cruise resilient lady

Introducing Resilient Lady: Virgin Voyages’ third ship is an ode to womankind

It’s International Women’s Day today (8 March) and Virgin Voyages is introducing a very special new lady to its fleet. Resilient Lady is the cruise line's third ship and is due to set sail in 2022.

The past year has been filled with adversity and adaptation for everyone – but it’s no secret that women have been challenged to rise up more than ever during the pandemic. Virgin Voyages is announcing Resilient Lady on International Women’s Day to symbolise the spirit of its Lady Ships, and to celebrate women and their achievements, strength, leadership and resilience.

Resilient Lady has a bright future ahead of her, as Virgin Voyages’ second ship to sail the Mediterranean (after her sister ship Valiant Lady).

“Sailing in the Med is such an extraordinary experience, and we’re so excited to bring the adventure of a Virgin Voyage to this beautiful place,” said Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group. “I’m so proud of the incredible work the team has accomplished to introduce Resilient Lady.”

Virgin Voyages will offer two different voyages on Resilient Lady in the Med:

Greek Isles Itinerary: Sailors will get the opportunity to immerse themselves in Greek history and culture in Athens before island-hopping to Santorini, Rhodes, Crete and Mykonos. The Greek Isles itinerary will feature an overnight stay in Mykonos, offering Sailors a premier location and access to the picturesque promenade

Adriatic (with Greek Isles) Itinerary: Sailing out of Athens, Sailors will spend their second day at sea before docking in Dubrovnik the following morning. With a 2am departure from Dubrovnik, Sailors will have plenty of time to experience the rich history of Croatia during the day and take part in the active nightlife along the Adriatic Sea, before scenic sailing to Kotor, Corfu and Argostoli

“Welcoming Resilient Lady to our fleet and revealing these amazing itineraries sets the tone for the most memorable summer voyage,”  said Tom McAlpin, CEO and President of Virgin Voyages. “We know the time to travel is on the horizon, and Virgin Voyages is here so that we can keep dreaming of irresistible vacations ahead.”

Resilient Lady is due to set sail in summer 2022. Head over to Virgin Voyages to find out more and sign up for updates.

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Resilient Lady

Cruise line Virgin Voyages

• Piraeus-Athens (Greece)
• Melbourne (Victoria Australia)
• Portsmouth UK (England)

Resilient Lady current position

Resilient Lady current location is at Indian Ocean (coordinates -31.04620 S / 94.91950 E) cruising at speed of 15.3 kn (28 km/h | 18 mph) en route to Port Louis. The AIS position was reported 44 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Resilient Lady

Resilient Lady current cruise is 15 days, one-way from Sydney to Singapore , themed as "Easter". The itinerary starts on 27 Mar, 2024 and ends on 11 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Resilient Lady

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Resilient Lady Itineraries

Resilient lady review, review of resilient lady.

The 2023-built MS Resilient Lady cruise ship is the third in the Virgin Voyages fleet . The name was officially announced on March 8, 2021. The boat was rescheduled for inauguration in May 2023 (postponed from Aug 2022). Resilient Lady's three sisterships (of the same design ) are Scarlet Lady (2020 February), Valiant Lady (2022 May) and Brilliant Lady (2024 March).

All Virgin cruise ships were constructed at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente yard (near Genoa Italy ).

These liners are known as "Lady Ships" - a play on "your ladyship" term regarding Virgin Group's British heritage. A number of renowned designers were chosen to create a new "cruise ship" style and "adult cruising" vacation concept. For the ship's interior design, the Virgin cruise line contracted the marine architecture and naval design companies Roman and Williams (NYC), Concrete Amsterdam, Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio (London UK), Gem Srl (Italy), Softroom (London UK), WORKac (NYC), Knibb Design, HL Studio (UK), HKS Architects (Dallas USA), PearsonLloyd (London UK).

Virgin Voyages (fka Virgin Cruises) is a new cruise line company headquartered in Plantation (Florida USA). Virgin Voyages was created in December 2014 as a joint venture between Virgin Group Ltd (UK-based multinational holding company, 49% stake) and Bain Capital LP (USA-based multi-asset investment company, 51% stake). Virgin is an adults-only cruise company (passengers' minimum age is 18) and officially starts operations in April 2020.

The vessel (IMO number 9805348) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311001056) and registered in Nassau .

Resilient Lady is owned by the company VC SHIP THREE LTD and managed/chartered by VIRGIN VOYAGES LTD.

Decks and Cabins

MS Resilient Lady staterooms (a total of 1408 passenger cabins) include 78x Suites, 1030x Balconies, 95x Oceanviews and 105x Interiors. The entire staff and crew (total 1160 people) are accommodated in 813 cabins.

The boat has 17 decks , of which 13 are passenger-accessible and 9 with cabins.

In mid-January 2019, Virgin Voyages announced details on RockStar Suites. Staterooms were designed by Tom Dixon Design Research Studio (interior, product and design consultancy). All staterooms are "smart", with mood lighting and sensors auto-adjusting the lighting according to passenger's movements. The cruise ship has a total of 78 cabins in the category "RockStar Suite", including 15x "Mega RockStar Suites" (9x Gorgeous, 2x Posh, 2x Fab, 2x Massive). Most of them are on Deck 15, with the above Deck 16 housing one "RockStar Suite Sailor" (bow-facing Owner Suite).

The decor is music (rock-and-roll) themed, with a retro-futuristic design, a color palette of deep blues with iridescent dichroic elements in the cabin's bathroom. Massive Suite has a separate bedroom that doubles as a music room (fitted with electric guitars and an amplifier). The cabin's terrace (bow-facing) is fitted with Jacuzzi, dining area (6-seat table with built-in stairs), lounge area (circular sofa with low table), padded sun loungers, 2 hammocks, outdoor shower, catamaran net (canopy partially covering the terrace), live plants. Keeping with the music theme, each of the 78 suites boasts a record player.

All categories RockStar Suites (SB-Brilliant, SG-Gorgeous, SP-Posh, SF-Fab, SM-Massive) have marble-clad bathroom (with hot tub, premium brand bath products, rain-shower head, multi-colored dichroic glass doors and windows / Peek-a-Boo shower), Terrazzo flooring, Tom Dixon brand furniture, large mirrored vanity tables, modern L-shaped sofabeds (for 2), low tables, cabinets, 3-door wardrobe, large smart TV (55-inch), vinyl turntable (gold-plated player with a collection of records), complimentary full bar (nautically-themed barware kit), brass and leather finishing, chaise lounge chair (bedroom).

RockStar Suite passengers enjoy exclusive access to "Richard's Rooftop" (VIP club lounge located forward on Deck 16). RockStar Suites receive as perks (price-inclusive amenities and complimentary services) airport-ship transfer (via private drivers), priority helicopter arrangements, luggage assistance, private walk-down service (express VIP pathway) at Virgin Voyages Miami Cruise Terminal (upon arrival), anytime boarding, early access to special shipboard events, complimentary laundry service, clothing pressing, nightly swimsuit drying, RockStar Agents (dedicated butlers per stateroom), dedicated hair and makeup crew (upon request), complimentary Thermal Suite access (Redemption Spa), all-inclusive premium drinks (in all shipboard eateries and bars), personalized bottomless in-room bar (free of charge), option to curate in-port activities.

All Virgin cruise ship staterooms offer as standard amenities European King-size bed (premium linens, plush bedding), wall-mounted reading lamps, bedside tables, mirrored vanity table / writing desk with stool, large wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), 4K smart Ultra HDTV (with infotainment system), large balcony (with padded loungers, low table, 2-seat sofa, Yellow Leaf hammock, dining table / custom-designed champagne table fitting an ice bucket). Balcony access is via floor-ceiling sliding glass doors.

Every cabin is equipped with a custom-designed "seabed" and "mood lighting" which is familiar to customers of Virgin America (part of Alaska Airlines). Cabin lights automatically adjust according to passenger's movements. There are also staterooms suited for groups (each with 4 bunk beds) and single cabins (designed for solo travelers). Staterooms are divided into 21 categories. Balcony cabins have "sea terrace" (private, step-out veranda) and are serviced by "Rockstar Coordinators" (personal assistants), while "personal wardrobe teams" provide luggage packing and unpacking.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Dining on Virgin Voyages ships is ticket price-inclusive - no extra charges are applied to any of the 20-plus onboard dining options. The cruise company doesn't believe in "paying more for great food", so it ditched traditional surcharges levied in specialty restaurants. All eateries on Resilient Lady offer "exceptional made-to-order eats" - complimentary.

As part of the company's sustainable travel policy, Virgin Voyages banned single-use plastics and there is no buffet food on the ships. All shipboard food is made-to-order - to reduce waste and lower energy consumption and emissions. Savings are reinvested into fresh (locally sourced) top-quality products, exotic ingredients, highly trained staff, and clean technologies.

The company doesn't follow any traditional cruise dining concepts. Virgin ships don't have the main dining room, buffet restaurant, dress code (formal wear policy), assigned dining times or seating. All these concepts were replaced with intimate (boutique hotel-type) eateries offering 20+ dining options - all of which are included in cruise fares.

Follows the complete list of Resilient Lady restaurants and food bars.

• The Galley (main venue for casual dining and quick meals) is modeled on popular food halls. Here guests can taste food from various onboard restaurants via 8 shops and carts, including panini shop, bakery and pastry shop, a taco shack, noodle bar, a burger grill, a sushi bar with bento boxes, soup, and salad island, 24-hour American diner.
• The Test Kitchen (laboratory-like eatery with metallic furniture, beakers, test tubes) offers "avant-garde cuisine". It is a part restaurant, part cooking school. Chef-driven menus are presented in the form of ingredient list to guests to discover how the chef combines the flavors throughout the course of each meal.
• Wake (sized 5866 ft2 / 545 m2) is a steakhouse-seafood restaurant located aft and featuring views of the ship's wake. It serves "theatrical take" food inspired by The Grill-New York and The Wolseley-London.
• Geonbae (Korean barbecue restaurant) is "hosted by the loudest servers at sea". Meals start with complimentary soju (distilled beverage) for the table with guests encouraged to take part in Korean drinking games.
• Pink Agave (Mexican restaurant) provides shared plate experience with DJ music until late. It features porthole windows, metallic lighting fixtures, large tables, elongated curved area (intimate seating with 2-seat tables), separate bar (in the Lobby), private dining room (can be booked for parties and other private events).
• Extra Virgin (trattoria restaurant) serves traditional Italian food specialties, including handmade fresh pasta.
• Dock (sized 220 ft2 / 20.4 m2 beach club-inspired restaurant) offers Mediterranean cuisine with small plates, dips, mezze, salads. The Dock features wooden deck chairs, day beds, and loungers.
• The Pizza Place (beach club-inspired restaurant) offers complimentary oven-baked gourmet pizzas by the slice.
• Razzle Dazzle is the vegan-vegetarian restaurant. Part of Razzle Dazzle Restaurant is the Red Bar - juice bar offering fresh-squeezed juices and tonics, as well as crafted cocktails from a menu that varies every night. In two days per cruise, at Razzle Dazzle is hosted Drag Brunch featuring live entertainment by "sassy drag queens". Considered one of the ship's most energetic spots, Razzle Dazzle gets its design and name from the practice of camouflaging vessels during both World Wars via patterns of black and white paint.
• Sun Club Cafe - Outdoor Eatery
• The Sip is the ship's wine bar lounge (Virgin's champagne house) where along with a selection of premium wines can be enjoyed traditional British Afternoon Tea service.

