cruise ship 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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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.

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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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Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Deck Plans & Reviews

Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

Activities & entertainment

• Fitness Classes
• Gym & Tonic Bar
• Redemption Spa *
• Squid Ink *
• Stubble & Groom *
• Sun Club Sanctuary
• Tattoo Parlor *
• The Crow's Nest
• The Roundabout Atrium
• The Tune Up *
• Training Camp
• Active Diversions
• Aquatic Club
• B-Complex Build & Balance
• B-Complex Burn & Bike
• Boxing Ring
• The Casino *
• Vibrant Nightlife
• Extra Virgin - italian
• Gunbae - Korean BBQ
• Pink Agave - Mexican & Mezcal
• Razzle Dazzle - Vegetarian
• Sun Club Cafe - Outdoor Casual
• The Athletic Club Bar - Sports Drinks *
• The Dock - Outdoor Eatery
• The Galley - Market-style food hall
• The Pizza Place - Pizza
• The Test Kitchen - Experimental
• Aquatic Club Bar - Poolside Bar *
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Resilient Lady Decks and Cabins

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• Solo Insider
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• Corner Suite
• Posh & Fab Suite
• Massive Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabins Check

Built in 2023, the 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 gross 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 the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

Resilient Lady

LIVE SHIP TRACKING

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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More Info [+/-]

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.

 Accessible Info [+/-]

More diagrams of this cabin type.

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.

Resilient Lady Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

Resilient Lady Quick Stats

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Resilient Lady Links

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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

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Resilient Lady

Virgin voyages.

• Year of built 2023
• Length (LOA) 278 m / 912 ft
• Passengers 2860
• Destination Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• ETA April 30, 06:00
• Speed 16 kn / 30 km/h
• Temperature

Resilient Lady is officially on her way to Australia.

Our third lady ship is southern-bound for her first season in oceania..

It’s been years in the making, and it’s finally here: Virgin Voyages’ triumphant arrival in Australia. The country’s stunning scale and natural diversity make it a dream to experience by cruise, and our voyages kick off with the Aussie MerMaiden voyage, sailing from Melbourne on 11 December. Join us for A Taste of Virgin Voyages if you want a sneak peek of the Virgin experience in advance of our first sailing — and Sailors taking our MerMaiden voyage, be ready for some surprises we’ve cooked up specially for the occasion 😉

We’re arriving in Australia with a bang, but that’s nothing new for us. When we sailed our way into the cruise industry, we turned heads and shook things up. Since then, Sailors and industry publications alike can’t stop praising the quality and luxuriousness of our on board restaurants, our shows and entertainment offerings, and our ships in general. (This year, we took home the award for Best Large Cruise Ship in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards).  

Always Included Luxury

The principle that Virgin Voyages far ahead of the pack is something we call Always Included Luxury — to us, it means our Sailors should not be lured on board only to be tricked into costly upgrades, or charged for things that should be free at sea. All meals during your voyage — in our 20+ eateries, which have won awards for the inventiveness of their menus — are included in the cost of your voyage. So are gratuities, so you don’t have to stress about tipping at the end of the meal. And so are group fitness classes, essential beverages (water, soda, juice, drip coffee, tea), our award-winning on board shows, and WiFi — over $1,000 in luxuries on every single voyage.

You can have full nights on board that feel exactly like (an elevated version of) the things you’d do with friends on land. Go to dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant , see a Broadway-quality show, go dancing at our on board club The Manor , and then unwind with a nightcap in our spirit-forward bar On the Rocks. Start the next morning with a spin class and a mud bath at Redemption Spa . Then relax by the pool and do it all over again.  

Make a difference with the Great Reef Census

Something special we’re doing on our MerMaiden, in hopes of being a force for positive change in our new home of Australia, is partnering with the incredible Great Reef Census project. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system in the world, and an absolute treasure of the Australian continent. On board the Aussie MerMaiden voyage, we’re offering Sailors a chance to help protect it, led by our resident scientists. The Great Reef Census is a campaign to survey the Great Barrier Reef’s health, using 75,000 images that span its 2,300km length. Information sessions hosted every 30 minutes on board will train you how to use your eyes to identify problem spots in the reef — and flag them to the ecologists who can help nurse those areas back to good health by planting new coral. It only takes a few minutes of observation to make a difference, but Sailors are free to stay and enjoy some special incentives along the way.   We’re excited to be here, Australia. If you want to wait out on the dock blowing kisses until Resilient Lady arrives in Melbourne, we won’t be mad 😘

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A brilliant bit of news about our 4th ship., our third lady ship is making waves right on time., resilient lady’s strong and stunning mermaid is officially here..

