When Virgin Voyages launched into the cruise world, it promised to shake things up – and Resilient Lady is the embodiment of that vision. The third ship to join the fleet after the Scarlett Lady and Valiant Lady, just like her two sisters, she’s all about freedom, fun, flair – and above all, unforgettable experiences at sea.

Pre Cruise-Stays in Athens

Athens is one of our favourite cities to visit. It’s a captivating city, blending ancient history and vibrant modern culture seamlessly. As the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s home to iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, all within walking distance of each other.

But Athens is more than just its ruins. It boasts a thriving café culture, buzzing nightlife, world-class museums, and colourful neighbourhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, where traditional tavernas sit beside trendy boutiques. Whether you’re fascinated by mythology, a lover of Mediterranean food, or simply enjoy soaking up city life, Athens offers an unforgettable prelude to any Mediterranean cruise adventure.

Summer in the Med & Beyond

During the summer months, Resilient Lady calls Piraeus (Athens) her home port, setting sail on spectacular Mediterranean itineraries that include iconic Greek isles, the Adriatic coastline, and Turkish gems like Bodrum. You can enjoy longer stays in ports, overnights in hot spots like Mykonos, and late-night departures from places like Dubrovnik, allowing you to experience the magic of each destination after dark.

As summer winds down, Resilient Lady sets sail for new horizons. In the 2025/26 season, she heads to the Caribbean, with select voyages departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami. For those seeking something a little different, the transatlantic and repositioning sailings are a standout choice, with a selection of additional sailings while enroute, often delivering exceptional value and offering plenty of time to unwind and truly enjoy all the onboard experiences.

Adults Only – With a Twist

One of the most standout features of all the Virgin Voyages cruises  is that all the ships are exclusively for adults. On the Resilient Lady you will find no kids’ clubs or water slides, just grown-up vibes and a cruise environment that’s chilled when you want it and high-energy when you’re in the mood. Whether you’re sipping cocktails under the stars or joining a sunrise yoga session on deck, there’s something empowering about knowing the entire ship is curated with adult travellers in mind.

Cabins That Redefine Rest

Accommodation onboard is anything but traditional. Starting with the clever Insider cabins – perfect for night owls or those who simply want a comfy base without the frills – to the most popular Sea Terrace cabins, complete with hammocks and ocean views, every detail is thoughtful and fresh. The Sea Terrace rooms are particularly innovative, with mood lighting that adjusts to the time of day and a clever Seabed™ that converts from a sofa to a bed depending on your needs. And we love that hammock on the balcony, what a splendid way to pass the day, watching the ‘world sail by’.

But if you really want to cruise in rockstar style, there’s only one way: the RockStar Quarters. Think marble-clad bathrooms, peekaboo showers, personal RockStar agents (yes, that’s your own concierge), and access to Richard’s Rooftop – an exclusive lounge deck reserved for RockStar guests only.

It’s luxury with attitude, it’s a ‘whole new world’.

Dining – No Buffets, No Dress Codes, Just Incredible Food

We’re big fans of the incredible variety, top-notch quality, and exceptional service Virgin Voyages delivers with its dining options. They’ve truly redefined cruise cuisine, setting themselves apart from the competitors by doing things their own unique way.

With over 20+ eateries included, there’s no up-charging, no awkward seating arrangements, and no buffets. Instead, you can dine in beautifully styled spaces offering everything from modern Mexican and Korean BBQ to plant-based cafés and decadent steakhouses.

The Test Kitchen is a creative, science-meets-flavour experience, while Gunbae is the first Korean BBQ at sea – complete with drinking games. It’s social, it’s unexpected, and it’s delicious.

Entertainment that Dares to Be Different

Forget tired stage productions – Resilient Lady is a floating hub of immersive and interactive entertainment. From edgy pop-up performances to full-blown live gigs by incredible bands and solo artists, the entertainment is always original and full of surprises. The Manor nightclub (a dazzling two-storey venue) hosts unforgettable late-night events, while lounges across the ship hum with acoustic sets and chilled-out vibes during the day.

You’ll find theatre, comedy, DJs, drag shows, and unexpected street-style acts popping up throughout the ship. The vibe? Bold, inclusive, and often a little bit cheeky.

💪 Wellness, Reimagined

Resilient Lady isn’t just about indulgence – she’s also a haven for wellness and fitness lovers. From the sleek Athletic Club and dedicated outdoor training zones to yoga, HIIT, spinning, and even boxing, fitness is serious – and fun. There are group classes, personal training options, and even wellness talks onboard.

Then there’s the Redemption Spa, a stunning space to recharge with massages, facials, and thermal circuits. Whether you’re focused on inner calm or outer gains, this ship makes it easy to keep your wellness goals on track – or completely pause them in favour of a massage and a glass of bubbles.

