Not Your Mother’s Cruise - How Virgin Voyages Has Transformed Cruising

Before you sail: Pre-cruise adventures in Barcelona:

For our seven-night cruise, departing from Barcelona, we arrived two days early to explore this beautiful Spanish gem, as did many of our fellow cruisers. By arriving early, we had plenty of time to visit Barcelona’s iconic sights like Sagrada Familia, Mercat de la Boqueria, Barceloneta Beach, Plaça Reial and Catedral de Barcelona. We even uncovered a hidden speakeasy disguised as a barber shop called Bobby’s Free).

We stayed at the H10 Cubik, located in the heart of Barcelona, just a short walk from major attractions like Plaça de Catalunya, Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. This central location made it easy to explore the city before our cruise. It was a short 30-minute taxi ride to the cruise terminal. I recommend pre-arranging your taxi with the hotel, as taxis can be hard to find in the afternoon before a cruise sails.

Port calls on the irresistible Med + Rome:

Toulon, France: Toulon is a charming port city on the French Riviera, known for its stunning harbor and vibrant maritime culture. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, explore markets and admire the historic architecture. For breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, take the cable car to the top of Mount Faron. The National Maritime Museum offers a fascinating look at Toulon's naval history. Beyond Toulon, you can take excursions to glamorous Saint Tropez, picturesque Bormes-les-Mimosas and local vineyards for wine tastings. Enjoy the quintessential French Riviera experience with its beautiful landscapes, delightful cuisine and charming villages.

Marina di Carrara, Italy: Marina di Carrara is a coastal town in Tuscany, famous for its pristine beaches and the world-renowned Carrara marble quarries. You can take a guided tour of the quarries to see where Michelangelo's marble was sourced and learn about the intricate extraction process. Relax on the sandy beaches and enjoy the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visit the charming Piazza Alberica in nearby Carrara, featuring cafes, shops and historic buildings. From Marina di Carrara, you can also embark on excursions to iconic destinations like Pisa with its Leaning Tower, the artistic treasures of Florence, the picturesque village of Portofino and the stunning coastal region of Cinque Terre.

Port of Civitavecchia, Italy: Civitavecchia serves as the gateway to Rome, offering easy access to the Eternal City’s many treasures. From the port, embark on a day trip to explore Rome’s iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica. Marvel at the stunning art in the Sistine Chapel and stroll through the ancient Roman Forum. In Civitavecchia itself, enjoy a walk along the waterfront promenade, savor fresh seafood at local restaurants and visit the historic Forte Michelangelo. For a relaxing experience, consider a visit to the nearby Thermal Baths of Ficoncella, just outside the city.

Ibiza, Spain: Ibiza is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches and rich history. Explore the Old Town (Dalt Vila), a UNESCO World Heritage site with its ancient walls, narrow streets and panoramic views of the island. Enjoy a day at the beautiful beaches, such as the lively Playa d’en Bossa or the tranquil coves of Cala Comte. For a taste of Ibiza’s famed nightlife, visit world-famous clubs where top DJs spin into the early hours. Don’t miss a visit to Formentera Beach, a short ferry ride away, known for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters.

About the ship:

Our ship, The Scarlet Lady, was designed to evoke a yacht-like vibe. Instead of splashy staircases with huge chandeliers, the ship features many cozy nooks and crannies to explore. Most of the action happens on decks six and seven, where you’ll find most of the restaurants (all included with no up-charges for specialty dining), the nightclub (The Manor, which greets you with Instagram-worthy gold lights), the theater (Red Room), the Social Club (complete with a video arcade, hot dog stand and old-school board games), the casino (smaller and less lively than others) and The Dock, a tapas-style restaurant where you can lounge under the sun at the aft of the ship.

Virgin Voyages doesn’t do buffets. If you’re hungry but don’t want to sit down at a restaurant, there’s The Pizza Place on deck seven and the Galley on deck 15, which is similar to a food court with a wide variety of meal options. There’s even a 24-hour breakfast diner — perfect if you’ve been dancing the night away at Scarlet Night!

There are two pools on deck 15, although both are small. We actually didn’t mind this as it meant there were more options to sit and lounge by the pool. Since it’s adults-only, most people just enjoyed hanging in the pool to cool off with a nice cocktail or two.

Speaking of cocktails, there are numerous bars and cocktail lounges throughout the ship. When we sailed, there was even a scavenger hunt to encourage guests to try the specialty cocktails at each bar!

But when you want to get a bit of peace and quiet, your cabin is your oasis! Most terrace cabins and Rock Star cabins feature Virgin's iconic red, woven hammocks. These hammocks provide a luxurious and relaxing way to unwind. They are perfect for lounging with a book, enjoying a cocktail or simply taking in the stunning views of the sea and ports of call. After walking 20,000 steps through Rome, I knew my hammock was definitely calling my name!

Essentials to pack for the cruise:

Don’t forget to bring something red to wear for the ship's iconic Scarlet Night Party! You definitely don’t want to miss out on that. There are often other themed events onboard, such as a PJ party or an 80s VHS workout, so be sure to check the event line-up before you go to have everything you need to play along in style.

On a Mediterranean cruise in the summer, you can count on two things: it will be hot, and you will walk a lot. I ditched the heels in favor of comfortable flats with flexible soles to help me glide over all those cobblestone streets. In addition to hats and sunscreen, we also carried small portable battery-operated fans. You will also want to have some Euros handy if you plan to shop or dine in port. While many places take credit cards, not every place does — especially when exploring smaller towns or haggling with street vendors. We pre-ordered our Euros through our local bank to save on exchange fees.

Pickpocketing is common in busy tourist destinations like Barcelona and Rome. I never travel without my favorite cross-body purse. Many men and women like the Travelon cross-body bags, which are designed with additional features that make it harder for thieves to access your belongings.

Finally, most Catholic churches and cathedrals have strict dress code guidelines that require shoulders and knees to be covered. I brought a simple sheer wrap that did double duty as a pool cover-up and still worked with my sundress.

Virgin Voyages sets itself apart with its innovative dining and beverage options. Instead of a traditional main dining room, the ship features a diverse array of sit-down restaurants, including a Korean BBQ, a steakhouse, an Italian eatery and "The Test Kitchen," where chefs present a rotating prix-fixe menu of surprising gastronomic delights.

For beverages, Virgin Voyages offers "The Bar Tab" instead of a conventional drink package. This system allows for flexibility and personalization, with opportunities for extra onboard credit through promotions and bonus incentives if you pre-pay before sailing. This approach means you can tailor your bar spending to your preferences without committing to a package for everyone in the cabin.

Additionally, Virgin Voyages eliminates added gratuity charges as they are included in the fare. The crew is also paid a living wage, ensuring a fair and equitable work environment. This fresh approach to cruising emphasizes a more personalized, transparent and rewarding experience for guests.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on cruise travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Lizz Callaway’s guide, Romantic Splendor: A 7-Day Luxury Honeymoon in Cinque Terre, Italy.