The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of travelling the globe – to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage – it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that makes a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From around £574 per person for a seven-night sailing. Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August , the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles . Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia, has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From around £3,112. David Dickstein

Explora I, Explora Journeys

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where ageing meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs – such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic – curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From around £564 per person per night. Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with a capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map – forgetting your sunscreen , for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the speciality seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crewmembers dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From around £1,818 . Charlie Hobbs

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Adam Turner , CN Traveller

Connor Sturges , CN Traveller

Olivia Morelli

MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the Italian cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details – this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevvy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. Itineraries from around £420. Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Cruise Line

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima. There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over-the-top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From around £791. Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista, Oceania Cruises

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilisers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience – Vista’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley , and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year, Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year, it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul , Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025. From around £2,182. Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse. Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs – and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveller. From around £6,025. Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Cruise Line

Pursuit is a small, “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear – or damp Arctic expedition gear – in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From around £8,729. Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek islands , and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travellers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving speciality pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jewelled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From around £3798. Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool , the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate – as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture and place before even disembarking. From around £2465. Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton, Viking River Cruises

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio – designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration – just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt ’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travellers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real-time to shepherding travellers through modern night markets with endless fervour. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen – and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travellers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton, and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until that is, your next Aton sailing). From around £4849. Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai . Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship – 20-plus to be exact – and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From around £1616 . Rachel Dube

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass. Back in your cosy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant – think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favourite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From around £1495. Celeste Moure

More winners from Hot List 2024

See all Hot List 2024 winners

The best new hotels in the world

The best new restaurants in the world

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.

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Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady Cruises into Fremantle Port

• Richard Branson's cruise linerResilient Ladyarrives at Fremantle Port today for maiden visit
• More than 2,000 passengers and crew to spend the day in Fremantle
• Cruise sector injected $333 million into WA economy last year

 Virgin Voyages' luxury cruise liner, the Resilient Lady, arrived in Western Australia today on its maiden voyage to the state.

The ship docked in Fremantle early this morning with more than 2,000 passengers and crew onboard, one of the port city's biggest cruise ship calls of the season.

Arrivals were greeted with much fanfare at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, with a musical welcome by WA Brass and the City of Fremantle's volunteer 'meet and greet team' on hand to advise passengers of the best activities and excursions to make the most of their day.  

Guests were also offered a complimentary shuttle service to Fremantle's Walyalup Koort for a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and dance performance by a local Noongar dance group.

To mark the occasion of the ship's maiden voyage to the State, a ceremonial plaque exchange took place between the ship's captain and Western Australian Government representatives.

Fremantle is the only WA stop on the Resilient Lady's current itinerary, with the ship and its passengers spending the day exploring the port city's hospitality businesses and tourism attractions, before it continues its voyage to Europe via Mauritius, then around the coast of Africa.

The Resilient Lady's visit is one of 140 cruise ship visits to WA's nine active port destinations this cruise season, which includes visits from some of the world's most prestigious cruise lines, providing a significant economic boost for local businesses and the State's tourism sector.

Fremantle Port will welcome the highest volume of cruise line passengers in the state this year, with nearly 30 cruise visits bringing more than 36,000 passengers and 17,000 crew to the port city.   

Other big cruise ships making their maiden voyages to WA in 2024 include Princess Cruises' Island Princess - with 2,200 passengers; Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas - with more than 2500 passengers; and Ambassador Cruise Lines' Ambience - with 1,400 passengers - which will make stops in Albany, Fremantle and Geraldton.

In 2022-23 the cruise tourism sector generated $333 million and more than 1,000 jobs for the WA economy, showing strong growth on the sector's 2019 pre-pandemic contribution of $262 million and more than 930 jobs for West Australians.

The Cook Government continues to prioritise growth of the sector, with the recent launch of Tourism WA's Western Australian Cruise Tourism Strategic Plan 2023-2033, which outlines plans to further build on the sector's success. 

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:

"On behalf of the WA Government, I'm delighted to welcome the Resilient Lady and its thousands of passengers to WA, to spend the day in our vibrant port city of Fremantle.

"Cruise tourism is incredibly important to the WA economy, injecting hundreds-of-millions of dollars into our state through visitor spend in local businesses, bars and restaurants, and creating hundreds of jobs for Western Australians.

"I hope all guests of the Resilient Lady have a wonderful stay while visiting Western Australia and make plans to return to visit us again in future."

Hon. Rita Saffioti

Acknowledgement of country.

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

The Best New Cruises in the World: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech , or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler 's Hot List issue. Never miss out when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler .

Celebrity Ascent — Celebrity Cruises Arrow

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent ’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that make a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From $710 per person for a seven-night sailing. —Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara — Emerald Cruises Arrow

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August, the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles. Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia , has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From $3,850. —David Dickstein

Explora I — Explora Journeys Arrow

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where aging meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs—such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic—curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From $698 per person per night. —Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International Arrow

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map—forgetting your sunscreen, for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the specialty seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crew members dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From $2,249. —Charlie Hobbs

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

MSC Euribia — MSC Cruises Arrow

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the European cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details—this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. From $519. —Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva — Norwegian Cruise Line Arrow

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima . There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over the top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From $979. —Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista — Oceania Cruises Arrow

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilizers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience— Vista ’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley, and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul, Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025 From $2,699. —Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II — Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours Arrow

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse . Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs—and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveler. From $7,455. —Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit — Seabourn Cruise Line Arrow

Pursuit is a small “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear—or damp Arctic expedition gear—in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From $10,799. —Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur — Regent Seven Seas Cruises Arrow

