My Friends Were Shocked When I Booked Virgin Voyages’ 'Party Ship' to The Mediterranean—Here’s Why I’m Never Looking Back ...Saudi Arabia

After more than 50 cruises, I thought I had seen every possible angle of life at sea. I have spent decades navigating mega-ships with thousands of passengers and relaxing on luxe ships like private, exclusive clubs. My family and inner circle know me as a loyalist to the major lines. When my budget allows, I usually splurge on high-end enclaves like NCL’s Haven or Celebrity Cruises' Aqua Class or sail Viking Ocean’s premier voyages.

 So, when I mentioned that my next big Mediterranean adventure was booked on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, the reaction from my friends was immediately skeptical. "Isn’t that the party ship?" one friend asked, clearly picturing neon lights and 24/7 raves. Another was genuinely shocked that I, a traveler who values quiet sophistication and high-end dining—would choose a line with such a party reputation.

But I knew something they didn't. After a four-night teaser cruise in the Bahamas last year, I realized Virgin Voyages isn’t just a party; it is a masterclass in modern, adult-centric travel.

Related: I Sailed Virgin Voyages With My Adult Children—Here’s What I Loved and What I Didn’t

Setting the Stage in Barcelona

I’ve always believed that a European cruise is the ultimate travel hack. It offers incredible ease of unpacking just once while waking up in a new historic city every single morning. For this trip, I arrived a day early, checked into the Eurostars Barcelona Central hotel, and I spent a pre-cruise day in Barcelona. It was the perfect way to shake off jet lag and immerse myself in the city’s vibrant energy—from Gaudí’s architectural wonders to the local tapas bars, ensuring I was fully refreshed before boarding.

Our eight-night "Spanish, French & Italian Classics" itinerary departed on August 2, 2026. The journey promised a spectacular sweep through the Mediterranean, hitting destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Cannes, Ajaccio, and La Spezia. While I love the structure of traditional lines, I wanted to see if Virgin’s "no kids, no buffet, no nonsense" approach would truly translate to the more demanding pace of a Mediterranean schedule. And yes, it delivered.

The Three "Big No’s" That Are Total Wins

What shocked my friends the most were the very things that drew me in. Virgin has built its brand on what it doesn't have, and for me as a seasoned cruiser, these omissions are pure luxury.

1. No Kids Allowed

As much as I love family travel, there is something undeniably peaceful about a ship where the minimum age is 18. And, if you're an adult or traveling with adult children, it eliminates the chaos of crowded splash pads and unruly dining rooms. It turns the entire ship into a sophisticated sanctuary.

2. No Traditional Buffet

The "MDR" (Main Dining Room) and the sprawling buffet are cruise staples I’ve often endured rather than enjoyed. Virgin replaced the buffet with "The Galley," a collection of high-quality, made-to-order food stalls. The food is fresher, waste is lower, and the experience feels like visiting a trendy urban food hall rather than a school cafeteria. The concept quickly escalates the cruise from Day 1.

3. No Extra Charges for Specialty Dining

On most traditional lines, the best meals come with a "specialty" price tag that can add hundreds to your final bill. On Virgin, every one of the 20+ eateries is included in the base fare. This ranges from the sophisticated Italian of Extra Virgin to the experimental flavors of The Test Kitchen. My favorite place is steakhouse, The Wake, where my filet is prepared to perfection and the views of the ocean take the culinary experience even higher. For someone who has spent decades "not blinking" at paying extra for a decent steak, realizing that Michelin-level quality was truly included was a revelation.

Finding Your Flow: The Ship’s Hidden Sanctuaries

One of the biggest misconceptions I had—and one of my friends definitely shared—was that the ship was just one giant, non-stop party. But the reality is that the Scarlet Lady is built with some seriously cool, sophisticated spaces that feel more like a boutique hotel than a mega-cruise.

If you want to escape the energy, The Dock is a favorite spot. It’s an open-air lounge at the aft of the ship that channels beach club vibes. With its sun-drenched daybeds and relaxed aesthetic, it’s the perfect place to watch the sea while sipping a crisp rosé. It feels like the kind of stylish waterfront spot you’d find tucked away in a trendy coastal town.

