
Seven reasons why Virgin Voyages is the ultimate kid-free cruise
On board its stylish, mid-sized ships, you'll find some of the best food at sea, bars aplenty, dazzling entertainment, glamorous destinations and great service, all completely child-free. With more than 200 awards packing out the trophy cabinet – including being awarded the No. 1 cruise line by Condé Nast Traveller and bagging the top spot for the third year in a row in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards, for Best Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Line –, here's why Virgin Voyages has been named the world's number-one cruise line.
1 For a boutique ship experience
Small enough to feel intimate and just big enough for all the luxury amenities, Virgin Voyages' Lady ships are packed to the rafters with things to do on board. There is no stuffiness here, no forced formality or dress codes. Just great experiences, friendly service and a splash of glamour. It feels like a superyacht with all the excitement of a cruise.
2 For always included luxury
On every Virgin Voyages holiday, you're getting more than £750 worth of goodies built right in. That's access to all restaurants – forget about buffets, it's all about menus dreamed up by Michelin-starred chefs. You can also get your sweat on with group fitness classes and stay connected throughout with Wi-Fi. Even gratuities are covered. Oh, and captivating shows and soft drinks, too. Need to tweak your trip dates or change who's going? Virgin Voyages has got you covered.
3 For fabulous food
From decadent steaks to succulent seafood, irresistible Italian to Mediterranean mezze, and flavourful, spicy Korean barbecue to pizza with pizazz, each ship has more than 20 eateries to choose from. Virgin Voyages has rejected buffets and big dining halls in favour of intimate and friendly restaurants – superb cuisine, served with no fuss or bother. Vegetarians and vegans are well-catered for, with delectable plant-based options that are more than an afterthought. Feeling pretty relaxed where you are? Onboard food delivery – what Virgin calls ShipEats – will bring fresh, made-to-order treats right to you.
4 For great nights out
There's never a dull moment on a Virgin Voyages cruise. With no kids on board, adults are free to embrace their inner child. Spend the afternoon reliving the glory days in an 80s-style arcade, take a dance class for the sheer fun of it, or challenge new friends to a game of foosball. For those craving a more laid-back vibe, there are plenty of tucked-away corners to sip on craft cocktails or cold-pressed juices, or instead, indulge in some supreme relaxation in your private hammock. Whether you're looking for high-energy fun or nostalgic downtime, it's all part of the adventure.
5 For revitalising days
Ready for some serious self-care? Virgin Voyages isn't just about dancing under the stars at Scarlet Night, it's about treating yourself like royalty. Head to the spa and sink into a hot stone massage, try a rejuvenating seaweed wrap or a vitamin-rich facial, or simply relax in the sauna. If you're feeling active, why not jump into a boxing or Bungee session, packed with top-notch Technogym gear? There are extensive classes on offer, too, including yoga, barre and a cycling studio where going for a spin doesn't cost a thing. Or just enjoy a breezy run on the suspended jogging track, with dramatic ocean views to help you keep going when you feel the burn.
6 For dreamy destinations
Where would you like to go? In the Mediterranean, Virgin Voyages cruises the chicest shores, from Ibiza to Mykonos and the French Riviera, with longer stays and even overnights so you can make the most of every destination. Alternatively, enjoy the Caribbean's lively waters with tropical landscapes and colourful harbours. North American destinations offer a fresh look at famous cities such as New York, LA, Miami and Quebec City, or you can embark on a transatlantic journey connecting continents. At all ports, there are endless shore excursions on offer. Deep-sea fishing, submarine adventures, cool caving, or cultural safaris – whatever's your bag, Virgin Voyages has something for you.
