Resilient Lady reviewed by: Kathy Fossati

Date: 14 December 2023

Cruise line and ship: Virgin Voyages – Resilient Lady

Size of ship: 278 metres (912 feet) in length – 110,000 tons

Passenger capacity: 2,762 (1410 staterooms) & 1,150 Crew

Year built: 2022

Where the ship cruises: Mostly Australia, New Zealand, The South Pacific, Europe & The Mediterranean

Currency onboard: USD

Embarkation/disembarkation: With check-in done online prior to boarding and boarding beginning at allotments from 2pm, it’s a really streamlined embarkation. There are no bar codes, no boarding docs or luggage tags, and nothing in the app (other than your itinerary). As long as you’ve checked in, bring your passport/ID and completed your health-screening, you are good to head to the terminal! Disembarkation was very fast!

Main features/highlights: We may be a little biased but there are almost too many to list. The 20+ eateries including Mexican to Italian, Korean and everything in between is definitely a highlight. We love that wifi, essential drinks and all the fitness and wellbeing classes are included. The lightweight ‘Band’ worn on your wrist, is made from recycled ocean plastic and is wonderful smart technology that allows you to access your room, make onboard purchases and pay for the drinks tab.

The overall space and design are refreshing. Virgin has shaken up what the traditional cruise scene is about.

Most suited to: Absolutely anyone at any age, especially those who like to have fun. You can get involved in everything or nothing at all. There are a lot of fitness and wellness programs to choose from, both indoor and outdoors.

The line unabashedly courts LGBTQ+ travellers, and that inclusivity is on display in Virgin’s entertainment casting as well. The feeling is an energetic, upscale, adults-only ship that’s designed to entertain at every turn. The vibe is social and upbeat, whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or with friends. But of course, you can simply sit back and relax too.

Atmosphere: From the moment you arrive at the terminal you have a sense you’re amongst friends. The staff were incredibly friendly and nothing was too much to ask for. The ambiance is contemporary, and design-savvy spaces.  The Resilient Lady is well laid out with almost many places to laze around on the deck or inside at one of the many lounge areas.

Staterooms: We were able to inspect numerous sized staterooms and suites, all were impeccably designed. The rooms even the Seaview Terrace are very spacious and the beds are incredibly comfortable.  The bathrooms are wonderful with rainfall showerheads, and the hammock on the balcony is a great addition.

Dining: With 20+ eateries and not enough time to get to them all, the restaurants and food that we did experience were outstanding and abundant of choice in food and cuisines. Here is a snapshot of what you can choose from –

• The Galley- casual, quick dining
• The Test Kitchen- part restaurant/part cooking school
• Wake- Steak/Seafood restaurant features views of the ship’s wake
• Gunbae- Korean Barbeque Restaurant
• Pink Agave- Mexican Restaurant
• Extra Virgin- Italian Eatery
• Dock- Beach-club inspired Mediterranean Restaurant
• The Pizza Place- Beach -club-inspired pizzeria
• Razzle Dazzle- Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant with a juice and cocktail bar
• The Dock – Outdoor eatery

 

Highlights: The food, accommodation and Scarlet Night was terrific. The performances didn’t disappoint, spectacular, interactive and very unique.

Entertainment: It’s no surprise with Sir Richard Branson at the helm, Virgin Voyages has some of the best entertainment at sea! Although, it may not be for everyone. The entertainment is far from Broadway-style theatre.

The Red Room is the only venue on the ship that has traditional theater seating, though it retracts to create a standing-room experience for shows.  Miss Behave is a show held in the Red Room that comes from the Edinburgh fringe festival and can only be described as a DIY existential Drag game show. Scarlet Night is the ship’s marquee event consisting of a series of games, microtheater, costumes and more across the entire ship. It culminates in a mega party at the main pool.

Family facilities: None! This is an over 18s only cruise line.

Inclusions: All dining, including specialty restaurants (though a few menu items may cost extra), gratuities (though this doesn’t include the spa), soft drinks, shows in The Manor and the Red Room, daily activities onboard, use of the gym and fitness areas, as well as group classes and Wi-Fi.

Exclusions: Shore excursions, Squid Ink tattoo palour, spa treatments, thermal suit visits, and alcoholic beverages.