A Week Onboard Virgin Voyages

Carolyn Markey and Jayne Nelson, our dedicated Personal Travel Consultants, embarked on a week-long adventure aboard Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady. Here, they share their impressions of the ideal itinerary and their delightful experience cruising as friends.

The anticipation had been building, fueled by the buzz surrounding Virgin Voyages, and we were eager to experience it firsthand. With open minds and looking forward to a sun-soaked week of fun and relaxation, we embarked on this exciting journey.

Day 1:

Our voyage started with remarkable ease, as it took just a swift 20-minute transfer from Barcelona Airport to reach the ship. After a satisfying lunch, we joined fellow passengers on deck for the Sailaway Party. With warm sunlight, Champagne flowing and music in the air, it was an idyllic start to our voyage. Following the festivities, we retired to our cabin, where we were captivated by the convenience of an iPad that effortlessly directs the lighting and curtains. Jayne, in particular, couldn't resist the allure of this modern amenity.

Day 2:

Our initial port of call was Marseille, and Virgin Voyages' thoughtful service came through yet again. A complimentary coach, conveniently stationed just outside the ship, smoothly transported us into the heart of the city, sparing us from any logistical concerns. Following a few hours of leisurely exploration in Marseille, we hopped back on the coach, returning to the ship for a late lunch at the Galley. There, we savoured the delight of having fresh salads expertly crafted right before our eyes, leaving us with a delicious meal.

We indulged in a few hours of sunbathing by the pool, each holding a delightful cocktail. I was particularly fond of the Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris, while Jayne's preference leaned towards the Pina Colada. As the evening approached, we headed to The Wake, a dining venue that stood out as my favourite among the ship's impressive 20 eateries. The cuisine was nothing short of exceptional, complemented by a vibrant atmosphere.

In addition to the diverse dining options, Virgin Voyages provided a plethora of entertainment venues aboard. Jayne and I thoroughly enjoyed the Loose Cannon bar, where we had a few drinks and found ourselves dancing the night away to the tunes of live music.

Day 3:

In the morning, we hopped onto a tender that ferried us directly to the charming town of Cannes. Eager to explore the city, we boarded a quaint holiday train that whisked us through its scenic wonders. Cannes, we discovered, was nothing short of stunning.

Returning to the ship for lunch, we remained committed to the mission of experiencing each of its fantastic restaurants. Our choice for this meal was The Dock House, offering tapas against the backdrop of the breathtaking Cannes scenery. Post-lunch, we indulged in some sun-soaking by the pool, opting for the lively ambiance where a DJ spun tracks. For those seeking tranquillity, quieter pools and an abundance of sunbeds were readily available.

As evening descended, we savoured a memorable dinner at Extra Virgin, the ship's Italian restaurant, which Jayne adored. We indulged in a lavish four-course meal, sipped on a few glasses of wine, enjoyed complimentary Champagne, and a post-dinner aperitif. Later, we found our way to the bar to bask in the tunes of a live band before, eventually, retiring for the night.

Day 4:

Today was a leisurely day at sea, and we decided to treat ourselves to a relaxing breakfast in bed. We had an array delights delivered right to our cabin, and the best part was that it was all included in the cruise cost. I highly recommend this indulgence if you're in the mood for a relaxed and lazy morning.

Jayne had initially expressed her intention to visit the state-of-the-art gym every day, but, to our amusement, that plan didn't quite come off.

For our dinner that evening, we opted to explore Gunbae, a lively Korean restaurant. It turned out to be an absolute blast. We engaged in entertaining drinking games with our fellow diners, and it seemed like everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. Following the delightful dining experience, we continued the fun with more drinks and dancing, keeping the celebration going well into the early hours.

Day 5:

Today marked a full day in Palma, and it began with a delightful breakfast. I opted for a bagel, while Jayne indulged in a hearty full English breakfast. With our appetites satisfied, we set off to explore Palma, starting with a visit to the impressive Cathedral. Afterward, we meandered through the shops, with most of our browsing leaning towards window shopping, as Jayne had been quite the shopaholic back in Cannes.

As the day transitioned into evening, it was time for Scarlet Night, an event where we all dressed in striking red. Following a delectable dinner at Razzle Dazzle, we gathered at the pool along with our fellow guests to enjoy an engaging and captivating show. This lively event even prompted Jayne and me to take to the pool for a bit of dancing, though I confess we stuck to the shallow end! Following the festivities, we made our way to the ship's Casino, venturing inside for the first time.

Day 6:

We savored yet another leisurely morning, dedicating a few hours to poolside relaxation, with the added delight of indulging in fresh, homemade pizzas from The Pizza Place for lunch. In the late afternoon, the ship made port in Ibiza, presenting us with the perfect opportunity to explore the Old Town. It turned out to be the highlight of our trip, as we ambled up to the castle and relished a drink while gazing at the extravagant yachts in the harbour (indulging in a bit of daydreaming, perhaps).

One of the wonderful aspects of this stop was that the ship remained in Ibiza overnight, offering those inclined to explore the world-famous nightclubs an enticing opportunity to do just that.

Day 7: 

Our morning commenced with a splendid breakfast at Razzle Dazzle, setting the tone for a wonderful day ahead. We then revisited Ibiza Old Town for some more shopping and sightseeing. By this point, we had settled into a comfortable routine, and after our exploration, we returned to the ship for a late lunch. Our choice for the midday meal was the delectable Japanese bao buns at Bento Baby, which left us thoroughly satisfied.

As our final evening approached, we decided to revisit Extra Virgin, the Italian restaurant that had left a lasting impression on us. Once again, we savored a fantastic Italian meal, bringing our Virgin Voyages adventure to a fitting and delightful conclusion.

Final Thoughts:

Our experience aboard Virgin Voyages was truly exceptional, and we wholeheartedly recommend it. Traveling as friends added an extra layer of enjoyment, and we relished the diverse mix of travelers and groups on board. We had the pleasure of dining at most of the ship's restaurants, and each one offered a fabulous culinary experience.

The pool areas were a highlight, with an abundance of sunbeds and attentive waiter service, ensuring relaxation and comfort. And, let's not forget the delightful hammock on our balcony, which Jayne absolutely adored – it was the cherry on top of a fantastic voyage.