19th September 2024
Day 1 – Embarkation on Resilient Lady, Heading to Amsterdam
After a smooth drive to Portsmouth, we boarded Resilient Lady and started off our adventure with some light bites at The Dock, my go-to spot for a bit of sunshine and relaxation. Even though it’s my second time on this ship in a short span, the excitement was still there, especially knowing it’s going to be amazing cruising with friends.
Dinner was at Pink Agave, the Mexican restaurant onboard. The food was just as delicious as I remembered, and we had the perfect view of the sunset from our table.
The evening had a twist with a pyjama party theme. It felt a bit weird at first sitting in the casino bar in our PJs, but we soon got into the spirit, enjoying seeing everyone’s fun sleepwear choices. Virgin Voyages really knows how to push the boundaries in a way that makes you smile. And for those not into theme nights, there are plenty of other venues where you can unwind, listen to live music, and enjoy the evening your own way.
We watched the show Persephone before the party was in full swing, and it was spectacular, amazing acrobatics and so many wow moments. 👏
We danced at the PJ party until just past midnight, but eventually, our beds started calling. After all, tomorrow’s another day of adventure!
Day 2 – Amsterdam Bound on Resilient Lady
Hello, Amsterdam!
While most of my friends had a lazy morning, I was up early, catching a stunning sunrise that no camera could do justice. Picture a giant red ball in the sky that could easily be mistaken for the moon.
Brunch at Razzle Dazzle was fantastic, everything tasted as good as it looked! 😍
We arrived in Amsterdam in the afternoon, and I was torn between exploring before or after dinner… or both. I eventually decided on heading out later.
There was so much happening on the ship. I was tempted to join in, but it’s a no to the 80s aerobics and the bungee fitness class! 🤣
I was curious about the show ‘Mind Mangler,’ but I ended up missing it because I got caught up enjoying cocktails and conversations with friends while we sailed into Amsterdam and docked.
One of my good friends, Stef, who you might know as Cruise with Amber , is on board. Whenever we get together, time flies by with endless chats. She’s travelling solo this time and will be sharing some great insights about Virgin, so give her a follow! I got the scoop on solo meet-ups, they have daily gatherings, and on the first day, there’s a bit of ice-breaking, which is a great way to meet fellow solo travellers. There’s even a solo dining option, where tables are reserved for solo guests at all different restaurants each evening. They meet at the Social Club at 5.45pm to decide where to dine. It sounds like Virgin has really stepped up in this area. 😀
Dinner at Extra Virgin, the Italian restaurant, was incredible, definitely topped last night’s Mexican meal. The pork cheek was so delicious I was tempted to lick the plate! 🤣
After dinner, a group of us took a stroll into Amsterdam to soak in the night vibe. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk to De Wallen, the red light district. I hadn’t been there in the evening for ages, and it brought back lovely memories from overnight cruises in my younger days.
The ship keeps to UK time, which made me smile, thinking that even though we got back after midnight, it was actually just after 11pm so still early!
Now the dilemma: should I enjoy the ship, wander off to the flower market, take a canal cruise, or check out the Kaas bar? 🤔
Day 3 – Amsterdam – Resilient Lady
It was such an incredible day that I hardly know where to begin…
I was relaxing in my favourite spot on Virgin ships, The Dock, typing on my phone, when my friend Stef (aka Cruise with Amber ) mentioned she was heading to the Kaas Bar and asked if I wanted to join. Well, of course, and off we went on an adventure!
The Kaas Bar (Cheese Bar) was absolutely fantastic, a bit like Disney for cheese lovers 🧀. I hope my pictures capture just how amazing it was. A separate post on it coming…
The evening took a magical turn with Scarlet Night. Almost everyone was dressed in red, and the ship transformed into a Scarlet-themed wonderland with wild decorations. I loved seeing everyone’s red outfits, ranging from casual t-shirts to glamorous sequined gowns 😍.
We decided to splurge on the dinner show ‘Another Rose’ for $50 per person, and it was worth every penny. The food, which is included, was delicious, and the cocktails were flowing. We booked seats in the front row, and I highly recommend it. You’re so close to the performers, and the interactive fun of moving tables halfway through was a fun surprise. I’d do this show again in a heartbeat.
After the show, we headed to the famous pool party. I had an amazing time dancing with my feet in the water. We also checked out the ‘after party’ in The Manor, the nightclub from the second floor overlooking the dance floor. It was packed and perfect for people watching. For those who prefer a more relaxed vibe, there was calmer entertainment scattered around the ship.
What a day!!!
Day 4 – At Sea on Resilient Lady
It was a classic sea day for me, filled with all the things I love most – leisurely coffee breaks, delicious food, fantastic shows, and plenty of relaxation. While I soaked up the atmosphere, others were busy enjoying the many activities on board, everything from board games and trivia to horse play (seahorse racing), 80s aerobics, coffee and wine tastings, 90s dance classes, and bingo with the Diva. The list goes on! I’m more of a people watcher, content to observe rather than join in, and I had plenty to watch. 😊
With some onboard credit left to spend, I treated myself, my daughter, and my husband to some lovely perfumes. This credit was part of a deal I got when I booked using the MNVV (My Next Virgin Voyage voucher), which you can buy on board for future cruises giving discount and onboard credit.
But what I truly love are the shows, and Virgin’s are some of the best I’ve seen. In one day I enjoyed ‘Around the World in 80 Minutes with the Diva’ (a drag show), ‘Miss Behave’ (a hilariously chaotic game show), and ‘Lola’s Library,’ which was filled with incredible dancing, acrobatics, and singing – all with fabulous costumes. Each show did not disappoint.
We had dinner at Gumbae, an immersive Korean BBQ dining experience. The food was outstanding, and I highly recommend giving it a try!
I also popped into a solo meet-up to see how Virgin caters to solo travellers. It was great to hear from others that they organise meet-ups, group dinners, and even a WhatsApp group for staying connected (WiFi is free on Virgin, so it’s a handy way to keep in touch). Seasoned Virgin solo cruisers confirmed that these short sailings from the UK were a bit more lively, as the British do love a good party! This makes me want to experience a 7 night Virgin Voyages cruise in the Mediterranean to see how they compare. 🧐
Reflecting on this 4-night Virgin Voyages cruise, the ship was at full capacity, but it never felt crowded. The food was outstanding, and there was always a comfortable spot to relax in the various venues. Whether you want to stay busy or just unwind, there’s plenty to do on board.
Will I sail with Virgin again? Absolutely.
