I love the thrill of embarking on a new adventure, especially one that promises unforgettable experiences. This was exactly what I found with Virgin Voyages’ Irresistible Med cruise.
Social media had talked up this cruise for its vibrant, party atmosphere. Some people I spoke to even said it wouldn’t be best suited to me. This was my first ever cruise so all of this made me a little apprehensive. But I discovered Virgin Voyages’ Irresistible Med offers so much more, appealing to any adult 18+ and the young at heart.
Here’s a personal look at what made this cruise such an extraordinary journey for me.
* Disclaimer: This was a press trip in collaboration with Trending Travel but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Smooth Sailing: Luggage Drop and Check-In
One of the standout aspects of our Virgin Voyages’ Irresistible Med cruise was the seamless check-in and luggage drop-off process. It all starts with the Virgin Voyages app, where you book your check-in time. We got an afternoon slot, which worked out perfectly for us.
Luggage Drop-Off Service
After landing at Barcelona airport, we took a cab straight to the port. The luggage drop-off service was fantastic. As soon as we arrived, we smoothly handed over our bags to the friendly staff, who ensured they were delivered directly to our cabin. This allowed us to be hands-free and worry-free for the rest of the day.
Exploring Barcelona
With our luggage taken care of, we had the perfect opportunity to explore Barcelona. We wandered through the streets, enjoyed a delicious lunch and soaked in the city’s incredible atmosphere. Knowing our bags were already on their way to the ship made the experience even more relaxing.
Easy Check-In
When it was time for our scheduled check-in, the process was just as easy as the luggage drop-off. We returned to the port and the Virgin Voyages team guided us through the check-in steps quickly and efficiently.
Wristband Magic
During check-in, we were given wristbands, which turned out to be incredibly handy. These wristbands acted as our room keys, payment method for purchases on board, and even provided access to various amenities. It was great not having to worry about carrying a key card or cash around the ship.
Embarkation
Embarking the ship was a breeze. The Virgin Voyages staff were organised and ensured everything moved smoothly. This set the perfect tone for the rest of our trip. Before we knew it, we were stepping aboard the stunning Scarlet Lady, ready to start our Mediterranean adventure.
The Ship: Scarlet Lady
OK, now onto the Scarlet Lady herself. This ship is a real stunner, sleek and modern with a bold red exterior that immediately sets the tone for a chic and upscale adventure. I can only describe the inside as a floating city of contemporary décor and vibrant artwork. It’s a super stylish vibe.
Every detail has been carefully thought out. The Scarlet Lady is definitely designed for maximum enjoyment. There’s always something new to explore. In fact, even by day seven, my daughter and I hadn’t seen it all. But one thing is for certain, every moment on board is fresh and exciting.
Dining: A Culinary Adventure
One of the highlights of the trip was definitely the dining. Virgin Voyages is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings and this cruise did not disappoint. There are so many options to choose from 24 hours of the day. So if you find yourself feeling peckish at 3am, then you needn’t worry! You can choose from grab and go options to à la carte restaurants.
You can book your dinner reservations weeks before you embark on your adventure but you may find options are limited for the restaurants and timings you want. That’s because Virgin doesn’t release all the time slots straight away, allowing some walk-ins. But as soon as you embark, you can book your times with someone from the reservations team. We were really impressed by this service because we were able to try all the restaurant over the seven days and at the times we wanted too.
The Test Kitchen
This spot is a must-visit for foodies. Imagine a culinary laboratory where chefs experiment with flavours and techniques to create innovative dishes. The tasting menu was a delightful journey through a spectrum of flavours. It literally was art and science rolled into one. I’m not a huge fan of certain seafoods but there were some great alternative options.
Razzle Dazzle
This restaurant offers a playful take on American classics. The food is comfortingly familiar yet with a creative twist. Top Tip: Try the lamb shank. It is so tender and full of flavour, my mouth is watering just recalling it now.