The bar scene is a huge step up, too. We aren't talking about watered-down piña coladas in plastic cups; the mixology program here is legit. Whether you're at the chic, intimate On the Rocks or grabbing a pre-dinner cocktail in one of the many cozy lounges, the vibe is always on point. The bartenders really know their craft, so if you appreciate a well-balanced Negroni or a complex mocktail, you’re in good hands.

And then there's the pool deck. I’ve spent decades dodging cannonballs and "Marco Polo" games on other lines, so the pool deck on the Scarlet Lady was a total breath of fresh air. Because it’s an 18+ crowd, it’s vibrant and social, but it’s never chaotic. You can actually lounge, read a book, or take a dip without being splashed, which makes all the difference when you’re trying to catch some sun.

And, if you really need to decompress, make a beeline for the Redemption Spa. It’s got this cool, mermaid-inspired design, but it’s the thermal suite that’s the real star. With its mud room, salt room and steam options, it feels like a true wellness retreat. After a long day exploring the Côte d’Azur, an hour or two there feels like pressing reset on your entire vacation.

Related: Virgin Voyages Is Heading on Its First-Ever European ‘Coolcation’

Mastering the Mediterranean Shore

One of the greatest joys of this trip was using the ship as a floating hotel while tackling the ports. On this sailing, I decided to break my long-standing rule of only doing guided shore excursions.

To keep our itinerary running smoothly, we did use Virgin’s well-curated excursions that simplified our logistics across the Mediterranean. In Palma, we utilized a hop-on, hop-off bus to efficiently see the city's main highlights. In Marseille, we enjoyed the luxury of a private beach transfer and club, while in Cannes, we joined a ship excursion that took us to the glamorous locales of Nice and Monaco. Our time in Ajaccio was spent on a city walking tour followed by a delightful tasting in the local city market. Finally, from La Spezia, we took a ship excursion to Portofino and Santa Margherita by motorcoach and ferry, which provided us with plenty of free time to explore at our own pace. We spent hours wandering the waterfronts in these two gorgeous cities finding quiet cafés and authentic lunches. It allowed us to embrace "dolce far niente"—the sweetness of doing nothing. We also browsed galleries and little shops.

Related: 5 Things I’m Doing Differently on My Second Mediterranean Cruise

Beyond the Party: A Sophisticated Escape

While the "party ship" moniker persists, the reality of the on-board experience is one of refined relaxation and upscale flair. Non-party cruisers will find themselves drawn to the ship’s stunningly designed lounges and quiet corners, which offer the perfect backdrop for a cocktail and conversation. The live entertainment is a significant departure from traditional cruise fare, favoring avant-garde shows and high-energy performances that feel more like a night out in a major city than the standard cheesy production number.

Furthermore, the focus on specialty dining and thoughtful itineraries ensures that the voyage remains intellectually and culinarily stimulating. Each port of call is carefully selected to offer a blend of history and leisure, while the curated menus at the included restaurants rival some of the best land-based establishments. For those who seek a voyage defined by quality and sophistication rather than loud deck parties, Virgin Voyages provides a meticulously crafted environment that prioritizes the adult traveler’s comfort and curiosity

 The Verdict: Why It Won't Be My Last

My friends were shocked because they thought Virgin Voyages was a departure from the "real" cruising I’ve loved for years. In reality, it was an evolution. It takes the best parts of the cruise experience: the seamless travel experience packed with ocean views and takes away the pain points that even loyalists like me have learned to tolerate.

Honestly, that "party ship" label barely scratches the surface, because Virgin is really a dream for foodies and anyone who appreciates a truly upscale, adult-only vibe. Between the incredible specialty dining that’s actually included, the live music and those cool curated European itineraries, the whole experience feels polished and sophisticated rather than just a non-stop rave. It’s the kind of high-end travel that makes you rethink what a cruise can be, which is why I’ve already booked my next trip on the Brilliant Lady for December.

Related: Virgin Voyages Is Heading on Its First-Ever European 'Coolcation'

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