Virgin Voyages is a cruise experience like no other, and it wants you to know it. Spear headed by a man who needs no introduction, Richard Branson, Virgin Voyages promises to eliminate everything everyone dislikes about cruising and replacing it with modern and fun alternatives. You won’t find an ABBA-inspired night and show on this ship. 

Having launched in 2020 and sailed around Europe, the Americas and beyond. Now, Virgin Voyages brings its newest ship, Resilient Lady, to Australia. While it docked in Sydney for its grand reveal, the luxury cruise ship will also sail into ports in Melbourne, Hobart, Darwin and more. Voyages range from 14 nights to three nights, which works for both experienced cruisers and those first timers who just want a taste of what cruising is like. But even those who have sailed the seven seas will be delighted to experience something new on the Resilient Lady. Here are the five coolest on-board features that sets Virgin Voyages apart from other cruise companies. 

No passenger cards or forms. This is a tech savvy ship. 

Most millennials and Gen Z’ers (although some Gen Z’ers may not make the 18+ cut off) use their phone and apps to tap, communicate and book things. So it should come as no surprise that almost all communication on board the ship is done through your phone. Want to order 24-hour room service? Just head to the app. Want Champagne delivered to your poolside? Shake your phone and it will appear. Same goes for paying with things on the ship. Rather than having to scan a passenger card, all guests are given a wristband that they can tap to pay for things with. WiFi is available throughout the whole ship and included in the cost of your ticket. How can you prove you had a good time without documenting it on social media?

You can find your zen. 

Whether you’re looking to bliss out and do a hard health reset or throw your fitness regime out the window and indulge, you can curate an experience to suit you. Those looking to unwind and destress can take full advantage of a 255-metre outdoor running track, group fitness classes (everything from spin, HITT, barre and gravity-defying bungee are available), and a basketball court. Post-workout refuel with a ginger-lemon-banana-açai-turmeric protein booster which you can get from the juice bar or have it delivered to you. Keep your wellness journey going at the spa where you’ll find cosy saunas, Ayurvedic treatments and acupuncture.

Or completely ignore it. 

Richard Branson wants you to have a good time. There are five bars and lounges on board including one dedicated to Champagne and one to curated cocktails. If you want to party the night away there’s the Scarlet Night where the whole ship transforms come nightfall into one giant red-themed party with pop-up circus performances, karaoke and more. And you won’t find a tired show on the ship here. Magicians, circus performers and dancers have all been carefully selected for these curated shows that are set to dazzle you. Want a permanent souvenir from your time on the ship? You can get inked at the tattoo studio. 

Little inconveniences of cruising don’t exist here. 

Hate boarding a ship in the morning only to have to wait hours for your cabin to be ready. Virgin Voyages has taken the things people get annoyed at when cruising and eliminates them. As soon as passengers board the ship the cabin will be ready. There’s also no bad rush to be off the ship as soon as it docks. Checkout is at 11am. There’s also no cruise director or morning announcements. Everything you need to know about day excursions and activities on the ship for the day are listed on the app. 

The food is better than good. It’s great. 

Virgin Voyages has curated menus and dining experiences in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants to ensure every meal is delicious. There are also no buffet or dining halls (hallelujah!). Each dining space is intimate and diverse with 20+ spaces to eat on board. There’s everything from Korean BBQ at Gunbae, steak and seafood at The Wake, traditional Italian at Extra Virgin, upscale Mexican cuisine at Pink Agave and so much more. 

The Resilient Lady is now sailing across Australia and New Zealabd. For more information or to book, visit virginvoyages.com

Related story: JLo’s curating a girl-power Virgin cruise and it’s going to be epic