Virgin cruise ship passengers (Sailors) are offered complimentary water (filtered and sparkling) at all onboard bars and dining venues. Throughout the ship, there are also complimentary water stations.

Via the Sailor App (when your phone is shaken) a secret "Champagne button" allows Sailors to order Moet-Chandon Champagne (Brut Imperial, 750 ml bottle) delivered in an ice bucket and with two glasses. The service is called "Shake for Champagne" and provided anywhere on board.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Each Virgin ship features 93% oceanview cabins and 86% balconied staterooms (called "sea terraces"), casino, several live entertainment venues (similar to traditional theatre lounges).

Ship's signature venues include:

• Athletic Club (training center) is an outdoor gym area with a boxing ring and gym club equipment) located top-deck aft. Part of the Sports Deck is also the raised jogging track (Runway track, red-white colored), sundeck with open-air lounge (furnished with double daybeds and semi-circular loungers), triple netting area (220 ft2 / 20.4 m2 overlooking below decks), 10 private cabanas (cushioned bed, low table, 2 lounge chairs), beverage service (from the outdoor Sports Bar), foosball tables, swimming pool, showers. The Athletic Club was designed by Concrete Amsterdam and inspired by New York City's sports clubs in the 1920s.
• Sun Club - Sun Worship Sanctuary
• MyBeast is an outdoor playground / poolside gym area.
• The Crow's Nest (aft sundeck) offers 360-degree views and is furnished with loungers and mats colored in Virgin's signature red. Here are also hosted sunrise and sunset outdoor yoga classes.
• The B Complex is an indoor fitness center with Technogym ARTIS equipment, floor-ceiling windows and separate rooms (studios) for cycling, yoga, cardio and spinning classes.
• Gym and Tonic Bar serves cold-pressed fresh juices.
• Aquatic Club Sundeck - Poolside Oasis and Aquatic Club Bar.
• Two Pools (including the Well-being Pool - ship's main pool surrounded by an adult playground and fitness apparatus named MyBeast).
• The Manor is the ship's 2-deck high Disco Nightclub with a large dance floor. The NYC-based design studio Roman and Williams designed The Manor (ballroom), which is a venue for innovative entertainment, dancing, music, and fun, destined to be one of the most exciting spots onboard. The Manor Nightclub was inspired by Richard Branson's first Virgin music studio of the same name and has been expertly outfitted with platforms, corners, and details that make it both somewhere to see and to be seen.
• The Dock is an outdoor lounge (aft on Deck 7) with cushioned wooden furniture (loungers, deckchairs, daybeds).
• Richard's Rooftop is a top-deck VIP area (Suite passengers only sundeck) furnished with daybeds, deckchairs, circular loungers, large umbrellas, colored crystals. Named after the company's founder Richard Branson, it has a futuristic feel with giant umbrellas, circular loungers, and accents of colored crystals that cast rainbow reflections.
• "Ministry of Ground" and "Ministry of Ground Too" are specialty coffee bars serving Intelligentsia coffee (Virgin Voyages Blend) and made-to-order beverages made by expert baristas. Ministry of Ground (designed by Softroom of London) is located midship on Deck 7 (in The Galley food market) and features round-shaped/porthole-type large windows with window seats, purple and aquamarine hues for seating, comfy loungers and modern tables. In addition to the hand-crafted Intelligentsia Coffee brews, passengers receive complimentary cakes and light bites. Retail items (bags of Intelligentsia Coffee and JoJo loose-leaf teas, kettles, coffee cups, and others) are available for purchase.
• Redemption is the ship's Spa complex (on Deck 5) consisting of Reception, Mud Room, Salt Room, Hydrotherapy Pool, cold plunge pool, Jacuzzi, Thermal Suite (indoor spa with porthole windows, plunge pool and Jacuzzi), treatment rooms (for massages and treatments) with quartz-mattress beds, Dry Dock Salon (hairdressing services), Stubble and Groom (barbershop), Blow Dry Bar, Male pedicure Spa, Mani-pedi Spa. At night, the wellness complex transforms into a dancing lounge with live DJ music.
• The Scene Event Space
• Squid Ink is a tattoo studio via a partnership with World Famous Tattoo Ink. The facility is operated by two full-time tattoo artists (handpicked by Lou Rubino Jr) plus celebrity artists. All tattoos are created by using original vegan ink. Other services at Squid Ink include body piercings and permanent makeup treatments (using certified vegan Perma Blend pigments).
• The Red Room was designed by theatre consultants Auerbach Pollock Friedlander and renowned architects WorkAC as the first-ever transformational multi-form theatre at sea. The Red Room transforms into 4 different configurations: an alley stage used in fashion shows, a traditional Proscenium stage, a dance flat-floor configuration, and a unique reverse stage setup. The first at-sea theatre enables the cruise line to create different experiences for each day of the cruise. Resilient Lady offers 6 original shows that include production by Randy Weiner (The Donkey Show, Queen of the Night, Sleep No More).
• The Groupie (privately bookable karaoke room/for sing-alongs) also doubles as Cinema and VIP Casino (gaming lounge).
• The Den Flex Event Space
• Local DJ celebrities perform live onboard Resilient Lady at all ports of call.
• Voyage Vinyl (record store) features listening stations, record collections and a DJ spot for live performances (by resident and guest DJs).
• "JLo Beauty" is an onboard shop selling skincare products of Jennifer Lopez's brand "JLo Beauty & Lifestyle".
• Draught Haus (on deck 7, adjacent to Voyage Vinyl) is the ship's taproom - an exclusive bar serving craft beers.

Draught Haus offers 8 different draft beers, also boilermakers (beer cocktails), bottled craft beers, shots, shot cocktails. The bar also provides growler/jug service that allows passengers to take their drinks throughout the ship (public spaces and in cabins). The beerhouse features themed furniture, rustic decor, a beer tap display (behind the bar).

Onboard MS Resilient Lady is served Virgin's own brand of craft beer (English Pale Ale) created by Wynwood Brewing Company (Miami). For the new "Virgin cruise beer" is used English yeast and American malts and hops.

Virgin cruise deals

In regard to onboard gratuities, the company has "No Tipping" policy, which means all gratuities are included in the base cruise fares. Also included in basic fares are beverages, all eateries, group fitness classes. The company also doesn't charge penalties or change fees. Customers are able to hold staterooms for 24 hours with no money down once they've placed a 20% non-refundable deposit. They also have a 7-day grace period allowing them to change bookings for any reason. Cruise departure date and names on bookings can be changed without fees or penalties.

In February 2019), Virgin announced all-inclusive deal policy by which cruises are sold "by cabin price". Fares are also inclusive of dining (shipwide / 20 options, some 24-hours), unlimited WiFi, all fitness classes. Cabin pricing only varies by the number of occupants. For 5-day itineraries, fares start from ~USD 250 pp per day (excluding taxes-fees).

Itineraries

Virgin's Resilient Lady inaugural cruise season (2022) was originally planned as an Eastern Mediterranean (summer 2022, Greece and Adriatic) deployment, to be followed by a Caribbean 2022-2023 winter and spring homeporting in Puerto Rico. However, the program (36x departures) was canceled in June 2022 and Resilient Lady's inauguration was postponed from 2022 (Aug 14) to 2023 (May 14/MerMaiden Cruise) - read more in the ship's Wiki section .

In early-March 2021, Virgin Voyages officially announced two itineraries scheduled for Resilient Lady, both 7-night roundtrips from Piraeus-Athens Greece . The Maiden Voyage ("Greek Isles Itinerary") visits the islands Santorini, Rhodes, Crete (Heraklion) and Mykonos (overnight). The second voyage ("Adriatic and Greek Islands Itinerary") visits Dubrovnik Croatia, Kotor Montenegro, Kerkyra (Corfu Island Greece), Argostoli (Kefalonia Island Greece).

Following the Mediterranean 2022 deployment, Resilient Lady had to reposition to the Caribbean with an 11-day Transatlantic crossing (RepositionCruises.com) from Lisbon to San Juan Puerto Rico .

The Caribbean 2022-2023 season (Nov 12 - Apr 22) was based on homeporting in Puerto Rico and 7-day roundtrip itineraries (Southeastern Caribbean Isles, Sunsets In The Lesser Antilles) visiting St Kitts, Martinique, Curacao, Aruba, Tortola BVI, Guadeloupe, St Lucia, Barbados.

In April 2022 was announced that in 2023-2024 (December-March) Resilient Lady will be deployed in Australia and New Zealand marking the Virgin brand's debut in the region. With homeporting in Melbourne QLD and Auckland NZ , the roundtrip itineraries ranged between 2-14 nights. Some voyages also visited ports in Tasmania (Hobart, Burnie). The ship's arrival in Australia in 2023 was initially scheduled for December 4th ( Sydney NSW) but eventually changed to December 11th (Melbourne). The first ex-Sydney voyage departed on February 11, 2024.

On February 26, 2024, Virgin canceled Resilient Lady's 2024-2025 Australian program (second season in that region), citing security concerns (due to the Red Sea war crisis) impacting the ship's scheduled repositioning voyages through the Suez Canal  (between Europe and Australia/RepositionCruises.com). Also was announced that after completing the Mediterranean season (October 20th, 2024) Resilient Lady will be deployed in the Caribbean and homeported in San Juan (Puerto Rico) offering 7-8-10-11-night roundtrips to St Maarten, St Vincent, Colombia, and Dominica.

Resilient Lady - user reviews and comments

Photos of resilient lady.

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Other Virgin Voyages cruise ships

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Resilient Lady Wiki

On March 8, 2021, was officially announced the name of Virgin's 3rd ship - "Resilient Lady". Like the sisterships, the vessel (IMO number 9805348, Fincantieri yard/hull number 6289) was constructed at Fincantieri 's Sestri Ponente Shipyard (near Genoa Italy ). The boat's name honors International Women's Day, and was chosen "in celebration of women and their achievements, strength, leadership, and resilience".

The cruise ship was launched (floated out from drydock) on July 2, 2021, and was originally scheduled for delivery on July 1, 2022. Resilient Lady was officially delivered to Virgin Voyages on December 8, 2022.

In March 2022, on the hull was painted the mermaid (the ship's emblem and guardian) designed by Jodie Herrera (a contemporary oil painter from New Mexico).

Next timelapse video shows part of Fincantieri's Virgin ship construction (block assembly) process.

Virgin ship technology

Virgin cruise ships are with passenger capacity 2750 (plus 1150 crew), GT tonnage 110,000 tons, ABB Azipod XO propulsion system (electric drive motors with off-hull submerged azimuth thrusters / 360--degree rotating propellers). These units provide the best maneuverability (allowing in-port navigation without tug assistance) and minimal vibrations/noise. By placing the propulsion units outside the hull, the Azipod system frees up space for more lower-deck staterooms. ABB Ability technology is based on a network using real-time data transferred to remote centers monitoring and analyzing the propulsion system data and also offering remote technical support.

These vessels stand out with innovative design ideas and solutions, as well as the latest marine technologies for energy recovery and environmental impact reduction. The ship's cleaning energy system is provided by the Swedish company Climeon Ocean. The technology allows for reducing CO2 emissions by converting diesel engines generated heat into electricity (capacity approx 1 MW) for onboard use. Each of the Virgin liners has 6 such units, saving annually approx 5400 tons of CO2. The waste processing system is provided by Scanship.

