From Solo Traveler to Shared Adventurer
I often travel solo- wandering new streets, absorbing local rhythms, and finding connections in new or unfamiliar places. But when I decided to bring my mother along on this Mediterranean cruise, I knew it had to be unforgettable. We chose Virgin Voyages, and embarked together on the “Istanbul, Santorini & More” 11-night voyage aboard Resilient Lady. It wasn’t just a trip for me; it was for us to weave new memories side by side, one stop at a time. We set sail from Athens (Piraeus), and over the course of that cruise, I realized this ship welcomed solo travelers like me, mother-daughter duos like us, and everyone in between. They even hosted a solo-traveler meetup one evening; I met a new friend who joined us later for dinner and explored Mykonos with us. That balance—of social energy and private retreat- is exactly what made this so special.
Read more: Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady: Sailing “Istanbul, Santorini & More” – A Mother-Daughter Sea Escape*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Travels of Sarah Fay is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designaed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. All views are my own and honest opinion of my experiences.
Why This Cruise: An Itinerary Sharing History & Beauty
The “Istanbul, Santorini & More” route is brilliantly paced—not too rushed, not too slow; Viking had an outstanding balance. e departed from Piraeus (Athens), drifted through calm sea days, then stayed overnight in Istanbul, followed by ports in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Mykonos (with a late stay), Rhodes, Santorini (also with a late stay), Chania (Crete), and then one final sea day before returning to Athens. The late stays and overnight in Istanbul gave us time to explore after dark, seeing the transition from day to night in each locale without rushing back to the ship.
What I loved most was the mix of cultural depth (Istanbul, Ephesus), island magic (Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes) and historic Athens, and restful sea days to reset and enjoy the ride. Because my mother and I were doing this together, those slower moments between ports felt essential. And for me, there was enough energy, unexpected moments, and new faces to make the trip feel vibrant—even for a solo-traveler at heart.
Ship Snapshot: Resilient Lady & the Virgin Difference
Resilient Lady is Virgin Voyages’ third ship, launched in 2023. She carries around 2,770 passengers. It was perfectly balanced—large enough to have endless dining and entertainment, yet small enough to still feel intimate and meet people. Everything on board looked fresh, sleek, and sharp. Virgin Voyages truly reimagines what cruising can be: adults-only, no buffets, no formal nights, and every specialty dining venue included. Entertainment is immersive and unexpected, from contemporary shows to interactive performances. The crew uniforms, lounges, and even signage all felt effortlessly cool and relaxed. For us, one of the highlights was being in a Rock Star cabin.
The Richard Branson Lounge, exclusive to Rock Stars and certain suites, became our daily retreat. With hot tubs, private lounging areas, and a relaxed happy hour featuring complimentary drinks or mocktails, it was a peaceful yet lively space. With being a “Rock Star” you get priority entrance to the shows. The staff remembered our names, and the service was warm without being formal. I highly recommend getting the special suites if you can, given the extras it comes with.
Why Virgin Voyages
What sets Virgin Voyages apart is its attention to experience. Everything feels intentional, from how dining flows to how people gather. It’s stylish, playful, and built for adults who want more than the usual cruise routine. Instead of massive theaters or crowds, the entertainment is scattered throughout smaller venues. You might stumble on an aerial performance or find a pop-up concert near a bar. It keeps you curious and connected. Virgin also stands out for what’s included. Wi-Fi, fitness classes, and all specialty dining (and soda) are part of the fare, which makes the cruise feel more inclusive and transparent.
You pay for some extras like spa treatments, excursions, or specialty coffees, but not for every small detail. It’s refreshing not to feel nickel-and-dimed. (You can pre-buy credits toward a drink package to save a little on drinks.) I also appreciated the diverse crowd. There were younger travelers in their 20s and 30s, couples in their 40s, and guests like my mom in their 60s—all coexisting comfortably. It created a fun, friendly energy that felt natural, not forced. And as someone who often travels solo, I was impressed by how safe and welcoming it felt. Virgin even offers solo cabins and dedicated meetups to help people connect. That’s how I met a new friend who joined us for dinner and walked with us through Mykonos. It’s one of those memories that remind you that travel can still surprise you in the best ways.
What to do before the cruise
Before your Virgin Voyages cruise, take time to prep so you can fully enjoy the adults-only experience from day one. Download the Virgin Voyages app early to complete check-in and book dining, shows, shore things, and fitness classes as soon as they open. Make sure your passport is valid and organize travel documents with a sleek passport holder or travel wallet (perfect for linking).
Pack smart with resort-chic outfits, comfortable walking shoes, workout sets, and a stylish day-to-night bag, plus packing cubes to stay organized in your cabin. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable insulated water bottle, motion-sickness remedies, and portable chargers for long port days. Consider travel insurance to protect your trip and an eSIM to stay connected abroad. A carry-on tote or backpack is ideal for embarkation day, and don’t forget travel-size toiletries and cruise-friendly magnets or hooks to maximize cabin space—all easy, practical items readers love to shop before sailing. These cruise essentials will make your cruise so much more enjoyable.
