Sailing in Style: Tamzin’s Experience Aboard Virgin Voyages

I travelled to Barcelona from Stansted, London. The whole process was smooth, and the flight arrived earlier than expected. I spent a few hours in the city before checking in for the cruise, so I explored Barcelona. I was amazed at the architecture of some of the buildings; they were incredible. The streets were bustling, and a lot was happening; seeing some live entertainment was lovely.

Eventually, it was time for me to check in. The check-in process at the port was quick and efficient. When I stepped foot on the ship, the staff danced and welcomed all the guests. My cabin was on Deck 10, and it was very spacious. I had the Sea Terrace cabin, which featured the famous red woven hammock. We had the pyjama party that night, and there were plenty of places to lounge and put your feet up - after all, it had been a long day!

When the ship arrived in Cannes, we had to get a tender to the harbour, which was a different experience. I did some exploring first before I saw a tour train which took you around all of the famous sites, including the Promenade de la Croisette, which is known for Palais des Festivals et des Congrès (where the Cannes Film Festival is hosted); we travelled through Le Suquet which is a neighbourhood that offers some incredible views over the Bay of Cannes. It was an informative tour, and I would recommend it to anyone who would love to hear a bit of history.

What I enjoyed about my visit to Palma was the overnight stay at the port! It meant I had more time to visit one of my favourite cities! Taxis and a bus service were available from the port to the city centre. It was no more than a 15-minute taxi ride into the centre.

Palma City is one of my favourite places to visit, so I was thrilled to be back. If you've never been, I recommend visiting Palma Cathedral. Plaça Major is a good place to walk through. It has many shops and cafes, making it a popular location throughout the day.

I walked many steps that day, so the city is perfect for those who enjoy a walk. Tonight was the Scarlet Party, which is worth the hype! The entire ship was immersed in red, and it was an inspiring night. The crew put on a fantastic range of entertainment, and many talented performers took the spotlight. One of my highlights was jumping in the pool with strangers and having the best time!

I genuinely thought I'd run out of things to do during my day at sea, but I was surprised by how much there was to do. As a first-time cruiser, I was worried that there wouldn't be something for me to enjoy, but there were plenty of activities that I did like. I visited the arcade area, which featured many retro video games, and they even had a Nintendo Switch onboard. It was a strange but fun experience playing Super Mario Brothers in the middle of the Balearic Sea! The food options were endless; there were plenty of sweet and savoury treats. One of my favourite things onboard was the running track; it was an interesting feature and was perfect for an early morning jog!

The ship arrived in Ibiza at around 6 pm local time, and we stayed overnight at the port, meaning I could experience the nightlife of Ibiza and have more time to explore. It was my first time in Ibiza, and I looked forward to walking around the Old Town.

There were various restaurants, so I decided to try some of the local cuisine, which was full of flavour! The streets were very lively, and at some point, a group of dancers performed in the middle of the walkway. The sun was setting, and it looked amazing; the views from Castell d'Eivissa were incredible! Ibiza Town was probably one of my favourite places, and I would return.

On our last night sailing back to Barcelona, I took part in the stargazing activity, which was informative, and it was interesting to hear about the history of astrology. The different cultures' views on certain constellations were interesting. It was a perfect end to such a great cruise. Sadly, my first Virgin Voyage experience was coming to

an end. The ship docked back in Barcelona at around 6 am. I received a notification from the Virgin Voyages app a few days before disembarkation to book a time slot. This process was easy to complete, and I booked a slot for 9:30 am. When I left my cabin, the cleaning staff waved goodbye to me, as did the crew. All of the staff made my first cruise an unforgettable one.

WHO WOULD THIS TYPE OF TRIP BE SUITED TO?

Couples, Friends and Solo Travellers.

BEST EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRIP?

The Scarlet Party was definitely one of my favourite experiences on board, and I'd recommend everyone attend if they can. I give the whole party 10/10, and I'd love to do another one.

Favourite Restaurant Visited:

The Wake - I ordered the New York strip, fries and steak sauce. It was honestly one of the best steaks I've had, and I recommend booking this restaurant - you will not regret it.

General Comments and Tips:

The staff onboard did go above and beyond to ensure you had the best time. I was pleased that all food, essential drinks, shows & entertainment, Wi-Fi, and tips are included! You should definitely make the most of it! Be sure to research the places you visit if you decide not to do Shore Things (excursions). Remember, cash is not everywhere. I took card payments, and this included public transport. Always carry your Virgin Voyages wristband with you and ensure it is secure, as it can become loose.