Virgin Voyages Cruise Review: Resilient Lady in Greece

Considering a Virgin Voyages cruise but not sure if it lives up to the hype?

My group of five sailed to celebrate a 50th birthday. While we loved the adults-only vibe and the stylish design, there were definitely some surprises. Some were fantastic, like our boat day in Bodrum. Others, like the limited late-night food options, left us a little disappointed.

👉 Why this review is different: I have been on many cruises over the years, and my friends and I take at least one cruise together every year. This is a first-hand, detailed, no-fluff review of our real experience on Virgin Voyages.

This Virgin Voyages cruise review breaks down exactly what worked and what didn’t, so you can decide if it’s the right cruise for your travel style. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or just curious if Virgin is worth the switch from your usual cruise line, you’ll find honest insights here to help you decide.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on this blog are affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost, the author may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

15 Things We Loved About Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

We experienced some truly unique highlights on the Resilient Lady that stood out from other cruises we’ve taken. Here’s what we loved most about our Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow sailing:

1. Adults-only atmosphere
The biggest perk: no kids. The entire ship had a calm, grown-up vibe that made it feel more relaxed compared to family-friendly cruise lines.

2. All-day breakfast
Being able to get breakfast items all day was a huge win, especially when our schedules shifted after late nights in port.

3. Soda machines
Unlimited access to soda machines (yes, including Diet Coke!) was a small but mighty perk that added convenience.

4. Balcony hammocks
Each balcony came with a signature red hammock. It quickly became our favorite spot for reading, napping, or watching the sea go by.

5. Spacious closet
The closet was bigger than we expected, with baskets that made organization easy — something we don’t always find on cruises.

6. Glass shower door
No flimsy curtain sticking to your legs. The glass door was a welcome upgrade that made the bathroom feel more polished.

7. Champagne on demand
Ordering champagne through the app whenever we wanted felt luxurious and fun, especially when celebrating a 50th birthday.

8. Grab & Go stations
We loved the quick meal stations, though they weren’t always easy to find. Once discovered, they were perfect for snacks between meals.

9. Wristbands instead of cards
The wristbands worked well and felt easier than juggling a ship card. They did loosen sometimes, but overall, we preferred them.

10. Social Club snacks
This was a fun hidden gem. We snacked on gummies, Swedish fish, and popcorn while playing board games — it felt like a cozy escape.

11. The Dock area
The Dock was one of our favorite spots onboard, with shaded seating, cozy loungers, and a more laid-back vibe than the main pool.

12. Outdoor spaces
The ship had beautiful, modern outdoor areas that worked for both relaxing afternoons and lively evening parties.

13. Greece itinerary
The balance of ports and sea days on the Greek Island Glow itinerary was just right, enough time to explore, plus some downtime.

14. Public spaces
The ship’s interiors were modern and elegant. There were plenty of different spaces to either unwind quietly or celebrate with the group.

15. Included tips
We appreciated that gratuities were already included in the fare. It simplified budgeting.

 15 Things We Didn’t Love on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady Cruise

As much as we enjoyed parts of our Greek Island Glow cruise on the Resilient Lady, there were a few aspects that didn’t quite live up to the hype. If you’re on the fence about booking Virgin Voyages, here are some of the drawbacks we experienced. Things we wish we’d known ahead of time.

1. Poor communication
There were no announcements over the speakers. Without reminders for departure times or daily updates, it was easy to feel out of the loop.

2. Inefficient app
The app was clunky and required too many clicks to get basic info. A simple daily schedule on the homepage would have saved a lot of frustration.

3. Bed and couch setup
Our cabin bed was a queen instead of a king, and the couch felt awkwardly designed. For a new ship, we expected more comfort.

4. Unappealing drinks
Using the bar tab was tough because the drink options weren’t appealing. We missed having a specialty cocktail bar with creative possibilities.

5. Inconsistent bar hours
Some bars opened or closed without clear schedules, and the info wasn’t continually updated in the app. Planning a night out was tricky.

6. Small karaoke section
The karaoke space was far too small for its popularity. We only discovered the private rooms at the end of the trip, and the lack of waitstaff made the experience less enjoyable.

7. Unfriendly staff
We found the crew less friendly than on other cruise lines. It may be because tips are included, but it affected the overall service vibe.

8. Overly elaborate entertainment
Some shows leaned so heavily into performance art that they lost us. We wished for more variety, comedy, live music, or classic shows.

9. Bland hallways
The hallways were plain and even discouraged decorating cabin doors, which made the ship feel less festive.

10. Restaurant information
It was challenging to determine which restaurants were open and what they were serving. Reservations helped, but clearer info would have saved confusion.

