Virgin Voyages Starry nights in Greece & Croatia

Recently, I embarked on Virgin Voyages’ 10-night “Starry Nights” cruise—a journey that wove through Santorini’s blue-domed beauty, Bodrum’s vibrant shores, an overnight in sun-drenched Mykonos, and the spellbinding Adriatic ports of Dubrovnik, Kotor, and Corfu.

I have to say the itinerary was as close to perfect as it could be for Greece & the Adriatic 

This wasn't my first Virgin Voyage, and from the moment we boarded, the wow-factor was undeniable. Sleek, contemporary design set the tone, with cool spaces everywhere: rooftop lounges with twinkling fairy lights, chic cabanas, whirlpools with sea views, and hidden nooks perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails. Every day, we’d discover a new corner or a quirky feature that made the ship feel both luxurious and refreshingly playful.

Dining was as always with Virgin a  revelation. Unlike most cruises, every restaurant onboard was included in the fare—no signing slips or surprise bills. The hardest part was choosing where to eat next! We feasted on creative, beautifully plated dishes: Asian fusion, Italian trattorias, decadent steakhouses, and even a vegan-forward spot that would convert any sceptic. From breakfast to midnight snacks, quality and variety were always front and centre.

Here are three of my favourites

Extra Virgin
Step into a chic, contemporary trattoria serving elevated Italian comfort food. At Extra Virgin, it’s all about handmade pastas, regional antipasti, and a warm, bustling atmosphere. Don’t miss their truffle arancini or the melt-in-the-mouth beef cheek ragu. The onboard sommelier offers perfect wine pairings from a curated Italian list—ideal for unrushed, laughter-filled dinners that feel just like Italy.

Gunbae
Dining becomes an event at Gunbae, Virgin’s lively Korean BBQ. Gather round the grill with your friends or make new ones as you sizzle marinated meats right at your table. Complete with traditional drinking games and soju cocktails, this spot delivers fabulous flavours and fun—a must for interactive dining and a truly social evening!

The Wake
The Wake is the ship’s glamorous steak and seafood restaurant. With dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows framing the ship’s foamy trail, the setting is as impressive as the cuisine. Start with oysters and caviar, then indulge in prime cuts or lobster paired with decadent sides. This is the place for that “celebration night” experience, combining old-school luxury with modern flair.

Days at sea were pure joy. Virgin Voyages has truly mastered the art of relaxation. We never once struggled to find a sunbed—no early morning towel reservations, no stress, just ample loungers and attentive poolside service. Whether we wanted to bask in the adults-only vibe at The Dock, retreat to a shady corner with a good book, or join in a group fitness class overlooking the waves, everything felt effortlessly relaxed. Not forgetting of course the famous balcony hammocks - without doubt the most comfortable way to sunbathe on any balcony !

Entertainment was as diverse as it was dynamic. By night, the ship came alive with pop-up performances, boundary-pushing shows, and themed parties under the stars. One evening might involve a wild cabaret, another a silent disco or live band in a hidden bar. There was something for every energy level, from lively dance floors to intimate jazz sessions.

The itinerary felt perfectly balanced. Santorini’s sunset still leaves me breathless, while our overnight in Mykonos gave us time to see the island from day to night time,  and then recover with a lazy morning on a whitewashed terrace. Bodrum boasted spice-scented markets and harbour views, while the fairytale coastlines of Dubrovnik and Kotor offered old-world charm at every turn. Corfu provided the perfect blend of beaches and history to round off the adventure.

Santorini: Where Sunsets and History Collide
Our first stop was the postcard-perfect island of Santorini. Arriving to see those iconic whitewashed houses perched above sapphire seas truly took my breath away. I wandered through the enchanting lanes of Fira, pausing for photo opportunities and local boutiques, before heading off by local bus to the a cliffside winery Santo wines. We had a lovely little adventure.  For clients seeking a beach, the black-sand beaches at Perissa or exploring the prehistoric ruins at Akrotiri are musts. And as the sky turned golden, there was no place more magical to savour a Santorini sunset.

Bodrum: A Turkish Coastal Gem
Bodrum oscillates between glamour and authenticity. Its medieval castle and harbour set the scene, but I loved losing myself in the old bazaar, picking up handmade ceramics along with 'designer' goods.you could also take a gulet cruise out into the bay, while history buffs might visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Stylish waterfront cafes beckon for a strong Turkish coffee and unbeatable views.

Overnight in Mykonos: The Island That Never Sleeps
With an overnight in Mykonos, we had time to embrace both its sun-drenched days and electric nights. By daylight, I explored the maze of whitewashed streets in Chora, shopped chic boutiques, and took in views from the famous windmills. Beach lovers can head to Psarou or Elia Beach for glamour and relaxation. After dark, the island transforms: from sunset cocktails in Little Venice to legendary beach parties, Mykonos buzzes until sunrise.

Dubrovnik: Walled City Wonder
Arriving in Dubrovnik felt like stepping onto a movie set. Walking the city walls brought panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and sparkling Adriatic beyond. I explored the marble-paved Old Town, sampled Dalmatian seafood, and visited some  famous Game of Thrones filming sites. In the afternoon we headed down to the harbour and picked up a speed boat transfer for around 20 euros each across to the gorgeous little town of Cavtat - after a couple of hours wandering around its fantastic harbour and peninsular we headed back to Dubrovnik.

Kotor: Montenegro’s Medieval Marvel
Nested at the end of a stunning fjord-like bay, Kotor is Europe’s hidden gem. This was one of the best 'sail in's'  I have done in a long time - get up early - get on your balcony and keep your camera ready.  Its UNESCO-protected old town is a warren of medieval alleys, adorable squares, and Orthodox churches. Adventurous spirits can climb the ancient fortress above the city for jaw-dropping views, while foodies can linger over local pastries in sunlit piazzas. The atmosphere is peaceful and utterly charming.

Corfu: Green Isle Paradise
Our final destination, Corfu, welcomed us with olive grove-draped hills and a cosmopolitan Old Town. I meandered past grand Venetian mansions, browsed artisan shops, and enjoyed a lazy lunch in a leafy square. So many beaches beckon—choose from lively Glyfada or tranquil Paleokastritsa, or embark on a culinary tour to sample classic Greek cuisine and ouzo.

Virgin Voyages has reimagined what a Mediterranean cruise can be: chic, inclusive, adults-only, effortlessly fun, and packed with personality. If your clients are seeking a holiday that combines luxury with laid-back vibes and endless options, this “Starry Nights” itinerary shines bright.

Ready to experience a whole new way to cruise? Get in touch today—let’s make your dream voyage a reality.

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