Sailing aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady for a 3-day voyage to Bruges from Portsmouth promised an edgy, modern cruise experience, but what I got was more reminiscent of a 40-something booze cruise, with an identity crisis thrown in for good measure. The voyage had its perks, but the overall experience felt disjointed, leaving me unsure of where Virgin Voyages wants to position itself in the cruise market.
Embarkation: Smooth but a Late Start
Embarkation was impressively easy and streamlined, albeit with a slightly later start than expected at 1:30 p.m. Pulling up to the terminal, my car was quickly taken away, and my luggage was delivered directly to the cabin. The check-in process itself was fast, with Virgin’s famous wearable band replacing the traditional cruise card—a nice touch. Security was a breeze, but once onboard, things took a turn. An enthusiastic crew member with a megaphone was shouting directions, but the whole thing felt chaotic, and it wasn’t clear where I should head next.
The Cabin: Style Over Substance
Once I found my way to the cabin, I was greeted by a room that looked cool on the surface but quickly revealed some shortcomings. The suite was spacious and the bed was squishy and comfortable, but it lacked the true luxury feel Virgin seems to be aiming for. The bathroom was a bright spot, with a rainfall showerhead and nice Red Flower products that were replenished liberally. However, the terrazzo marble was a noticeable downgrade compared to my last cruise on Scarlet Lady, and the cleanliness left much to be desired. Black mould lined the shower, brass fixtures were covered in fingerprints, and the record player was dusty—details you wouldn’t expect to overlook.
The Booze Cruise Atmosphere: Faliraki, Revisited
One of the most disappointing aspects of the trip was the atmosphere onboard. While Virgin clearly caters to a younger, fun-loving crowd, this particular voyage felt more like a throwback to 18-30 holidays in Faliraki. The guests—many in their 40s—were over-consuming alcohol at every opportunity. At The Sip Lounge, the Rockstar Agent seemed more focused on getting everyone drunk than helping us make the most of the experience. Virgin prides itself on a premium experience, but it’s hard to enjoy when the vibe feels like a never-ending pub crawl with subpar drinks being pushed at every turn.
Dining: Underwhelming and Inconsistent
Dining on Resilient Lady was a mixed bag at best. Virgin’s decision to replace the buffet with The Galley, a food court-style option, was intended to bring more choice, but in practice, it was chaotic and underwhelming. The food options were limited, and I found myself resorting to burgers and fries more than I’d like to admit (the fries were a highlight, though). The dining areas felt grubby and poorly maintained, with tables not cleared quickly enough and a general lack of polish.
The specialty restaurants didn’t fare much better. At Extra Virgin, the Italian restaurant, the pasta lacked texture, and the steak was more gristle than meat. The staff was apologetic about dietary issues but couldn’t quite make up for the uninspired food. Pink Agave, their Mexican option, had better service but lacked the bold flavors you’d expect from this cuisine—everything tasted watered down and safe. The Wake, which is supposed to be a standout restaurant, delivered a bland, forgettable steak that didn’t live up to its reputation.
The Ship: Lost in an Identity Crisis
The overall feel of Resilient Lady is confused. Virgin appears to want to merge the vibe of a luxurious yacht with a mainstream cruise line, but the execution misses the mark. The ship itself lacks the wow factor in terms of design and doesn’t deliver the polish and refinement you’d expect from a brand aiming for a high-end experience.
That said, there were a few bright spots. The hammock on the balcony was a genuinely nice touch, perfect for relaxing while taking in the views. However, the ship lacked the usual maintenance you’d expect—no constant polishers or cleaners keeping things fresh. As a result, the whole place felt a bit grubby.
Technology: Not There Yet
Virgin heavily promotes their tech-forward experience, but the reality was disappointing. The app, meant to manage everything from dining reservations to activities, barely worked. I found myself relying on old-fashioned paper schedules, which seemed like a strange throwback for a cruise line marketing itself as tech-savvy. Virgin needs to invest in fixing this, as it was a major frustration throughout the trip.
Drinks and Bar Tab: One Decent Highlight
Despite the chaotic atmosphere, the $100 bar tab I had went pretty far—unless, like me, you splurge on a few glasses of Caymus, which quickly eats into the budget. The drinks were hit or miss. Some cocktails were enjoyable, but the cheaper wines pushed everywhere were frankly undrinkable. As a Sea Blazer, I had access to two free specialty coffees a day, but even that was underwhelming. The flat whites tasted off, with foam that somehow felt fake, despite the high-end equipment in use.
Disembarkation: A Smooth Ending
Thankfully, disembarkation was easy and efficient, just as embarkation had been. My car was waiting right outside the terminal, and I was on my way home in no time—a silver lining to an otherwise muddled experience.
Final Thoughts: A Confused Cruise Experience
Overall, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady felt like a cruise line that’s still struggling to find its identity. It’s not quite the luxury yacht experience they’re aiming for, nor does it deliver the excitement and polish of mainstream cruise lines. The atmosphere was more akin to a booze-fueled 40-something throwback party than an exclusive getaway. The dining was inconsistent, and the lack of cleanliness across the ship was glaring.
For those looking for something fun and different, Resilient Lady might appeal—but at the price I paid, the experience felt more like a work in progress. If Virgin wants to stand out in the competitive cruise market, they need to decide who they’re catering to and clean up both their execution and their act. Until then, I’m not sure I’ll be booking another Virgin voyage anytime soon.