11. Limited late-night menu
After dinner, food choices were minimal and repetitive. We genuinely missed the buffet for variety and convenience.

12. Subpar spa services
We usually treat ourselves to a spa day, but the options here felt limited and less appealing than what we’ve seen on other lines.

13. No robes
For a cruise that positions itself as luxury-adjacent, the absence of robes in the cabin felt like a miss.

14. Small showers and bathrooms
Even with the glass door, the bathrooms were tiny. Space felt tight compared to other ships we’ve sailed on.

15. Storage issues
Suitcases didn’t fit under the bed, which made the room harder to manage. For travelers who pack for a week-long cruise, this was inconvenient.

Is Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady Right for You?

Not every cruise line is right for every traveler. Virgin Voyages offers a unique experience that blends bold branding with adult-focused travel, but it may not be for everyone. Based on our time on the Resilient Lady sailing the Greek Island Glow route, here’s who we think would love this cruise and who might want to look elsewhere.

✅ Virgin Voyages is an excellent fit if you:

• Prefer an adults-only experience without the energy of a family cruise
• Want a cruise that feels stylish, modern, and Instagram-friendly
• Are you looking for late-night fun in Port, like bar-hopping in Mykonos?
• Enjoy flexible dining with no set times or table assignments
• Appreciate creative entertainment, unique restaurants, and sleek design
• Travel with friends or a group and like the idea of casual luxury

❌ You might want to skip it if you:

• Prefer classic cruising traditions like formal dinners or structured activities
• If you like to have lots of food options available late at night
• Want a ship with buzzing daytime energy and bigger pools
• Rely on clear announcements and scheduling rather than using an app
• Expect a more inclusive food service model like traditional buffets

This cruise wasn’t perfect, but it offered us a refreshing new take on travel at sea. If you’re curious about whether it fits your style or want help planning your own Greek island adventure, check out some of the planning tools I offer below. You’ll find tips, itineraries, and time-saving checklists to help you cruise smarter—no stress required.

Plan Your Virgin Voyages Trip Like a Pro

Santorini Shore Excursion Review: Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow

Santorini was the port I was most excited about, and it didn’t disappoint. Instead of booking through the cruise line, we hired a private driver for the day. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made on the entire trip.

Getting started, though, took patience. To reach the central part of the island from the port, you need to take the cable car up the cliff. The line was long — it took us over an hour to get through. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to allow for extra time and bring water, especially on hot days.

Once we finally arrived, our driver took us to Oia, the picture-perfect town with its whitewashed walls and blue domes. We had time to wander the narrow streets, shop, and soak in the views before the crowds began to build up.

From there, we stopped in Megalochori, a quiet, residential village that felt worlds away from Oia. We wandered through peaceful streets, admired old stone houses, and peeked into small local shops.

Finally, we headed to Perivolos Beach, famous for its striking black sand. We had a relaxed lunch at a seaside taverna, toes in the sand, and it ended up being one of my favorite moments of the trip. It was calm, authentic, and exactly what I had hoped to find in Greece.

CT Tip: To make the most of your Santorini stop, skip the extensive group tours. A private driver gives you the flexibility to explore the highlights at your own pace, and you’ll have the chance to experience both the iconic postcard towns and hidden corners of the island.

👉 Book a private Santorini driver

Rhodes Cruise Excursion Review on Virgin Voyages

In Rhodes, we decided to try something a little different and booked a Greek cooking class. It sounded like the perfect way to dive deeper into the culture.

We learned a few techniques and had the opportunity to try our hand at some local dishes.

It was a unique way to spend the day, and we came away with a few recipes we can try at home. We enjoyed getting a taste of Greek food culture beyond what we ate in restaurants.

It didn’t give us much time to see the rest of Rhodes, which was a bit disappointing. Overall, we would still recommend it.

CT Tip: If you’re a foodie, a cooking class can be a fun way to spend a day in port.

👉 Check out Rhodes’ cooking class and wine tasting

Mykonos Overnight Cruise Stop: Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

Mykonos was one of the highlights of our Virgin Voyages cruise because we had an overnight stop — something you don’t get on many itineraries. It gave us the chance to experience the island’s famous nightlife, as well as enjoy it in the quieter morning hours.

For our first day, we kept it simple with a day at the beach. We rented chairs, swam in the clear water, and soaked up the sun. It was exactly the relaxing break we needed after a string of busy sightseeing days. We had dinner at Paraj, which was nearby. The seafood was fresh and they had delicious craft cocktails.

Later that evening, we headed back into town. Mykonos comes alive at night, with shops open late and crowds spilling into the streets well past midnight. We loved wandering through the winding alleys, popping into boutiques, and experiencing the island’s energy after dark.