Wartsila (Finnish marine technologies corporation / former shipbuilder) was contracted to provide ships' powerplants . Each liner is powered by two 8-cylinder plus two 12-cylinder "Wartsila 46F" marine diesel engines. Wartsila's Hybrid Scrubber System operates in both open and closed-loop and uses seawater to remove SOx from the vessel's exhaust, also significantly reducing NOx emissions. The Wartsila-made navigation and automation control systems are from the company's latest NACOS Platinum series.

Alternative power is provided by 4-stroke engines powering the 4 electricity gen-sets, each equipped with TPL-C turbochargers (by ABB).

In February 2020 Virgin announced "The Band" - smart wearable technology introduced on Scarlet Lady (April 1st). The device is made from recycled marine plastic (sustainability initiative) and developed via partnership with The Bionic Company. The lightweight device (RFID wristband) is mailed to all passengers and is complimentary (keepsake). The Band is activated upon boarding the ship and used for onboard purchases and payments (beverages, Casino gaming), booking tours, cabin access (room key), room service ordering (points guest's current location), VIP pass (for Richard's Rooftop).

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2023

The ship's inaugural season (2022) was based on Eastern Mediterranean (summer 2022) and Caribbean (winter 2022-2023 spring) deployments. However, in early-June 2022, 36x voyages were canceled (read more at the ship's CruiseMinus page ) and the Maiden Voyage was rescheduled from Aug 14 (2022) to May 14 (2023).

In April 2022, Virgin Voyages announced only two itineraries for Resilient Lady, both 7-night Mediterranean roundtrips from Piraeus-Athens Greece (homeport).

( MAIDEN VOYAGE 2023 /first cruise) 7-day "Greek Island Glow" itinerary

(inaugural 2023) 7-day "Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems" itinerary

Later was announced the boat's Caribbean 2022-2023 schedule includes two roundtrip itineraries from Puerto Rico and two Transatlantic crossings /relocation itineraries (RepositionCruises.com).

(Transatlantic crossing 2022/canceled) 11-day from Europe to the Caribbean (from US$800 /GBP 610 / EUR 720 pp)

(inaugural Caribbean 2022/canceled) 7-day "Southeastern Caribbean Isles" itinerary (from US$940 / GBP 715 / EUR 845 pp)

(2022/canceled) 7-day "Sunsets In The Lesser Antilles" itinerary (from US$1880 / GBP 1430 / EUR 1695 pp)

(inaugural Suez Canal transit /2023) 14-day from Athens to Dubai

Virgin Cruises' private island resort "Bimini Beach Club" (Bahamas)

The liner Scarlet Lady was the first cruise ship to stop at "Bimini Beach Club" (Virgin Group's private island resort in Bimini Bahamas ). The exclusive destination allows Virgin's Sailors to enjoy world-class entertainment from a rotating cast of DJs led by Mark Ronson.

Virgin's Bimini Beach Club offers premium food with locally sourced ingredients and traditional Bahamian favourites like banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, conch and mango salad, Bahamian rum cake. The complex has 6 bars, outdoor lounge areas with hammock groves, beach loungers, watersport activities, (optional/at extra cost) private poolside and beach-side cabanas for rent.

RockStar Suite passengers benefit from complimentary food service, exclusive bar and outdoor terrace lounge, VIP beach cabanas. The 7-mile (11-km) long island offers extraordinary activities like boating, snorkeling, wreck diving. The partially sunk wreck of SS Sapona (concrete-hulled steamship that ran aground in 1926) is located just a few miles off the island's southern coast.

Virgin's private resort is located on North Bimini Island and at a short bus transfer from the docking pier. It was built via a partnership with Resorts World Bimini. This is a 750-acres (3 km2 / 1,2 mi2) beachfront resort-casino-marina-hotel complex operated by Genting Group (Malaysia-based multinational corporation). North Bimini is approx 68 km (42 mi) east of Miami. Resort's estimated building cost is USD 220 million.

Virgin's Bimini Beach Club overlooks the sea and features a large lagoon-style swimming pool. The "resort experience" also features morning open-air exercises (yoga and meditation), afternoon DJ poolside parties, night beach bonfires and live musical performances.

Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady review: A look at Virgin's third cruise ship

Resilient Lady, the third ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet, debuted in May 2023, and it's a doozy — in a good way. With nearly all-new entertainment and an adults-only vibe that's equal parts nostalgic, stylish and engaging, the ship offers a lot for fun-loving adults .

It's rare for me to enjoy any ship so much that I struggle to come up with things to dislike, especially with brand-new vessels, which almost always have kinks to work out. But here I am, stretching to find even minor niggles and reflecting on what makes Resilient Lady so special.

On the surface, it's not much different from its two older sisters, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady . Some of what sets it apart are little details like the artwork, the location of the onboard tattoo parlor — yes, you read that correctly — and the destination-specific offerings like Opa Hour, which includes Mediterranean fare at the onboard mezze venue as a nod to the ship's Greece itineraries.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

But the main differentiator is the entertainment, most of which is brand new to the fleet. The shows have been developed in partnership with well-known brands like famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes and Weiner Entertainment Group, whose owner helped to bring the popular experiential show "Sleep No More" to New York City.

There's a lot to love about this intriguing new ship. Follow along while I share my experience with its bars, lounges, shows, cabins, restaurants, activities and more.

Overview of Resilient Lady

Capable of carrying up to 2,770 passengers at max capacity, the 110,000-ton vessel rises 17 decks. To put that in perspective, Resilient Lady is only slightly more than one-third of the size of the largest cruise ships afloat.

That means it's big enough to house several restaurants with delicious food, quirky bars and lounges, outdoor sunning and workout areas, and groundbreaking performance spaces while managing to maintain a somewhat intimate feel that's not overwhelming.

Virgin Voyages is considered a premium cruise line, which means that, although it's not completely price-inclusive, it does roll certain amenities — basic Wi-Fi, gratuities and alternative dining, which cost extra on mainstream lines — into its fares.

Like other companies within the Virgin family of brands, Virgin Voyages is trendy and chic, bringing passengers a perfect balance of over-the-top fun that doesn't veer into tacky. Its ships only allow cruisers who are 18 and older, and they attract a wealthier crowd. They also have a large contingent of LGBTQI+ regulars.

Resilient Lady's ethos can best be described as "come-as-you-are classy." There are no dress codes, but most passengers prefer to be comfortable yet never sloppy, casual while also stylish.

Besides food and entertainment, which are both superb, Resilient Lady's standout features are likely to make you say, "Well, I've never seen that on a cruise ship before!" They include elements like drag shows, secret pub crawls, coffee tastings and more childhood-favorite board games than you could possibly play in a single sailing.

What I loved about Resilient Lady

Entertainment.

Virgin Voyages is no stranger to entertainment. With roots in the music industry, the brand, backed by business mogul Richard Branson, had a lot to live up to when it decided to launch a cruise line. It started strong with Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, but it had a few kinks to work out.

Thankfully, it broke the mold on Resilient Lady with a host of next-level new shows that, I feel, have put the line squarely at the top of the list when it comes to performances. My general feeling about each one I saw was "I don't know what the heck is going on, but I'm here for it."

Related: Here's why Virgin Voyages' entertainment is now the best on any cruise

Entertainment is not an afterthought on this ship. The line sought out — or, in several cases, created — the best shows possible, sprinkled in a ton of innuendo and built a ship around it.

Inclusivity

Virgin Voyages prides itself on pushing boundaries, and it has a history of offering progressive products that are ahead of their time. Fittingly, the line is exceptionally inclusive of all shapes, sizes, colors and lifestyles, earning it a loyal fan base of repeat passengers, particularly within the LGBTQI+ community.

Resilient Lady has its own resident drag queen, known as The Diva, and she pulls no punches. She does, however, pull off some incredible high kicks and enough off-color jokes to fill several shows' worth of material. Watch for her to host bingo and a couple of other gatherings throughout each cruise.

You'll also notice a far more diverse group of professional singers and dancers than you're likely to find anywhere else at sea. It's refreshing that they aren't all tall, thin and white — although those members of the cast are fantastic, too.

But it isn't just about skin color, body size or sexual orientation. No matter who you are, the ship has a generally accepting air. Your fellow passengers won't blink if you have rainbow hair, are covered in tattoos, decide to dress as a mermaid, wear a tutu to dinner or show up to Scarlet Night in nothing but a Speedo. Differences and quirkiness are welcomed in this judgment-free zone.

What's better than a ship that makes you feel like a kid again? A ship that lets you do it without constantly reminding you that you're actually an adult.

Resilient Lady is packed with fun activities that let you play like a kid during the day and stay up late to enjoy more adult-themed entertainment by night. On the schedule, you'll find pastimes like '80s-themed aerobic workouts, '90s boy band dance classes, dodgeball tournaments and summer camp arts and crafts. You can also indulge in free candy, popcorn, pretzels and ice cream, as well as board games like Candy Land, Mouse Trap and Hungry Hungry Hippos.

At night, toss in some glam face art (sticky, music festival-style jewels), a trip to the arcade (or casino) and selfies with carousel-style sea creatures, and you've got the makings of an adult playground. (No, seriously. There are even swings, seesaws, a Twister board and a jungle gym-like structure on the outdoor decks.)

The best part, though, is that Virgin Voyages is exclusively for adults. (You can't sail if you're younger than 18.) On an adults-only vessel, you're not an adult who's reduced to sheepishly taking part in activities meant for kids. Instead, everything on board is meant for you, which reduces some of the stigma associated with cutting loose.

Around every corner, I found things that not only were fun but also helped me reconnect with my childhood self. I enjoyed several "I forgot all about this" and "I haven't done this in years" moments.

What I didn't love about Resilient Lady

I do like Virgin's accommodations for their simple-yet-funky decor and technological advancements (temperature, lighting and curtains are controlled by a tablet, which is also what passengers use to request fresh towels and order room service). However, there are some design choices I still don't entirely understand.

Despite some improvements that were made due to customer feedback, cabins still have curtains instead of closet doors and beds that are less than comfortable, thanks to their convertible sofa-to-bed setup.

At night, two twin beds can be set up in an L shape or pushed together to form a single queen bed. During the day, the beds can be converted into a sofa to provide extra seating and more floor space. I found the system so cumbersome to request that I kept my bed as a bed for the duration of the sailing, with the exception of one day when I asked for it to be changed over so I could take a photo.

Bathrooms are also painfully small in standard rooms. In fact, the one in my Sea Terrace (balcony) cabin felt about the size of an airplane bathroom with a shower added. I ended up with several bruises on my elbows after banging my arms on the shower door while trying to do my hair or makeup. (There was a vanity in the main cabin space, but the lighting was horrible, which meant I applied my makeup in the bathroom.)

It's difficult to make sense of what's happening throughout the ship each day without investing significant time into using the cruise line's app . Printed schedules are available at the Sailor Services desk or at The Grounds Club cafe; otherwise, you can find everything on your phone.

The number of activities is dizzying, and they often overlap, which means you'll likely have to pick and choose. Be warned that chances are good you won't be able to see and do everything you want to in a single sailing, but that's by design. Virgin Voyages has a high rate of repeat cruisers, and it's easy to understand why. The line's ships are fantastic, and people want to come back to check out the things they weren't able to do the first time around.

