Hop on board with Virgin Voyages where the fun never ends
For the young at heart, the moment you step on to Virgin’s Valiant Lady, it will feel like a second home. During the hot summers, she sails across the Mediterranean and during the winters, seeks the warmth of the Caribbean’s laid-back islands – so sunshine and sea are a guarantee during almost all voyages. But don’t worry – with a capacity of 2,700 people, there’s plenty of space for you on board, and it’s completely child-free.
Set sail
You’ll start your Irresistible Med adventure in sunny Barcelona, before sailing into the sunset with a drink in your hand, stopping everyday at the likes of Toulon, Ajaccio and even an overnight stay in lively Ibiza. Palm-lined Ajaccio promises the best beaches with clear waters and a hop on Bus 5 from the port will take you to crowd favourite, Marinella beach.
If you’re more into sea views than paddling, Saint-Francois beach, located close to the port, is narrow and its walls are a great place to sit, enjoy an ice cream and watch the beachgoers from above. Dip your toe in Tuscany, thanks to a stop in Carrara, the idyllic location to tick those Italian monuments off your bucket list. At just an hour’s drive from the port, lap up the views in and outside the Leaning Tower of Pisa and get that iconic picture for the memories. You’ll probably want to reward yourself after all those steps with a slice of pizza followed by a cool gelato cone.
Toulon contains a relaxing harbour lined with yachts and fishing boats with ample places to sit for a bite to eat or a drink while listening to the waves. Should you be looking for something a little more active, take the six-minute cable car to the top of Mount Faron for sweeping views. On your arrival, rock climbing and hiking are just a few of the thrilling things to do, but for something less strenuous the open-air theatre is accessible during the summer months, or take a seat at the two mountain top restaurants.
Famous for its party reputation, you’ll arrive for an overnight stay in Ibiza where you can set your own pace. You’ll find headlining DJ’s playing at renowned clubs if you want to move your feet, but a leisurely evening walk around the narrow streets of the buzzing harbour are just as entertaining. During the day, climb the castle – making sure you’ve got water in hand – for views of Old Town and hundreds of boats leaving the harbour on day trips. You, too, can head further afield via a 30-minute boat or ferry to nearby Formentura for peaceful beaches and sea like no other.
Shore things
Tiring of your time on board isn’t likely and, if anything, you’ll long to extend your voyage before its ended. The ship offers up over 20 places to eat, ranging from exciting table side BBQ Korean bites at Gunbae, sophisticated plates for date night at The Wake, and Mexican showstoppers at Pink Agave – and don’t forget to sample the tequila.
Start your day off right and head to the on-board gym for a sweat session with a view or book yourself on to one of the many free group classes. Hideaway in the Redemption spa complete with hydrotherapy pool and mud bath and lap up some treatments. Then why not spend the afternoon poolside making the most of the sun and listening to on-board DJs play the best tracks with a drink. If you’re looking for something secluded, the exclusive Richard’s Rooftop offers up beach club style beds and plenty of champagne without prying eyes.
From old-school gaming arcades to exhilarating nightly shows, you’ll be spolit for choice on how to spend your evenings on board, not to mention ample shops to pick yourself up a treat and even a tattoo parlour for those wanting to permanently mark the adventure. Warm nights are best spent with the wind in your hair at The Net – a suspended catamaran style net – where below you’ll have views of the sea but above, the starlit sky is the real love affair. And you’ll want to pack a splash of red for the unforgettable ship-wide Scarlet Night where the ship transforms into a huge celebration and you won’t stop moving your feet.
Continue your good time into the early hours of the morning at the on-board nightclub, The Manor, or try your luck in the casino. If you’re likely to want a late-night bite, grab a freshly baked pizza or burger open 24/7 before falling into bed for a well-earned rest. And if you’re worried about cabin fever, you can say goodbye to that thanks to the tech savvy rooms where at the touch of a button you can open your blinds, set your lighting mood and flick on the TV.
But the best part? The hand-woven hammock on the terrace for horizon views, and a blissful place for a warm afternoon nap before setting sail to your next relaxing, sun-soaked destination.
Need to know
Virgin Voyages offer a seven-night, Irresistible Med cruise on Valiant Lady departing from Barcelona on 7 May 2023, calling at Toulon, Marina Di Carrara, Ajaccio and Cagliari, with an overnight stay in Ibiza. Now from £1,105 per person, cruise only. To book, visit
Virginvoyages.com.
Words: Darryl White.