A totally different way to cruise docks Downunder

If cruising has never been quite right for you, expect that to change with the arrival of the superyacht-inspired Virgin Voyages to Australian shores

Whether you’re already a fan of cruising or are a cruise, um, virgin, it’s time to forget everything you think you know about a holiday on the sea. Virgin Voyages have arrived, here to offer Australia an entirely different way to cruise, from contemporary styling to elevated dining and incredible itineraries that showcase the world in rockstar luxury.

Prepare to be won over with the adults-only, club-style ambience of Virgin Voyages that allows you to drop into absolute, grown-up relaxation.

Who is Virgin Voyages?
From the skies to the seas, Virgin has long been a disrupter of the norm. Not afraid to shake things up, the brand’s unique, youthful approach has amassed legions of fans worldwide.

Now, their five times Cruise Critic Award-winning Virgin Voyages drops anchor in Australia to reimagine the way we set sail. Bringing the cool to cruising with the brand-new, Virgin-red-trimmedResilient Lady, guests can embark for southern hemisphere holidays on the high seas with ports in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland and short four-to-five-day escapes to help you restore, refresh and let loose.

What makes them different, exactly?
Exclusively adult with a focus on modern cruisers who appreciate a bit of chill with their onboard excitement, this is a superyacht-inspired travel experience.

Whether you’re embarking solo, as a couple or with friends or family, Virgin Voyages’ signature rockstar-style service means all-inclusive luxury, from food and essential drinks to WIFI, tips, entertainment and group exercise classes. So you can wake early for a sunrise yoga session and a green juice or stay in bed and scroll on your phone while you sip coffee, all without whipping out your wallet.

Of course, with Virgin’s beginnings as a record label, the nightly entertainment is nothing if not epic with an incredible, festival-like line-up of experiences curated by the world’s hottest choreographers, directors and artists.

Expect culinary excellence onboard
Cruising shouldn’t mean lowering your culinary standards. Forget sad shrimp cocktails languishing on the buffet in vast, floating dining halls, Virgin Voyages is all about intimate spaces with exceptional offerings that minimise waste and match the elevated ambience of any onshore eatery.

Collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs to create menus that inspire and excite the palate, this is cruise dining done differently. With more than 20 restaurants, from smoky Korean barbeque to upscale Mexican, casual pizzerias and noodle bars, and classic Italian, you’ll find exactly what you need to satisfy your cravings. Here to accommodate your holiday schedule, whether that’s early morning eggs-over-easy or a late-night pizza slice to fuel dancefloor antics, you’ll find somewhere to eat and drink every hour of the day.

For refreshments of the liquid variety, elegant pre-and-post-dinner drinks can be found at the onboard cocktail and Champagne bars. For totally acceptable day-drinking and afternoon sessions, there’s pool bars and clubs, and for those nightcaps and watering hole crawls, there’s dive bars and even a drag-inspired spot to keep the party going.

Cabins and suites with style and substance
You won’t find outdated interiors here. There are no busy carpets and washed-out wall prints, rather, you’ll be bedding down in minimal-luxe furnishings and covetable amenities. It’s all style with plenty of substance, including free WIFI, clever tech, 24-hour room service and eco-conscious products.

Sea Terraces come with your own private balcony for ocean-gazing in the sun; Sea View cabins offer portholes looking out to the passing horizon; and Insider Cabins are perfect for cosy snoozes. While the RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters offer exclusive access onboard the ship.

These Tom Dixon-designed suites unlock extra luxuries, such as the members-only Richard’s Rooftop, your own RockStar Agent on-hand to tend to your every need, premium accents and amenities, and early boarding through a VIP entrance.

There’s also the Massive Suite, which comes with complimentary daily spa access, daily bar tab and bottomless in-room bar, or the Brilliant Suite, which ensures guests enjoy a complimentary in-room bar, both also carry the perks of the RockStar Quarters.

Entertainment on tap
Every night is just one cocktail away from a big night out when you’re onboard a Virgin Voyagers cruise. Whether you’re in the mood for dinner and a show, relishing the club scene or a refined flutter at the tables, there is entertainment to suit your innermost night owl.

Curated by a huge array of talent, such as the 7 Fingers Company, Sam & Ani, and Randy Weiner, the line-up of immersive, boundary-pushing entertainment will enthral nightly. Pack your finery for themed events such as Scarlet Night, a celebration of love on the high seas that takes over the whole ship with pop-up performances, games and live music.

Make sure you have appropriate bedwear packed if you intend on attending the PJ Party or dress up in sequins for Heartbeat, a heart-racing dance party from Brooklyn act House of Yes.

Discover your next cruise atwww.virginvoyages.com/book/voyage-planner/find-a-voyage