In early December three of the Toowoomba Cruise and Travel team and their partners were lucky enough to sail on the fabulous Virgin Voyages ship the Resilient Lady on a two night travel industry preview sailing from Sydney to Melbourne.

How did we like it? We loved it!

During a very efficient check in process ringing out with cries of “Ahoy sailors!” and “Welcome sailors!” we each received ‘The Band’ – the Virgin Voyages answer to a room key and method of making onboard purchases. We were buzzing with excitement and feeling like rockstars as we stepped onto the ship ready to explore.

Here’s the rundown:

Cabins – We were all lucky enough to have Sea Terrace (balcony) cabins. Our thoughts, they’re light, bright and stylish simple with a subtle modern nautical feel. The hammocks on the generous balconies are a fun and quirky touch. The bathrooms are small but functional with a good sized shower.

Public areas and bars – There’s something for everyone and every occasion. Each area of the ship has a different feel and identity. Some are more relaxed and casual, others have an air of quiet sophistication, and others have a more glamourous vibe. There are intimate spaces for a quiet conversation or more expansive spots to meet as a group and join the crowd. There are plenty of options inside, or out on deck - you can find your niche. If you want to feel like every time you leave your cabin you’re heading out to a fantastic new venue, or an old favourite in the same way you would on a land based holiday, this is the ship for you. Our suggestion, make sure you load up your ‘Bar Tab’ prior to sailing and enjoy a sundowner at ‘The Dock’, an alfresco Mediterranean inspired bar and lounge area on deck 7.

Shops and services – If splashing the cash is your idea of fun there are several high end shopping options as well as some fantastic Virgin Voyages merchandise available. Want to return to land feeling like a fresh new you? There’s a hairdresser, barber, spa and, for a more permanent reminder of your trip, a tattoo studio. Our tip, don’t forget prices are in US dollars on board.

Entertainment – The entertainment options are as relaxed or high energy as you like. On a two night cruise we only had the opportunity to see one show, Persephone – it was quite different to anything we’d ever seen at sea before. Instead of theatre style seating, the audience was on their feet and immersed in the experience with the performers on smaller stages and catwalks throughout the ‘Red Room’. ‘The Manor’ nightclub has a glamourous and moody vibe with a large dancefloor, comfy nooks for late night conversations and a social media worthy illuminated entrance. The 80’s music playing on the first night was a floor filler and the pop up, interactive performances by dancers and drag performers amped up the party atmosphere. Other venue’s onboard offer live music from DJ’s, bands, duo and solo performers throughout the day and evening. There’s also the opportunity to take the performance out of the hands of the professionals and take the mike in your own hands in either a private karaoke room in ‘The Groupie’ or at a hosted karaoke session in ‘The Social Club’, a venue that also offers video games, board games and one of our favourites, a shuffleboard table.

Health and Wellness – Juice bars, group fitness classes, outdoor yoga at ‘The Perch’, indoor and outdoor gyms and exercise spaces and a running track there’s no reason that your body can’t be, like Bernie’s, a temple.

Our favourite thing?

The food. The food. THE FOOD!

Two nights was not long enough for us to eat everywhere we wanted to, but we gave it a shot! We ate elevated Mexican at ‘Pink Agave’, daily fresh pasta at ‘Extra Virgin’, succulent steak and seafood at ‘The Wake’ and a multitude of freshly cooked delights for lunch, breakfast and any time in between at ‘The Galley’. Oh, and let’s not forget the ice-cream . . . and the pretzels . . . and the pizza and . . . and . . . and . . . Let’s just say we all started our diets this week.

Our least favourite thing?

That bad weather meant that the ‘Scarlet Night’ poolside celebration had to be relocated from the open deck down to the ‘Red Room’.

Is Virgin Voyages for everyone? Probably not, nothing ever is.

Is it for those who are young of mind and spirit who want to experience excellent cuisine, innovative entertainment and a laid back, convivial atmosphere? Absolutely!

Will we cruise with them again? Someone needs to test out the dining options we missed out on!

With the shorter itineraries available in the Australian season it’s the ideal opportunity to see if Virgin Voyages is for you.