Virgin Voyage of Discovery

Virgin Voyages is the new kid on the block when it comes to cruising. They promise to shake things up with a different take on cruising. I was lucky enough to be invited onboard Valliant Lady in July and given the opportunity to discover the differences. Boarding the ship, there was a warm welcome from the crew. My bags had already been delivered to my modern balcony cabin with a hammock.

This is an adults-only, informal cruise with a party atmosphere catering to the young and young at heart. The emphasis is on letting your hair down and relaxing. We set sail with a party on the pool deck with DJs and the entertainment crew, ensuring everyone was dancing and having a great time.

One of the standout features of the Valiant Lady is its food offering. With an astounding 20 dining options, we were taken on a gastronomic journey around the world. There is something for everyone, from Mediterranean cuisine at The Dock to the flavours of Korean BBQ at Gunbae and the six-course tasting menu at the Test Kitchen. There is no cover charge for any of the restaurants. Entertainment is a departure from what I have experienced cruising before. The Red Room hosted various performances by dancers, acrobats, and comedians. Along with pop-up entertainment throughout the ship, from magicians to drag queens, it’s quite an immersive experience. The private karaoke rooms are also great fun.

There are two well-equipped gyms for those who wish to stay active, and all group fitness classes are included. If you want to try yoga or discover what bungee jumping is all about, you can try it onboard.

I did the French Daze and Ibiza nights itinerary. What I liked was the time spent in port. We had a full day and night on this cruise in Palma and Ibiza. Allowing you to go ashore and have a full day and an evening out. Virgin Voyages has worked on all their itineraries to give you more time in port. For example, in Greece, you have a full day and night in Santorini.

The emphasis on casual luxury and a laid-back atmosphere creates a cruise experience unlike any other. It lived up to its promise of adventure, culinary delights and a fresh perspective on what a cruise can be. I look forward to being back on board in the future.