Setting Sail on Style: A Deep Dive into Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady

Welcome aboard the Resilient Lady, the third dazzling ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet, where the ethos is distinctly adult-only fun with a sophisticated edge. Forget traditional cruise clichés; Resilient Lady offers an energetic and upscale experience designed to entertain at every turn. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or cruising with friends, the ship fosters a social and upbeat atmosphere, though plenty of relaxing spots are also readily available. Prepare for a cruise that pushes the boundaries of live entertainment, tantalizes your taste buds with diverse dining, and offers a stylish and comfortable home at sea.

A Look Around Deck by Deck

The Resilient Lady features an unorthodox deck plan focused on creating intimate and design-savvy spaces that encourage interaction. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect on each deck:

• Deck 5: Home to the Redemption Spa, offering a thermal suite, treatments, and a salon as well as Sailor Services where you can ask a question, get assistance or find something you've lost in the lost and found. You'll also find the vibrant Razzle Dazzle restaurant with its vegetarian-forward menu and the authentic Mexican flavors of Pink Agave.

• Deck 6: A hub for entertainment and dining. This is where you'll find The Manor, the ship's nightclub and versatile performance space. The Wake, a stylish steak and seafood restaurant, is located aft (access is from Deck 7). The Test Kitchen - cooking Lab/Restaurant and Experimental Bar and Extra Virgin - Casual Elevated Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar are also located near the aft of the deck. You'll also find part of the Red Room, a multifunctional performance space spanning two decks. The lively lounge On the Rocks, known for its whiskey selection and live music is located here as well as the Casino - Gaming and Lounge. Also located on Deck 6 on High Street are shops and the Squid Ink tattoo parlor.

• Deck 7: It often serves as an embarkation point. Guests can plan future voyages at Future Voyage Sales. For refreshments, check out the Draught House with a selection of beers and a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating, Lick Me Till Ice Cream for sweet treats, The Pizza Place with indoor and outdoor dining, and Sip, an elegant Champagne bar often featuring live music. Entertainment venues on this deck include an upper entrance and seating for The Red Room, the ship's versatile performance space, and The Groupie with private karaoke rooms. Additionally, guests can find retail options in a vinyl shop and access High Street. For coffee and pastries, Grounds Club is available, offering premium coffee for an extra charge. A little further aft you'll find The Social Club - Diner and Bar, The Loose Cannon - Local Dive Bar, The Arcade - Video Games & Vintage Vibes, The Dock House - Casual Mediterranean & Bar and The Dock - Mezze-Style Outdoor Eatery with Bar and Social Lounge.

• Deck 15: The main pool deck, featuring the Wellbeing Pool and a larger lounging pool. You'll find the Sun Club Bar here. The B-Complex gym with cardio and weight equipment is also on this deck. Eateries on this deck feature The Galley the Market-style Food Hall and Grounds Club Too for specialty coffees, as well as Gunbae the Lively Korean Barbeque and Soju Bar.

• Deck 16: Features the Athletic Club with a bar and the iconic catamaran net over the ocean. Offers more sundeck space, the outdoor training area, and Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive lounge for Rockstar Suite guests. The functional Training Camp for group fitness classes is also located here as well as the Sun Club Cafe with Hawaiian-Asian fusion cuisine and ample seating.

• Deck 17: Home to the Runway, a dedicated walking and jogging track, and The Perch, an outdoor space used for various activities and offering great views.

Throughout the ship, you'll discover various lounges like the Social Club with games and karaoke, The Dock House offering a relaxed vibe and wake views, On the Rocks with live music, and unique spots like Squid Ink, the onboard tattoo parlor.

A Culinary Journey: Dining and Bars

Prepare your palate for a delightful experience as Resilient Lady boasts over 20 different spots to grab a bite. The best part? All specialty dining is included in your fare. Say goodbye to stuffy main dining rooms and hello to a diverse range of culinary adventures.

