the glamorous seaside city of Cannes, a dose of Sardinian seduction in Olbia—and finishing it all with an overnight stay in the electric island of Ibiza.

Exceptional Service and Sea Terrace Luxury

Upon arrival, we were greeted by very friendly and enthusiastic staff. The burst of energy was infectious, and throughout the entire cruise, we received nothing but amazing service from all the staff on board. They really did go above and beyond to make our stay memorable, including personal touches.

Our Sea Terrace cabin was the perfect size for two, with our very own balcony and hammock. Sipping iced coffee (and plenty of cocktails!) in our hammock overlooking the beautiful sea never got boring. Waking up to a new view every day was spectacular and plenty of fun.

Gourmet Dining Experiences Included

If you are a food lover, you will adore the food selection included on Virgin Voyages! From casual dining to refined, you have over 20 eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs to choose from. It was impossible to go a couple of hours without trying a new dish or a sweet treat!

The Wake: Elegant Steakhouse Excellence

One of my personal favourites was The Wake—an elegant steakhouse. The entrance was grand; we were greeted with a huge staircase and stunning décor. The New York strip was delicious!

Gunbae: Interactive Korean BBQ Fun

Gunbae was another favourite, specialising in BBQ Korean food. You sit at a table with a few other guests and cook your own food with built-in grills on the table. Our waiter brought out so many different dishes to try—from noodles and seafood to Korean small bites. Gunbae was designed to be interactive and fun; you also get to start your dining experience with a drinking game. This was a great warm-up and gave us all the chance to turn strangers into friends. The vibe is impeccable! We left with huge smiles on our faces.

Seamless App and Endless Entertainment

We made our reservations for the trip via the Sailor app. You can also book your entertainment and order in-room dining via the app. I loved how you have access to everything right at your fingertips. Every night there was entertainment, whether that be a comedy show, a performance, or a game of poker in the casino. You also get access to fitness classes such as morning yoga on the top deck watching the sunrise, peaceful meditation, and cycling.

Scarlet Night: The Ultimate Ship Party

The Manor is where all the parties are held, and we loved the famous ‘Scarlet Night’, where everyone on the ship dresses up in red! Sparkles, heels, red lipstick…the lot! The entire deck was transformed into a party atmosphere with fun acts and plenty of photo opportunities. There was also a Scarlet Night pool party with entertainment and a DJ. It was something not to miss!

Discovering Hidden Gems Aboard

We found ourselves getting lost on the ship many times because there is so much to do and see. We found ourselves discovering a new hidden spot daily, whether that be a new hot tub or a quiet spot to sit and soak up the views. Everything on the ship is first class, with luxury finishes across the board. It was everything I wanted it to be and more! I already can’t wait for my next voyage.

Virgin Voyages

Written by Beth Davies for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International