Our First Impressions of Resilient Lady: A Fresh Take on Cruising
We’ve sailed on many a cruise ship, from the grand dames of the sea to the sleekest modern marvels. So when the opportunity arose to experience Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, we approached it with our usual blend of professional curiosity and personal excitement. This wasn’t our first rodeo with Virgin, having previously explored Scarlet Lady, but each ship in their fleet, much like every unique cruise port we visit, offers its own distinct flavor. We know many of you are weighing your options for your next cruise vacation, whether it’s your inaugural voyage or your hundredth, and we’re here to give you the honest lowdown on what we loved and, frankly, what rubbed us the wrong way about Resilient Lady. Think of this as your insider’s guide, designed to help you make the most informed cruise booking decisions.
If you’re considering a voyage on the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady, you might also be interested in exploring the stunning destinations it visits. For instance, check out this article on the top things to do near the Great Exuma cruise port, which provides a local’s guide to the islands’ best attractions. It offers insights into the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes that await you during your cruise. You can read more about it here: Top Things to Do Near the Great Exuma Cruise Port.
What We Loved: Our Top 8 Resilient Lady Delights
Virgin Voyages aims to disrupt the traditional cruise model, and in many ways, they succeed spectacularly. Here are the things that truly stood out and made our Resilient Lady experience shine.
The Adults-Only Vibe
Right off the bat, one of the most defining and, for us, most enjoyable aspects of Resilient Lady is its adults-only policy. No splashing kids in the pools, no characters roaming the decks, no dedicated children’s programs. For some, this might be a deal-breaker, but for those seeking a tranquil escape, a romantic getaway, or simply a sophisticated environment, it’s a revelation. The atmosphere felt decidedly grown-up, allowing for conversations without shouting over cartoon theme songs and evenings where the loudest sound was often the clinking of glasses. This focus on an adult demographic permeates every aspect of the ship, from the entertainment to the dining, creating a consistent and appealing experience for those who appreciate it. It allows for a more relaxed pace and a feeling of genuine escape from daily life.
Innovative and Diverse Dining Options
Forget the traditional main dining room and buffet. Virgin Voyages has completely reimagined onboard eating, and Resilient Lady truly exemplifies this. There isn’t one grand dining hall, but rather over 20 distinct eateries, all included in your fare. This wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a genuine culinary adventure every day.
Pink Agave: A Fiesta for Your Taste Buds
Pink Agave, the upscale Mexican restaurant, was a definite highlight. The vibrant decor, the expertly crafted cocktails, and the nuanced flavors of the dishes were simply outstanding. From the perfectly seasoned esquites to the melt-in-your-mouth cochinita pibil, every plate felt thoughtfully prepared and authentic. We especially appreciated the smaller portion sizes, which encouraged us to try a wider variety of dishes without feeling overly stuffed. It’s the kind of place you’d happily pay good money for on land, and to have it included as part of our cruise booking was a real treat.
The Test Kitchen: A Culinary Masterclass
For those who enjoy an experimental edge, The Test Kitchen is an absolute must-try. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The menu is presented as a list of ingredients, and each course is a surprise. It’s part chemistry lab, part art studio, and entirely delicious. We found ourselves discussing the textures, the flavor combinations, and the presentation long after the meal was over. It pushes boundaries in a delightful way and is a fantastic option for adventurous eaters looking for something beyond the typical cruise fare. It truly showcases the culinary talent onboard and elevates the dining experience beyond mere sustenance.
Engaging and Unique Entertainment
Virgin Voyages prides itself on its non-traditional entertainment, and Resilient Lady lived up to that promise. Gone are the Broadway-style revues (mostly). In their place, you’ll find edgy, immersive, and often interactive performances.
Duel Reality: A Cirque-Style Spectacle
Our absolute favorite was “Duel Reality,” a modern, athletic, and emotionally charged retelling of Romeo and Juliet through acrobatics and dance. The energy in the Red Room was palpable, and the performers were incredibly talented. It was genuinely captivating and felt more like a high-end theatrical production than something you’d typically find on a cruise ship. It challenged our expectations and left us wanting more. The intimate setting of the Red Room also enhanced the experience, making us feel closer to the action.
Immersive Pop-Up Performances
Beyond the main shows, we loved the spontaneity of the pop-up performances around the ship. One evening, we stumbled upon a mesmerizing aerialist performing in The Manor nightclub, completely unannounced. Another time, a roaming brass band suddenly appeared, creating an impromptu dance party on the outdoor deck. These unexpected moments added a layer of excitement and discovery to our cruise vacation, making every corner of the ship feel alive with possibility. It’s these little touches that differentiate Virgin’s approach to entertainment.
Wellness and Fitness Facilities
For us, a good cruise vacation includes opportunities to stay active and rejuvenate, and Resilient Lady excels here. The gym was one of the best we’ve encountered at sea.
