. . . and Mumma Comes too! Virgin Voyages Perfect for Reconnecting with your tribe

Read About our Recent Mother & Daughter Trip on Resilient Lady

A Mother-Daughter Escape on Virgin Voyages: Sipping, Sailing & Making Memories

If you thought Virgin Voyages was only for Gen X and Millennials, think again. It’s a perfect choice for a multi-generational trip too!

If there’s one thing that guarantees quality time, endless laughter, and a little bit of indulgence, it’s a mother-daughter getaway. And what better way to do it than on a Virgin Voyages cruise? My daughter and I recently set sail for some much-needed R&R on Resilient Lady, and let me tell you—this wasn’t just a holiday; it was an experience. From ancient ruins to 90s boyband moves, we did it all. This definitely wasn’t your typical cruise - from dancing in our pyjamas to sweating through a very energetic 80s workout, this trip was anything but ordinary.

Kicking Off in Athens

Before boarding, we spent a day soaking up the history in Athens—because you can’t just breeze through Greece without stopping to marvel at the Acropolis at dawn! We strolled through Plaka, grabbed a traditional Greek dinner (yes, there was feta in everything, and I had zero complaints), and enjoyed the bustling energy of the city. Then, it was time to head to Piraeus and board our home for the next week: Resilient Lady.

Athens Top Tip: book hotel as close to Plaka as possible and get Acropolis tickets for first (or last) entry of the day to avoid the crowds.

First Impressions: Setting Sail in Style

That first glimpse of your ship from the taxi is so exciting! We couldn’t wait to board and start our adventure. After a simple embarkation, we were ready to go!

From the moment we stepped on board we knew this was going to be something special. Virgin Voyages has a vibe that’s completely different from traditional cruise lines—think boutique hotel meets luxury yacht. No buffets, no formal nights, no stuffy schedules—just a chic, modern atmosphere where everything felt relaxed but effortlessly stylish.

The Sail-Away deck party was buzzing, with free champagne flowing, plus we unexpectedly bumped into some of my daughter’s friends during an impromptu conga, which was a nice surprise. You never know who you’ll see on a Virgin Voyage.

Our Sea Terrace Cabin - Welcome to our Crib

Stepping into our Sea Terrace cabin, I was instantly impressed. The room had a sleek, modern feel with smart lighting, a comfy bed that transformed into a sofa, and the real highlight—our private balcony with a hammock. There’s something magical about starting the day with a cup of coffee, watching the sea stretch out before you. And at night? The sound of the waves made for the most peaceful sleep - well for me at least. Apparently I snore (who knew?), so my daughter made full use of that hammock!

Feast Mode: Dining Like Queens

One of the most delectable surprises? The food! Incredible restaurants with menus that felt more like a city foodie scene than cruise fare. A few standouts:

• The Wake – A glamorous steakhouse where we indulged in perfectly cooked steaks and seafood (plus ALL the sides!)

• Razzle Dazzle – A fun, colourful spot with delicious vegetarian (and non-vegetarian) options. Their brunch? delicious - order the Razzle Dazzle Breakfast and add rainbow churros!

• Gunbae – A lively Korean BBQ experience where we grilled our own food at the table and played fun drinking games with our fellow sailors. Soju anyone?

• Pink Agave – A beautifully designed Mexican restaurant with bold flavours and even bolder margaritas.

• Extra Virgin – Authentic Italian, where we enjoyed fresh pasta and heavenly tiramisu.

• The Dock - our favourite for Al fresco lunches of Mediterranean Meze.

With so many options, every meal felt like a special occasion. We even made space for late night pizza and a double scoop on a red velvet cone from aptly named “Lick me till Ice Cream”.

Tip: Book your restaurants as soon as you can Download the Virgin Voyages App and book up to 45 days BEFORE your departure (60 days for Rockstars). You can amend bookings once onboard.

Related posts:

Ultimate Resilient Lady Restaurant Guide

Resilient Lady Bar Guide

Dancing, Laughing, and Letting Loose

One of the best parts about this cruise? The onboard activities. We weren’t just lying by the pool sipping cocktails—though, to be fair, we did plenty of that too.

There is so much to do onboard - or you can just chill. We did a bit of both Here are our highlights:

• Learning boyband dance moves – I was unexpectedly quite excited to join a 90s tribute group (if just a teeny bit apprehensive), and we laughed until our sides hurt trying to keep up. (NSync’s Bye Bye was the tune in case you were wondering)

• Sweating through a VHS workout – Neon, leg warmers, and all. I’d forgotten how energetic aerobics could be!

• Bungee Class - I sat this popular class out but my daughter was excited to get the last space. Tip: Book as soon as you board.

• Dancing at a PJ Party – Because why not have a party in your comfiest loungewear? We danced, we laughed, and we definitely stayed out way past our bedtime.