So, why is this a bad thing? If you don't schedule yourself quickly, you could miss out on snagging slots at popular shows or activities — like coffee tastings, arts and crafts, and pub crawls — that require you to sign up in advance.

Dinner reservations are even worse, particularly at some of the most popular restaurants and the dinner theater experience. If you don't reserve times as soon as you board the vessel, you could find yourself relegated to the food court or eating at less desirable times that cut into the nightly entertainment.

While I understand the need for scheduling, I find that having to pick what you want to do ahead of time can severely take the spontaneity out of your vacation.

Food service

Before I address this as something I didn't love, I want to make it clear that the Resilient Lady crew was exceptionally friendly, helpful and approachable when I sailed.

Still, I was frustrated by service issues during the voyage. Perhaps these could be chalked up to the fact that it was an inaugural cruise where workers were still acclimating to the flow and timing of things like food prep and delivery. My biggest complaint was that it consistently took way too long to receive food throughout my sailing.

One night, when I ate at Razzle Dazzle, the ship's vegetarian-forward restaurant, I waited nearly 30 minutes to receive my main course after I had finished my starter. That meant I had time to take exactly two bites before I had to rush off to the show. I asked my apologetic waitress if I could have the food wrapped up to take to my room or have it delivered, but she told me that wasn't possible. Not only did I leave hungry and disappointed, but I wasted food I would have otherwise consumed.

Another day, I ate at The Wake, Resilient Lady's take on a 1960s upscale steakhouse. The woman next to me ordered a steak, which arrived in a reasonable amount of time. When another woman at a nearby table saw it show up, she walked over to ask how it was. She said she had ordered her steak more than 40 minutes prior and still hadn't received it. She was so angry that, not long after she returned to her table, she and her companion got up and left without eating.

Toward the end of the voyage, I made my way into The Galley — a food court-style setup with several varieties of cuisine — and ordered an open-faced banana Nutella sandwich and a drink for lunch. The drink arrived with no issues, but after a half-hour wait for my meal, I flagged down a waitress who informed me my order had been lost. I had to place it again and wait another 15 minutes.

Resilient Lady cabins and suites

Resilient Lady offers a standard selection of accommodations, albeit with cutesy names. They include the Insider (105 inside cabins with no window), the Sea View (95 outside cabins with windows), the Sea Terrace (1,130 balcony rooms) and a variety of RockStar Quarters (78 suites) with names like the Sweet Aft Suite, the Seriously Suite, the Cheeky Corner Suite and the ship's two TPG Award-winning, 2,147-square-foot Massive Suites , plus a few others in between.

The Massive Suites each offer two bedrooms, a standard one with a king-size bed and another with a pullout couch, as well as a variety of real working guitars and an amp, in case you feel like a jam session. They also have record players with an extensive music library; private sun decks with dining tables, hot tubs, loungers and outdoor showers; premium linens; butler service for things like express swimsuit drying and stocking the complimentary minibar; luxury toiletries; mood lighting; two full-size closets; and priority embarkation and disembarkation, plus transfers.

The vessel's 78 RockStar Quarters, including the Massive Suite, give their occupants access to the exclusive keycard-protected Richard's Rooftop. The chic but fun outdoor bar and lounge area offers a free daily Champagne happy hour, as well as private hot tubs and comfy couches for lounging.

Of the ship's cabins, 93% have ocean views (meaning only 7% are insides), and 86% have balconies. That's an impressive number. There are also 46 solo cabins spread across the inside (40) and outside (six) categories.

As far as accessible staterooms, there are 29 spread across nearly all categories. They are divided into two types: fully accessible cabins (for users of wheelchairs) and ambulatory accessible cabins (for users of canes, walkers and scooters).

Each FAC offers wider doorways, extra space for turning, emergency pull cords, transfer space next to beds and lowered cabin elements, such as closet bars, light switches and thermostats. AACs have the same amount of space as their standard counterparts, but they are outfitted with grab bars in the shower and near the toilet, shower seating and lowered room features like light switches and coat hooks.

Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant hoists are available for use on request at the ship's pools and select hot tubs. The spa's plunge pools also have hoists.

My cabin was a 185-square-foot Central Sea Terrace balcony room, and although it had everything I needed, it was pleasantly spartan. The line dialed back the purple, blue, pink and red decor found in previous cabin iterations, instead opting for neutrals with pops of the brand's trademark red here and there.

I kept my bed as a queen setup and skipped the daily sofa configuration. The room also had a small wire and leather chair that mainly served to hold my purse when I wasn't using it, as well as a nightstand that doubled as a lap desk, a vanity/desk combo with an ottoman stool, a metal and wicker desk lamp, a house phone, a TV with a limited selection of channels and free on-demand movies, a minibar (unstocked except in RockStar and Mega RockStar suites) and two carafes of free drinking water (with glasses) replenished as needed.

Bathrooms in standard cabins on Resilient Lady are painfully small. Mine was bare-bones but functional. It featured a white counter, a single bowl sink, a mirror, a toilet, a glass-walled shower with both rainfall and hand-held showerheads and fluffy, white towels. (The only washcloths provided said "makeup" on them, indicating they were face cloths. I travel with my own body cloths since European entities often don't provide them, but I'm unsure what other passengers did.)

Toiletries consisted of a single bar of soap for handwashing and wall-mounted shower gel, shampoo and conditioner from the Red Flower brand, which was originally developed for Virgin Hotels.

When you shower, make sure the hand-held head is facing away from you and the shower door before you turn the water on. I ended up spraying myself in the face at least once when I forgot to check.

Outside, the balcony was tiny but pleasant, featuring two metal chairs, a small drinks table and — my absolute favorite feature of the entire room — a red hammock from Yellow Leaf Hammocks. Their products are handwoven by women of the Mlabri ethnic group in Thailand, allowing them to support their families and end the poverty cycle.

Storage, especially in the teeny-tiny bathroom, would have been difficult with two people sharing the room. Because of the weird furniture setup, under-bed storage for luggage is a no-go if you're planning to convert the bed to a sofa each day. If you don't put your suitcases under the bed, they take up valuable closet real estate.

In the closet, a wide hanging bar was impressively high, meaning my long dresses didn't bunch on the ground like they do on most other ships, so that was a win. However, the hangers were cheap wire ones coated in what appeared to be shiny black rubber, and they left bumps in the shoulders of my shirts.

Drawers and shelving were available in the closet, too, but a couple of storage baskets — which I found to be an odd choice — took up some of the space. I didn't find them useful. Other closet accoutrements included a code-operate safe and life jackets, as well as an order form for laundry services.

One of the most impressive aspects of Virgin Voyages' rooms is that they're techy. Instead of a keycard, you'll have a fairly nondescript wearable that adjusts to fit your wrist like a friendship bracelet. It allows you to unlock your cabin door, charge purchases to your onboard account and scan yourself on and off of the ship in port.

When you open the door to your room, the system is alerted to turn on certain lights and even to open the curtains at certain times of the day. I never did figure out how to set all of that, though, and I often found the curtains opening when I didn't want them to. Anyone who wants to control them can grab the in-room tablet, which also allows you to turn lights on and off, control the TV, order room service, connect with the front desk and even request things like fresh towels from your room steward.

Speaking of room stewards, both of mine were lovely, but I hardly saw them. I discovered by day three that, if I wanted them to straighten my room, I had to specifically turn on the "make up room" indicator — a black button with a spilled drink on it that turns blue when you push it — to request it. Above it was the "do not disturb" button, which turns red when it's on. Both are, oddly, found inside the closet.

Cabin numbers can be confusing since they exist on both sides of the ship. They are numbered according to the deck they're on and the frame line on which they're located. (Frame lines are the beams used in ship construction, and they're all numbered.)

Tacked onto the end of each cabin number is a letter — either A for port (left when facing the front of the ship) or Z for starboard (right when facing the front). So, for example, my cabin was 10166A; that meant I was on Deck 10 at frame line 166 on the port side. I had to be careful because there was also a 10166Z — the same cabin number but on the opposite side of the vessel.

One other note: There are three sets of elevators on Resilient Lady, which are located forward (at the front of the ship), mid and aft (at the back). If you're trying to figure out where you are, just look at the interior color of the elevator you're in. Forward is purple, mid is red and aft is blue.

Resilient Lady restaurants and bars

As is the case with most of its cruise-related endeavors, Virgin Voyages doesn't do food and drinks like the other lines do. First, it scrapped the idea of an onboard buffet and replaced it with a complimentary food court. Then, instead of a main dining room, it developed more than a dozen free restaurants featuring all types of cuisine, as well as a for-fee dinner theater — all of which are absolutely expert at catering to dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.

Think of Resilient Lady's dining venues like restaurants ashore. The ambience and theme are different at each, and they all serve different specialties. One other similarity: You'll need reservations, and you'll want to make them ASAP. Otherwise, you could miss out, as popular times tend to fill up quickly.

When it comes to alcohol, gone are the days of drink packages. On Virgin sailings, you prepay your bar tab before you set sail, and the amount is debited from your final onboard bill. If you go over it, you pay per beverage like at any shoreside bar. Although you don't have to prepay, the line will often give you extra funds if you do.

Restaurants

If you're in the mood for a multicourse meal, there are several eateries to choose from. Seven offer a traditional "sit down and take your time" atmosphere, but the vibe in each is far from ordinary.

Extra Virgin, Resilient Lady's Italian restaurant, is a cozy space with a slightly upscale feel. Make sure to show up hungry because, in true Italian style, there are five menu sections: antipasto, affettati misti (an Italian cured meat platter), secondo, pasta and dessert.

To start, I ordered an Aperol spritz and braised miniature meatballs; they were fantastic, complemented by smoked mozzarella, tomato sauce and pancetta. I followed them up with the affettati misti cheese board of Parmesan, Romano and Gorgonzola and an order of vegetarian Brussels sprouts with polenta, chiles and hazelnuts. I wasn't a fan of the latter, but you can never go wrong with cheese. For my pasta, I selected potato gnocchi with mushrooms, spinach and truffle butter sauce; it was magical.

I was stuffed, so I skipped dessert, but the affogato cart the waiters brought around to each table had me wishing I had room for more. There's also an extensive wine list, but I didn't partake.

Gunbae, a Korean barbecue restaurant created by renowned New York City chef Sohui Kim, can accommodate six to eight people per table, depending on the group size, with seating in a circular booth that surrounds a central grill where waiters cook your food right in front of you.

Options include small bites like nori rice crisps, seaweed salad, kimchi and mung bean pancakes and a mixed seafood corndog; bowls that feature rice or noodles mixed with vegetables or kimchi stew with pork belly; and mains that consist of grilled items like a mushroom and seasonal veggie combo, squid and octopus with shrimp, marinated beef short ribs or a chef's combo of short ribs, pork belly and shrimp. Soft serve in sikhye (a sweet flavor made with malt and rice) and black sesame varieties is also offered with black sesame granola, miniature marshmallows and miso caramel for dessert.

While you enjoy your starters — a series of small bowls of seaweed-style salad that everyone receives — your waiter will lead you in drinking games, complete with complimentary sake. Other specialty drinks are available for a fee; I chose (and loved) the K-Pop Disco Water, which features Jinro grapefruit, watermelon juice and Pop Rocks served in a disco ball cup.