7 For endless variety
From energetic fitness classes to indulgent spa treatments, vibrant dance parties to quiet moments on a hammock, Virgin Voyages caters to every whim. Culinary adventures abound with diverse dining options, while destinations range from idyllic Caribbean islands to the cultural hubs of Europe. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure (or perhaps a bit of both?) all Sailors will find their perfect holiday on Virgin Voyages' kid-free cruises. Enjoy a sophisticated and stress-free escape, where every elevated detail is crafted to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
World's best holiday cities revealed and three of them are only two hours from the UK
THREE of the world's best cities are just a few hours away from the UK, offering sun and beautiful sights. Florence, Seville and Porto all won big at the Travel + Leisure Awards 2025 - and you can get to all three of them in just over two hours from the UK. 7 7 Travel + Leisure readers voted for their favourite worldwide cities, and Florence came in at number 11 with a reader score of 90.08 out of 100. Voters praised the capital of Tuscany for its shopping, quality of hotels as well as artistic treasures. There was an honourable mention of the Ponte Vecchio for its incredible views. Florence is considered a romantic city, full of beautiful architecture like the Duomo cathedral, which has its own piazza. It's the ideal destination for art lovers too as its home to work by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Just because it's a hub of culture, doesn't mean that it's necessarily costly. In fact in Florence you can pick up slices for pizza for €1.50 (£1.30) and pasta dishes from €5 (£4.33). Florence is 80 miles inland, but you could still be at the beach in an hour and a half. Or even head over to Pisa which is an hour and a half by both car and rail. One Sun Travel writer travelled to Florence where she tried olive oil tasting, and checked out the famous sites. You can fly directly from London Gatwick to Florence in two hours 25 minutes. San Sebastian cider season 7 7 Seville came in twelfth place with a reader score of 89.49. It was described as offering a "window on thousands of years of history" with its best site being Alcázar Palace. The Spanish city is famous for its Cathedral and Plaza de España. It's also famous for tapas, Seville orange trees and the traditional art of flamenco - if you're lucky, you'll catch some dancers in the street. Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the city earlier this year - and ventured out on a secret food tour in the southern district of Triana. For anyone wanting to visit Seville Cathedral, Kara discovered 100 free tickets are given out at a certain time of day. You can fly directly from London Gatwick to Seville in two hours 40 minutes. 7 7 Porto, in the northwest of Portugal, is little but packs a punch. The colourful city came in 24th place on the list of Top 25 best cities - and was awarded a reader score of 88.24. Porto is filled with restaurants and bars and, of course, is known for its port wine production. Readers of Travel + Leisure said they love the city because of it's "wine-soaked culture". Porto is found on the River Douro where visitors can take a boat trip or even head down it on a kayak. When one writer visited last year, he couldn't get enough of the custard tarts, or pastel de nata, which he said you can pick up on every street for around €1. And of course there are vineyards aplenty and an opportunity to do tastings all around the city. Brits can fly directly to Porto from several UK airports, including London Gatwick, which takes two hours 20 minutes. Here are 20 of Europe's most beautiful islands that have direct flights from the UK - with the world's best beaches. Plus, the European city with £15 flights that feels like 'going to Japan without the cost'. 7


The Independent
13 hours ago
- The Independent
TikToker who lives on cruise ship debunks common myths about life at sea
Christine Kesteloo, a TikTok content creator, spends six months a year living on a cruise ship with her husband, who works as a chief staff engineer. She describes the experience as a 'constant vacation' and debunks common myths, asserting that cruising is safe, and the water is drinkable. Kesteloo's main complaint is passengers not washing their hands before using the buffet after the gym. Perks of her lifestyle include visiting 109 countries and not having to pay for essentials like food or laundry. Due to her husband's position, she is not permitted to gamble in the ship's casino and prioritizes guests' comfort, such as giving up her seat by the pool.


Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Daily Mail
JONATHAN BROCKLEBANK: 6,000 cops, miles of steel and the dog walkers baffled by the most expensive round of golf EVER!
Officially it is a two-centre golfing break in Scotland – the kind favoured by many a rich American crossing the pond this summer. The trip takes in a prestigious west coast course and a round on a newly complete east coast one, with the last word in luxury accommodation a short walk from the first tee at each. But no long weekend on the fairways in Scotland has ever looked quite like this one. This one has commandeered almost a third of Police Scotland's manpower to make sure things go smoothly. This one had officers in high viz vests swarming over greens, tees, fairways and rough hours before the holidaymaker even boarded his flight from Washington DC. It had police with dogs, on horseback and even officers on quad bikes as they patrolled a mile-long expanse of empty beach which they have closed off to the public. It even had a security tower with police sharp shooters atop it. US President Donald Trump is a man partial to superlatives. Well, his sojourn at Turnberry, in Ayrshire, and the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire abounds in them. It is surely the most expensive golfing trip on these isles ever contemplated. How many others involved flying in a motorcade by military jet days in advance? Further preparations have included throwing up rings of steel around the Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire courses and accommodation - all of which, of course, the vacationing president happens to own. Rounds were still being played by regular golfers (albeit paying up to £1,000 a time) at Turnberry yesterday. But the golf was happening behind miles of newly erected 10ft fences with ultra-fine mesh, and only after rigorous ID and vehicle