I Took a Virgin Voyages Cruise With My Sister — and It Was the Ultimate Girls Trip

This adults-only cruise line is perfect for a girls getaway — here's why.

The perfect girls trip is a delicate balance. Finding a destination, booking a hotel, and planning an itinerary that fits all your friends’ preferences can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Virgin Voyages is still a relative newcomer to the cruise industry, but its adults-only policy, included upscale dining, and ships that combine party vibes with rest and relaxation make it a great choice for a group getaway. My sister and I stepped aboard Valiant Lady this summer for a Mediterranean cruise, and it was our best girls trip yet.

We sailed the Irresistible Med itinerary, with stops in Spain, France, and Italy. Our trip included all the Mediterranean highlights, with excursions to Portofino and St. Tropez, an overnight docking in Ibiza, and plenty of sun-soaked beaches. For a couple of girls who love to visit beautiful European destinations with a mix of beautiful art and architecture, delicious food, incredible natural scenery, and lively nightlife venues, it was a memorable week-long itinerary.

Of course, there are options for all kinds of travelers depending on their desired destinations, departure ports, and cruise length. Those looking for a short trip closer to home might opt for the four-night Fire and Sunset Soirees cruises from Miami (perfect for a bachelorette party), while the seven–night Greek Island Glow is ideal for travelers with time to unwind and explore (buddymoon, anyone?).

Whether you island hop in Greece or sail around the Caribbean, the Virgin Voyages ships serve as the perfect vacation headquarters for you and your girlfriends. Staterooms include modular bedding that can easily be split into two twin beds (great for friends sharing a room), while RockStar Quarters provide ample room to spread out. And every room with a balcony is outfitted with a cozy hammock, the ultimate place to watch the scenery float by or take a midday nap.

Another reason the cruise is designed for girls trips? The 20-plus food and beverage outlets on board mean there’s something for everyone in your group. On our seven-night voyage, we had the chance to try every dining venue on board (including all the late-night snacks). Our favorite restaurants included Pink Agave, a Mexican restaurant decked out in sophisticated navy and pink tones; Gunbae, a Korean barbecue spot where meals start with a funny drinking game; and The Wake, a beautiful, glitzy restaurant serving steak and seafood with incredible ocean views. There aren’t buffets or expansive and impersonal dining halls, so it feels like you’re going out to eat at a beautifully designed (and very Instagrammable) restaurant each night. And from the swanky Champagne lounge to the open-air Dock Bar at the back of the ship, there are plenty of places to grab a tasty beverage.

Entertainment options range from Duel Reality, a show featuring incredible acrobatic stunts, to the ship-wide Scarlet Night party. You can expect to find live music, private karaoke rooms, a vintage-style arcade, a casino, a tattoo parlor, and a flashy nightclub on board, too. And what says “girls trip” more than grabbing a drink at the Champagne bar, singing your lungs out in a private karaoke room, dancing the night away in a club, and capping things off with included room service? Then, recover the next day in the Redemption Spa or in one of the pools around the ship before exploring your next port.

When we arrived back in Barcelona at the end of our cruise, we left the Valiant Lady with sun-kissed tans, hundreds of photos, and new memories to last until our next girls getaway.

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