Gunbae surprised the heck out of me, breaking me of my usual "I don't like most meat, and I'm stingy with my food" habits. Not only did I spring for the Wagyu beef option, which comes with Miyazaki ribeye and tenderloin for a $45 surcharge, but it was so delicious I ended up ordering a second helping. The meat was rich and filling, leading me to share it with the table. The crispy chicken small plate was also phenomenal.

What would a trendy ship be without a Mexican restaurant? Enter Pink Agave through a lit-glass archway, and you'll find a dark and swanky space that feels a bit like something out of old Miami. The eatery offers upscale Mexican fare with a mezcal-heavy drink menu, all designed by famed chef and Phoenix food scene legend Silvana Salcido Esparza of the Barrio Cafe.

The selections are divided into three sizes: small plates, medium plates and large plates. Start simple, and try the absolutely out-of-this-world guacamole. Then, move on to the black bean soup and chicken enchiladas while you wait for the cochinita pibil (marinated smoked pork with sour orange habanero pico de gallo). Or, instead opt for dishes like grilled corn with spicy aioli and lime, seared shrimp with mole and new potatoes, a vegan roasted corn- and russet potato-stuffed poblano pepper or roasted duck with mole and smoked yam puree.

Vegetarians, rejoice. Razzle Dazzle — named for the confusing black-and-white paint style found on World War I ships — is the veggie-forward brainchild of Eric Kim Haugen, a judge on Food Network's "Big Restaurant Bet." Offering brunch and dinner, the restaurant's menus have creative choices for cruisers who stay away from meat.

For brunch, I loved the avocado toast with sriracha, watermelon radish, finger lime and toasted seeds; the nutty gazpacho with cucumbers, peppers, marcona almonds and roasted garlic croutons; and the Impossible burger with poblano salsa, paprika veganaise, avocado and fries. (You can substitute a salad, but the fries are delicious and cutely served in a vessel designed to look like a crushed black Solo cup.) I also ordered a for-fee smoothie, but in line with some of the poor service I mentioned above, it never arrived.

Razzle Dazzle is the only restaurant on the ship that was so intriguing I ate there twice. For dinner, I had the avocado green goddess salad and the fried green tomatoes and okra with chili lime spice and chili herb sauce as starters.

I also selected two mains: Nashville hot cauliflower with plant-based ranch sauce and beet-stuffed pierogi, both vegan. I'm Polish and grew up on pierogi filled with just about every type of fruit, vegetable and starch imaginable, but I had never tried them with beets. I was so disappointed when the dish took forever to arrive, as it meant I didn't have time to fully enjoy it before I had to dash to a show.

Feeling naughty? There are not-so-secret meat dishes on the menu, including snapper, slow-cooked lamb shank and an extra-charge seafood boil for $50. This restaurant is also home to the Red Bar, which mixes drinks created in partnership with Cocktail Cartel.

For a perfect Instagram opportunity (and a tasty tipple), order A Pop of Attraction — tequila, ginger, grapefruit, lime and bitters topped with a handful of popcorn and served in a small popcorn bucket.

I have an extremely unsophisticated palate, so fancy food is often lost on me. However, I was truly impressed by Test Kitchen, a lab-like restaurant that focuses on presentation with some molecular gastronomy elements mixed in. The original menus, which alternate to provide different experiences on each voyage, were designed by chef Matt Lambert of New York City's The Musket Room.

When I ate there, our menu consisted of just six items — corn, salmon, beetroot, choice of shrimp or lamb, asparagus and strawberry — with a dish prepared around each. What came out was the following: cornbread with spreadable garlic and onion corn custard; sugar-marinated salmon with cucumbers; beetroot ravioli with pesto and cashews; lamb and eggplant with zucchini or shrimp tagliatelle pasta with jumbo shrimp and tomatoes in lobster broth; asparagus sorbet with a sauce made of egg yolk, cream and Champagne, topped with ginger; and a strawberry dessert.

Vegetarian options are also available. A fellow traveler at my table doesn't eat meat or fish, so she was presented with pumpkin jus with pumpkin and carrot risotto instead of the lamb or shrimp selection.

To me, Test Kitchen is the most impressive free option on board, especially given that there were six courses, the ingredients were high quality and anything this frou-frou normally costs a bunch of extra money on other cruise lines. It's only open for dinner, but during the day, it also hosts mixology classes for a fee; they not only teach you how to make drinks but also how to photograph them for social media. #Millennial.

For seasoned cruisers missing a more traditional main dining room experience, The Wake hits closest to the mark, offering a 1960s steakhouse vibe. Meat and seafood are on the menus for both brunch and dinner, although some dishes carry an extra charge.

I didn't have enough time to eat at The Wake for dinner, but for brunch, I enjoyed the brioche French toast with caramelized bananas, toasted pecans and whipped creme fraiche. I also ordered the avocado Benedict, which didn't impress me, but that's likely due to my aversion to certain textures rather than the quality of the dish. Other menu options included clam chowder, fennel and citrus salad, poached shrimp, steak and eggs, and Benedicts featuring soft-shell crab and crispy pork belly.

Resilient Lady's only for-fee dining option is a dinner theater show called "Another Rose," which takes up residence in The Manor nightclub on a couple of nights each cruise. For $50 per person, passengers can choose from one of three seating options: balcony, floor or floor near the stage. For that price, they receive a 90-minute show that unfolds all around them as they indulge in a four-course set meal (including three drinks) that was absolutely my favorite of the whole trip — not too bland, not too spicy and with just the right amount of flavor.

The menu offers cruisers two appetizers (sweet potato chaat with tamarind, cilantro-mint chutney, yogurt and pomegranate seeds; and a tuna bomb with avocado green goddess dressing, spicy soy and semolina puri), a main course (a choice of pan-roasted sea bass with moilee sauce, basmati rice grit and roasted okra; or braised short rib with Kashmir chili-coconut sauce, basmati rice grit and scallions) and a dessert.

I left feeling just the right amount of full, although I only took one bite of the dessert — the world's tiniest piece of cheesecake. There's also a vegetarian menu available. (I don't eat raw tuna, so I ordered the vegetarian celery apple bomb for my second appetizer, and it was fantastic.) The timing of the service was also impeccable, coinciding flawlessly with the show. There wasn't too much time between courses; instead, there was just enough for attendees to watch a bit of the performance without constantly being distracted by food.

Another of my favorite food experiences on Resilient Lady was The Pizza Place. This late-night haunt was perfect for ordering a pie or two after some dancing and drinks. The pies are slightly larger than a personal size, and they come in varieties like a classic pie with tomato sauce and mozzarella, chicken pesto with red onions and fresh tomatoes, a white pie with three kinds of cheese, pepperoni and a vegan option with "cheese," black pepper and arugula. However, the best by a mile was the white truffle with egg — a pie with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, cracked black pepper and truffle oil topped with a runny egg.

If you're looking for other casual options or grab-and-go fare, The Galley is for you. Designed to mimic a food court, The Galley is the closest thing the ship has to a buffet minus the self-serve setup (excluding the prepackaged grab-and-go items). You'll either belly up to one of several counters preparing selections like sushi from Bento Baby, salads from The Daily Mix and tacos from Let's Taco Bout It, or sit down so a member of the waitstaff can come to you to take your order.

Want breakfast all day? Your go-to will be Diner & Dash, which will cook up made-to-order eggs and omelets with bacon and other trimmings. Craving a noodle bowl, burgers, a panini, a for-fee specialty coffee or a dessert that's as gorgeous as it is delectable? You'll find all of that, respectively, in The Galley's Noodle Around, Burger Bar, Hot Off the Press, Grounds Club Too and The Sweet Side.

Speaking of sweets, the ship's Lick Me Till ... Ice Cream offers free scoops in flavors like espresso chip, butter pecan, key lime pie, raspberry beet and, of course, vanilla. Cones include classic, as well as chocolate and red velvet options.

If that's not enough, The Social Club doles out free popcorn, soft pretzels, hot dogs, fudge, cake pops, cereal bars, Swedish fish, gummy bears, saltwater taffy and other candy that's enough to keep you on a carb high for days. (I speak from experience.)

Other great options for between-meal snacks include Opa Hour at The Dock House, where you can snag a drink and complimentary evening mezze plates with a Greek theme that ties into the ship's itineraries, and afternoon tea, hosted at Sip, the ship's Champagne bar, for an extra fee a couple of times per sailing.

Virgin Voyages has partnered with experts in the mixology business to create some of the best bars at sea, with menus to match.

Found along The Roundabout on the second deck of Resilient Lady's atrium, Draught House pours pints of beer in a location that's equal parts central and tucked away. On-tap options include Heineken, Strongbow Hard Cider and Lagunitas IPA. Among the sizeable selection of bottled brews are Amstel Light, Corona, Dos Equis, Newcastle Brown Ale, Goose Island IPA, Duvel Belgian Strong Blond, Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale, Miller High Life, Guinness, Berry Noir Sour Ale and Rekorderlig hard ciders, as well as hard seltzers and canned mixed drinks from Quirk and Ketel One.

One of two pool bars (the other being the Aquatic Club Bar), Gym & Tonic serves the smaller of the ship's two pools. Found next to the Muscle Beach-style outdoor fitness equipment, it's a great place to seek an added-fee smoothie after your daily workout. If you don't know quite what to order, ask the bartender to surprise you. Mine did, and the result — a mixture including spinach, berries and peanut butter — was excellent.

Hidden two turns off the main drag between The Roundabout and The Dock House on Deck 7, Loose Cannon is a nautically themed bar accented by vintage diving helmets, rope accents and a jukebox. It's light and airy and often the site of multiple trivia challenges hosted by the entertainment staff. Be sure to poke around, or you could miss it entirely.

The ship's main spot for coffee is The Grounds Club on Deck 7, and a morning stop there quickly became part of my daily routine. It sells hot and iced specialty coffee beverages, made with Intelligentsia Coffee, that run the gamut from espressos, lattes and cappuccinos to macchiatos, mochas and flat whites.

There are also more interesting concoctions, such as the Black Cat Fizz — a blend of Black Cat espresso, tonic and orange served over ice. The taste wasn't my favorite, but overall, it was an oddly refreshing drink. Tea and hot chocolate are also on the menu. A second coffee outpost, Grounds Club Too, is positioned in The Galley food court on Deck 15. Both have nondairy milk alternatives on hand.

Inside The Manor, the ship's den-like nightclub, there's a central bar on the first floor that serves beer, wine and cocktails. It can be crowded on nights when there's an event in the space, but if you head to the upper deck, you'll find a second bar that's often less mobbed. Plenty of seating facing the stage and dance floor area is available on both levels, so you won't miss a minute of the action.

On your way in, stop to take a selfie in what the crew calls the most Instagrammed space on board — a mirrored hallway inlaid with thousands of glowing white lights.

One of the most central and, therefore, busy bars and lounge areas on the vessel, On the Rocks serves as the atrium bar. Located at the bottom of The Roundabout, it hosts live music performances and has plenty of large-group, alcove-style seating for passengers to enjoy. It's also where the crew hosts a wedding between passengers on Scarlet Night. (You'll see; just go with it.)

Feeling bubbly? Head to Sip, the ship's elegant but highly trafficked Champagne bar, which is also a common spot for nightly live music. It serves up bottles, as well as afternoon tea for an extra cost.

Want Champagne but don't feel like venturing to Sip? Just open the Virgin Voyages app and shake your phone to have a bottle delivered to wherever you are on board.

