What we loved the most about Virgin Voyages, as Richard Branson's cruise firm heads to Australia
When you say you're going on a cruise, people sometimes wrinkle their nose in disapproval.
While they might be Australia's fastest growing holiday, some folk just can't shake their view that they're a bit daggy.
But what if somebody came along and transformed the image and everything else about cruises from frumpy to funky – like British billionaire Richard Branson?
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Richard Branson has a cruise line called Virgin Voyages, and it's coming to Australia. Instagram
His Virgin Voyages cruise line promises a "five-star, superyacht-inspired experience", far from the old-fashioned notions some might expect of a cruise.
9Honey Travel climbed aboard Resilient Lady in the Adriatic ahead of the ship's arrival Down Under in December to check out what Branson has done with his three ships.
Here's what we loved the most.
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It's adults only
You have to be over 18 to sail with Virgin Voyages, which means there's no need to desperately hunt for the 'adults only area' to get some peace.
Sarah went on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady cruise ship ahead of its Australian arrival. Supplied
Initially, I was worried this might turn the ship into a schoolies-style booze cruise.
Thankfully, I was wrong.
There was a mix of ages from 30s to 70s - according to Virgin Voyages the average age is just under 50 - and you could party as much or as little as you liked.
The cabins are cool
Our Sea Terrace cabin felt like a spacious boutique hotel room rather than your usual slightly cramped stateroom.
The cabins have a hammock to watch the sea go by. Supplied
It had a flat screen TV loaded with shows and movies, and everything including the lighting and curtains was controlled by a tablet.
My favourite spot was the balcony hammock.
The rest of the ship is equally chic, with not a naff chandelier or swirly carpet in sight.
There are also some cabins on offer for solo sailors, without having to pay the double occupancy price that comes on many cruise lines.
The ship is mid-sized, carrying 2,770 passengers, which means you don't spend the first few days feeling lost.
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The funky decor included a flat screen TV loaded with shows and moves and controlled by an iPad - as was the mood lighting and curtains. Supplied
Daggy cruise traditions are banished
There are no dress rules on Virgin Voyages; even the captain wore a polo shirt when we saw him.
And while a friend warned me 'nobody dresses up,' I got to exercise my holiday frocks without feeling too fancy.
Cruise staples like photographers have also been ditched in favour of 'Instagrammable' hotspots to snap your own pics.
The Resilient Lady ship has far from the usual cruise ship decor. Supplied
They've swapped the traditional plastic cruise cards (which you use to get into your cabin and pay for things) with wristbands.
And have you ever played Hungry Hippos at sea?
It's one of the dozens of options in The Social Club, a sports bar that even includes retro arcade games and a lolly shop (both free!).
Plus, there's a tattoo parlour with guest star artists from Miami Ink on board should you wish to get a permanent souvenir.
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The concentration: Have you ever played Hungry Hippos at sea? Supplied
The alternative entertainment
Forget Broadway-style crooners and dancers – Virgin Voyages' shows are a mix of dance and theatre (with a dollop of rudeness).
Our faves included interactive comedy show Miss Behave, immersive dinner cabaret Another Rose and the drag show.
The talented Flute Loops, a busker from Dublin who is big on TikTok, was also onboard during our cruise.
Add to the options everything from star gazing and foodie photo workshops to boozy painting and boy band dance classes, it's almost overwhelming how much there is to do.
One of the many 'instagrammable' spots on the ship, in The Manor nightclub.. Supplied
It's ALMOST all-inclusive
Cruise companies are increasingly adding extra charges.
But most things are included on Virgin Voyages, including WiFi, fitness classes and tips.
You can also have as many soft drinks, drip coffee, tea and waters as you want - though plastic water bottles are banned as part of the company's drive to be more sustainable.
Things you have to pay for include alcohol, some of the specialty food dishes and one of the shows. Barista coffee, which my husband said was 'pretty good', costs extra.
It works out at $6.20 a cup with the exchange rate.
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Virgin Voyages is heading to Australia Supplied
They banned the buffet
Buffets are a cruise staple, but a lot of that food is wasted so Virgin Voyages' equivalent, The Galley, makes most items to order.
From bento boxes to tacos, burgers (including veggie) and salads to noodles, as well as a lavish cake selection, you won't go hungry.
Plus, there's no main dining room.
All individual restaurants and cafes are included in the cost of your fare and you book via the app.
Some of the food in The Wake on Resilient Lady. Supplied
Our favourites were Mexican, Pink Agave and upscale steakhouse specialist, The Wake.
You can also grab plenty of casual bites such as take-away pizza, hot dogs, popcorn and even poke bowls and ice cream, at the parlour named Lick Me Till Ice Cream...
There's also the 'Ship Eats' room service at $11 per order (we're still dreaming of the Nutella French toast).
With more than 20 dining spots, after a week on board there were still many we hadn't tried.
One thing we thought could use improvement was the $30 afternoon tea in Sip Lounge.
There was no veggie option (they tried to serve us chicken liver pate) and the amount of jam and cream was measly considering Branson is a Brit!
We were, however, thrilled with the 'Shake for Champagne' gimmick. Just shake your phone while on the Virgin Voyages app to 'Summon Champagne' wherever you are.
It took less than 10 minutes for our waiter to turn up with the fizz, which costs $150 a bottle.
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You can 'Shake for Champagne' on Virgin Voyages... Supplied
... and have a waiter turn up with the bottle wherever you are. Supplied
They have a rave at sea
Scarlet Night is dubbed an "immersive celebration of the fabled love between the mysterious Goddess of the Sea and the Sailor who won her heart", and it's basically a rave on a cruise ship.
Held once during each sailing, you'll need to bring something red to wear if you want to fit in.
The pool deck was transformed into an Ibiza-style club, complete with a giant inflatable octopus. The ship's performers sung and danced, a DJ spun tunes and a lot of people ended up IN the pool.
It wasn't just the younger sailors who enjoyed it either - we spotted all ages bopping away.
You can stay out late
We didn't sail out of some ports until 10pm.
On some voyages the ship even docks overnight, meaning you can have an evening out before getting back on board.
Overall, our verdict is Branson has indeed done what he set out to do - he's made cruises cool.
The writer travelled as a guest of Virgin Voyages.
Virgin Voyages sails from Port Melbourne from December 2023. Prices start at $1,450.