Pink Agave
For lovers of Mexican cuisine, Pink Agave is a must-visit. It’s a vibrant, lively spot where you can indulge in festive, flavourful dishes. The tacos were out of this world, bursting with flavour. I didn’t get to try the margaritas but the lady on the next table said they were just perfect! So I’ll take her word for it and judging by the quality of everything else, I’m sure she’s right.
The Wake
This sophisticated spot focuses on steak and seafood. The ambiance is elegant, with a fantastic view from the outdoor seating area. It’s perfect for a special evening out, offering a refined dining experience. This was by far my favourite restaurant of them all. The garlic butter and bread was melt-in-your-mouth and the steak was succulent and tender. Top Tip: Try the bone marrow with brioche starter. It is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten!
Extra Virgin
If you’re after an authentic Italian dining experience with a modern twist, this is the place for you. Here you can enjoy handmade pasta and fresh ingredients.
The Galley
For casual, convenient dining, The Galley has you covered. With a variety of options, it’s a great place for a quick bite or a laid-back meal. There are so many eateries here and I won’t go into detail on all of them but if you fancy Japanese food, there’s Bento Baby. There’s Burger Bar: for, well, burgers. You then have Noodle Bar for delicious Ramen and Hot Off The Press for sandwiches and paninis.
One of the best things about The Galley is the availability of breakfast 24/7. Whether you’re an early riser or craving breakfast after a late night, you can always find classic breakfast items like eggs, bacon, pancakes and more.
Sometimes there are themed nights and while we were on board there was an Asian Night Market. This was exactly what I needed. After a few days anywhere, I crave Indian food. I was able to tuck into some chicken tikka, chicken 365 and samosa chaat! I never ever imagined I’d be able to enjoy some Indian street food on the ship and that too with artists like Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla and Badshah playing throughout the restaurant.
Lick Me Till… Ice Cream
This cheeky ice cream parlour is a must-visit, offering a variety of flavours throughout the day. And the best part? The ice cream is made fresh on the ship!
Accommodations: Sea Terrace Room
I stayed in a Sea Terrace Room and it was absolutely fantastic. When you first enter, it looks small but only when I stayed in there did I realise how spacious it actually is with plenty of storage space. I was with my teenage daughter and she packs for Britain! Yet we never felt like we were under each other’s feet or struggling for space.
The room features a private balcony, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or a sunset cocktail. The design is modern and comfortable. The panoramic ocean views from the balcony were breathtaking.
Each cabin has a tablet on the desk, allowing you to control lighting, temperature, curtains and even order room service with just a few taps. The entertainment on the TV includes a wide selection of movies, TV shows and music, ensuring there’s always something to enjoy during your downtime.
Every moment we spent in our room felt special. The beds were comfy and the staff were so helpful and never a moment away if we needed anything.
Entertainment: A Thrill a Minute
Virgin Voyages really knows how to keep things lively with their entertainment options.
The Manor
This nightclub is the heart of the ship’s nightlife. With its eclectic mix of live music and DJ sets, The Manor is the perfect place to dance the night away or enjoy a cocktail in an energetic, vibrant setting.
Red Room
Virgin’s exclusive theatre, Red Room, is nothing short of spectacular. The shows are high-energy and feature a mix of acrobatics, dance routines and elaborate performances. On our first night, it was the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain. It wasn’t to be our night but it was an amazing experience to watch it in the Red Room. The staff made sure we had everything we could possibly want; drinks, popcorn and snacks.
Scarlet Night
This is one of the most exciting nights on board. The entire ship comes alive with themed parties and entertainment that make Scarlet Night a unique and unforgettable experience. From dazzling costumes to high-energy performances, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss. Top Tip: Keep your eyes open because you never know when there’s about to be an improv act or a dance performance.
Live Entertainment
There’s always something happening, whether it’s a live band or a show. You’ll never run out of things to do and you can see what’s on via the app or on big screens throughout the ship.