Not quite a traditional bar, The Social Club is a diner-style space that serves up spiked milkshakes alongside free nibbles like hot dogs, soft pretzels and candy. It's ideally positioned near Resilient Lady's massive board game collection, the arcade and The Loose Cannon bar, making it the hub for activities like gaming, karaoke and trivia. (Note that there's also a dedicated karaoke lounge called The Groupie, which has private rooms you can reserve for free for parties of different sizes.)

In addition to these stand-alone bars, most restaurants also have their own dedicated bars and drink menus. Notable ones include the Pink Agave bar, which features a host of mezcal-based drinks, and Razzle Dazzle's Red Bar, which whips up some of the ship's prettiest beverages, engineered by Cocktail Cartel.

Also worth mentioning are Test Kitchen's mixology classes, where you'll learn how to create a social media-worthy cocktail, and the Grog Walk, a hosted bar crawl that will take you to the vessel's most popular watering holes.

Note: There is no drinking allowed in The Red Room theater. You will have to finish all beverages or dump them before you are allowed to enter.

Resilient Lady activities

Resilient Lady puts its own spin on typical cruise ship activities. Trivia is scheduled several times a day, but it goes for more than an hour, and participants spin a wheel to determine the topic. Bingo is hosted by a drag queen. Afternoon tea is offered for a fee and comes with a side of Champagne.

More unique pastimes available on board include bar crawls, coffee tastings and mixology classes (all for a fee). Free activities range from board game play, dodgeball and summer camp arts and crafts to karaoke, '90s boy band dance classes and stargazing.

Of course, there's always the option to perfect your glow in one of the ship's two pools or on the open sun decks. Trying to avoid those pesky tan lines? Deck 17's The Perch allows topless sunbathing.

Oddly, there are no hot tubs by the main pool. However, there are two at the nearby Gym & Tonic pool, two on Deck 16 aft near The Net (a lounge net that lets you lie above the water) and two at Richard's Rooftop outdoor lounge, which is exclusive to suite passengers.

If you're willing to pay for fun, you can also visit the onboard casino, which has 115 slot machines and 10 tables for games like blackjack, roulette and poker. Or, make an appointment for a service at the spa, nail salon, hairdresser or barber. (The last two are located near The Roundabout in the ship's High Street shopping area, which has stores selling high-end jewelry, clothing, alcohol and Virgin Voyages branded items.)

Feeling extra bold? Schedule a tattoo or piercing session at the onboard Squid Ink body art parlor.

One thing you won't pay extra for on Resilient Lady is fitness classes. Not only does Virgin Voyages differ from other lines in that its sweat sessions are free, but it hosts a larger variety of options than other lines do (think: yoga, bungee classes, spin and HIIT, complete with a dedicated HIIT area that's outfitted with rowers, jump boxes, kettlebells, battle ropes and other equipment, including some that are outdoors). A Muscle Beach-style bodyweight class utilizes jungle gym equipment on the pool deck, and an '80s-themed aerobics class features Shake Weights and encourages cruisers to dress up.

B-Complex is a sizeable fitness center where passengers can do their own workouts. It's split into two parts: Deck 15 port is Bike and Burn, which focuses on cardio (exercise bikes, treadmills, ellipticals and rowers), while Deck 15 starboard is Build and Balance, which provides weight machines, free weights and spaces for yoga (complete with mats).

A jogging track is located on Deck 17. Besides The Perch, which sometimes offers outdoor yoga classes, there's nothing else up there, so you won't have to dodge unwitting fellow passengers or rogue deck chairs.

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: Virgin Voyages' ships are for travelers who are 18 and older. As such, there are no children's facilities on board.

Resilient Lady shows

On the first night of my sailing, I found myself in The Red Room, the ship's two-deck theater that can be configured in a variety of ways to accommodate several types of shows. On this particular occasion, I saw "Persephone," a story about the Greek goddess' torrid love affair with Hades, the Greek god of the underworld.

To mesh with Resilient Lady's Greece itineraries, Virgin's entertainment executives worked with House of Yes and Kaleidoscope to create the show, which has passengers bellying right up to several stages, with performances taking place all around the room. They're cohesive, though. As a team of phenomenal singers and dancers takes to the main stage, you might find aerialists and pole dancers performing to either side while a group of demons climbs the walls of "hell" near the back of the room.

No matter where you look, there's something that will drop your jaw. In fact, the show was so good that I went back to see it again on the final night of the voyage. If you want to attend, it's best to reserve a spot ahead of time on the Virgin Voyages app.

Then there's "Lola's Library," a cabaret-style variety show created by Ceilings Entertainment, which runs the Mayfair Supper Club at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Join sexy librarian Lola, her assistant Dewey and cleaning lady Mary, who keep the library open after hours for some off-color fun while they try to foil a book bandit who keeps stealing tomes. Along the way, you'll encounter pole dancers, aerialists, Jack the Stripper and a band of gay dwarfs.

Held in The Manor, this three-hour nightclub activation is divided into three consecutive one-hour chunks offered a few times per sailing so passengers can come and go as they please.

A third new option is "Another Rose," a dinner theater experience where passengers might be whisked away to enjoy one of four courses in a private room, as designed by one of the creators of the New York version of "Sleep No More." Resilient Lady's only for-fee meal option, the show offers a superb performance and delicious food. In true love-triangle fashion, a young woman is forced to choose between two men she loves. After she marries, her husband falls in love with the other guy, resulting in a steamy (metaphorical) throuple — with sides of chaat and braised short rib.

The fourth and final new resident show, "Mind Mangler," blends magic with comedy, drawing from a character developed by Mischief Comedy, the company responsible for "The Play That Goes Wrong" and "Magic Goes Wrong." This is one of the few shows Virgin Voyages has licensed, rather than creating something new. The result is that the Mind Mangler, a character from a land-based show, can now be found on board Resilient Lady. Although he's a magician, the performance is more about comedy than magic, playing on tropes like magicians' planting of audience members to help them with their tricks.

Cruiser-favorite holdovers from the line's first two ships include drag shows and bingo hosted by resident drag queen Miss Titty Kaka; the "Miss Behave" show, a chaotic reminder that nothing really matters unless we say it does; and signature theme parties like the first-night PJ Party, '80s-themed Klub Rubiks and red-focused Scarlet Night, where a totally made-up love story about a sailor and an octopus goddess leads to rave-style debauchery on the pool deck.

As part of a new concept called Festival Stage, the vessel also has a series of limited-time engagements that, on my voyage, included shows by Irish performer Abandoman. This musician and comedian chose audience members to interview and then created freestyle raps about their lives, on the spot, which had everyone in stitches. Upcoming acts include comedy-magic hybrids, acapella singing groups and Tape Face — an "America's Got Talent" finalist who does an entire comedy routine with his mouth taped shut.

Since the line retired controversial show "Never Sleep Alone," which debuted on Scarlet Lady and had live music, there's now room for live music performances elsewhere throughout Resilient Lady. A talented duo and trio are found in various bars and lounge spaces to provide nightly tunes.

Resilient Lady itineraries and pricing

At the time of publication, Resilient Lady was sailing a variety of seven- and 10-night cruises from Athens, Greece, through December 2023, calling on the Greek Isles, as well as ports in Turkey, Croatia and Montenegro. Prices start from $157 per person, per night ($1,099 per person for a seven-night sailing) for an inside cabin, not including taxes and fees.

Starting in December, the ship will reposition to Australia, offering two- to 14-night voyages from Sydney throughout Australia and New Zealand. Prices for those cruises start at $120 per person, per night for an inside cabin.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a Resilient Lady passenger who's also a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport that's valid for at least six months from disembarkation day in order to cruise due to the ship's international departures.

Green card holders and non-U.S. citizens will need to check requirements based on destinations visited.

You will also have to do some online prep ahead of time in order to check in and select a time to arrive at the embarkation port on the day of your sailing.

Virgin Voyages' fares include gratuities. That means you won't see a daily service charge on your onboard bill, nor should you have to feel you need to tip the crew extra unless someone has truly gone above and beyond.

You might want to come prepared with some small bills to tip porters at the pier when they take your suitcases. It's also appropriate to tip anyone who delivers room service (or Champagne), as well as tour guides on shore excursions.

Basic Wi-Fi access for two devices per person is free for Resilient Lady passengers. The connection speeds are decent, but if you'd like to do more than just go to websites and check your e-mails (think: streaming and video calling), you'll need to pay to upgrade to the ship's premium Wi-Fi option.

I had the premium version on my sailing, and it was fast enough for me to stream TV shows and movies and upload photos and videos.

Carry-on drinks policy

Each passenger sailing on Resilient Lady is permitted to bring up to 12 sealed 12-ounce (or smaller) cartons or cans of nonalcoholic beverages, such as soda, water, juice and sports drinks. Each person of legal drinking age (see below) may also bring two 750-milliliter bottles of wine. Cruisers are not allowed to bring their own liquor or beer on board.

You must transport any drinks in your carry-on luggage. Beverages detected in your checked bags will be confiscated and returned at the end of your sailing.

Any liquor purchases made ashore will also be held for you until the conclusion of your voyage. Pay special attention to customs limits if you plan to purchase large quantities.

Smoking policy

Passengers may only smoke or vape in the Deck 6 smoking room outside the Red Room and in a designated outdoor area on the starboard side of Deck 16 by the entrance to Richard's Rooftop.

Smoking is not permitted in passenger cabins or on stateroom balconies; anyone who doesn't adhere to that policy will receive a $500 fine and could be subject to early disembarkation without a refund.

Virgin Voyages' ships do not have self-service laundry rooms. However, passengers can send clothing out for pressing, washing and folding, or washing and pressing. Individual items cost $4 each for press only, $5 each for wash and fold, and $6 each for wash and press. Or, you can do an entire bag of washing and folding for $30.

Eco-cleaning (wet washing but with less water and eco-friendly detergent that's easier on fabrics) is also available for $7 per piece. Express turnaround (returned by 5:30 p.m. the same day when picked up before 11 a.m.) is $20 extra for both regular washing and dry-cleaning. Non-express items will be returned the following day by 5:30 p.m.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are outfitted with a mix of outlets, including North American, USB and universal (for European destinations, the United Kingdom and many other countries).

In my balcony cabin, I had two USB ports near the bed, along with a North American outlet. The desk and vanity area added two more USB ports (one of which was taken up by the charging cable for the cabin's tablet, which controls the TV, curtains and temperature), two additional North American outlets and one universal outlet.

The bathrooms have no outlets, so you'll have to use electric razors and style your hair at the vanity.

It's also worth mentioning that if, like me, you find yourself working remotely from the ship, many of the public spaces — including The Grounds Club coffee bar and The Galley food court — have tons of outlets available for charging.

The currency on all Virgin Voyages ships is the dollar. Before you board, you'll link a credit card to your account (which you can do via the app prior to embarkation day) or put up a cash amount from which you can debit for purchases made on board.

Passengers will not receive keycards unless they have access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive sun deck reserved for cruisers booked in Rockstar Suites. The Band — an adjustable cord bracelet with a scannable device attached — serves as your room key and charge "card" when you sail. It's also used to scan you on and off the ship when you go ashore, and it allows the crew to locate you when you use the shake for Champagne delivery service.

Drinking age

Although Virgin Voyages' ships allow anyone 18 and older to sail, the drinking age on board is 21 years when ships are docked in the U.S. In international waters and in places like Europe, where the drinking age is 18, the onboard drinking age is 18.

