Having set sail on Virgin Voyages‘ first-ever ship, Scarlet Lady, earlier this year from Miami, Marco was keen to experience the second ship to join the fleet, Valiant Lady, as she embarked on her maiden season in the Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona. Find out Marco’s thoughts as he spent a week sailing around the Western Med on Virgin Voyages‘ Valiant Lady
Itinerary
Barcelona / Toulon / Marina di Carrara / Ajaccio / Cagliari / Ibiza (overnight onboard) / Barcelona
How was the embarkation process with Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages have secured an iconic embarkation point in Barcelona, setting sail from the World Trade Centre terminal. As you arrive you’ll pass under the Telefèrico del Puerto, Barcelona’s iconic cable car. If you’ve booked yourself a package which includes a pre-cruise stay we’d highly recommend venturing on the 1,300-metre journey up to Miramar, on the slopes of Montjuic, for some epic views of the city and of course the ship. Sadly we didn’t have time for this and had to head straight onboard. From leaving our bags to getting onboard took no more than 25 minutes. You’ll probably spend more time perfecting the fit of your ‘band’ (which acts as your room key and payment card) than actually checking in. Once onboard we were greeted by the ever-energetic happenings crew who gave us an emphatic Virgin Voyages welcome, it felt great to be back onboard.
Tell us about the accommodation on Valiant Lady
Our sea terrace on deck 12 was exactly as we’d experienced onboard Scarlet Lady. The rooms are very technologically advanced, with room controls at your fingertips thanks to the tablet you’ll find on the desk. From here you can do anything from open the curtains, set some mood lighting, watch tv, or even request extra water and ice to your room. The housekeeping was impeccable, every time we’d go to breakfast we’d come back to find the room freshly clean and made up. The super-comfy beds can even be turned into a sofa, whilst you probably won’t use this feature on a daily basis, it does come in handy if you have a day at sea and want to go back to your room to chill out or have a drink with friends before you go out for dinner.
How did you find the ship in general?
Having already set sail on Virgin Voyages’ debut ship, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady offered a welcome familiarity. There are a few small cosmetic tweaks between the two ships, however the layout is exactly the same as on Scarlet Lady. The only negative was in the Social Club where Valiant Lady sadly only has one shuffleboard table compared to the two on Scarlet, although this really was the only downside. You might notice a few other minor tweaks, the tree in the Dock House on Valiant is a beautiful olive tree, and the LOVE swings in the walkway to the Grounds Club coffee house have also been replaced.
What was the food like on Valiant Lady?
The food offering onboard Virgin Voyages has to be the star of the show, and the restaurants on Valiant Lady certainly did not disappoint. Speaking to fellow guests onboard there was a common theme, with everyone absolutely raving about how good their meals were. As an Italian I may be accused of being biased, however, Extra Virgin has to be my favourite restaurant. From delicious antipasti and starters to fresh homemade pasta, there is plenty of choices. Head Chef Davide was on vacation however his deputy Isabella was up at the crack of dawn preparing pappardelle every day and they were fantastic, as was the garlic-butter steak which is served as a second (main course). Corrado our waiter even had time to give us some insider tips for our next port of call, his hometown, Cagliari, as we enjoyed an after-dinner limoncello. The beauty of a 7-night voyage (compared to the shorter Caribbean sailings) is being able to try every restaurant at least once, and go back to the ones you love the most. If you’re a meat-eater don’t be put off by the vegan and vegetarian forward-thinking restaurant, I’ll let you into a little secret, there’s a special menu which you can ask about for those that want to go off-piste. However, no matter which main you choose, for your starter you’ll definitely want to try the mushroom tartare, absolutely delightful!
There are plenty of options for those looking for a light snack during the day. From the poke bowls served at the Sun Club Cafe on deck 16, to the tapas-style small plates served in the Dock House on deck 7, the food is bound to blow you away. You can even order ship eats (room service) directly from the app, and you won’t be charged as long as you order a drink or chargeable coffee. Make sure to book yourself a brunch, we headed to The Wake to try out the steak and eggs for breakfast on our day sailing to Ibiza, although as this was the morning after Scarlet Night we didn’t indulge in the bottomless bubbles or bloody marys.
What is the entertainment like on Valiant Lady?
Virgin Voyages entertainment is not your traditional cruise shows. Expect acrobats diving across the stage to a Rome & Juliet storyline, drag queens performing in The Manor, and even a sex therapy interactive cabaret show. As long as you embark with an open mind, ready to have fun, you’ll certainly have a fantastic time. The main event has to be Scarlet Night. Make sure to pack your red outfit and get ready to enjoy the shenanigans throughout the night. The evening comes to a crescendo leading to the epic pool party, with the happenings crew dancing around the pool. You might want to make sure you’re wearing shorts or a shorter dress for ladies as you will no doubt get a little bit wet, if you want to go all out and dive in go for it, anything goes on Scarlet Night!
Does Valiant Lady offer any fitness & recreational facilities?
If you’re the kind of person who feels like they should earn their breakfast then you won’t have to worry, there are plenty of opportunities to keep fit whilst at sea. The gym facilities are plentiful with cardio on the port side and weights on the starboard side. As a keen runner, the dedicated running track has to be one of the best at sea! The 250-metre track is set at the aft on deck 17 offering sweeping views out to sea, and unlike on other ships, you won’t be dodging people getting up from their sun loungers or walking to the buffet, making it a very enjoyable running experience.
Fitness classes are included, so whether you’re wanting to do a spin class or some morning yoga you won’t pay any extra. The absolute highlight of the week’s fitness classes had to be the 80s VHS workout! Taking place in The Manor, this hilarious workout made you work up a sweat whilst laughing your head off at the same time.
Any tips for someone looking to cruise on Valiant Lady?
Virgin Voyages don’t do drinks packages, however, you can purchase a Bar Tab before you set sail. The best thing is Virgin Voyages are very generous with their bar tabs, in fact, if you purchase a $300 prepaid bar tab they’ll top you off with an extra $50 to spend at any bar on board or even at The Beach Club at Bimini if you’re on one of their Caribbean itineraries.
A slightly boring topic, however, Virgin Voyages offers one of the best value laundry offerings at sea! For $30 you can get a whole bag of laundry done in the space of just a day, meaning there’s no need to overpack for you cruise!
Do also make sure to book the shows on the app. They can be very popular and whilst you can generally get in by adding your name to the waiting list on the day who wants to risk it… The app has certainly improved since first being launched and makes booking dining and shows, as well as talking to sailor services very quick and easy.
Final thoughts on Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady
If you’ve not set sail with Virgin Voyages before you need to give them a go! The food is hands down some of the best at sea, and the fun-loving atmosphere onboard means you’re guaranteed to have a great time. The itineraries are also very well crafted giving you plenty of time in port. During Valiant Lady’s Mediterranean season you’ll overnight onboard in Ibiza, meaning you can head out in the evening as well as being able to enjoy the island the next day. If you want to explore away from Ibiza why not catch the ferry to Formentera, Ibiza’s younger sister. The island is dotted with sandy beaches lapped by crystal clear waters. hidden coves, and the odd celebrity lounging in the sun.
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