Thanks to Malika Bowling for this story and assessment of the Virgin Voyages Resilient Girl
Pictures credit score Malika Bowling
Within the demand for cruising, it appeared that there was an unserved phase.
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, however it was solely about 5 minutes from the time we walked to the tent to getting on board, which was a pleasant shock.
Stateroom: Not like many cruise ships, the vast majority of cabins on Virgin Voyages include a balcony. Distinctive to Virgin Voyages is the signature pink hammocks that you’ll use greater than you assume. The room felt spacious as soon as we tucked our baggage below 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 massive 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 all the pieces 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 liked is that entitled cruisers can’t hoard loungers by inserting towels on them. They’ll be eliminated by workers after 40 minutes.
The highest encompasses a basketball court docket, swings, see-saws and different lounging areas for those who desire enjoyable over social gathering 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 are usually not enormous (which is definitely a bonus for seeing the performers) most of the exhibits repeat a minimum of as soon as throughout the cruise, so for those who don’t get to see them the primary go spherical, you’ve the chance to catch it the following go spherical.
Lola’s Library was a combo of cabaret, acrobatic feats, and theatre. Do make certain 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 the most effective view.
Meals:
The ship has a handful of effective eating eating places that function virtually as stand-alone eating places with their very own devoted supervisor and workers. It’s best to have reservations however for those who present up, it’s fairly simple 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 general, an honest meal.
Gunbae – This Korean Barbecue spot is designed to be an expertise, not only a meal. Notice that you will want to dine with others (we had six others at our desk). Whereas it is a enjoyable expertise for some, when you’ve got common entry to Korean barbecue the place you reside, chances are you’ll wish to spend your evening eating elsewhere. The workers has a ingesting recreation 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 wanted we had gone there one other evening as an alternative of Gunbae or Razzle Dazzle.
Razzle Dazzle – One in all two eating places open for brunch, Razzle Dazzle is considerably of a wholesome eating choice, 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 aspect. If I needed to do it once more, I’d do that for brunch however skip dinner.
Check Kitchen – For the extra adventurous eaters, take a look at Check Kitchen which appears to be like like considerably of a meals lab. Go for a seat with a view of the meal prep. The steak and elk have been so mushy you possibly can lower them with a butter knife. Cocktails have been fascinating too. The dessert was a mandarin ice cream served inside an orange. This can be a THE spot for artistic dishes with an suave presentation. It might not be the only option in case you are not an adventurous eater.
The Wake – By far, the most effective eating expertise on the ship. We ate right here 3 times throughout our weeklong cruise. Although I used to be dissatisfied, even with Rock Star standing we couldn’t get a desk by the port window, it was nonetheless an exquisite expertise. The decor is rather 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 choice 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 right late-night snack.
Lick me Til – This ice cream spot encompasses a multitude of ice cream flavors they usually 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 recreation (sure, they actually have that on the ship), train lessons 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 enchanting time simply taking in all of the picturesque spots.
Spit – Although we bought a metropolis tour, that is one other port the place you possibly can merely stroll round. Except you’re a enormous historical past buff and wish to know plenty of detailed information, save your cash for Kotor excursions.
Kotor – This metropolis in Montenegro is the place you wish to take part in shore excursions. There’s a beautiful blue bay the place you possibly can 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 checklist, that is it. Corfu can be the place to do your purchasing for presents for family and friends. There are many retailers for souvenirs. We received some cute child’s outfits, jewellery and taking part in playing cards.
General, Virgin Voyages cruises are perfect for foodies searching 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
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