Virgin Voyages has no official dress code and advises passengers to come as they are, whether it's a sparkly dress or jeans and a T-shirt. However, the average passenger enjoys looking chic and trendy, even when dressed down. There are no formal nights on board, but most people do change into something a little nicer for dinner.

Be sure to bring something red for Scarlet Night — a combination atrium spectacle, pool party and nightclub rave that happens once per sailing. Other themed nights include a pajama party and an '80s bash, so pack accordingly.

Bottom line

Although Resilient Lady is nearly identical to its sister ships in layout, inclusivity and quirkiness, it has found ways to differentiate itself with fresh, new entertainment. From jaw-dropping acrobatics and side-splitting comedy to performances that will have you singing and dancing along with the cast, you won't be disappointed with the offerings while sailing on this vessel.

In addition to stellar entertainment, you can expect comfortable accommodations, top-notch food and drinks, unique daily activities — seriously, pack your legwarmers and scrunchies for the '80s workout — and a feeling of nostalgia that will render you unable to do anything but have a great time.

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Review: Resilient Lady

Reviewed by Rachel Dube

What is the line? Virgin Voyages

Name of ship? Resilient Lady

Passenger occupancy? 2,762 passengers

Itinerary? The Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems starts and ends in Athens with stops in Split, Croatia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Corfu, Greece.

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line that offers premium, yet casual, sailings. Expect thoughtful, modern design and upscale touches throughout. On board, you’ll find a fun-loving social environment complete with theme night parties and pickle ball courts. The line's “always included” pricing model also means WiFi, basic beverages, workout classes, onboard entertainment, and food from 20+ eateries are included in the fare.

Tell us about the ship in general:

Resilient Lady is Virgin Voyages' newest ship with sailings in Australia, the South Pacific, and Europe. The 2,762-passenger, 17-deck vessel was built in 2022 and first set sail in spring 2023. While all three ships in Virgin’s “lady ships” share nearly identical designs, the Resilient Lady features updated onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call, including the Greek Islands, Bali, Croatia, and Mumbai. With seemingly limitless onboard activities for passengers to get back in touch with their youthful spirit (including my personal favorite, a nostalgic arcade room), the ship feels like a giant playground for adults with plenty of room to relax.

Who is on board?

Since the cruise line only allows adults on board, the youngest passengers you’ll find on a Virgin Voyages cruise are 18 years old. The brand has often been referred to as the “cruise line for millennials''—and while there are a good amount of young adults on board, the average passenger age is actually closer to the upper 40s. Overall, the guest atmosphere is diverse and welcoming: the cruises are LGBTQ+ friendly and are popular among veteran sailors as well as first-time cruisers. A large share of passengers enjoy partaking in the ship’s many activities, creating an energetic atmosphere. For instance, during theme nights (including the beloved Scarlet Night) a good majority of the ship dresses up and attends.

Describe the cabins.

There are 1,404 staterooms on the Resilient Lady —78 of them are suites, divided into Rockstar and Mega Rockstar categories. During my time on board, I stayed in a Sea Terrace cabin (the ship’s most common room) featuring a thoughtfully designed space. All the rooms prioritize ocean views and have a neutral color palette with pops of the line’s signature scarlet hue.

The higher-end rooms come with a fully stocked bar, turntable, and specifically curated Virgin records. Marble details, coordinated mood lighting, and large balconies are also standout features of the swanky suites. Those staying in the suites have access to exclusive spaces, including Richard’s Rooftop, a secluded outdoor deck area.

Tell us about the crew.

Virgin Voyages stands out among competitors thanks to their incredibly attentive and active staff. You’ll find crew to be extremely friendly, willing to help with whatever you need, or to just have a chat.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Dining options are abundant on the ship, and all of them are included with every sailing. Of the 20+ on board, six of the eateries require reservations. Reservations open up 45 days before the ship’s departure, so it’s best to book them in advance. However, if you can’t snag one, some reservations will become available throughout the voyage, in addition to walk-ins.

Among the dining options, a highlight is The Galley–a popular venue modeled after a food hall—which features everything from a sushi bar and burger grill to a dedicated bakery and pastry shop. While it acts as a buffet in practice, everything from each of the ship’s dedicated restaurants is made to order, so all the food is fresh. I also loved Pink Agave, a Mexican spot, and Extra Virgin, an Italian restaurant with incredible pasta options. Overall, the food was easily some of the best I’ve had compared to most other cruise ships.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

During your time on board, a visit to the Thermal Suite in the onboard spa is a must. It features several different sauna experiences, ranging from salt steams to a mud room. There are also three pools to enjoy, each offering different temperatures. For a relaxing break in between dips, lounge on the spa’s heated marble slabs and take in the vast ocean views. The spa also offers a wide menu of treatments, including wraps and massages, along with a nail and hair salon, barber, and tattoo parlor.

What about activities and entertainment?

While Resilient Lady may look like other ships in the Virgin Voyages fleet, it boasts brand-new onboard entertainment that truly sets this cruise apart. Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, including Persephone. The show was developed in collaboration with iconic spots like the famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes and featured a mix of acrobatics, catchy musical numbers, and eye-catching costumes.

Also new for this sailing is Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Performers dance on the tables, interact with audience members, and surprise you when you least expect it. One thing is for certain: the audience is encouraged to participate in every performance in some way or another. While every show was unique, favorites of mine included the Miss Behave Show, an interactive comedy show, and the immersive cabaret, dubbed Lola’s Library. Beyond the live performances, there are also swimming pools, basketball courts, an arcade, a game room, and more.

How was the experience for families?

Since the line is adults only, there were no kids onboard, nor kid-related services.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

During my time aboard, we sailed on the itinerary dubbed the Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems, which stops in Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. All the land-based tours were informative and hosted by local guides. For our stop in Dubrovnik, we had a late port departure, which allowed us to spend the entire day exploring the coastal city. The ship also sails a Greek Island Glow itinerary, which takes guests to Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Athens, and Bodrum, Turkey.

Are there any stand-out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Virgin Voyages aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. For now, the brand is testing innovative technologies that turn heat from the ship’s engines into clean energy and researching ways to purify wastewater so it’s clean enough to drink. The line reduces food waste by replacing the traditional cruise buffet with made-to-order meals. In addition, single-use plastics, including water bottles, straws, shopping bags, and takeaway cups, are banned on board.

Anything we missed?

Some of my favorite parts of the onboard experience were the ship's theme nights. From the Scarlet Night festivities to the sail away party, the atmosphere couldn’t have been more lively. It was exciting to see everyone participate and was easily one of the best parts of the cruise. During sea days (or any day on board), passengers can take advantage of the ship’s expansive fitness center, which featured TechnoGym machines and a bevy of fitness classes including a bungee class and a VHS dance workout—complete with 80s music and sweatbands.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

If you’re someone who wouldn’t typically consider a vacation at sea, Virgin Voyages is the cruise line for you. With abundant dining options, creative entertainment, and a fun-loving social atmosphere, Resilient Lady is the perfect ship for just about anyone.

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About Resilient Lady

Resilient Lady is another of Virgin Voyages incredibly popular "Lady Ships." Vacation like the rich and famous do aboard this modern luxurious ship. Similar to her sisters, with some minor differences, her 110,000-ton size is a sweet spot and enables her to access many ports of call. "Sailors" will travel like royalty while enjoying fantastic service, decadent dining, captivating entertainment, incredible wellness features, gorgeous accommodations and more. Fantastic included amenities are Wi-Fi, tips, ALL dining venues, group fitness classes and essential drinks such as water, soft drinks, teas and coffee.

Exclusively for adults, sailors must be at least 18 years of age to travel on these lovely ladies. Fun-filled pop-up performances are regular occurrences throughout the ship. Collaborations among famous choreographers, artists, DJs, directors, producers, Michelin-starred chefs and mixologists, provide beyond-the-ordinary experiences around every turn. Evening entertainment runs the gamut and productions include spectacular acrobatics, stunning scenery, intriguing adaptations of famous stories and interactive shows.

Your wellbeing is always a focus on Resilient Lady. Get your Vitamin D fix with many outdoor activities including the track, boxing ring and bags, pool, Yoga classes and more. Maintain your fitness regimen or get started with HIIT and bungee classes, free weights and meditation. Redemption Spa helps you detox your mind, body and soul with its mudroom, sauna, salt room, plunge pools and heated hammam benches. Visit The Tune Up for manis/pedis and various Medi-spa therapeutic services. Stubble & Groom is a traditional barbershop ideal for haircuts, beard care, and more. Dry Dock offers color services, conditioning & styling services plus a brow bar. If you've been thinking about new ink for a while, let the professionals in Squid Ink, hook up that perfect tattoo.

Dining on Resilient Lady is an epic event in itself. Familiar favorites, haute cuisine and decadent desserts are available in sophisticated restaurants, al fresco, from food truck-type stands and in casual eateries. Michelin-starred chefs collectively designed the menus while world-famous mixologists and bartending royalty arranged the detox & retox libations you'll find. Foods are freshly prepared and dining options include upscale Italian and Mexican restaurants, healthy choices and Vegetarian, a Korean BBQ, a Steak & Seafood venue reminiscent of fine steakhouses, Ramen, Hawaiian Poke Bowls, The Test Kitchen for cooking instruction and great meals, plus many other delicious options. If it's 5 o'clock somewhere, or not, cocktails, mocktails, bubbly, beer, juices and other delicious libations will quench your thirst.

The gorgeous Quarters, Virgin's name for accommodations, range from RockStar Suites to staterooms for solo Sailors. Many staterooms are ocean view and a vast majority feature private balconies complete with hammock. Virgin Voyages' commitment to environmental friendliness is evident with stateroom sensors reducing the power usage when not in. Sailors will enjoy ambient mood lighting, transformative Seabeds which can transition from daybed to sleeping configurations, well-appointed bathrooms, flat-screen televisions and other great features. Sailors in the RockStar Suites have the services of a personal assistant and a wardrobe coordinator. Guests staying in these bespoke accommodations also have access to early admission to entertainment plus exclusive admittance to Richard's Rooftop. You wouldn't dance on your table at home, but here it's encouraged in those suites with stairs actually leading you up onto the table. Some of the largest suites boast a private hot tub, outdoor showers, hammocks and more.

Those aren't flashbulbs popping, it's the lighting in the bustling casino. Visit The Manor for Ethereal visuals, gasp-inducing acrobatics, intricate choreography, fantastic story re-telling, compelling interactive shows plus, this two-story & three-bar theater transforms from showplace to a nightclub where hot DJs spin the latest and greatest inspiring you to break out your best moves.

Sail in style on the gorgeous Resilient Lady to beautiful destinations.

Massive Suite with Terrace

This is it. This is the suite. Positioned at the most forward part of the ship — the views are, to put it simply, unrivaled. Get lost watching the waves from your outdoor hot tub or creating a new sound in your personal music room. But don't worry, you can find yourself again the next morning as you meditate alongside the waves on your sprawling, private terrace.

Fab Suite with Terrace

Whether you're into sunshine yoga on the terrace, or serving up negronis at the bar inside, this suite is for those who love to host. When it's just you, you'll be tasked with the age-old problem of whether to relax in the fully-marbled Peek-a-Boo shower inside or rinse off on the Peek-a-View shower outside under the moonlight.

