Thanks to Malika Bowling for this story and assessment of the Virgin Voyages Resilient Girl
Images credit score Malika Bowling
Within the demand for cruising, it appeared that there was an unserved section.
Enter: Virgin Voyages – the adults-only cruise line for foodies, health fanatics and enjoyable for grown-ups.
Virgin has addressed most of the objections some have had about cruising and stuck the problems.
Eschewing the overrated Caribbean, I booked Virgin’s 7-day Adriatic Gems cruise, visiting Croatia and Montenegro earlier than returning to the Greek island of Corfu. On embarkation day, I anticipated an extended wait, nevertheless it was solely about 5 minutes from the time we walked to the tent to getting on board, which was a pleasant shock.
Stateroom: In contrast to many cruise ships, nearly all of cabins on Virgin Voyages include a balcony. Distinctive to Virgin Voyages is the signature purple hammocks that you’ll use greater than you assume. The room felt spacious as soon as we tucked our baggage beneath the mattress. Plus the counter that spanned about half the room was good for setting issues like laptops, books and different smaller objects like jewellery. You’ll get two giant containers of water every day in your room. One of many coolest issues was the digital buttons for Don’t Disturb or Service Requested.
Ship: Virgin launched its first ship in 2021, so every thing is comparatively new. Elevators have been spaced out sufficient and plentiful sufficient that wherever I used to be on the ship I by no means needed to wait lengthy. The pool is sort of small, so don’t assume you’re going to be doing any laps in there, it’s extra for lounging. One factor that I cherished is that entitled cruisers can’t hoard loungers by inserting towels on them. They’ll be eliminated by workers after 40 minutes.
The highest incorporates a basketball court docket, swings, see-saws and different lounging areas when you choose stress-free over celebration vibes.
Exhibits: There have been a number of magic exhibits on board, one a humorous duo that stored the viewers laughing and one other solo performer who makes use of deduction to impress the viewers with humorous guesses and quips. For the reason that venues will not be enormous (which is definitely a bonus for seeing the performers) most of the exhibits repeat at the very least as soon as throughout the cruise, so when you don’t get to see them the primary go spherical, you will have the chance to catch it the subsequent go spherical.
Lola’s Library was a combo of cabaret, acrobatic feats, and theatre. Do be sure to get there about 10 minutes earlier than showtime to get a superb seat as all seating is first- come first serve. Professional Tip: head upstairs for one of the best view.
Meals:
The ship has a handful of effective eating eating places that function nearly as stand-alone eating places with their very own devoted supervisor and workers. It’s best to have reservations however when you present up, it’s fairly straightforward to get seated.
Additional Virgin – The Italian restaurant options steaks and pastas. Whereas it was good, it didn’t knock our socks off. The meat carpaccio was a terrific begin. Our server was a bit absent however total, a good meal.
Gunbae – This Korean Barbecue spot is designed to be an expertise, not only a meal. Word that you will want to dine with others (we had six others at our desk). Whereas it is a enjoyable expertise for some, in case you have common entry to Korean barbecue the place you reside, you could need to spend your evening eating elsewhere. The workers has a ingesting sport of kinds arrange and if you lose you need to do a shot of sake.
Pink Agave – The elevated Mexican delicacies right here was spectacular. Begin with the shrimp and chips and guac. The smoked pork and duck coated in mole sauce left us wanting extra. I needed we had gone there one other evening as an alternative of Gunbae or Razzle Dazzle.
Razzle Dazzle – One among two eating places open for brunch, Razzle Dazzle is considerably of a wholesome eating possibility, particularly at brunch. At dinner, they provide extra consolation meals choices like fried rooster. Although I did have a snapper entree that was on the wholesome facet. If I needed to do it once more, I’d do that for brunch however skip dinner.
Check Kitchen – For the extra adventurous eaters, try Check Kitchen which seems like considerably of a meals lab. Go for a seat with a view of the meal prep. The steak and elk have been so delicate you would minimize them with a butter knife. Cocktails have been attention-grabbing too. The dessert was a mandarin ice cream served inside an orange. It is a THE spot for inventive dishes with an clever presentation. It will not be your best option if you’re not an adventurous eater.
The Wake – By far, one of the best eating expertise on the ship. We ate right here 3 times throughout our weeklong cruise. Although I used to be disillusioned, even with Rock Star standing we couldn’t get a desk by the port window, it was nonetheless an exquisite expertise. The decor is way more high-end than Additional Virgin and the meals is spectacular from lamb and steak to fish. There’s even an ice show of all of the shellfish. We even opted for the pay possibility of meaty oysters to kick off each dinners. Brunch was equally spectacular with clam chowder and poached shrimp too.
The Galley – Virgin Voyage’s reply to a buffet, these stations function Asian, Mexican, breakfast all day, paninis and extra.
Pizza Place – There are a number of pizza choices on the menu right here and you will get pizza till 2 am. The smallish (4 slices per pie) are the proper late-night snack.
Lick me Til – This ice cream spot incorporates a multitude of ice cream flavors and so they change them out every day.
Ports:
There are two sea days and there have been loads of actions to maintain busy throughout these days. You may immerse your self in exhibits, occasions like a Mezcal bingo sport (sure, they actually have that on the ship), train courses and extra.
Dubrovnik – Our first Croatian metropolis, we wished we had skipped breakfast and dined at one of many cute cafes round city. However strolling alongside the cobblestone streets and taking within the sights, we had an interesting time simply taking in all of the picturesque spots.
Spit – Although we bought a metropolis tour, that is one other port the place you would merely stroll round. Except you’re a enormous historical past buff and need to know numerous detailed details, save your cash for Kotor excursions.
Kotor – This metropolis in Montenegro is the place you need to take part in shore excursions. There’s a attractive blue bay the place you may swim and excursions will take you to see this distinctive coloured water. Plus, one other tour took us to style mussels freshly caught and cooked in entrance of us.
Corfu – If checking off a Greek island is in your bucket record, that is it. Corfu can also be the place to do your purchasing for items for family and friends. There are many outlets for souvenirs. We acquired some cute child’s outfits, jewellery and enjoying playing cards.
Total, Virgin Voyages cruises are perfect for foodies on the lookout for a refined expertise. Whereas Virgin could give off scantily clad 20-something vibes, the truth is an age vary of 30s to 50s within the majority of this cruise. I can’t wait to sail with them once more!
See cruises right here
Virgin Voyages Cruises
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Resilient Girl
Scarlet Girl
Valiant Girl
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