• Experiencing Scarlet Night – This was the party of the cruise—think red everything, music pumping, and the pool turning into the ultimate dance floor. We embraced the theme and partied under the stars and in the pool (and yes I did go in - well, I splashed at the edge).

  Tip: Classes can’t be booked until you board - have a list of must-do options ready as they book up quickly.

Exploring the Mediterranean

Of course, it wasn’t all dancing and disco—we saw some stunning destinations along the way.

Mykonos Our first stop, and my favourite! We wandered through the famous white-washed streets, did a bit of shopping (because when in Mykonos, right?), and found a beachfront taverna where we toasted to our adventure with cocktails as the sun set. A picture-perfect first stop, with its white-washed buildings, windmills, boutique shops, and a sunset I won’t forget.

Palma de Mallorca – We took it easy here as we’d both been many times, so we stayed onboard enjoying the warm Mediterranean sun and a few cocktails on deck listening to some chill acoustic sounds. Tip: The ship docks quite a distance from the old town, so book a taxi or excursion if you want to explore.

Catania, Sicily – Not my most favourite port. We didn’t want to visit Mount Etna, so we took a little tourist bus around to see the sights before heading back to the ship for some pool time.

Valencia – Beautiful architecture, lively streets, full of Spanish favour.

Tip: To get the most of this port, book a trip. The port entrance is a 45 minute walk (limited shuttles). The centre of Valencia is another 30 minute bus ride.

Sipping in Style: VIP Perks & Champagne Moments

One of the best surprises of our trip? *Our black VIP bands, which gave us exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop—a sleek, private deck area with luxe seating, incredible views, and a chilled-out vibe. Every evening, we enjoyed a complimentary champagne hour, toasting to another day of adventures as the sun set over the sea. It was the perfect way to unwind before dinner, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a daily dose of bubbles?

Tip: To have exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop (and a range of other perks), book a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar suite. If it’s over your budget, try bidding for an upgrade once you’ve booked.

Lights, Laughs & Late Nights: The Entertainment Line-Up

With only seven nights onboard, squeezing in all the incredible entertainment was a challenge—but we gave it our best shot! From the fabulous Around the World with The Diva to the mind-bending Mind Mangler, every night brought something different.

We spent evenings singing our hearts out at karaoke in The Social Club (the atmosphere was electric!) and laughing until our sides hurt at The Miss Behave Show. Club nights like Klub Rubik’s kept the party going, while unique performances like Another Rose, Lola’s Library, and Persephone gave us a mix of circus, storytelling, and theatrical magic.

It was a whirlwind of music, comedy, and unforgettable moments—and somehow, we still found time for to ‘Shake for Champagne’!

Related post: Resilient Lady Entertainment

A Boutique Stay in Barcelona

After a relaxed disembarkation in Barcelona, we treated ourselves to an overnight stay at the boutique Seventy Hotel —a chic, modern hotel with a stunning rooftop, that felt like an extension of our cruise experience (separate review coming).

We hopped on a City Bus Tour, shopped at Uno de 50 (my favourite Barcelona jewellery designer), indulged in tapas at the Time Out Market, and enjoyed one last evening of quality time include a trip to the spa, before heading home.

Final Thoughts: Would We Do It Again?

In a heartbeat!

As a mother, there’s something truly special about travelling with your daughter—especially on a trip that’s filled with so much laughter, adventure, and the occasional dance floor embarrassment. This cruise was the perfect mother-daughter getaway—equal parts relaxing, exciting, and full of memories we’ll be talking about for years. If you’re looking for a cruise that breaks the traditional mould (and lets you relive your 90s pop-star dreams along the way), Virgin Voyages has got you covered.

Bex’s View

“I absolutely loved being on holiday with my mum again. It was like reliving the fun of childhood trips, but this time as adults, truly enjoying each other’s company as besties. With endless activities, incredible food, and unforgettable shows, we had the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Exploring new places together made it even more special, bringing us even closer.”

The best part? This cruise can be as chill or as wild as you want. At one point, I had to be the responsible one, suggesting that maybe, just maybe, Mum shouldn’t jump in the pool on Scarlet Night and that it might be time for bed!”

Meet the Fam

I’m Kathy Taylor, mother of four talented daughters and grandmother to ten gorgeous grandchildren. I am also a travel journalist and write this successful online contemporary cruise and travel magazine, Cruise Lowdown. Bex is my youngest daughter, and is a senior tv producer and Brit School alumni. She is also a much-sought-after vibrant and fun wedding celebrant, known simply as Bex the Celebrant.

Would you ever do a mother-daughter cruise? Let me know in the comments!

Ready to book your own Girlie trip? Follow my affiliate link to the Virgin Voyages site, and maybe I can use the commission to buy my daughter earplugs to drown out my snoring next time - and at no cost to you.

Related Post: Resilient Lady FAQ

*️⃣This was a private holiday (not a PR trip). However in the spirit of transparency we did benefit from a media rate and was gifted VIP Rockstar Status. [Ad]