Posh Suite with Terrace

An outdoor champagne table is the perfect spot to admire the view from your suite. With a glamorously designed layout enhanced by our high-tech mood lighting, Hollywood-style vanity glam area, a tricked out terrace, and floor-to-ceiling marble bathroom, this one's perfect for the posh traveler.

Gorgeous Suite with Terrace

The terrace swing chair is the perfect spot to enjoy a nightcap while you watch the moon flirt with the waves. Once inside, after rinsing off in your outdoor Peek-a-View shower, you can lose yourself in the massive European king bed while drifting off to sleep to the sounds of the waves (or your vinyl record player).

Brilliant Suite with Terrace

The Hollywood-style lights. The glam brass vanity area. The full size, fully-stocked bar (complete with mixology equipment, obviously) - this suite begs for you to indulge the rockstar deep within. And with a cheeky view of the European king bed from the (fully) marbled Peek-a-Boo shower, the only sensual rival is the ocean itself.

Cheeky Corner Suite – Biggest Terrace

Wrapping panoramic views from the corner of the ship are emphasized by our design choices — from our custom interior wicker chairs to the beautiful, hand-woven hammocks on the terrace, our pieces were designed with thoughtful space to maximize sea views from any angle.

Cheeky Corner Suite – Even Bigger Terrace

Cheeky Corner Suite – Pretty Big Terrace

Seriously Suite with Terrace

Full stocked, full-size bar. Peek-a-Boo shower. Record player ready to spin your favorite tunes. This suite is ideal if you're serious about luxury.

Sweet Aft Suite – Biggest Terrace

With endless views from the back of the ship whether you're relaxing at the terrace champagne table, or gazing at the waves directly from your indoor Peek-a-Boo shower window, there's no such thing as a bad view in this suite.

Sweet Aft Suite – Even Bigger Terrace

Sweet Aft Suite – Pretty Big Terrace

XL Sea Terrace

Whether you're getting ready inside at the glam area, rinsing off in your Roomy Rainshower or relaxing outside on your hand-woven terrace hammock (that almost all of our Sea Terraces offer), our spaces are designed to give you sweeping views of the horizon as our mood lighting intuitively matches the light from the oncoming sunset.

Central Sea Terrace

The Sea Terrace

Ltd View Sea Terrace (Obstructed View)

The Sea View

For solo Sailors looking for quiet moments with the sea from our super large single beds, or duos perched on our nautically-inspired window seats — the ocean is yours to make eyes with. Gazing out at the waves every morning, this is the closest you can get to the ocean (without the windblown hair).

Solo Sea View

The Insider

Friend groups, solo Sailors, and duos alike can get in on the Insider action. Roomy Rainshowers and mood lighting punctuate our cozy escapes — giving you the space to recover today and prepare for tomorrow.

Social Insider

Solo Insider

View Deck Plan

Extra Virgin

Deck: Deck 6

Deck: Deck 15

Deck: Deck 5

Razzle Dazzle

Sun Club Café

Deck: Deck 16

The Pizza Place

Deck: Deck 7

The Test Kitchen

Aquatic Club

Well-being Pool

Sports Area

The Athletic Club

Stubble + Groom

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Resilient Lady Decks and Cabins

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• Cabins Check

Resilient Lady cruise ship weighs 110k tons and has 1410 staterooms for up to 3102 passengers served by 1160 crew . There are 17 passenger decks, 9 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 35 tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Resilient Lady showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all types of cabins including pictures and videos.

Resilient Lady

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STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

MASSIVE SUITE

Floor Diagram Massive Suites

Sleeps up to: 4 2 Cabins Cabin: 830 sqft (78 m 2 ) Balcony: 1317 sqft (124 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

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Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, important size information, stateroom cabin perks, posh & fab suite.

Floor Diagram Fab & Posh Suites

Sleeps up to: 4 4 Cabins Cabin: 572 sqft (54 m 2 ) Balcony: 261 sqft (25 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 27 Cabins Cabin: 396 sqft (37 m 2 ) Balcony: 86 sqft (8 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

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CORNER SUITE

Floor Diagram Corner Suite

Sleeps up to: 2 14 Cabins Cabin: 311 sqft (29 m 2 ) Balcony: 304 sqft (29 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Center Aft Suite

Sleeps up to: 2 7 Cabins Cabin: 236 sqft (22 m 2 ) Balcony: 180 sqft (17 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

SMALL SUITE

Floor Diagram Junior Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 24 Cabins Cabin: 236 sqft (22 m 2 ) Balcony: 322 sqft (30 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram XL Terrace

Sleeps up to: 3 112 Cabins Cabin: 225 sqft (21 m 2 ) Balcony: 40 sqft (4 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Terrace

Sleeps up to: 4 1020 Cabins Cabin: 185 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 40 sqft (4 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Seaview

Sleeps up to: 3 89 Cabins Cabin: 190 sqft (18 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Inside

Sleeps up to: 4 65 Cabins Cabin: 177 sqft (17 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

SOLO SEAVIEW

Floor Diagram Solo Seaview

Sleeps up to: 1 6 Cabins Cabin: 130 sqft (12 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

SOLO INSIDER

Floor Diagram Solo Inside

Sleeps up to: 1 40 Cabins Cabin: 105 sqft (10 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

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Best Greece cruises: Top 5 ships sailing the Greek isles

F rom ancient mythology to wine and olives, there's a lot to love about Greece . There's something magical about the contrast between the deep-blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the ancient ruins and white buildings found on the Greek islands.

The best Greece cruises offer a well-rounded mix of islands and key Greece destinations: Athens for its ruins, Santorini for its blue-roofed churches, Mykonos for its shopping and nightlife, and Rhodes for its palace and charming cobblestone streets. You might even luck out and snag a visit to places like Turkey or Montenegro, too.

If you're not sure which ships to consider, here's a list of the best cruises to Greece for different kinds of travelers.

Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they're subject to change without notice.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Best Greek isles cruises for families: Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families. If a Disney cruise to Greece with kids sounds appealing, Disney Dream is the ship that will take you there.

The vessel isn't the line's newest, but it's also not the oldest, and you'll still find plenty to do on board. The 2,500-passenger ship's small size means it's easy to learn your way around. Even better, Disney Dream is typically more affordable than the line's newest vessels.

Dream offers jaw-dropping entertainment and daily character appearances, which means your children likely won't be bored on the ship. Its magical kids clubs feature a replica of Andy's room from "Toy Story" and the Millennium Falcon's cockpit from "Star Wars." (Expect surprise visits from R2-D2 or a squad of stormtroopers.)

Also, Greece is wrapped in tons of ancient history to spark your family's imagination. For example, in Athens, you might choose to take a guided tour of the Acropolis, followed by a "day in the life of an archaeologist" experience, where you'll search for treasures in a faux archaeological dig.

If the kids prefer something sportier, they might enjoy an excursion that takes visitors to the Panathenaic Stadium for a tour and a talk about the first Olympic games of the modern era.

Disney Dream sails five-, seven- and nine-night voyages from $322 per person, per night, for a windowless inside cabin. Some itineraries sail round-trip from Rome, while others cruise one-way between Rome and Barcelona with calls on Athens, Mykonos and other ports in Greece.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Best adults-only Greece cruises for party animals: Resilient Lady

If you enjoy a lively megaship party atmosphere but you don't want an environment that's overrun with kids, Virgin Voyages ' Resilient Lady will likely be the best Greece cruise option for you.

Although Virgin's Greece itineraries are pretty standard, its onboard experience is what sets it apart in the region.

The adults-only ship combines a casual vibe with a ramped-up nightlife. You'll find passengers dressed like mermaids, crew dressed like drag queens and performers that more accurately represent a cross-section of real life than those whom you'll find on most other lines' vessels.

As part of what just might be the best entertainment at sea , nighttime shows run the gamut from lounge singers and seemingly impromptu atrium dance parties to secret below-deck visits to the "crew bar" for a drink. There's also Scarlet Night — a rave-like pool-deck dance party where everyone wears red.

If that's not wild enough for you, there's also an app that lets you order Champagne to wherever you are on board, free fitness classes that encourage you to dress up in your '80s best and even a tattoo parlor so you can make some bad decisions.

Resilient Lady sails seven-, 10- and 11-night cruises from Athens, starting at $145 per person, per night, for an inside cabin. The voyages feature a mix of stops in Greece (including Santorini and Rhodes and an overnight in Mykonos), Croatia, Turkey and Montenegro, depending on the specific itinerary you choose.

Related: The best adults-only cruises to try if you can't stand being around kids on vacation

Best budget-friendly Greece cruises: Rhapsody of the Seas

Want to check out Greece but have limited funds? Although you'll have to factor in potentially expensive flights to Europe to board, a voyage on Royal Caribbean 's Explorer of the Seas could be right up your alley.

The vessel is one of Royal Caribbean's oldest ships — it debuted in 2000 — but that doesn't mean you won't find fun onboard activities such as trivia, pool games, nightly theater performances, game shows, dancing and live music.

The best part if you're on a budget is the price. You can snag sailings of six, seven or eight nights from just $85 per person, per night, for an inside cabin. These cruises sail either between Rome and Athens or between Barcelona and Athens, or round-trip from Ravenna (the port for Bologna, Italy). Voyages include calls on Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, as well as ports in Cyprus and Turkey.

Related: How to get a deal on a cruise

Best small-ship luxury Greece cruises: Windstar's Wind Star

Windstar Cruises ' namesake, Wind Star, is a 148-passenger masted sailing yacht that offers a special Greek islands experience because it calls on some of the area's smaller ports in addition to Athens.

The ship is great for sailing aficionados. Because of its small size, it can visit smaller ports that larger vessels can't access. (Think Monemvasia, a town carved into rock, and Gythion, where you'll find caves and lovely beaches.)

Also, Wind Star is an upscale ship, which means you'll find elevated dining and service on board. All cabins offer at least one window. When you purchase an all-inclusive fare, Wi-Fi, gratuities and alcohol are rolled into the price.

Among other itineraries, the vessel sails weeklong cruises between Athens and Rome that call on Monemvasia and Gythion in Greece, as well as several ports in Italy. Rates start from $300 per person, per night, for an outside cabin.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best locally based Greek isles cruises: Celestyal Journey

Celestyal Cruises is a line you don't hear about too often, but it's based in Greece, which means it has a unique perspective on Greek island sailings.

If you're looking for a cruise vacation that's full of local Greek flair, check out the brand's Celestyal Journey. The ship isn't new, but it's new to the line. Following an extensive refurbishment, and its Celestyal debut in late 2023, it's the youngest member of the line's fleet.

Holding about 1,200 passengers, Celestyal Journey is small enough that you'll still receive a personalized experience but large enough to offer a multitude of onboard amenities. Enjoy yourself at the spa and fitness center, eight bars, seven restaurants, a chef's table experience and two pools. The ship offers 630 cabins, including 149 balcony cabins, 120 junior suites and 28 full-fledged suite accommodations.

Itineraries offered by Celestyal Journey range from four to 28 nights, departing from either Athens or Thessaloniki. Most voyages include calls on well-known Greek ports like Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos, while longer sailings also venture to places in Turkey and Montenegro. Prices start from $89 per person, per night, for an inside cabin.

Bottom line

The best cruises to Greece combine a mix of fascinating destinations with a ship that fits your budget and travel style. If you're still unsure which cruise to choose, check with a knowledgeable cruise travel agent who can help you sort through the options.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.