If cruising has never really been your thing, get ready for a change of heart because Sir Richard Branson’s mega-famous Virgin Voyages cruise ship – The Resilient Lady – has finally made its way to Aussie shores!
Fondly dubbed the ‘cruise for people who don’t like cruises,’ Virgin has eliminated everything you might not like about a commercial cruise line (think germy buffets, cheesy stage shows, outdated décor…and yes, even children).
Instead, the adults-only ship has rolled out the red carpet for a new era of sailing. Picture mouth-watering cuisine from Michelin-star chefs, incredible acrobatic performances and a slew of modern luxuries like free Wi-Fi, fitness classes and even a spa onboard – just to name a few!
I was lucky enough to be invited on Virgin Cruises’ first-ever trip Down Under. The hotly-anticipated MerMaiden voyage sailed from Melbourne to Tasmania over a five-day period, stopping in Hobart and Burnie, before making its way back to Melbourne.
What is Virgin Voyages?
Taking its spirit from the skies to the seas, Virgin has always been a trailblazer. With its fearless approach and youthful vibes, the brand has cultivated a huge following across the globe.
Now, its cruise line, Virgin Voyages is making waves in Australia. With the launch of its sleek new red vessel, the Resilient Lady, Virgin is on a mission to revolutionise the cruising experience.
Setting sail from ports in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, guests can embark on journeys all around the Southern Hemisphere. Whether it’s a quick four-to-five-day getaway or a longer adventure, Virgin aims to rejuvenate, revitalise and redefine the way you vacation on the open seas.
What makes Virgin Voyages different?
Virgin Voyages stands out in the cruise industry thanks to its unique approach tailored for adults aged 18 and over.
Unlike traditional cruise lines, which often cater to families, a Virgin cruise ship boasts an atmosphere that’s sophisticated, relaxed and most importantly, exclusively for adults. The ships are known for their contemporary and stylish designs, setting the stage for a fresh and vibrant experience.
First impressions
Gazing out of the Uber upon our arrival at the dock, I was struck by the sheer enormity of the ship. However, my excitement hit a snag at the sight of the seemingly endless queue of passengers stretching hundreds of metres from the ship.
We soon discovered tech glitches were delaying the boarding process, and some people were stuck in the gloomy Melbourne rain for hours. Not exactly a great first impression, but hey, that’s life sometimes.
As I stood there, cold and low-key concerned some kind of riot might erupt, Richard Branson himself suddenly appeared out of thin air, making his was through the lines of people, apologising, shaking hands and even taking selfies with excited passengers.
Grumbles turned to giggles as guests nabbed a cool story to brag about, and shortly after we were all breezing through the boarding gates like nothing had happened.
Once boarded, the Resilient Lady geared up to depart from Melbourne to Hobart and passengers gathered on deck for the Sail Away party. Our entertainment crew wowed us with acrobatics and dance moves, while upbeat tunes and champagne added to the lively atmosphere as we toasted to the journey ahead.
The ship itself
Resilient Lady is basically a one-stop-shop with everything you could possibly want (or need). But the most important thing I learnt was that the experience is entirely up to you. Whatever you put into it is what you get out of it.
Whether you’re in the mood for a lively night of drinking and dancing or prefer chilling with friends over a game of Monopoly (yes, there’s a whole area dedicated to board games), Resilient Lady has something for everyone.
A highlight for me was the luxurious Redemption Spa, where I found myself indulging in a hot-stone massage one day and a whole-body mud treatment the next. I popped in and out of hot and cold pools, wet and dry saunas and even ducked into a Himalayan salt room at one point.
You’ll also find a fully-equipped fitness centre and jogging track for those committed to staying fit, as well as crowd-pleaser classes such as meditation sessions, bungee adventures and more.
And of course, no cruise would be complete without an outdoor pool (although it was a bit on the smaller side for the number of passengers on-board), accompanied by lounge chairs and daybeds spread across multiple decks.
I found these spots perfect for unwinding after a long day of eating delicious food, leaving me with only one decision ahead: which cocktail to buy next.
The bedroom suites
Forget outdated décor, cramped spaces and lack of technology – my Sea Terrace suite had a sleek, minimalist design with high-tech features that earnt it the title of my favourite-ever hotel/cruise room (big call, I know).
Plus, it had a stunning balcony with an ocean view, where I spent countless hours relaxing in my hammock watching dolphins dive around the ship.
As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, being able to control everything via an iPad was a game-changer. With just a few taps, I could take charge of everything from the curtains to room service, and even tweak the mood lighting – all without leaving the comfort of my bed. You could still do those things manually, of course, but why would you ever want to?
The bed itself was large and comfortable with quality bedding, although more on the firm side. I woke up rested and rejuvenated every day, despite a bit of rocking from the wild Bass Strait seas!
