Sailing the French Riviera & Ibiza with Virgin Voyages

First impressions: adults‑only, stylish and spacious. From the moment I stepped on board, you could feel the difference of an adults‑only ship. There is a relaxed, playful atmosphere without ever feeling rowdy, and plenty of space to spread out. The décor is modern and quirky, with lots of Instagram‑worthy corners, but it still feels comfortable and welcoming. 

Cabins are cleverly designed: spacious enough to move around easily, with really thoughtful storage and lighting. My favourite feature by far was the balcony hammock. I spent so many moments swaying there with a drink in hand, watching the coastline slide by or just listening to the sea. It quickly became my happy place on board. 

Drinks packages felt reasonable too, especially given the quality of the cocktails and wines on offer. You never have that sense of being “nickel and dimed”; it feels fair, clear and grown‑up, which fits perfectly with the rest of the experience. 

Dining highlights: The Wake & beyond. One of the absolute standouts for me was the food. Instead of one big main dining room and buffet, Virgin offers a collection of smaller restaurants, each with its own style and personality. 

My favourite venue was The Wake. Tucked at the back of the ship with views over the ship’s trail, it feels like a chic New York steak and seafood restaurant with a Riviera twist. Think beautifully cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and that slightly glamorous, candle‑lit atmosphere that makes every dinner feel like a special occasion. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from our table while the ship glided away from port was pure magic. 

Beyond The Wake, there were so many options: casual bites when you just want something quick, more refined venues when you’re in the mood to dress up a little, and plenty of choice for different tastes and dietary needs. I never once felt bored or short of ideas for where to eat next. 

Entertainment: trivia, quizzes and big‑scale shows. I sometimes find cruise entertainment a bit hit and miss, but I was genuinely impressed on this sailing. The big evening shows were creative and high‑energy, with talented performers and a contemporary feel that suits the brand. What I really fell in love with though were the smaller touches: Trivia and music quizzes that were huge fun and surprisingly competitive. Pop‑up performances and live music in different venues around the ship.  A general sense that there was always something happening somewhere if you wanted it.

You can dip in and out as you please. Some nights I wanted the full show experience; other evenings, a quiz, some live music and a quiet drink were exactly enough. 

Pool days, hot tubs and doing absolutely nothing. The outdoor spaces are perfect if your idea of heaven is a day by the pool. There is a large main pool with really comfortable beds and loungers, so you are not perching on a plastic sunbed all day. Around the ship, hot tubs are dotted in different corners, so you can always find a spot that suits your mood, whether you want to be sociable or more tucked away. 

I loved that you could make your days as busy or as slow as you liked: Join in activities, classes and entertainment.  Or simply claim a bed by the pool, drift in and out of the water, and let the hours disappear.

And when I’d had my fill of sun, I would wander back to my balcony hammock with a book or just my thoughts. That gentle sway, sea breeze and view across the water is honestly one of my favourite “nothing and everything” memories of the trip. 

French Riviera charm & overnight in Ibiza. The itinerary itself is a huge part of why this voyage felt so special. The French Riviera ports are effortlessly elegant: think pretty harbours, stylish cafés, and the chance to wander cobbled streets or sit with a drink in hand and simply people‑watch. The shore excursions were excellent, offering a mix of culture, scenery and relaxed exploring, with everything well organised and easy from start to finish. 

Then there was the overnight in Ibiza. Seeing the ship lit up against the island at night is something I will never forget. You have time to enjoy the best of Ibiza’s energy and nightlife, knowing that your “hotel” is waiting just a short walk or shuttle away. Whether you opt for sunset drinks, a more low‑key evening in the old town, or something livelier, it feels like a real highlight of the itinerary. 

Shore excursions & itineraries. Across the itinerary, I was impressed by how well thought‑out the shore excursions were. There were options for: Active explorers who want to see and do as much as possible.  Food and wine lovers keen on tastings and local experiences.  Guests who prefer a more relaxed pace but still want to feel they have really “seen” each destination.

Everything felt smoothly run, with good guides and plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. 

Little touches that make it memorable - Virgin Voyages are very good at the small details that stick in your mind. One of my favourites is the “shake for Champagne” feature: simply shake your phone and, as if by magic, a bottle of Moët appears for those special moments. It is fun, a bit cheeky and very on‑brand, and it makes celebrations on board feel that little bit more glamorous. 

Combined with the spacious, tech‑smart cabins, the flexibility of dining, the reasonable drinks packages and the adults‑only vibe, it all adds up to an experience that feels fresh, modern and just a bit indulgent. 

Final thoughts. If you like the idea of: 

Grown‑up, adults‑only cruising 

Excellent food, with standout venues like The Wake 

High‑quality entertainment, trivia and music quizzes 

Stylish outdoor spaces with a big pool, comfy beds and plenty of hot tubs 

Time to simply relax in a balcony hammock and watch the world go by 

Well‑planned itineraries including the glamour of the French Riviera and an overnight in Ibiza

…then a Virgin Voyages sailing like this could be exactly your kind of escape. 

I am always happy to share more photos, tips and honest insight from my own voyage, and to help you choose the right cabin, itinerary and extras to suit how you like to travel. If this has sparked something for you, get in touch and let us start planning your own Virgin Voyages adventure.