Sailing on Scarlet Lady: A 5-Night Adventure from Lisbon
The Scarlet Lady Experience
Our Sea Terrace cabin was spacious and stylish, with clever design touches that made it feel more like a boutique hotel than a ship cabin. The highlight was the signature red hammock on the balcony, the perfect spot to read, nap, or simply watch the waves go by...that is once you've worked out how to get in it properly, it did take me a while!
Another big plus was the flexibility with the Bar Tab. Instead of being locked into a drinks package, we could choose the amount we wanted to purchase and was able to spend it on cocktails, wine, specialty coffees, or even fresh-pressed juices. As we were celebrating a friends birthday we treated ourselves on our last day and spent the afternoon in the champagne bar, which was amazing!
A Culinary Playground
One of the things Virgin Voyages does best is dining. Forget the endless buffets or one-size-fits-all dining rooms; instead, there’s a collection of specialty restaurants that are all included in the fare. Some of my favorites were:
Extra Virgin (Italian) – Handmade pasta, rich sauces, and a warm, modern setting made this a standout meal.
Gunbae (Korean BBQ) – A lively, interactive dining experience with grilling right at the table. It was as fun as it was delicious.
Pink Agave (Mexican) – Bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and the best chocolate tacos!
Lucky Lotus (Chinese) – A mix of traditional and contemporary dishes with some fabulous signature cocktails.
Every meal felt special, and the variety meant we never got bored of the food—a big change from the typical cruise setup.
Ports of Call
Porto – Famous for its wine and charming riverside scenery, Porto was a highlight. We explored the narrow streets and rode the Gaia Cable Car, located on the banks of the Douro River, experiencing fantastic views of the Ribeira and the Porto wine cellars roofs.
La Coruña – This Spanish port offered a mix of history, culture, and coastline. Walking along the seafront and exploring the old town gave us a taste of Galicia’s charm.
Days at Sea
The two sea days gave us time to truly enjoy the ship. With no kids onboard, the vibe was relaxed and adult-focused—whether that meant poolside lounging, catching live entertainment, or simply swaying in that hammock with a drink in hand. We hired a private cabana on one of the sea days which was a lovely treat.
A New Way of Cruising
What struck me most about this trip was how different Virgin Voyages feels compared to traditional cruises. The atmosphere is more boutique, the dining more elevated, and the overall experience more flexible and modern. There’s no rigid structure, no formal nights, and plenty of freedom to create your own perfect cruise.
By the end of the five nights, I felt like I’d not only discovered new cities but also a new way of traveling by sea. Scarlet Lady delivered on style, food, and fun—and left me already planning when I can sail again.