✨ The Virgin Way

What makes Resilient Lady truly stand out isn’t just the chic design or the world-class food. It’s the crew, they are amazing. It’s the mindset. It’s a freedom onboard – to relax, to be yourself, to connect with people or completely unplug. It’s a cruise that values authenticity, sustainability (with no single-use plastics onboard), and innovation.

Whether you’re a cruise newbie or a seasoned sailor, Resilient Lady offers a completely different way to explore the world by sea. It’s bold, brilliant, and undeniably… Virgin.

‘Cruise the Virgin Way’ – The Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

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On my first visit to Portugal, I was en-route to Estoril and Cascais, both of which turned out to be awesome destinations. However, as I later learnt, my travels would have benefitted by spending more time in lively, interesting and romantic Lisbon.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city supporting a population of around 3 million people. The city dates back a long, long time, this is one of the oldest cities in the world. In fact, Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe, amazingly pre-dating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome.

Like many European cities it has many tales to tell. From the 5th century, Lisbon was ruled by a series of Germanic tribes until the 8th century, when the Moors laid claim to it. In 1147, the Crusaders under Afonso Henriques reconquered the city and since then it has been a major political, economic and cultural centre of Portugal.

There are a lot of things to love about Lisbon, I think what I love about Lisbon is the sheer variety of what is on offer. The architecture, the historical sites, museums, gardens, the food and wine scene, the friendly and festive locals, and the nightlife is outstanding. There is something for everyone to enjoy in lively city.

There are so many attractions in Lisbon such as Jerónimos Monastery, built by King D. Manuel I and designed in the Manueline architectural style. I just loved the Belem Tower or Torre de Belem as it is known locally. Belem Tower is stunning, a fortified tower located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belem. Both of these attractions are classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

The Sao Jorge Castle is a Moorish castle occupying a commanding hilltop position overlooking the historic centre of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The view embraces the old city’s pastel-coloured buildings, the Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge.

The Sao Jorge Castle

View from Sao Jorge CastleWalking around this city can be tiring because it is so hilly so use the trams to help navigate your path. There are many great gardens and squares to stroll through. Visit the Praça do Município, Praça do Comércio and the Praça do Rossio. NMeed a break from the city head into the beautiful gardens of Jardim da Astrela or the Jardim do Principe Real.

Tram is a great way to get around in Lisbon

If history is your thing and you love museums, Lisbon will not disappoint. Visit the Museum of the Orient, the National Azulejo Museum houses a collection of tiles, ceramics and paintings. The National Museum of Ancient Art is an exquisite art collection of mainly religious art and ornaments.

When the sun goes down in Lisbon the city seems to step up a gear. The restaurant and bar scene is just fantastic. You will find everything from traditional fine dining, cafes, bars and hip and quirky establishments. The Bairro Alto is a particular festive area, but all around you will find great night spots to eat, drink and enjoy the evening.

View from the Hotel Real Parque

The Clube da Esquina is a chilled place to hang out in Bairro Alto. The staff are friendly, and the prices are good. It’s well known for its cocktails including: caipirinhas, mojitos and their famous morangoska. During the summer Clube da Esquina can get really busy and the party often spills out onto the street, but the very same thing happens in the neighbouring bars, resulting in an awesome street party.

Most bars close between 2 and 4am, but late-night owls can continue the party at the docks of Alcântara and the district of Santos, home to several fashionable bars and clubs. The O Vinhaca Tapas & Vinhos on Rua do Salvador is a really well-priced tapas bar.

Hop on, Hop off Bus

We always use the ‘Hop on, Hop off’ Bus when we arrive in a new destination. Apart from the fact that it works out as a reasonable cost for transfers all over the city, it gets you to all the attractions that are worth while visiting. We then make a short list of all those places we want to get back to.

Hop on, Hop off Bus

The city has several beautiful old theatres, such as the Dona Maria II National Theatre, which presents contemporary works and classical plays.

Accommodation

The city of Lisbon offers a wide variety of accommodation options from budget through to luxurious boutique hotels.

Rooftop view from the Hotel Mundial Lisbon is a great city to explore. We did the Lisbon River Cruise and enjoyed every minute. The boat sailed past many of the great sights and its just a cool way to see the city from a different view.

Lisbon River Cruise

Get to Lisbon and enjoy one of Europe’s finest cities, often proclaimed as one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe. With flights from most London airports taking just under three hours, it’s also close by. Lisbon is lively, entertaining, fascinating and ideal for city break.

 

Awesome@Travel

 

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Vatican City – Rome

Rome is a destination city where you ideally need at least five days. The historical sites are just amazing, from the Vatican to the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain, you will be amazed.

Getting Around

The traffic can be an issue like most large cities. The advantage of the summer holidays is that the locals are out of town, many offices are closed and the traffic is somewhat less. The downside is that it can be very hot.

