Virgin Voyages' French Daze & Ibiza Nights

The food options on Virgin’s Scarlet Lady:

• Gunbae: The food at this restaurant was fresh, delicious and plentiful. The restaurant is also entertaining. Before eating with your group, the waiter plays a fun Soju drinking game with everyone at the table. We made friends that night that we hung out with the remainder of the cruise.

• The Dock: This eatery sits at the back of the ship and offers small Mediterranean bites and drinks of your choice while lounging on comfortable daybeds while you watch the sunset upon the trailing ocean. The hanger-steak skewers on little pockets of pita are a must try! It is my secret place to go after getting back on board from being at port. It’s quiet and relaxing.

• The Galley: Anything your heart desires is at The Galley: bento boxes with sushi, ramen, bagels, a hearty breakfast of eggs and bacon, Intelligentsia coffee, Salmon and lox, salads, fruit, overnight oats and my favorite, desserts of all kinds.

• The Pizza Place: All types of pizza until 2 am!

• The Wake: The best place on the ship to go for brunch. They have the softest bread served in a small cast iron pan. Don’t miss that or a great cut of meat.

• Pink Agave: High-quality, Mexico City-style, elevated Mexican food with a great selection of cocktails and, of course, tequila. Like most of the restaurants on the ship, the ambiance is modern and entertaining. Don’t miss out on the guacamole.

• The Test Kitchen: The Test Kitchen is a high-end, experimental, multi-dish restaurant with pre-set menus. Now, my husband would say I’m a picky eater, but it is more texture and presentation, so this tested me. But wow what an experience. I did not leave full because everything is so little but a very neat experience and I did try everything presented to me.

• Extra Virgin: The Italian eatery on the ship. Make sure to wear elastic pants or a flowing dress because you will leave stuffed! Homemade pasta, charcuterie boards, bread and oil and, not to be missed, the gelato cart.

Entertainment

There is something for everyone. Games, karaoke, the amazing acrobatic show "Duel Reality," comedians and more! Check your app daily to see what’s happening around the ship.

Do not miss Scarlet Night! It is the best people-watching and late night party. This party, where everyone wears something red, was even better than the pajama party. The DJ played music everyone could dance to, the entertainers put on a great show around the pool and what seemed like every sailor was dancing and enjoying themselves (many ending up inside the pool).

Itinerary

We have cruised Europe in the past, but this was five new ports for us. We did a Segway tour in Palma De Mallorca, e-bikes in Marseille and a bus tour in Cannes all the way to the famous Monte Carlo casino. This was a bucket list for my husband so we dressed accordingly and went inside and had a drink. It is gorgeous! Watching the cars outside was a thrill as well.

Ibiza is an overnight port on Virgin Voyages. We arrived at 5 pm and got off the ship and explored the town and nightlife it offered. They provide a shuttle from the port to the edge of town every 20 minutes. The next day, we went to the Nassau Beach Club and rented a daybed for $100 and spent the day relaxing, listening to music and people-watching. The beach club is top-notch and you can make reservations ahead of time. We did not and the first row was all reserved when we arrived. By 1:00, people were being turned away as they were sold out. So plan accordingly. We got a taxi both ways from the shuttle drop off and it was roughly $20 Euros each way.

Don't miss this itinerary! Book for late May, when the weather is perfect and not overly busy like peak season.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on cruise travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Melanie Panchal’s guide, Couples Trip to Ibiza.