Dining Delight & Café Culture
One of our favorite parts of the cruise was the incredible variety of excellent food. Virgin Voyages replaces buffets with a collection of small restaurants, each with its own personality. A few that stood out for us included Test Kitchen, with its inventive tasting menus that felt more like a culinary show; Gunbae Korean BBQ, where guests see them cook at the table and share laughter over sizzling dishes; and The Wake, Virgin’s signature steak and seafood restaurant with sweeping ocean views. We also loved the relaxed Mediterranean flavors at The Dock House and the comforting slices at Extra Virgin Pizza, perfect for late nights.
Beyond restaurants, Virgin’s café scene added charm to our days (since we don’t drink). While regular coffee is free, etc, you can also buy crafted espresso drinks, cold brews, and lattes at their specialty cafés. We often treated ourselves to these, especially since the pastries and cookies were complimentary. My mom adored that detail! Because we were Rock Stars, we also had access to the daily 5 pm free happy hour in the Richard Branson Lounge. Even though we don’t drink alcohol, the bartenders mixed delicious mocktails for us, and we loved the atmosphere; relaxed music, sea views, and friendly conversations.
At Sea & Quiet Corners
Between ports, sea days became my favorite kind of calm and fun. I’d photograph the horizon while my mom spent time in the spa or reading in the lounge. The Richard Branson Lounge was our sanctuary—elegant, private, and never crowded. Those days at sea reminded us to slow down and soak in the beauty of just being there. The sunsets were unforgettable, painting the ship in gold as the waves shimmered below.
Port Highlights: History, Beauty & Adventure
Athens (Piraeus)
We began and ended our journey here, surrounded by the legacy of ancient Greece. Before boarding, we wandered through Athen’s Plaka and gazed up at the Acropolis. Returning to Athens after the cruise felt like closing a perfect circle. I recommend if you haven’t been to Athens before, I recommend staying a few days, whether before or after the cruise. It is a great historic town and if interested I have other articles on Greece on my website TravelsofSarahFay.com To make it easier to get to the boat, we stayed at a hotel near the ship (to rest given the long flights from Florida before the fun starts on the ship).
Istanbul (Overnight)
Sailing into Istanbul was breathtaking and this cruise included more than one day in Istanbul. The skyline of domes and minarets, the scent of spice in the air—it all felt cinematic. We explored Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Istanbul and wandered through the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops. Maybe try some of the Turkish delights, a jelly filled sweet, while in the bazaar (many shops will let you try them before buying it).
While in Turkey, you also have to try Turkish ice cream called dondurma. It’s a thick, stretchy ice cream that is very popular. The coffee culture is strong in Istanbul, many don’t drink liquor. You can even find a Starbucks Reserve while in town and many cafes. Another notable thing to try is the Turkish Bagel topped with sesame seeds (albeit a bit thinner). Many vendors sold them and it was a good quick snack as we walked around.
Things to do in Port in Istanbul
We also went to visit the Dolmabahce Palace located on the coast of the Bosphorus Strait. It’s an impressive, large palace showing a glimpse into the Ottoman Empire; 6 sultans even had lived here until 1924. We were also lucky to see some of the professional folks performing and celebrating while there.
The next day we also took a ferry to go to the Asian continent side on the Anatolian peninsula across the Bosphorus strait (while the Western side was the European continent side of the city (where most of the touristy parts are located). The Galata Tower is located on the Eastern side though and a well-known landmark of the city. Originally constructed in 1348 as a watchtower high up on the hill. The city walls that once were here are now long gone, but the watchtower remains.
We went to see this landmark in the evening when it was lit. Earlier we took a ferry over to this side of town, then to a taxi to the neighborhood. It was so great to see it lit at night. Many locals were walking around like us exploring the neighborhood and the nice night. When we went, it was closed (now a museum) but it was great to see this fine stone tower.
With the Brilliant Lady staying overnight in Istanbul, the stay allowed us to see the city illuminated at night and experience a Bosphorus sunset. We now have some great memories drinking Turkish coffees and Turkish delights.
Kusadasi / Ephesus, Turkey
This can be one of the most moving days for many that go to visit the ancient city of Ephesus (muze.gov.tr); walking the marble streets, standing before the Library of Celsus, and imagining the lives once lived there (including some of the apostles). I highly recommend seeing Ephesus, it is a massive ancient city and there is so much to see. Even the Pope visited this place.
Since I had been to Ephesus before, I decided to take a bus to an historic town called Sirince. This small, quaint village has a population of around 450 people and is only around 5 miles from Ephesus. It’s a striking little town on the hillside with white-washed buildings with brown wooden trim. This village dates back to the Hellenistic period. Many of the villagers’ families go back years to Greece, so there is a lot of Greek food, etc. but they moved here when there was a swap of folks between Greece and Turkey. While the folks’ great, great, grandparents were Greek, they were Muslim, so they had to move to Turkey.