The metro works well and enables you to traverse the city quickly. The centre of Rome and the major attractions are easily walkable, but if it is very hot, it can be tiring.

Private taxis are a good option especially if you can find a friendly driver with a good knowledge of the city but be warned negotiate the fare upfront and pay the driver at the end of the hire.

Must see Sights

There are many sights to visit and behold in Rome and in fairness the entire city is a collection of fascinating architecture, intriguing streets, romantic restaurants, and impressive hotels. Where does one start, well the Vatican is as good as any.

It is worth considering purchasing tickets which will allow you to fast track the queues. They may cost more but they will save you a load of time. There are also private tour tickets available which offer earlier access so you avoid the main crowds, if your budget allows it, it will be money well spent.

Vatican City

Larger than I expected and so imposing and impressive. Absolutely amazing and you will need time to explore and appreciate this incredible collection of iconic art and architecture. Vatican City is home to the Pope, where magnificent Vatican Museums house ancient Roman sculptures. Some highlights include the famed “Laocoön and His Sons” and various Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling.

Wow, The Colosseum had my mind racing. To think that just 1,900 years ago, people were locked in a death battle to save their own lives. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, Titus.

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre ever built. You are staring at history, the detail, the grandeur, and scale of this magnificent structure is just amazing. Standing in front of the Colosseum is a sobering feeling, quite a remarkable place, it feels surreal.

The Colosseum

The Pantheon

We stumbled upon The Pantheon by mistake. We were ambling down a street, an interesting lane that led us into a piazza or square and then to the right, there it was. Just unmistakably, unbelievable. Dominating the space is a structure that feels alive.

The Pantheon

I cannot aptly describe the feeling that overcame me when I set eyes on The Pantheon for the first time. I was speechless and that does not happen often. Inside it is equally as amazing.

The Pantheon

‘Trevi Fountain’

Trying to navigate a map, were ‘old school’, google maps was not needed, well not yet. We followed a series of narrow streets towards what sounded like a fast-paced football match being refereed by an extremely irritated official, frequently blasting his whistle. We figured it was the police and wondered what was going on.

It is hard to explain the sight that did come into view as we turned the corner. The square was packed with people. It was a really hot day, 44 degrees and we were sweating profusely. The Trevi Fountain projects a calm, a feeling of cooling, the blue, clear water looks irresistible.

The police protect the sparkling waters from people reaching out to touch the water, as if to protect its purity. That was what all the whistle blowing was about. As soon as a tourist’s hand reaches out for the clear blue, inviting waters of the fountain, a series of sharp blasts on the whistle explode, ensuring that the culprit snap their hands back. It is quite hilarious to watch, but I must say it seems to work, it keeps the waters sparklingly clean. The Trevi Fountain in Rome is yet another awesome historic site.

Trevi Fountains, Rome

What impressed me the most with Rome was just how close a lot of the main historical sites are. Between the Vatican and The Colosseum, you will be walking amongst some of the most impressive historical sites left on the planet.

Castel Saint Angelo

From the Vatican walk east to the Castel Saint Angelo. The impressive Mausoleum of Hadrian, was built between 134 and 139 AD.

Castel Saint Angelo

Palazzo di Giustizia

The Palazzo Di Giustizia is the architecturally ornate home to the highest Italian court of appeals, located on the River Tiber. A glorious piece of architecture and unquestionably worth a visit. It is en-route from the Vatican towards the other main attractions, just keep following the river past the Castel Saint Angelo.

Rome Palazzo Di Giustizia

Piazza Venezia

The Piazza Venezia is breath-taking, the hub of Rome and the location of the Altare della Patria. It marks the start of a remarkable walk down to The Colosseum, along the Via Dei Fori Imperiali. This for us, was one of the highlights of our Rome visit.

The Altare della Patria (“Altar of the Fatherland”), is also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (“National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II”) or Il Vittoriano. The monument was built in honour of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy.

This entire area is just remarkable. I just imagined being here over 2,00 years ago. The sounds, the smells, the whole scene. Amazingly, so much remains that you do not need too much imagination, well I didn’t.

View of Altare della Patria on the Piazza Venezia

Altare della Patria magnificent statues

‘Foro Romano’

Walking down Via Dei Fori Imperiali, I was mesmerised by The Colosseum. The impressive, imposing structure, attracts you like, well ‘a moth to a light’, it’s just so amazing.

Along the Via Dei Fori Imperiali are a host of impressive buildings and statues lining the street. The Foro Romano is a large excavated area of Roman temples, squares and government buildings, some dating back 2,000 years. Rome is certainly a city that impresses, astounds, and excites.

This walk dow’n Via Dei Fori Imperiali will remain in my mind for a long time. In fact, one day, I will return, I still pinch myself at what I saw that day. Rome is Awesome.

