Review: Virgin Voyages Across the Mediterranean

This Virgin Voyages review will show you all the highs and lows of our first Virgin Voyage experience. Just know, it surely won’t be the last!

Cruising on Virgin Voyages is unlike other cruise lines. They excel with a diverse onboard experience, and tons of venues, so everyone can have fun. Their Bar Tab system is convenient but I always advise my clients to pre-pay to take advantage of the bonus credit Virgin adds. Being an adults-only cruise line was also a major perk.

I’ve been a massive Celebrity Cruises fan, and I do remain one. However, I’ve been converted by the laidback, fun and inclusive atmosphere onboard a Virgin Voyages ship.

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Know Before You Go

Beyond the usual packing list, I have a couple of Virgin Voyages-specific recommendations.

• Don’t forget to pack some red attire for the ship-wide Scarlet Night festivities!
• Bathroom storage can be limited, so magnetic shelves or hooks can be a lifesaver.

The Ship

All Virgin Voyages ships are nearly identical, with Resilient Lady being their newest (entering service in May 2023). Our Virgin Voyages review is for this ship specifically.

At first, the layout feels segmented. It wasn’t as open as my favorite ships from other cruise lines. I quickly grew to love it, though. It felt intimate, like a boutique hotel at sea. A tip is to explore the deck plans online before you go. It will help you find hidden gems like The Dock, The Perch, The Manor and the Arcade. There’s also over 20 eateries offer delicious food with menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs.

Entertainment & activities:

Each Virgin ship offers unique entertainment. Resilient Lady’s Mediterranean voyages inspire its shows. Virgin’s shows feel more immersive than most, partly for the shows themselves but also how the venues are designed. For the Persephone show, you’re part of the action (literally on the floor while the show is performed around you). They have resident entertainers, like The Diva (their on-board drag queen). Daily activities range from trivia to puzzles and more.

Additional costs:

What makes Virgin such a good deal is what they include in the price: all dining, WiFi, gratuities, fitness classes and soft drinks. They do offer on-board experiences with extra costs. You can get a tattoo at their on-board parlor. Learn how to make some haute cuisine at a cooking class. Enjoy the spa facilities or a treatment to relax. The most expected additional cost will be for alcoholic beverages and specialty non-alcoholic drinks (e.g.: smoothies, lattes, etc.).

Itinerary

The Start: Barcelona, Spain

We flew into Barcelona the day before our cruise started. We had visited many times before, so we’d seen much of the highlights:

• La Sagrada Família is Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. This stunning basilica has intricate facades and soaring spires. It’s a must-see architectural wonder.
• Park Güell is a whimsical public park with colorful mosaics, unique buildings, and panoramic city views. Another Gaudí creation that showcases his distinctive style.
• The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona’s historic heart. A maze of narrow streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares to explore.
• A bustling pedestrian boulevard, La Rambla is lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It’s a great place to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona.
• The Picasso Museum is home to an extensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s early works, offering insights into his artistic development.

Where to stay

We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Barcelona for a little slice of the city we’ve never experienced. Located in the Les Corts neighborhood, it’s less touristy and offers a very unique, modern experience. The hotel is across from a university, and near the Camp Nou stadium (home to Barcelona FC).

Here are a few additional hotels to stay at. If you want complimentary breakfast, free upgrades, extended check-in/check-0ut, and other free benefits, book your stay through me.

• Wittmore Hotel: An intimate and exclusive boutique hotel in the Gothic Quarter. Its private courtyard adds a refined ambiance, perfect for a romantic escape.
• Almanac Barcelona: Chic and sophisticated, this hotel is in the heart of the city. Blending contemporary design with classic elegance. Its rooftop terrace and gourmet restaurant are highlights.
• Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona: A charming, vibrant hotel near Plaça Catalunya. Its atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. Enjoy the rooftop terrace, lively bar, and central location.

Port calls:

Our 10-day cruise was a repositioning cruise (one-way) from Barcelona to Athens. We experienced all the Western & Eastern Mediterranean had to offer. For our Virgin Voyages review, here were our ports of call and what we did:

• In Cannes, we opted to visit Monte Carlo (checking off country 31 for me). I’d highly recommend a trip to Eze or Saint Tropez as well.
• For Cagliari, we walked around the city to see its beautiful historic sites. You can rent a boat to go up the coast, or visit the UNESCO archaeological site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini.
• In Catania, we hiked up Mount Etna and visited a winery. Many people opt to visit nearby Taormina or Syracuse, both amazing choices.
• For Mykonos, a visit to the nearby island of Delos is a must, followed by shopping & dining. For food, I’d highly suggest Nice n Easy by the Mykonos Windmills.
• In Santorini, a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri is a highlight. Winery hopping or visiting the beautiful village of Oia are hallmark experiences. We opted to hike the caldera followed by a swim in the thermal springs.

The End: Athens, Greece

After our cruise, the last thing we wanted was to undo our relaxation. One thing this Virgin Voyages review probably didn’t stress enough was how relaxing the entire trip was. For those wanting to experience the city, here are some of the highlights:

• The Acropolis is the iconic hilltop home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and other ancient temples. A symbol of classical Greece and a must-see for history buffs.
• Ancient Agora is the heart of ancient Athenian democracy and commerce. It’s a sprawling archaeological site with temple ruins, public buildings, and the Bouleuterion (council chamber).
• Plaka is a must visit. It’s a charming historic neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis. Narrow streets are lined with tavernas and traditional houses.
• The National Archaeological Museum is home to an extensive collection of Greek antiquities, from prehistoric artifacts to late antiquity.
• The highest point in Athens is Mount Lycabettus. Take the funicular to the top for panoramic views of the city, the Acropolis, and the Aegean Sea.

Where to stay

Since we’d been to Athens before, we ventured south to the Athens Riviera. It provided a feeling of being on the Greek Isles but being only ninety minutes from Athens, and one hour from the airport.

We stayed at the Cape Sounio, a Grecotel Boutique Resort. It’s a beautifully isolated luxury resort with stunning views & exceptional hospitality. The grounds and many of the rooms underwent a renovation in 2024. It’s a beautifully modern, luxurious stay for families or couples. The views of the Temple of Poseidon from many spots across the resort are gorgeous.

Here are some additional hotels to stay at, both in Athens and in the Athens Riviera. Reach out to book with me for free breakfast, upgrades,  and other perks at no cost to you.

• Four Seasons Astir Palace: A luxurious seaside resort on the Athenian Riviera, with stunning views and private beaches. Multiple dining options and a world-class spa complete the stay.
• New Hotel Athens: Stylish and modern, right in the heart of Athens. Known for its unique design and comfortable rooms. Close to major attractions and vibrant nightlife.
• A77 Suites: This boutique hotel in Plaka offers elegant suites with kitchenettes. Ideal for longer stays, and steps from the Acropolis and other historic sites.

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