checks. On the tee of the third hole, which lies closest to a stretch of shore still accessible to the public, the foursomes hitting their drives were easily outnumbered by police patrols. Nor, surely, has any golfing weekend boasted the epic supporting cast of this one. Up to 6,000 police officers - many drafted in from forces outside Scotland - are on some form of Trump detail this weekend. They were arriving at Turnberry yesterday not by the traditional vanload but by the coachload - three in the space of four minutes. And let us not forget the protesters. Thousands of them are expected to make the extent of their displeasure felt in Edinburgh and Aberdeen this weekend - while others hope to do so within shouting distance at his golf courses. Also among the bit part players are Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney, both of whom will be afforded audiences with Mr Trump - one in each of his Scottish residences - over the next few days. There was a time during his days as a mere billionaire tycoon when a Trump visit to one of his Scottish properties brought a splash of colour and a smattering of press to the local area. It would bring his private jet - a 727 - with the Trump name emblazoned on the fuselage in gold lettering. Today, as president, he arrives in Air Force One - and brings those same areas to a standstill. 'We came here for a quiet life,' says Bill Fletcher, 73, who moved to Turnberry from Stratford Upon Avon a year ago. 'But there's just so much security and it arrived here so early. We can't get on the beach to walk the dog. I suppose you have to expect it for the most important person in the world - or someone who thinks he is.' His view of the president is likely similar to many of the householders in this upmarket enclave of detached houses and holiday homes. 'I don't like some of his policies and he can be quite unpredictable,' he says. 'But he's got some things right and I wish we were as firm here as he is.' Along the road in the Balkenna Tearoom, staff were bracing themselves for protesters mobbing their carpark as they did during Mr Trump's last presidential visit in 2018. 'We've a sign up saying 'patrons only' this time,' says a waitress. 'It's going to be pandemonium.' On his visit during his first term as president, a protester managed to fly an aircraft trailing an anti-Trump banner over the Ailsa championship course. This time around, you cannot fly so much as a kite or model aeroplane in the area. Don't even think about a drone or a balloon. 'No Fly Zone' signs dotted all around advise people seeing anyone attempting to do so to call 999. And yet, here at least, the disruption is met with a degree of understanding. It is less than a year since there was an attempt on Mr Trump's life on a golf course. The gunman hid in shrubbery at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Weeks earlier, on the campaign trail he was hit in the ear by a sniper's bullet. 'I don't like him personally but I suppose we have to put up with it, and it doesn't happen very often,' says David Browning, 84, who lives a few hundred yards from the Turnberry clubhouse. 'And I've got say, he does a lot for Turnberry which was looking pretty tired before he bought it.' Does he visit the spruced-up hotel much himself? 'Occasionally, but you've got to have lined pockets for that,' Mr Browning said, adding that he hopes the president is successful in bringing the Open championship back to Turnberry - even if it is 'obviously an ego thing'. There is at least a whiff of suspicion that a key objective of the Trump visit to Scotland may be to lobby for the Open to come to his course. While it remains on governing body the Royal and Ancient's roster for the championship, Turnberry has not played host since the American snapped it up in 2014 - something that clearly eats at the president. A less cynical interpretation of the visit - described as 'private' by the White House - would have Mr Trump making a long awaited return to a land that is undeniably dear to him and in which he has invested heavily. His mother Mary Anne MacLeod was from the Hebridean isle of Lewis. On this visit he is due to open his second golf course in Aberdeenshire, the New Course, which will include a new memorial garden to honour his mother with a centrepiece that will be made from stone imported from Lewis. Massive security measures were already in place at that Trump facility yesterday, days ahead of the president's arrival. In the early hours, a deer was an early casualty in the operation. It had to be euthanised after being knocked down by a police vehicle patrolling the Trump estate. Both his Scottish properties have been targeted by protesters in recent months. Activists daubed red paint over much of the Turnberry resort in March. The president described them as 'terrorists' who 'did serious damage and will hopefully be treated harshly'. In Aberdeenshire, meanwhile, a placard this week proclaimed the estate was 'twinned with Epstein Island' - a reference to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein whose relationship with Mr Trump is under renewed scrutiny. Protests in Edinburgh are expected to target the US Consulate, which the Trump administration has threatened with closure. Alena Ivanova, a campaigner with the Stop Trump Coalition said: 'Donald Trump may shake hands with our leaders, but he's no friend of Scotland. 'We, the people of Scotland, see the damage he has done - to democracy and working people in the US, to the global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, to the very principles of justice and humanity. 'Trump is not welcome because he represents all that Scottish people reject.' She certainly did not speak for everyone. Jackie McDowall posted online that her six-year-old son Ricky was 'desperate' to see the President and his motorcade making their way to Turnberry. She wrote: 'Right, so obviously I know nobody's going know exactly where Donald Trump is going be etc, but does anyone know roughly his route to Turnberry and time or anything? 'I've a wee six year old desperate just for a tiny wee glimpse of the President or even his entourage. 'Ideally he would like to meet the man himself have a quick chat and at least get to shake his hand.' That, certainly, was what Scottish Secretary Ian Murray was waiting to do on the tarmac at Prestwick Airport last night. Where exactly it goes from there, who can tell? The president's long weekend in Scotland has begun. It will, naturally, be the biggest ever - and possibly the maddest.