Awesome@Travel

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Stornoway – Isle of Lewis

We set sail on Caledonian MacBrayne  ferry from Ullapool on the North West coast of Scotland. We boarded with the car for the 2 ½ hour crossing over The Minch to the once Viking settlement of Stornoway. There are also direct flights to Stornoway Airport from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.

Sailing into the quaint harbour town of Stornoway it is worth getting on deck to take some photos. The picturesque town with its fishing fleet and Lews Castle makes for some great shots. The largest town on the island, Stornoway supports a population of around 8,000.

Stornoway is a great place to get into the island way of life. A relaxed pace, the locals are friendly and if you avoid the very busy holiday period it is even more laidback. Visit the Lews Castle and the stunning grounds; you can even take in a round of golf.

The Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway is located just outside the town centre in a quiet residential area. The hotel offers a fabulous base with free parking and Wi-Fi. The hotels Solas Restaurant is a real gem. The food and service was fantastic. I don’t know if it’s the Machair that the livestock nibble which give the Lewis lamb and the Angus beef their delicious flavour but they are certainly worth ordering. The local seafood is outstanding try the Hebridean langoustines, Leurbost mussels or the local catch of the day, certainly won’t disappoint.

Cabarfeidh Hotel Stornoway – Isle of Lewis

The infamous Stornoway Black Pudding is delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner in my opinion. The Scottish culinary scene is one of those unexpected delights. Everywhere we went in Scotland we found great restaurants serving up excellent cuisine, so often promoting and using locally sourced ingredients, love it.

The Park Guest House  is located in the town centre offering comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices. It is a great location if you prefer to be in the town. The Broad Bay House  is around 16 miles north of Stornoway and well worth the ride. This 5-star Guest House is in a stunning location, alongside a sandy beach, with mind-boggling views over the Minch. On a clear day you can see the Scottish highlands across the ocean.

On the west coast of the island is where you will discover Uig Lodge. With Stunning views over the Atlantic, fabulous sandy beaches and a smoker on site, Uig Lodge is a great place to sit back and relax. The fresh air blows in off the Atlantic Ocean stirring the appetite for the finest Scottish Salmon.

The Callanish Stones on the Island of Lewis are just incredible. So well preserved, these resolute standing giants have withstood the elements since between 2900 and 2600 BC. When you walk on this hallowed ground you cannot help wonder what memories and history these great stones hold.

Callanish Stones – Isle of Lewis

To understand and appreciate how challenging life must have been on the island in times past visit the Blackhouse at Arnol. The well preserved home offers an insight to life that is not so long ago. Steinacliet is nearby and is thought to be either the remnants of a Neolithic stone circle and chambered cairn or a prehistoric farmstead, with house and yard. What is remarkable is that this far flung island is home to much history and mystery.

The island’s Hebridean Brewing Company produces some magical beers and cask ales. Try the Berserker export pale ale, known locally as the ‘Wee Heavy’ and named after a Viking warrior, it’s got a good kick.

Venturing south we explore the Isle of Harris which is just as rewarding as Lewis. The mountainous south offers spectacular walking trials, stunning beaches and lots of wildlife. Look out for the Golden eagles nesting on the island. Renowned for its Harris Tweed we were excited.

Travelling down the west coast of Harris you will come across the beautiful Amhuinnsuidhe Castle set in a spectacular remote location. Tradition mixed with spectacular scenery, stunning beaches, breath-taking hiking routes and warm hospitality make this a great place to stop over. Meals and pre-dinner drinks are taken with fellow guests in the formal dining room which is just one of the many delights that the castle has to offer.

Another great place to stay is the Hotel Hebrides. The Hotel Hebrides offers the choice of 21 guest rooms in the boutique hotel or choose a luxury villa in the stylish Kirklea Island Suites. A well-stocked bar offering a fine selection of whiskeys is a great place to unwind. The Pierhouse Restaurant dishes up local Scottish delicacies including scallops from the East Loch Tarbert which are simply delicious.

The hotel is well located for the famous Luskentyre beach. You just won’t believe you are on a Scottish Island, the beach is reminiscent of a tropical island, just the palm trees are missing. Luskentyre beach was voted the 8th most beautiful beach in the world by the Lost Planet. It is amazing.

The Isle of Harris has spectacular beaches, puffin colonies, and awesome seafood to make it a worthwhile destination. But add the chance to see basking sharks, minke and killer whales to that list as well as the chance of spotting Golden Eagles and the cheeky otters.

Isle of Harris

From Tarbert you can catch the ferry to Uig on the Isle of Skye but we had bought a ‘Hopscotch’ ticket so we headed down to Leverburgh and caught the ferry to North Uist.

Follow our adventures as we make our way through the Hebridean islands, this is an awesome road trip.

Awesome@Travel

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