I did find the bathroom to be a tad cramped, especially the shower and the limited sink space. But hey, that’s life on a boat (granted, a very fancy one), so I guess some snug quarters are par for the course!
On-board the Resilient Lady, you’ll find a range of room suites to suit every taste. From the Sea Terrace and Sea View cabins with porthole views to the snug Insider cabins, and the lavish RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters boasting luxury amenities and exclusive access to VIP areas, there’s something for all budgets.
Virgin Voyages’ on-board dining
The Michelin-star food served on the Resilient Lady was definitely a highlight of my trip. Unlike on a typical cruise, there’s no buffet; instead you’re treated to a diverse range of culinary experiences that cater to every palate.
Virgin’s version of a buffet is The Galley – think food court vibes with made-to-order dishes like burgers and plenty of scrumptious cakes. There are also upscale joints like Pink Agave, which served up some of the best tacos I’ve ever had.
Also worth mentioning is The Social Club with its boozy milkshakes, lolly station and hot dog offerings (yes, even vegan ones), or the ice cream parlour everyone raved about. You’ll also find proper coffee shops on-board, so you can get your caffeine fix without sacrificing quality.
I found myself dining at the Pizza Place more often than not, which was open until the early hours of the morning for all the party animals and night owls on-board.
The only restaurant I didn’t rate was the Test Kitchen. Offering a six-course degustation with dishes like mushroom pate with powdered porcini and peas and egg yolk smashed over Applewood chips, it was a bit too experimental for my taste (hence the fitting name, I guess).
The on-board entertainment
Resilient Lady goes above and beyond with its on-board offerings, especially in the entertainment department. From quirky dinner shows like ‘Another Rose’ to dazzling drag performances, you’ll find something no matter your style.
Since it’s an adults-only ship, the entertainment can get a bit cheeky, but that just adds to the fun. Traditional activities like trivia and bingo get a fresh twist, with events like beer pong and pyjama parties being the norm. There’s also a night club on board, as well as bars with live music if you’re up for a boogie.
I personally found ‘Persephone’ to be the standout performance with its electrifying blend of acrobatics, singing and dancing. I was left marvelling at the contortions of the performers, wondering how they managed to bend and twist in such extraordinary ways when I can barely touch my toes.
Not to be forgotten is Scarlet Night – the biggest night of all. As the ship turned into a vibrant sea of red, we also dressed to the nines in scarlet. Inspired by the timeless tale of the Sea Goddess and her Sailor, this night treated us to loads of entertainment, from thrilling circus acts to interactive games, karaoke and live music.
Every corner of the ship came alive with excitement, and at one point I found myself in the pool (fully dressed) sipping on a cocktail and wondering how to make this my permanent life and ditch that whole ‘going back home’ thing.
Shore Thing excursions
As mentioned, there were two stops on my five-day cruise from Melbourne to Tasmania: Hobart and Burnie.
The cruise offered off-shore excursions named ‘Shore Things’ which could conveniently be booked through the app.
In Hobart, I opted out of a Shore Thing, preferring to explore the city on my own. Unfortunately, the excursion I had my eye on, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), was unavailable that day, which was disappointing and something I would recommend keeping in mind. Nonetheless, I enjoyed wandering around Hobart, soaking in the sights and enjoying a leisurely lunch in the park.
For Burnie, I booked an excursion to Stanley and the Nut, a popular attraction near the charming village of Stanley. The Nut, an ancient volcanic plug with a mostly flat surface, has stunning views made even more accessible by a quick chairlift ride overlooking the scenery and walking tracks.
While Burnie itself didn’t offer much (in my opinion), the bus ride to the Nut treated us to picturesque scenes of quaint villages and gorgeous beaches.
Personally, I think Tasmania is a great destination for those seeking a relaxed holiday vibe. However, if you’re looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of other options available, including voyages to and from Melbourne, Sydney, New Zealand and more.
Final thoughts
I had a blast on-board the MerMaiden cruise to Tasmania. What really stood out to me was the adults-only atmosphere. Because as much as I love kids, there’s something so blissful about a child-free (aka scream-free) environment.
Plus, the food was incredible, there was plenty of freedom to do your own thing, and the staff were very warm and went above and beyond to assist whenever needed.
One thing to note is that navigating the digital aspects, like the app, requires a bit of tech know-how. So, if you’re not the savviest with gadgets, it might be wise to travel with someone who can lend a helping hand, or to brush up on your tech knowledge before setting sail.
How to book
You can easily book your Virgin cruise through Flight Centre, here.
Luxury Escapes also offers a huge variety of options from various cities and countries that cater to a wide range of tastes.
If you don’t live near any ports, don’t worry because there are plenty of flights available aligning with Virgin Cruises’ departure times.
Related articles:
10 things to know before your first cruise
15 essential items for an awesome cruise experience
10 things you’ll love about a river cruise
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
