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OCEANS OF FUN
I tried the adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise with 2am pizza parlours, rooftop bars, karaoke and huge celeb guests
Virgin has more than 20 different restaurants — all included in the price
AS I sipped my glass of Moet and sailed into the sunset, I mulled whether life on land was really for me.
Taking my cruise virginity was Virgin Voyage’s Resilient Lady — with the excitement palpable as Richard Branson and Boy George were to be the guests of honour.
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The Culture Club star’s DJ set was the star turn on the five-night cruise — but there was plenty more to enjoy.
Setting sail from Portsmouth to Amsterdam and Bruges for a Celebration Voyage, there was a party atmosphere as entertainers put on a show around the pool.
With kids forbidden on board, adults released their inner child as they drank and danced into the early hours.
After indulging in a glass or two of champagne at the ship’s elegant Sip Lounge with new friends, we found ourselves heading into the on-board club — The Manor.
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Slinking through a glittering corridor, we were greeted by a sea of adults dancing the night away at a pyjama party.
Before we knew it, the clock had struck 2am and we made our way to The Pizza Place, which stays open throughout the night to offer bleary-eyed passengers a filling treat.
Waking next morning, I slowly came to, while swinging in the hammock on my cabin’s balcony before thoughts turned to breakfast.
Unlike most cruise liners, Virgin has more than 20 different restaurants — all included in the price.
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We opted for The Galley, which has several different foodtruck-style stations serving everything from a fry-up to pancakes.
The first full day was spent at sea cruising to Amsterdam — but with so much to do on board there is little chance of boredom.
One of the Largest Cruise Ships in the World
And with the Resilient Lady able to fit 2,770 passengers, there was an eclectic mix of people on board. From the young, to the young at heart, Virgin Galactic astronauts, a pop star and, of course, a billionaire.
The diverse mix the ship attracts is a credit to Virgin’s well-crafted plan — to offer something for everyone.
While I stalked the corridors in my high heels with a chilled champagne in hand, others jogged about in gym gear as they headed to fitness classes.
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Sailors — as passengers are dubbed — can plan their day using the Virgin Voyages app, which lists the jam-packed schedule of activities each day, most of them included in the price of the cruise.
For those looking to relax, the ship offers yoga classes, spa treatments, and even a salon where you can pamper yourself with a fresh blowout and manicure.
Or for the fitness freaks, there are classes throughout the day, a gym and even a running track on the top deck.
One of the cruise’s crown jewels is the entertainment it offers — including the hilarious Miss Behave show and Greek-legend inspired Persephone, naturally with a very modern spin.
Of course, no cruise ship would be complete without a casino, and for those new to taking a flutter, knowledgeable crew were on hand to give lessons.
Rock star touches
For those really looking to amp up their experience, they can check into one of the Rockstar suites, complete with an in-room bar and turntable, plus access to the premium Richard’s Rooftop bar at the front of the ship.
The gorgeous outdoor deck also features sunloungers and a bubbling hot tub.
But even the standard balcony cabin like mine was given some rock star touches with mood lighting.
Even the curtains were controlled from a tech screen.
After a day on the water, we made it to Amsterdam for the evening and many sailors opted to head into the city.
But the real crowd draw of the night was a chat with Virgin boss Richard Branson and Boy George in the ship’s other performance venue, the Red Room.
It was standing room only as passengers crammed into the two-tiered space to listen to the pair delight with tales of the past.
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Later that night, Boy George took to the decks for a DJ set that had even the oldest sailors dancing until the small hours.
The following morning, most people on board headed into Amsterdam.
With no shuttle buses put on, I imagine the brisk walk from the port did those nursing a hangover some good.
I spent a few hours in Amsterdam before heading back on board to soak up the glorious 28C heat in style at Richard’s Rooftop.
After one — or was it too many — mojitos on my sunlounger, I awoke to a sea of champagne glasses and realised it was once again happy hour.
Changing for dinner, the next challenge was deciding where to eat for the night.
Virgin does offer planned days out at stops that can be booked for a price via the app or on board
Katie Davis
Down a grand staircase, The Wake — aptly at the back of the ship — promises succulent steak and seafood, and for those with a taste for Mexican and margaritas there’s Pink Agave.
Chefs at Extra Virgin cook up an Italian storm, while Gunbae dishes up Korean BBQ — with every meal starting with a drinking game.
Or if dinner in bed or on your balcony is more your style, Virgin offers an elevated food delivery aptly named Ship Eat.
That evening, I made my way to The Dock at the back of the ship for star-gazing with Virgin Galactic astronauts Mike and Colin before taking a slightly earlier night as I wanted to enjoy Bruges the following day.
Virgin does offer planned days out at stops - Shore Things - that can be booked for a price via the app or on board.
But with the stops in both cities fairly short, I wanted to freely lap up the culture.
Back on the ship that evening, we were dazzled by the most impressive spectacle of the cruise - the Scarlet Party.
Tipsy sailors
With almost every passenger donning a shade of red and with a drink in hand, hundreds made their way out to the pool where performers put on a stunning show.
Dancers then descended into the water - and before I knew it tipsy sailors themselves decided to hop into the pool while others, myself included, opted to stay on the edge and dance.
My friends then whisked me off to The Groupie for an intimate karaoke session before we rejoined the party at the Red Room.
I finally made my way to bed in the small hours before a final day at sea — hitting the onboard high street for a bit of upmarket spending and relaxing with a pina colada in hand.
We saw the cruise out with a bang at an ’80s party in The Manor, with hit after hit pumping out until the early hours as dozens relived their youths.
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As we docked back in Portsmouth on a grey Sunday morning, there were some misty eyes looking for their taxis.
But I have little doubt that once back on the road, many were planning their next Virgin Voyage.
GO: VIRGIN VOYAGES
GETTING / SAILING THERE: Enjoy a 12-night full-board cruise on Virgin Voyages’ Resilent Lady next May from £2,299pp for a balcony cabin.
Includes $200 bar tab, flights from London to Athens on May 17 and one-night pre-cruise in Athens hotel.
Cruise calls at Istanbul overnight, Kusadasi in Turkey, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and Crete. To book, see iglucruise.com/resilient-lady.
MORE INFO: See virginvoyages.com.
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