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek Isles, and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travelers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving specialty pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur 's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jeweled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From $4,699 . —Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova — Silversea Cruises Arrow

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool, the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova ’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova ’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate—as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture, and place, before even disembarking. From $3,050. —Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton — Viking River Cruises Arrow

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio–designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration—just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travelers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real time, to shepherding travelers through modern night markets with endless fervor. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen—and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travelers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until, that is, your next Aton sailing). From $5,999. —Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady — Virgin Voyages Arrow

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai. Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship—20-plus to be exact—and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From $2,000 . —Rachel Dube

World Voyager — Atlas Ocean Voyages Arrow

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by. Back in your cozy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant—think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favorite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From $1849. —Celeste Moure

I work from a cruise ship for 3 months a year. Here's how I stay productive at sea.

• Walter Biscardi runs his travel business remotely from cruise ships for three months each year.
• He said WiFi reliability has improved, but video calls and finding power outlets can be challenging.
• Biscardi recommends Virgin Voyages for remote workers because of the spaces to work and the WiFi.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Walter Biscardi, a 59-year-old travel agent based in Orlando. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I used to work in film, television, documentary, and marketing, and I ran two creative agencies in Atlanta for 25 years.

A few years ago, my wife and I turned my second passion, travel, into " Where's Walter Travel ." We specialize in travel planning services for cruises , group vacations, theme park tours, and company retreats.

We live in an Orlando rental, but I run the travel-planning business from a cruise ship for three months out of the year.

We started taking advantage of our remote working situation after the pandemic

In a few short years of working on cruise ships, I've noticed that more and more people are starting to do the same thing.

We predominantly cruise the Caribbean. Last year, our three months were spread over six different trips on the Royal Caribbean , Oceania , Virgin Voyages , and Carnival cruise lines. If it were up to me, I'd be at sea for six months a year, but my wife prefers three.

This year, we'll be back on Virgin Voyages in June and on the Sun Princess in October. We're planning a few more, too.

WiFi speed and reliability onboard ships have been game-changers

I don't always look for speed but rather consistency and reliability.

Even though the WiFi is reliable on most ships , it's still not perfect, and you need to manage your expectations. The WiFi on ships is satellite-based, so the signal will be slower if there's a lot of cloud cover. Rain may also temporarily cut it out completely.

The WiFi signal in rooms can be weak. When I get on board, I walk around public places, look at the ceiling, and find the repeaters , which amplify the router's signal . I park myself under a repeater to work, so at least I know I'm getting the fastest signal.

Video calls can be dicey, but voice calls over WiFi work well

Most of my work is using emails, social media apps, and a web browser, so I don't tend to have problems. The upload speed is the most difficult thing about working on a cruise ship.

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Working from a cruise ship might not be for you if you're required to upload a video to YouTube or be on video for 100% of your Zoom calls. Zoom with video turned off works well. I post TikToks all day, but uploading to YouTube will fail almost every time.

Turn off your cell service on the ship, even if you have unlimited roaming overseas. Phones use satellite maritime cellular, and it's ridiculously expensive. I've heard of people who have come home with $1,000 cellular bills because they didn't turn off their roaming.

I can typically make most of my calls over WiFi, but you won't be able to on some ships. Texting from ship to land usually works well if you're using the same type of phone as the person you're messaging, but when you're texting cross-platform, sometimes it doesn't work.

Finding power outlets can be challenging

Typically, if you need to put in a full day of work connected to power, you need to stay in your room. One tip to finding power when you're looking around public areas is to see where they plug in the vacuum cleaners.

I strongly recommend bringing a powerboard with multiple USB sockets. I have one with 10 USB connections, so I can charge my phone, GoPro, and other devices simultaneously.

Virgin Voyages ships are the most friendly for remote workers

The galley on a Virgin Voyages ship is set up like a coffee shop, with easily accessible power and USB sockets at the table. There are dozens of outlets, as they're inviting people to bring their laptops and work from the ship.

I usually upgrade to the premium WiFi option, which can cost anywhere from $19 to $39 per day on most lines, but Virgin only charges $10 per day to upgrade.

I work in an office at home, so working on a cruise is a big change

I operate at sea as I do on land, with the same office hours available to my clients other than when I know we're going on an excursion.

Cruise ships are comparable to remote working spaces, but they offer so much more. On a cruise, almost everything is included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, entertainment, and most amenities.

If I want to take a break from work, I go to the pool. When I finish for the day, I'll go to the theater to see a show.

Meeting places are usually free on a cruise ship. Generally, all you have to do is reserve a conference room. AV facilities are usually included too, although you may have to pay a setup fee.

Remember to be respectful — many people are on board for a vacation. I've been out by the pool and seen people taking business calls on speakerphone, which is ridiculously annoying.

I suggest picking at least one port on every cruise and make it a 'ship day'

About 75% of people will get off the ship at any port, so staying on board feels like you have the whole place to yourself.

Activities like the pools will still be open, and the spas will often discount their services by 20-40% on port days.

Of course, I still recommend getting off and exploring as much as possible — that's what cruises are for.

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