VIRGIN Voyages’ adults-only ships really do float my boat. Inspired by the luxury of yachting and the allure of the open ocean, they’ve made cruising cool with no kids , no naffness and no ordinary experiences. 7 There's lots of opportunity for chilling out 7 Richard’s Rooftop is perfect for VIPs 7 There are gorgeous trips, like this one to the Roman Forum Gorgeous itineraries, late and overnight stays, menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs and not an anchor-embossed carpet in sight, it's like a floating five star hotel - what’s not to love ? The brand’s unique vibe has reeled in the Insta generation, the under-50s and the young at heart, to glide around the oceans in the lap of luxury like a celebrity .
Ever the innovator, Sir Richard Branson has taken everything that’s great about cruising, said ahoy to fun (think see-saws for grown-ups) and binned elements that are stale (goodbye cheesy photos and 7am tannoy announcements). ‘Staterooms’ are sea terraces – complete with dreamy red hammocks to drink in those sunsets – ‘passengers’ are sailors and the fleet’s carnival-esque Scarlet Night pool parties have Gen X-ers dancing like it’s 1999 - led by a drag queen in front of an inflatable octopus, naturally! READ MORE IN TRAVEL ISLE BE THERE Scotland named among best island hopping destinations in world on global list STARE CRAZY Warning over ‘dangerous’ travel trend, six million plan to try it this summer On what other ship can you browse the world’s only record shop at sea and receive a champagne delivery with the shake of an app (ain’t GPS clever). Let your hair down at fitness classes you never dreamed you’d take – think 80s legwarmers and VHS workouts – play Super Mario Bros in the arcade or murder your favourite power ballad in a sound-proofed suite.
You can even get inked at the on-board tattoo parlour! My partner Chris and I, still buoyed from our magical week on Virgin’s Valiant Lady last summer , hopped on a direct EasyJet flight from Glasgow to Barcelona for an unforgettable 14-night voyage on her stunning twin, the Scarlet Lady. Most read in Cruise SHIP SHAPE Huge cruise ship dubbed 'theme park at sea' to launch next year TAKE A BOW New Disney ship to be its biggest yet with huge central garden and themed zones FLOATING CITIES Robot bartenders to 10-floor slides - inside world’s biggest cruise ships Standing 17 decks tall and dressed to kill in Virgin’s signature red and white, the modern interior rivals the best des res in the world. Our back-to-back trip combined the seven-night French Daze and Ibiza Nights experience with the Irresistible Med and Rome.
Whether you’re a culture vulture or a beach lover, a clubber or a foodie, like an action-packed time or a carefree amble discovering beautiful places, this trip has it all with one relaxing sea day on both weeks. Setting off from the Catalan capital, the Scarlet Lady winds its way to metropolitan Marseille , on to Riviera jewel Cannes, Majorcan hotspot Palma then to drop dead gorgeous party isle Ibiza for an overnight stay (a big draw for the clubbers) then back to beautiful Barca on day seven. The second, beautifully-curated itinerary sees her glide off to Toulon in the South of France then Marina Di Carrara – just a short drive or train ride to stunning Cinque Terre, a fishing town build into the side of Italian cliffs.
From there, she hits up the port of Civitavecchia, arriving at 8am and not departing till 11pm so sailors can hop into Rome and have a full day marvelling at the 2,500-year history of the Eternal City and its famous sights such as the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain and the Vatican. Then it’s off for another overnight at Ibiza before returning to Barcelona to collect the next load of excited holidaymakers. Virgin Voyages has also ripped up the rulebook on the dress code.
While most are casual by day, people up the ante at night but there are no formal evenings, so leave those cocktail dresses and tuxes at home . And unlike most of their rivals, all the restaurants , soft drinks, crew tip and even wifi are included in the price of your voyage. 7 The food offering is incredible 7 Receive a champagne delivery with the shake of an app Stylish cabins blend laidback luxury and functionality, with a high-end feel extending to every corner of the ship.
There’s so much on offer, the ports are almost a wonderful bonus. There’s pools, spa, gym, coffee shops , boutiques and a nightclub, as well as pop-up live music, DJs , pub quizzes and a 225-metre red running track looping around the top of the ship. Enjoy quality performances with a pina colada in a chic lounge or even innuendo-laden bingo with a drag queen .
And it wouldn’t be a cruise liner without a casino. As Rock Stars VIPs, we had access to Richard’s Rooftop – an exclusive, quieter sundeck with panoramic ocean views, plenty of shaded seating and, joy, a 5pm free cocktail and champers hour. You’re spoiled for food and drink on the Scarlet Lady, with more than 20 dining options.
The Galley is Virgin’s twist on the traditional buffet restaurant , with street food-style stalls serving up top-notch breakfast , brunch, lunch, dinner and late night snacks, where everything is made to offer. Grab a table and raise a little red flag to say ahoy to your server and order eggs benedict, burgers, sensational salads, toasties and not forgetting cakes and pastries to rival any French patisserie. The tacos, Japanese ramen and sushi are among the best we’ve ever tasted.
Fans of Italian food must visit Extra Virgin for handmade pasta, antipasti boards and the affogato trolley - where wait staff tip little measures of espresso over your choice of ice cream. Gunbae is the first Korean barbecue at sea and sees sailors cosy up for drinking games and meat, fish, veg and rice prepared in front of you on a table-top grill. It’s a blast.
We loved Razzle Dazzle, particularly at night, where a funky vibe is added to the atmosphere with dimmed lights, red neon signs and a separate menu with a New American-style flair. Pick as many tasty small plates as you fancy. Our absolute favourites were the crispy Nashville hot cauliflower, the fresh yellowfin tuna tartare and the bourbon maple glazed pork belly.
The Dockhouse is a classy, outdoors chill spot boasting day beds, a cocktail bar and live performances from musicians. It serves mezze-style plates and tasty skewers including grilled octopus and steak . Pink Agave is Mexican with style - you’ll find no bog-standard burritos here.
GO: VIRGIN CRUISES GETTING THERE: Airline easyJet.com have flights from Glasgow to Barcelona from £23.99pp.
SAILING THE WAVES: A seven-night French Daze & Ibiza Nights cruise is from £2029pp. See barrheadtravel.co.
uk . MORE INFO For more Virgin Voyages see virginvoyages.com.
Meanwhile, The Pizza Place is seriously better than any high street takeaway, while the Lick Me Till Ice Cream parlour serves yummy butter pecan and strawberry milkshake scoops among the classics. At The Wake steak and seafood grill, Virgin have really pushed the boat out. The clam chowder is rich, savoury and light.
Fabulous mains include salt-baked bream while meat lovers have their pick of expertly prepared cuts , including filet, NY strip, roast chicken and lamb chops. Read more on the Scottish Sun 'BEST IN TOWN' 'We need to stockpile', cry locals as Scots butchers to close after 40yrs BITE MOVE Eight sharks spotted near Scots beach as country labelled vital breeding ground And if you’re lucky you might even end up at the best table on the ship – right at the back gazing into a porthole as the propeller churns a mesmerising trail in the crystal blue water . After setting us down in Barcelona, I was already missing this special ship as she sailed into the sunset again.
But from one Lady to another, this is not goodbye...
.it’s sea you soon. 7 Richard Branson is always on top of innovation 7 Stella will sea the cruise ship again soon.