Featured Restaurants:

• Razzle Dazzle: Celebrated for its vegetarian-forward dishes and creative takes on familiar favorites for brunch and dinner. Don't worry, meat-eaters will find plenty to enjoy too.
• Pink Agave: Immerse yourself in the flavors of elevated Mexican cuisine, from street food to regional specialties, accompanied by an extensive mezcal list.
• Test Kitchen: Experience innovative tasting menus in an open kitchen setting, with a focus on unexpected ingredient pairings and artistic presentations. Drink pairings are often included.
• The Wake: Indulge in a more formal yet still relaxed atmosphere with delicious steak and seafood options for brunch and dinner, offering stunning wake views.
• Extra Virgin: Savor handmade pasta and Italian classics in an attractive setting. Half portions of pasta are often available.
• Gunbae: A unique Korean BBQ experience where you can grill your own food at the table. Note that Wagyu beef may incur an extra charge.
• The Galley: Virgin Voyages' reimagined buffet, offering a food hall concept with various outlets serving ramen, tacos, burgers, and more. Order from menus at your table, though some stations require counter service.

Casual Bites & More:

• The Dock House: Enjoy Mediterranean small plates and hot items in a relaxed setting with fantastic wake views.
• Grounds Club: Your go-to for premium coffee and pastries (note that premium coffee incurs an extra charge). Free drip coffee is available elsewhere.
• The Social Club: Offers popcorn and candy alongside games and entertainment.
• Lick Me Till... Ice Cream: Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious ice cream.
• Sun Club Cafe: Located on the sundeck.

Bars & Lounges:

Resilient Lady boasts a plethora of bars and lounges, each with its own unique ambiance and drink selections. There are no traditional drink packages; instead, Virgin Voyages offers a bar tab, a preloaded account for purchasing beverages. Soft drinks (soda) are included in your fare.

• Sip: An elegant Champagne bar perfect for a sophisticated evening.
• On the Rocks: A livelier spot with live bands and cocktails.
• Loose Cannon: A nautically themed bar in the Social Club area.
• The Dock House Bar: Serving drinks in the relaxed aft lounge.
• Sun Club Bar: Conveniently located on the pool deck.
• Casino Bar: Located within the casino.
• Richard's Rooftop Bar: Exclusive to Rockstar Suite guests.
• Draft House: Offering a wide selection of beers.

You can even have Champagne delivered by shaking your phone with the Virgin Voyages app open.

Entertainment That Wows

Entertainment on Resilient Lady is a core philosophy, offering a diverse array of shows, club nights, and unique performances that go beyond the typical cruise fare. Virgin Voyages sources talent globally, often from festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, resulting in exceptionally talented and diverse casts.

Main Shows:

Held primarily in the Red Room, a versatile performance space:

• The Miss Behave Show: A high-energy, raunchy, gag-filled game show which features audience participation.
• Mind Mangler: A brand-new, hilarious comedy and magic show from the creators of "The Play That Goes Wrong". Currently exclusive to Resilient Lady.
• Persephone: A unique and visually stunning retelling of the Greek myth with acrobatics, singing, dancing, and an animated Greek chorus. Features the same cast as Lola's Library.

Club Nights:

Held in The Manor, the ship's nightclub:

• PJ Party: Kick off your cruise in your comfiest pajamas at the Athletics Club with 90s and 00s classics.
• Club Rubik's: An 80s celebration with hit songs and performances by The Happenings cast.
• We Fancy: A club night celebrating individuality with world music beats.
• Pink Agave After Dark: A lively late-night party with a DJ, dancing, tequila tastings, and Mexican-inspired bites.

Unique Performances & Cabaret:

Also taking place in The Manor and other venues:

• Lola's Library: An immersive, three-hour cabaret experience with different chapters featuring singing, dancing, and theatrical elements. Features Lola the librarian, Dewey, and Mary.
• Another Rose: An extra-charge immersive dinner theater experience that reimagines Romeo and Juliet with fantastic singing, choreography, aerial performances, and a four-course meal with drinks. Offers different seating tiers.
• Hostess Sings Her Secrets: An intimate cabaret show with the hostess, featuring covers and dance numbers.
• Around The World With The Diva: A drag show at sea featuring the onboard drag queen.

The Highlight: Scarlet Night

This ship-wide party, usually held mid-voyage, transforms the entire ship with red lighting and octopus tentacles. Expect interactive performances, micro-theater, and a wild culmination at the main pool. Remember to pack something red!.

