Onboard Review: Adults-Only Fun Aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady

RICHARDS ROOFTOPAdults-Only Fun Aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient LadyBy Deserae del CampoThere’s something uniquely appealing about stepping aboard a cruise ship designed exclusively for adults. Virgin Voyages really sets the bar for what a refined grown-up vacation sans the kids can look like. The brand’s commitment to creating a sophisticated, kid-free environment at sea made for a truly unique and elevated experience. Every detail, from the restaurants and entertainment to the lounge spaces and onboard amenities, feels carefully curated for grown-ups who want to relax and unwind. On a whirlwind but incredibly satisfying trip aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, departing from PortMiami, I was joined by a close friend (and mother of two) whose reaction to the ship was immediate—she raved about how refreshing it felt. It was during a Q&A session on board the ship when Virgin Voyages’ CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu emphasized the growing appeal of the adults-only cruise market. He explained that Virgin Voyages aims to provide a sophisticated experience at an attractive price point, particularly for travelers who either have children or are empty nesters. Virgin’s ideal customer, he added, is someone who values exceptional food, entertainment and service in a kid-free environment. He advised travel advisors to consider Virgin Voyages for clients seeking a more refined cruise experience, noting that their average cruiser demographic ranges from late-40s to mid-60s. And it makes sense, because by the end of our short voyage on the Resilient Lady, my friend was already daydreaming about her next cruise—on board a Virgin Voyages ship with only her husband in tow.The Lady is Dressed to ImpressWith a passenger capacity of around 2,700, our sailing was pleasantly under capacity, allowing for a relaxed and uncrowded experience. From the moment we entered through the exclusive “RockStar” entrance, the check-in process was seamless. We were issued sleek Virgin bands—multifunctional bracelets unlocking staterooms and used for onboard purchases. Virgin Voyages’ passengers enjoy over 20 dining options, included gratuities, complimentary WiFi, beverages and unlimited group fitness classes—all wrapped into an all-inclusive fare. Resilient Lady, which debuted in May 2023, is undeniably designed for the modern cruiser. Trendy interiors, intimate specialty dining venues, stylish bars and vibrant entertainment set a luxurious yet unconventional tone. “Cruising is a fantastic industry, and we bring a fresh twist to it—no dress codes, no massive dining halls and smaller ships,” said Saverimuttu during the Q&A session. “Initially, many thought our brand wasn’t for traditional cruisers or was only for 20-somethings. But now, with a few years under our belt, it’s clear that Virgin Voyages appeals to a wide range of travelers by offering all the best parts of a cruise.”CABINStylish Cabins & RockStar LuxuryThe standout feature of our XL Sea Terrace cabin was undoubtedly the vibrant red hammock on the balcony—a signature Virgin touch handwoven by artisans in Thailand and placed in every cabin on the ship. Not only does it provide the perfect perch to enjoy ocean views, but it is also available for purchase on board. The room itself is ideal for two, with a plush queen-sized bed, intuitive technology and a spacious bathroom stocked with Red Flower shower products. Guests staying in RockStar Quarters, such as in the Gorgeous Suite, enjoy elevated perks, including private transfers, daily spa access, an outdoor shower on their private terrace and exclusive entry to Richard’s Rooftop. This chic space on deck 16 features oversized couches, umbrellas, a full-service bar and dazzling kaleidoscope-like panels that reflect off the sunny surroundings. Access is reserved for those with a coveted gold key card. For the ultimate indulgence, Mega RockStar Quarters take luxury to new heights, particularly in the Massive Suite, which features its own music room with guitars and amplifiers, an expansive oceanview terrace with a hot tub and a dining table designed for impromptu tabletop dancing. That said, Virgin Voyages offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, including the Social Insider cabin, with four bunk beds, and the Solo Insider cabins tailored for independent travelers.RESTAURANTDelicious Dining & Elevated EntertainmentWith only a short time aboard Resilient Lady, it was impossible to sample everything the ship’s dining scene has to offer, but what we did experience left a lasting impression. The Galley, opened 24/7, proved to be a standout—a vibrant food hall featuring a diverse mix of more than eight culinary concepts, from freshly made sushi to flavorful tacos, hearty noodle bowls and classic American diner fare. Passengers can also indulge in freshly baked goods from the dedicated bakery and pastry shop or enjoy made-to-order paninis, burgers, soups and salads. One afternoon, we stopped by The Pizza Place on Deck 7 for some custom pies; the classic Margarita and pepperoni did not disappoint. For a taste of Italy, Extra Virgin delivered a trattoria-style dining experience with a menu rooted in authentic Italian culinary traditions. Our top pick, however, was Pink Agave, an elevated Mexican restaurant with an enticing menu of authentic Mexican dishes. Reservations to dine at any of the specialty restaurants are necessary. Among the entertainment highlights aboard Resilient Lady is “Persephone,” a bold retelling of the classic Greek myth. Created by House of Yes and Kaleidoscope Immersive, this high-energy production brings a rock-and-roll edge to the underworld. The extraordinary cast dazzles with jaw-dropping acrobatics, lavish costumes and electrifying dancing and singing. A standout feature of the show is its immersive setup—passengers can be right in the action as performers weave through the crowd. A New Addition Brilliant Lady is set to join the Virgin Voyages fleet in September 2025, visiting destinations like Bermuda, Quebec City, Costa Rica, Los Angeles, Seattle and Alaska. She’ll also embark on a 16-night voyage through the Panama Canal. Virgin Voyages is also offering a first-in-the-industry Annual Pass, available for 2025 sailings. The pass will allow passengers the opportunity to explore every Lady Ship in the fleet, including Brilliant Lady. Sailing anytime, from anywhere, this global vacation includes a spot in a Sea Terrace cabin, with start dates that began on Jan. 1 and go through April 2025; valid for one year from the selected date. Annual Pass includes special onboard perks including priority boarding, complimentary laundry services, dedicated concierge support, unlimited premium WiFi, a $100 Bar Tab credit per voyage and access to exclusive events and experiences on board. As an added benefit, Annual Pass holders are welcome to add a plus-one to their cabin, with the ability to travel with different companions throughout the year. Contact InformationVirgin Voyages: virginvoyages.com

COVERTHE TRAVEL CORPORATIONTable of ContentsEditor's NotesTURKISH AIRLINESIndustry Insights: Travel — A Bridge to KindnessAdvisor Speak: When Passion Leads to Top-Selling Travel AgencyCruise: Luxurious Cruise Adventures Around the GlobeEXPLORA JOURNEYSAMERICAN CRUISE LINES SCAMERICAN CRUISE LINESATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES SCATLAS OCEAN VOYAGESDISNEY CRUISE LINE SCDISNEY CRUISE LINEVIKING SCVIKING CRUISESEXPLORA SCRIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES SCVancouver: The Ideal Pre- and Post-Cruise GatewayALASKA RAILROAD SCOnboard Review: Disney Treasure–A New Chapter in Cruise Line MagicOnboard Review: The Galapagos with HX— A Transformative ExperienceWEBINAR HOUSE ADOnboard Review: Sail in Style— MSC World Europa’s Yacht ClubOnboard Review: Adults-Only Fun Aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient LadyMexico/Caribbean: Romance Redefined—Luxurious EscapesPalladium’s Luxury Experiences for CouplesSANDALS SPREADSANDALS SCOnsite Review: Hyatt Vivid Grand Island—Cancun’s Sexy New NeighborEurope: Club Med Tignes–The Ultimate Alpine EscapeTTC Tour BrandsEDU HOUSE ADRIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES