This Virgin ship takes the cruise rule book and rips it up

The ship: Valiant Lady, Virgin Voyages

The pool deck on board Valiant Lady.

Richard Branson’s Valiant Lady is one of three ships in Virgin Voyages’ sleek and stylish fleet, offering a cruise experience like no other. Think of it as a luxury resort at sea but with Virgin’s signature rebellious twist. The 17-deck ship features more than 20 dining options, including chef-designed menus at eateries including Pink Agave (modern Mexican) and The Wake (steak and seafood). Wellness takes centre stage with outdoor yoga spaces, a boxing ring, and a fully equipped gym, while the entertainment includes remarkable performances at The Red Room, one of the first seagoing theatres designed to convert to different layouts.

Boarding

Boarding at Port Miami, Florida, for this four-night cruise is swift and effortless for passengers who enjoy the ship’s so-called privileged “Rock Star Status” and who are booked in Valiant Lady’s top-tier, VIP treatment suites. Those guests without such status could be heard grumbling about long waits and restaurant reservations disappearing before they could get the Virgin Voyages app working.

Pink Agave.

The design

Valiant Lady’s design fuses modern luxury with playful vibrancy, staying true to Virgin’s aesthetic – bold, stylish, and a little rebellious. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of pops of red, from the striking hull accents to statement furniture scattered throughout the ship. Corridors are lined with avant-garde murals, while The Roundabout, the ship’s social hub, features a dramatic light sculpture that pulses in sync with the ship’s curated soundscape.

The spaces

The Dock on Deck 7 is a Mediterranean-inspired retreat with plush lounges, natural wood finishes, and a breezy, boho-chic feel, while The Dock House offers a shaded escape with cushioned daybeds and occasional live acoustic sets. The Athletic Club on Deck 16 is a stylish open-air fitness and social space with red-and-white striped daybeds, while a raised jogging track wraps around the deck for a scenic run. The nearby Aquatic Club is a focal point where you can take a refreshing dip in the pool, while at night The Manor nightclub, named after Richard Branson’s first music studio, comes alive.

The stateroom

Sea terrace stateroom.

My Sea Terrace room on Deck 10 is the perfect home base. The so-called Seabed can be converted into a lounge set-up during the day, but I keep mine as a bed. It feels more like a holiday when you can sit on your bed with a book or laptop. Smart storage – deep drawers, a streamlined wardrobe, and hidden nooks – keep everything tidy. The private balcony is a highlight, while the room itself has a cosy seating area. A bedside tablet controls everything from lighting to curtains with a tap.

Food

The cheekily named Lick Me Till Ice Cream.

For a lively night out, Gunbae is my standout. This Korean barbecue spot makes dinner an interactive experience, with guests on communal tables grilling marinated short ribs and juicy prawns right at the table. Over at Pink Agave, the rib-eye steak is perfectly grilled and paired with a zesty salsa. Beyond the sit-down restaurants, quirky food spots add to the fun. Lick Me Till Ice Cream (yes, that’s its name) serves rotating flavours like ube coconut and Key West lime pie.

Gunbae Korean Barbecue.

Entertainment

The Red Room theatre offers immersive shows that blend live music, high-energy dance, and jaw-dropping technology: think projections and digital backdrops that create a whole new world. Scarlet Night, which takes over the upper decks on the second night, is a highlight, when the whole cruise ship dons their best (and glitteriest) red attire.

The verdict

Valiant Lady takes the cruise playbook and rips it up – in the best way. If you’re into edgy design, elevated food, and adults-only fun, you’ll love it. If you’re after bingo and buffet lines … maybe not.

The essentials

Valiant Lady sails from the home port of Miami on a mix of Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries. My four-night Fire & Sunset Soirees starts and ends in Miami, with stops at Key West and in Bimini, Bahamas. Solo fares for this cruise typically start at $US880 ($1351), while cabins for two start from $US1272 ($1952). Prices vary by season and availability. See virginvoyages.com

Valiant Lady rips up the cruising rule book.Credit: Getty Images

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer was a guest of Virgin Voyages.

Swell
Between the many chic spaces and endless activities, this cruise is all about offering moments for personal escape as well as group bonding.

Not so swell
The Virgin Voyages app, used for everything from daily schedules to personal bookings, occasionally encounters glitches, making planning and booking difficult.