Health and Wellbeing: Staying Fit and Relaxed
Virgin Voyages has taken wellness to the next level on Scarlet Lady. The ship offers a range of activities and facilities to help you stay active and relaxed.
Classes
Regular classes in meditation and various workout sessions are available, so you can keep up with your fitness routine while at sea.
The Runway
This is a dedicated track on the highest deck of the ship. I used it daily and it was so surreal; running while in the middle of the ocean.
First-Class Gym
The gym is state-of-the-art, with all the latest equipment and plenty of space to work out. It’s perfect for those who want to maintain their fitness regime while enjoying their cruise.
Morning Yoga
For a more serene start to your day, sunrise yoga sessions are available. It’s a peaceful way to stretch and meditate while taking in the beautiful morning light.
The Redemption Spa
The spa has a variety of treatments to help you relax and rejuvenate. Whether you want a massage or a facial, it’s a peaceful place to pamper yourself and unwind. You can get a day pass to enjoy the facilities for three hours. Top Tip: Do this when you’re at port. It’s cheaper than while you’re on a day at sea.
Clean Eating
If you’re into healthy eating, you’ll find plenty of options for clean, nutritious meals throughout the ship. The salad bar in The Galley was my favourite. You can choose from a selection of salad bowls or build you own. All the ingredients are fresh and they’re made to order.
Ports of Call: Scenic Stops
OK, so now onto the actual itinerary of Virgin Voyages’ Irresistible Med cruise. You board the Scarlet Lady in Barcelona. If you fly in early, or even the day before, you have plenty of time to explore the city before you start your journey.
Toulon
This French port is charming and laid-back. We spent our time at the beach but there are plenty of things to do. You can have a leisurely lunch by the water or hop on the little tourist train to explore the the port.
For those of you who want a bit more of an adventure, you can hike up Mount Farron. It offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscape.
Marina di Carrara
Known for its marble, Marina di Carrara offers stunning landscapes and a taste of Tuscany. You can take a short excursion to explore the nearby hills and savour some local wine or book a transfer into Pisa.
My daughter and I chose to head into Pisa, as we’d never seen the leaning tower before. We enjoyed our morning wandering the streets and walked down to the river too before enjoying a slice of pizza and gelato.
CivitavecchiaThis is the gateway to Rome. The ship docks till late so you have plenty of time to explore landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. We decided to stay in Civitavecchia.
I’ve visited Rome before so we chose to explore the charming streets of the port town instead. We tucked into a tasty pizza and pasta lunch and then grabbed a delicious gelato.
Ibiza
I’d not ever been to Ibiza before (can you believe it?!), so I was exciting about the ship docking here overnight and then for the whole next day. Of course, there is plenty to do, whether you want to dive into the island’s famous nightlife, chill on stunning beaches or explore the charming old town.
We did a bit of both. We spent the first evening at a cute cocktail bar in the old town and the following day headed to Talamanca beach for a relaxing afternoon.
Other Things You Need To Know
Here are some other tips for the Virgin Voyages Irresistible Med cruise that you may fine useful.
- Virgin Voyages has gone cashless, making it easier than ever to enjoy your cruise without the hassle of handling physical money.
- You can not bring an iron or steamer onto a Virgin Voyages ship for safety reasons but if you ask your cabin staff, you’ll be able to get one sent to your room. This is something I always search for online before any trip. It was good to know I didn’t have to walk around with creased clothes!
- Virgin Voyages makes your cruise more fun by calling every guest a sailor, giving the trip a real sea adventure vibe.
Overall Impressions
My time on the Virgin Voyages Irresistible Med cruise was absolutely fantastic. Some had described it as appealing to a party crowd and while it definitely has a lively vibe, it’s perfect for any adult 18+ and the young at heart.
Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy gourmet dining or simply relax in stunning destinations, this cruise has something for everyone.
The blend of vibrant entertainment, top-notch dining and gorgeous ports made for an unforgettable experience. If you’re considering a Mediterranean getaway, Virgin Voyages’ Irresistible Med should definitely be at the top of your list!
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