The next morning, we joined a walking tour. With fewer crowds around, we could really appreciate the beauty of the whitewashed buildings and narrow lanes. It was a completely different vibe from the evening before, and it gave us a full picture of Mykonos.

CT Tip: If your cruise includes an overnight here, take full advantage. Enjoy the nightlife, but also set an alarm to see the town in the morning before the day-trippers arrive. It feels like two different islands, and both are worth experiencing.

👉 Explore Mykonos beach and walking tours here: Sightseeing like a Mykonian(Small Group or Private) and Super Paradise Beach Mykonos Seaside Sunbed

Bodrum Excursion Review: Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow

Bodrum turned out to be a surprise favorite, but not for the reasons we expected. While the town itself wasn’t our style, our boat trip ended up being the best day of the entire cruise.

We boarded our boat for the day, and that’s where Bodrum really shone. The crew served an incredible lunch onboard, and we had hours to swim, float, and relax in the turquoise waters. One of the highlights was visiting Orak Island, often referred to as the “Turkish Maldives,” with its crystal-clear water and stunning scenery.

After our boat tour, we did a quick walk through Bodrum’s shopping streets, but honestly, it was our least favorite stop for browsing. Many of the shops were filled with cheap trinkets or knock-off brands.

Fellow cruisers we spoke to mentioned that their tours went to rug shops. They reported that the salespeople were pushy and the rugs were expensive. We were glad we didn’t spend much time shopping here and opted for the boat tour instead.

The whole experience was calm, authentic, and exactly what we needed after busier days in port. Our group agreed it was the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation — and easily one of our most memorable cruise days ever.

CT Tip: Skip the shopping in Bodrum and spend your time on the water instead. A boat trip to Orak Island gives you flexibility, delicious food, and a day that feels like pure vacation bliss.

👉 Book a Bodrum boat trip like ours here: Bodrum Orak Island (Turkish Maldives) Boat Trip

Athens Cruise Port Tips for Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow

Our Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow cruise started and ended in Athens, so we added a couple of days before and after the sailing to explore the city. While I wouldn’t rank Athens among my favorite European destinations, two days felt like the right amount of time to get a good overview.

On our first evening, we took advantage of the free walking tour on the Rick Steves app. It was a great way to get oriented and learn some history at our own pace. Later, we had dinner at 2 Mazi, and it was extraordinary. The setting was beautiful, the food was outstanding, and the staff were warm and welcoming. It was the perfect first meal in Greece.

We also spent time wandering through the Plaka neighborhood, which had a charming atmosphere and was filled with numerous shops and cafés.

The only downside was that, even traveling as a group of three women, we didn’t feel safe walking back to our hotel at night. It was the first time I can remember truly feeling uneasy in a city while traveling.

For logistics, we used Welcome Pickups for all of our transfers — from the airport to our hotel, from the hotel to the port, and again after disembarking from the cruise. The service was seamless, and it took away the stress of navigating transportation in a busy city.

After the cruise, we extended our trip with a visit to Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon before returning to Athens for one last must-do: a tour of the Acropolis & Parthenon. It was the perfect way to end our Greek adventure.

CT Tip: If your cruise begins in Athens, plan for at least one full day before and after your sailing. Two days is plenty to see the highlights without feeling rushed, and using a reliable transfer service like Welcome Pickups will save you time and stress.

👉 Book reliable Athens airport and port transfers here: Welcome Pickups

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Virgin Voyages Cruise Review: Final Thoughts on Resilient Lady

Our time on the Resilient Lady gave us an unforgettable week in Greece. We celebrated a milestone birthday, explored beautiful islands, and tried out a cruise line that wants to do things differently.

Virgin Voyages is not perfect. Some of the things we missed, like a central hangout spot, more late-night food options, and traditional cruise touches, may be deal breakers for certain travelers. At the same time, it offered experiences we have not seen anywhere else, from hammocks on the balcony to overnight stays in port.

So, is Virgin Voyages right for you? If you’re looking for a stylish, adults-only cruise with modern design and unique itineraries, it is worth considering. If you prefer a more traditional cruise experience with structured activities and buffets, another line might be a better choice.

What we can say for certain is that the Greek Island Glow itinerary was a success. From sunsets in Santorini to swimming in Bodrum’s turquoise waters, it provided us with a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation that we will never forget.

✨ Ready to plan your own Virgin Voyages cruise?

• Grab my Free Cruise Packing List so you do not forget a thing.
• Stay organized and make your trip meaningful with my Travel Planner and Journal Prompts.
• Explore the exact Viator excursions we booked in Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Bodrum.

Your next adventure starts with planning. Once you are on board, the memories take care of themselves.

Grab Life & Don’t Forget To Wear Sunscreen! Happy Exploring!