Our First Time on Virgin Voyages: A Travel Agent Retreat on Resilient Lady
Stepping aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady felt like walking into a world of sleek, modern luxury. The ship’s minimalist design was immediately striking, with clean lines and elevated touches that set the tone for what was to come. Champagne in hand, we made our way to our Sea Terrace stateroom, where the surprises continued. The room’s tablet features allowed us to set different mood themes, control the curtains, operate the TV, and even order room service—all at the touch of a button. This high-tech touch was a fun and functional way to start our retreat.
We kicked off our first evening with a sail-away party on the pool deck. The energy was electric as we danced and soaked in the breathtaking views of Miami’s sparkling skyline. It wasn’t long before we made our way to Squid Ink, Virgin’s onboard tattoo and piercing studio. We had heard that appointments fill up quickly, all on the first night, so we made sure to be first in line to secure our spots.
Dinner that night was at Razzle Dazzle, a restaurant that blends bold flavors with comfort classics. The pork belly stole the show, but the fried zucchini, green tomatoes, and cauliflower were close runners-up. We couldn’t resist finishing the meal with vanilla bean crème brûlée and cinnamon pears—a sweet ending to a truly memorable dinner.
From there, we headed to The Red Room for the Persephone show. This immersive performance was unlike anything we’ve seen at sea. Standing in line to get in, we quickly realized that comfortable shoes were a must, as the show is almost entirely standing-room-only. Once inside, the atmosphere was electric, with dancers and acrobats performing not just on stage but all around us. The choreography was mesmerizing, and the adult-themed storytelling added a bold edge. Select a standing location near the center stage for the best views.
Later that evening, we stopped by the pajama party—a lively event that kept the fun going well into the night. After enjoying the music and festivities, we headed back to our stateroom for a cozy movie night. With the room set to “movie mode” using the tablet, we ordered room service candy and snacks, snuggled in, and watched a provided movie on the large TV. It was the perfect way to wind down after a packed day.
The next morning, we ventured to The Galley for breakfast. Unlike traditional cruise buffets, everything here is made to order. We sampled a French toast hamburger, eggs Benedict tacos, and a European breakfast plate. While we loved the freshness and quality of the food, the wait time for orders was a bit longer than we’re used to. Still, the made-to-order concept felt more elevated and hygienic.
Our day continued with a Q&A session featuring Virgin Voyages’ leadership team. Hearing directly from the CEO, Marketing Director, and Sales Director gave us a deeper appreciation for the thought and creativity behind the Virgin Voyages experience.
Feeling inspired, we decided to let loose at The Groupie, a private karaoke venue onboard. As someone with major stage fright, I appreciated the chance to sing my heart out in a room with just my friends. The song selection was impressive, and the audio quality was top-notch. It was a refreshing twist on the usual cruise karaoke experience.
Later, we toured some of the ship’s most luxurious staterooms, including the Seriously Suite, Sweet Aft Suite, Gorgeous Suite, and Massive Suite. Each category offered unique perks and stunning designs that had us dreaming of future voyages.
Lunchtime found us at Sun Club Café, where we enjoyed bao buns and poke bowls while relaxing to the sounds of a talented DJ. One thing we loved about the ship’s design was how well the music was contained to specific areas. It created a vibrant atmosphere without disrupting the ship’s quieter spaces.
By the afternoon, it was time for my tattoo appointment at Squid Ink. After consulting with my artist the night before, we finalized the design and brought it to life in the studio’s pristine, professional environment. The process was seamless, and having a tattoo as a lasting memento of this trip felt uniquely Virgin.
Dinner that evening was at The Test Kitchen, a restaurant that pushes culinary boundaries. While I’m not a fan of mushrooms, the staff was accommodating and adjusted the menu to suit my preferences. The beverage pairing added an extra layer of sophistication to the meal. That said, this venue is best suited for adventurous eaters, as the dishes are highly creative and experimental.
We ended the night with Scarlet Night, Virgin’s iconic celebration that transforms the entire ship into a vibrant sea of red-themed festivities. Beginning with The Myth of Scarlet Night, where The Happenings Cast shares intriguing traditions and stories, the event unfolds with surprise pop-up performances on Deck 7 and dazzling decor throughout the ship. The festivities culminate in a grand finale at the pool deck—a one-of-a-kind pool dance party that truly embodies Virgin’s unique creativity and flair. It’s not just an event; it’s an immersive experience unlike anything else at sea, and one we’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.
As exciting as it all was, we did notice a few challenges navigating the ship. Virgin Voyages relies heavily on their app for shipboard communication, but the app struggled with connectivity and performance during our sailing. Finding information like event times or restaurant availability was sometimes tricky. We’ve since learned that Virgin is about to release a new version of the app, which should improve functionality. Another notable absence was maps—there were no maps of the ship, outside of a printed one provided in your stateroom, and navigating the Resilient Lady for the first time was more challenging than expected. For those who like to explore independently, this is something to keep in mind.
One important note for future travelers: the Resilient Lady felt more rocky compared to other ships we’ve sailed on, such as those from Royal Caribbean. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we highly recommend packing remedies like patches or wristbands to ensure your comfort.
Virgin Voyages is unlike any other cruise line we’ve experienced. With an average guest age of 47, it’s perfect for couples seeking a sophisticated getaway, LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a safe and welcoming space, and bachelorette parties ready to celebrate in style. Most events run late into the night, and the immersive nature of the entertainment means there’s a lot of standing and participation involved. Virgin isn’t about sitting back and being entertained—it’s about being part of the entertainment, and that’s what makes it so special.
If you’re ready for a cruise that redefines what it means to set sail, Virgin Voyages is waiting for you. We can’t wait to help you plan your own adventure!