State-of-the-Art Gym and Fitness Classes
The gym isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a sprawling, well-equipped space with a fantastic array of modern cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment. We particularly appreciated the dedicated yoga and cycling studios. The included fitness classes, from HIIT to meditation, were led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors. It felt like being at a high-end boutique gym, not stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean. This commitment to fitness is a huge plus for those of us who like to balance our indulgence with a good workout.
The Thermal Suite: Pure Relaxation
The Redemption Spa’s thermal suite was another sanctuary we frequented. Featuring a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, mud room, and various steam and sauna rooms, it was the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring a bustling cruise port or simply to relax on a sea day. The ambiance was serene, and it never felt overcrowded, even though it’s an additional charge. We found the cost well worth it for the blissful escape it provided, melting away any stress.
If you’re considering a trip on the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady, you might also be interested in exploring the various ports of call along the way. A great resource for this is an article that discusses the Santos cruise port in Brazil, which offers valuable insights into parking options and local attractions. You can read more about it here. This information can enhance your travel experience and help you make the most of your cruise adventure.
The Focus on Inclusivity and Modern Design
Virgin Voyages has clearly put a lot of thought into creating a welcoming and modern environment for all. The design aesthetic is sleek, contemporary, and avoids the often-kitschy decor found on some other ships.
Thoughtful Cabin Design
Our Sea Terrace cabin, while compact, was incredibly well-designed. The “Seabed” that converts from a sofa to a bed is a stroke of genius, maximizing space during the day. The hammock on the balcony was a personal favorite – perfect for reading a book or watching the waves roll by. The smart technology, allowing us to control lights and temperature via an in-cabin tablet, added a touch of modern convenience. It felt like a boutique hotel room, not a standard cruise cabin.
Welcoming and Diverse Atmosphere
We also appreciated the diverse and inclusive atmosphere onboard. Virgin Voyages actively promotes a welcoming environment for all guests, and it genuinely felt like a space where everyone could be themselves. This extended to the staff as well, who were consistently friendly, professional, and genuinely seemed to enjoy their jobs. It contributes to a more relaxed and authentic experience, which is increasingly important to us when considering a cruise booking.
What We Hated: Our Top 8 Resilient Lady Disappointments
No cruise ship is perfect, and even though we loved much about Resilient Lady, there were definitely aspects that left us scratching our heads or, frankly, just annoyed. Here’s where Virgin Voyages still has some room for improvement.
The Virgin Voyages App: A Constant Source of Frustration
This was, without a doubt, our biggest grievance. The Virgin Voyages app is essential for almost everything onboard – checking schedules, making dining reservations, booking shore excursions, even messaging staff. And it was frequently, maddeningly glitchy.
Unreliable Reservation System
We often struggled to book dining or fitness classes, with the app freezing, showing incorrect availability, or simply failing to process requests. This led to unnecessary stress and often meant missing out on preferred times or experiences. For a company that touts its digital-first approach, the app needs significant improvement to be a reliable tool for guests. It should streamline the experience, not hinder it.
Poor Connectivity Onboard
Even when the app itself was behaving, connectivity was an issue. Despite purchasing the upgraded Wi-Fi package, we still experienced slow speeds and frequent disconnections, especially in our cabin. This made using the app even more frustrating and impacted our ability to stay connected with family back home or even just browse the internet effectively. In this day and age, reliable Wi-Fi is a basic expectation, especially for a premium cruise vacation.
Confusing and Overpriced Shore Excursions
While Virgin offers some unique shore excursions, we found the overall selection to be a bit limited and, in many cases, significantly more expensive than comparable tours booked independently.
Lack of Diverse Options
For certain cruise ports, the variety of excursions felt quite narrow, focusing on a few popular activities without much depth for those seeking something different. We often found ourselves looking at other options or planning our own adventures, which defeats the purpose of convenient cruise-organized tours. More niche or off-the-beaten-path experiences would be a welcome addition.
High Price Point
The pricing of the excursions felt a bit inflated. While we understand the convenience factor, the premium often didn’t seem justified by the experience offered. This encouraged us to explore DIY options, which added a layer of planning we sometimes prefer to avoid on a relaxing cruise vacation. Transparency in what exactly is included for the price could also be improved.
The “Bar Tab” System for Drinks
Virgin Voyages doesn’t include alcohol in the base fare, opting instead for a “Bar Tab” system where you pre-purchase credit, often with a bonus. While it seems straightforward, we found it a bit cumbersome.
Feeling Like Prepaid Vouchers
It essentially felt like buying vouchers for drinks. There was no real incentive to use it over paying as you go, other than the small bonus (which often didn’t feel significant enough to sway our purchasing decisions). We prefer either an all-inclusive model for drinks or a simple pay-as-you-go system. The Bar Tab added an unnecessary layer of complication without offering substantial benefits. It felt like a subtle nudge to spend more, rather than a genuine value proposition.