Daytime Delights: Activities Onboard

Resilient Lady offers a plethora of activities throughout the day, especially on sea days. Forget tepid line dances; expect engaging and unique options led by the energetic Happenings Cast, Virgin's entertainment team.

Featured Daytime Activities:

• Let's Set Sail: The vibrant sailaway party with introductions to The Happenings cast and complimentary bubbly.
• Poolside Fun: DJ sets and live bands by the pool.
• Games & Trivia: Popular bingo with The Diva, popup magic shows, salty trivia, and various hosted game shows like "Last One Standing" and "Risky Quizness".
• Coffee Courses: Learn about coffee in Grounds Club.
• Fitness Classes: A range of options including HIIT, yoga, and themed aerobics in the B-Complex and functional training room.
• Interactive Art: Participate in coloring unique murals.
• Nintendo Switch Game Night: Engage in friendly competition.
• Behind the Scenes Ship Tour: Explore the inner workings of the ship (may incur a fee).
• Glam Station Motivation: Free makeup, glitter, and body gems before party nights.
• Karaoke with The Happenings Cast: A fun and casual karaoke event.
• Board Games at the Social Club: Enjoy a wide selection of board games.
• Gambling Events: Blackjack tournaments, slot tournaments, and the unique Horseplay Seahorse Auction & Race.
• Water Refill Stations: Conveniently located throughout the ship.

Don't expect daily flyers; consult the Virgin Voyages app or pick up a paper copy of daily activities in Sailor Services or Grounds Club.

Your Home at Sea: Cabins and Suites

Resilient Lady's accommodations prioritize ocean views, with almost all rooms featuring a view of the sea. Expect a sharp and simple design with neutral tones and pops of Virgin's signature scarlet.

Cabin Features:

• Comfortable beds with no seams when twin mattresses are combined. Twin beds are arranged in an "L" shape if separate.
• Standard-sized bathrooms with upmarket Malin + Goetz toiletries created for Virgin Voyages.
• Proper rainfall showerheads.
• Balcony hammocks in many rooms.

Rockstar Quarters:

For a more luxurious experience, consider the 78 suites known as Rockstar Quarters, divided into Rockstar and Mega Rockstar categories.

Rockstar Suite Perks:

• Proper bar and turntable with curated Virgin records.
• Swanky bathrooms with marble details.
• King beds and time-of-day coordinated mood lighting.
• Larger balconies, many with panoramic wake views.
• Access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive outdoor lounge.
• Rockstar Agents (butler/concierge service).

Mega Rockstar Suite Extras:

• Separate bedrooms and living areas.
• Perks like an electric guitar and high-end sound system.

Setting Sail: Destinations

Resilient Lady has sailed across the globe, offering diverse itineraries. She has sailed in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand.

Past and Potential Destinations Include:

• Europe: Athens (Piraeus), Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum, Mykonos, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Barcelona, Cannes, Rome (Civitavecchia), Malta (Valletta), Palma de Mallorca (Majorca), Valencia, Casablanca, Tenerife, Istanbul, Kusadasi (tours to Ephesus), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria).
• Caribbean: Miami, San Juan, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman (Georgetown), Bimini, Samana and Cayo Levantado, Cozumel, St. Croix, Costa Maya, Roatan, Tortola, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Aruba, Curacao, Martinique, St. Kitts (Port Zante), St. Vincent, Cartagena (Colombia), Dominica, Key West, Grand Turk.
• Australia & New Zealand: Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Bali, Lombok.
• Asia & Middle East: Singapore, Dubai, Safaga, Alexandria, Kelang (Kuala Lumpur), Phuket, Colombo, Muscat.

Check the latest itineraries to see where the Resilient Lady is currently sailing and plan your unforgettable voyage.

Final Thoughts

The Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady offers a cruise experience unlike any other. With its focus on exceptional entertainment, inclusive specialty dining, and a vibrant adult-only atmosphere, it’s a ship that truly stands out. Whether you're dancing the night away in The Manor, enjoying a multi-course meal at a specialty restaurant, or relaxing by the pool, the Resilient Lady promises a memorable and sophisticated adventure at sea. So, pack your bags, prepare for the unexpected, and get ready to set sail on the Resilient Lady!