Our full review of Valiant Lady — what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s the right ship for you.
🚢 First Things First: This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Cruise
Let’s just say this up front — if you’re expecting bingo nights, kids’ clubs, and a midnight buffet, you’re on the wrong boat.
Virgin Voyages is shaking up the cruise world with adults-only sailings, unconventional dining, no dress codes, and a vibe that’s more “boutique hotel at sea” than “floating resort.” We sailed aboard Valiant Lady, and after seven days of sea, shows, and surprises — we’ve got thoughts.
🌟 Things We LOVED About This Cruise
🎭 The Entertainment = Next Level
From cabaret-style circus acts to gender-bending live theater, the shows on Virgin were some of the most creative and progressive we’ve seen at sea. One night felt like Broadway, the next like a pop-up punk rave. If you’re tired of the same old cruise revue, this is a breath of fresh sea air.
🛏️ The Cabins
Modern, minimal, and techy — with adjustable mood lighting and a bed that turns into a couch during the day.
Was it the comfiest bed ever? Eh. But the vibe was sleek, and the hammock on the balcony? YES.
🍣 The Food — No Buffets, No Problem
You don’t get a main dining room or buffet — instead, it’s 20+ small restaurants, all included. We loved:
- Pink Agave: Upscale Mexican with great cocktails
- Extra Virgin: Delicious Italian (the meatballs were 🔥)
- The Test Kitchen: A multi-course “science meets fine dining” experience that surprised us in a good way
No extra charge, no tipping, no awkward tablemates. Just order what you want and enjoy.
🧘 Wellness is Woven In
Whether it was sunrise yoga, the juice bar, or the ridiculously good spa, Virgin leans hard into self-care. Lisa especially loved the fitness classes and spa design — it felt like a luxury retreat, not a gym on a ship.
🤷♂️ But There Were a Few “Hmm…” Moments
😕 The Tech Can Be Tricky
The app is your gateway to everything — bookings, chat, daily schedules — but it wasn’t always as smooth as we hoped. Sometimes it glitched or didn’t show our reservations properly.
Pro tip: Screenshot your bookings just in case.
🧍♀️ The Vibe Isn’t for Everyone
There’s a strong “cool crowd” energy on board. If you’re more into quiet sunsets and classic piano bars, you might feel out of place here. But if you love a bit of edge, you’ll feel right at home.
🛳️ Not a Lot of Pool Space
For such a beautiful ship, the pool was… small. Beautifully designed, yes — but if you’re a pool lounger type, snag your spot early.
🧭 Who This Cruise Is For
- Foodies who want variety without upcharges
- Adults looking for a kid-free cruise
- LGBTQ+ travelers (Virgin is one of the most inclusive cruise lines we’ve seen)
- People who like a modern, minimalist, resort-style vibe
- Adventurous travelers who want something totally different
🚫 Who Might Want to Skip It
- Traditionalists who love formal nights and big production shows
- Families with kids (18+ only on Virgin)
- Travelers who expect nonstop activities or sprawling waterparks
- Anyone who still uses a flip phone 😉
🎥 Want to See It All for Yourself?
We filmed the whole experience — from boarding to dining to our final thoughts.
Check it out on our YouTube channel!
📺 Watch Our Virgin Voyages Full Review →
Final Thoughts
Virgin Voyages didn’t just build another cruise — they reimagined what a cruise could be. And while it’s not perfect, it’s bold, fun, and refreshing. For us, it was a trip we’ll be talking about for a long time.