Not Always Clearly Understood
We also overheard several first-time Virgin cruisers expressing confusion about how the Bar Tab worked, leading to unexpected charges or unused credit at the end of their trip. A clearer explanation during the cruise booking process and throughout the voyage would be beneficial.
Limited “Sailor Loot” Redemption Options
Sailor Loot is Virgin’s onboard credit, often offered as a promotion during cruise booking. While it’s always nice to have extra spending money, we found its redemption options surprisingly limited.
Exclusions and Restrictions
We discovered that Sailor Loot couldn’t be used for everything. For example, some specialty items in shops or certain services were excluded. It also couldn’t be used for the thermal suite access, which we felt was a missed opportunity. This created a sense of frustration, as we had to carefully track what it could and couldn’t be used for, rather than simply enjoying the credit. It’s an example of where a “freebie” comes with too many strings attached.
Expiring Credit
Like many onboard credits, Sailor Loot expires at the end of the cruise vacation. While this is standard, the restrictions on what it could be used for sometimes made it challenging to spend it all on things we genuinely wanted. We’d prefer a more flexible system that truly enhances the guest experience.
The Lack of a Traditional Promenade Deck
This might seem minor to some, but for us, seasoned cruisers, the absence of a proper promenade deck was a noticeable omission.
No Continuous Outdoor Walkway
There’s no continuous deck that wraps around the entire cruise ship, allowing for uninterrupted walks with ocean views. While there are plenty of outdoor spaces, they are often broken up by restaurants, pools, or other features, requiring you to navigate interior spaces to get from one end of the ship to the other. We missed those peaceful morning strolls or evening perambulations that are a staple of many other cruise ships. It takes away from the traditional feeling of being truly “at sea.”
Disjointed Outdoor Experience
This design choice, while perhaps allowing for more diverse venues, fragments the outdoor experience. It makes it harder to truly appreciate the vastness of the ocean from a consistent vantage point, and for those who enjoy the simple pleasure of walking around the ship’s perimeter, it’s a significant drawback. It’s a design choice that prioritizes interior spaces over an iconic exterior feature.
Over-Reliance on Gimmicky “Surprises”
While we appreciate Virgin’s desire to be different, some of their attempts at “surprises” felt a bit forced or even fell flat.
Random, Unannounced “Events”
Sometimes, these “happenings” would occur with little to no explanation, leaving us wondering what was going on. While spontaneity can be fun, a little context or an explanation could help guests engage more fully. It occasionally felt like an inside joke we weren’t privy to, rather than an exciting, inclusive event.
Lack of Clear Communication
On a few occasions, an event was scheduled or advertised via the app, only to have its time or location changed last minute without clear communication, leading to confusion and missed opportunities. While flexibility is important, consistent communication about changes is crucial for guest satisfaction, especially when planning our day around the ship. It added a layer of uncertainty to our carefully planned cruise vacation.
The Cabin Lighting Controls
A minor point, perhaps, but one that consistently annoyed us throughout our voyage. The cabin lighting controls, while technologically advanced, were not intuitive.
Confusing Touchscreen Panel
Our cabin featured a touchscreen panel next to the bed to control all the lights. While it offered many options, finding the right setting, especially in the dark, was often a fumbling process. We frequently found ourselves turning on all the lights when we only wanted a dim bedside lamp. A few simple, physical buttons for basic functions would have been greatly appreciated. Sometimes, technology overcomplicates simplicity.
Bright Blue Indicator Lights
Adding to the frustration were the bright blue indicator lights on the various light switches and the thermostat. In a dark cabin, these emitted a surprising amount of light, making it difficult to achieve complete darkness for sleeping. We often resorted to covering them with towels, which certainly wasn’t the elegant solution one expects on a modern cruise ship. These little details can significantly impact comfort, especially during a relaxing cruise vacation.
Port Timings and Departures
While not entirely Virgin’s fault, some of our cruise port timings felt a bit rushed, impacting our ability to fully enjoy the destinations or book lengthier shore excursions.
Short Stays in Port
On several occasions, we felt the time allotted in port was insufficient, especially for destinations with a lot to offer. This made it challenging to explore independently or embark on longer, more enriching shore excursions without feeling constantly pressed for time. A bit more flexibility in port schedules would be a welcome change, allowing for deeper immersion in the local culture and attractions. It’s a common complaint across the industry, but one that impacts the overall cruise vacation experience.
Early Departures
Some early evening departures meant we missed out on enjoying the local nightlife or a relaxed dinner ashore, forcing us back onto the cruise ship earlier than we would have liked. While we understand the logistical challenges, it sometimes felt like the itinerary prioritized ship time over port exploration, which can be a disappointment for those who love to delve into each cruise port’s unique offerings.