What makes a cruise with Virgin Voyages the ultimate getaway and superior to an all-inclusive holiday?

It’s a question that the cruise line put to a selection of travel agent partners who sailed with the operator this summer. Here’s what they had to say.

Clare Gould

My husband and I sailed from Miami in September 2022 and we are both aged 50, so probably older than the average customer.

We have cruised a lot in the past and we always have a drinks package. Our concern before we sailed with Virgin Voyages was that we would miss having all-inclusive drinks and that drinks would be expensive, so we prepaid a $400 bar tab.

However, on board I had some amazing cocktails that were far better quality than I have had on other cruises, and we didn’t worry at all about what we ordered or the cost. It was fantastic value.

We tried a different restaurant every night – our meals in The Wake and Extra Virgin were two of the best dining experiences we have ever had, anywhere.

The staff were so happy to help and give great advice on the best dishes. Our evening meals were never rushed – on other cruise lines in the past we have sometimes felt that staff were waiting for us to leave but never had this on board Scarlet Lady.

We had the best time on our cruise and we are now 100 per cent converted to Virgin Voyages. We have even booked two future cruises with the line.

Caroline Linton

I sailed this summer on Valiant Lady, out of Barcelona, and there are a few reasons why I think it’s better than an all inclusive hotel. The trip was near perfection, with interesting ports of call and somewhere new every day.

The ship had restaurants galore, and no buffets, and it was a gorgeous feeling to be by the pool looking out to sea.

There was immersive entertainment, and also no kids on board.

Janet Higgins

As parents of young adults, it was a fantastic way to travel around the Mediterranean, as a family, while enjoying the fabulous on-board restaurants, bars and entertainment.

When I go on holiday, I want to spend quality time with my family, so it was refreshing not to have huge buffets, where you’re all up and down at different times.

Instead, we had the choice of several amazing restaurants where the staff treated everyone like rockstars.

The ports of call had something for everyone and we all loved relaxing by the deck pool, with a cocktail, after a day of sightseeing.

It was our first adults-only holiday and although we had considered all-inclusive hotels, we thought why stay in one place when you can sail around on a luxurious resort.

Elise Jones

We were lucky to do two voyages on the vivacious Valiant Lady this summer. No doubt, a highlight for us was that all the restaurants were included.

This concept is perfect for the food loving cruisers, as guests are not tied to a main dining room every night and don’t have to put their hands in our pockets to pay for speciality dining charges.

From Italian to Mexican to the super creative Test Kitchen, it was amazingly innovative.

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