Sirinci
While in Sirinci we had a tasty lunch at Özlem Restaurant Şirince (@sirinceozlemrestaurant). Besides the food, there are great views of the town. After that we went for Turkish coffee at the cafe Mustiyan Kahvecisi (mustiyankahvecisi) down hill from the restaurant. It’s a unique way to make the coffee and a great experience how they make it. We had a few minutes to talk with the family that ran the cafe; they talked more about the history of the area. Later we walked down to see the town’s historic market dating back to the 1920’s and it was interesting to see a shop called Demetrius of Ephesus.
This is a local artisan that created many of the jewelry and trinkets that were used in the movie (Brad Pitt made it famous they say). It was another place we stopped to hear more about the area. Later we took a bus back to Kusadasi. We walked around and explored the town of Kusadasi, which is also a nice Turkish city on the water. This was our final stop before heading back to the ship.
Mykonos (Late Stay)
Mykonos was pure magic (and one of my mother’s favorite places on the trip). Its whitewashed, windy alleys, blue doors, and seaside cafés were postcard-perfect. We shopped, visited the famous windmills, and watched the sun dip into the Aegean.
Since we would be on the island awhile, we stopped at a few places to eat, have a snack, a drink and a meal. As we walked to the Little Venice area, we were able to get a drink at Katerina’s Mykonos. Katarina’s Restaurant and Bar has great drinks with views of the water and the famous windmills. They also have a little porch with some seats that look over the sparkling blue waters. We certainly enjoyed it.
After doing some more shopping and exploring we went to eat at TAVERNA SUNSET, which of course has great views. Be prepared if you sit right next to the edge of the water, you may get a small splash if wavy, but that too was cooling. It was an extremely busy and popular place to eat, had some sandwiches; we enjoyed it. Later, before heading back we also had a snack and coffee at Artsi Prozymi Bakery— what wonderful pastries and outside covered area to relax. It’s cute with great lattes too.
As we walked around, we ended up seeing one of the other solo travelers so he came walking with us for a bit and then headed back to the ship. But just before nearing the walk by the beach, I just had to jump in the shiny sea to cool off! What a great time.
Rhodes
The medieval Old Town of Rhodes (Rhodes) felt like stepping into a medieval storybook. The Palace of the Grand Masters (Grand Master Palace of Rhodes) and walking the Street of the Knights was incredible. The walled historic city is great to explore with all its history.
While in the old town we stopped at our favorite cafe called Decan Bistro Rhodes (@decanbistro_rhodes). It’s a great bistro with wonderful lattes, food, etc. Then while walking back to the boat, I decided to jump in the water at the nearby beach! It was close by (you could literally see the ship on the dock) and the water really cooled me off. It can be a little warm in Greece.
Santorini (Late Stay)
If there’s a moment I’ll never forget, it’s sunset in Oia Santorini. The views from above of the caldera, white villages, and blue skies were dreamlike. The excursion we took ended in the amazing town of Oia, after driving around the island. It brought us to the top of the famous cliffs with the post-card like views.
Before returning to the ship we ate a great meal at Lotza Restaurant (@lotza_restaurant) · Oía. We had Greek food including moussaka, grape leaves, etc. along with lattes. It has a great track record and has been there since 1982. This restaurant also had the perfect setting for great views for those Instagrammable pics and is located on the pedestrian walkway and close to the cable car back down to the ships. The Santorini Cable Car is a great way to end the visit while getting more fantastic views while parting this wonderful island.
Chania (Crete)
I’ve been to Crete before, but this is a large island. This time felt more relaxed since it seemed to be a quieter side of the island. We went on one excursion to explore Arkadi Monastery, which was originally founded during the 12th century (Byzantine period) but the current architecture encompasses various periods. We also visited the nearby town, Rethymno with its walled Venetian fort (Fortezza Rethymno) and great historic center. (The town is also home of University of Crete.)
While in Rethymno, my mom and I paused our exploring and had great sandwiches at PORK to BEEF WILD (@porktobeefwild). It was a great sandwich, a cute place with quick and nice service. We enjoyed this walk back in history, but some of the others on the cruise went to the nearby beaches to sunbathe a bit more before returning to Athens, since this is the final stop. The town and area was charming, with its fort, pastel buildings and wonderful cafes. We explored markets, sampled olive oils, and enjoyed the slower pace before our final day at sea. Then it was back to the ship for a great dinner!
Highlights of Our Voyage
Some of our favorite memories included the exclusive Richard Branson Lounge, where we enjoyed some great times and lively happy hours with some free drinks. The surprise pop-up shows that appeared around the ship added excitement every day. The mid-cruise Scarlet Night was a celebration that went through the ship (remember to bring a red outfit). Dining became an adventure, not a routine, and the café culture was something we looked forward to each afternoon.
We met other travelers, solo and otherwise, who became friends, and each port introduced us to centuries of history. Last, it was an enjoyable atmosphere with no real dress codes. It was a relaxed dress for most of the day and when we got back, many liked it a bit nicer in the evening, but it’s not a requirement. For both of us, it was a mix of adventure, relaxation, and discovery that felt perfectly balanced for both our speeds.
Final Thoughts: Why This Cruise Was Worth It
If you’re looking for something different—a cruise that feels stylish, social, and surprisingly relaxed—Virgin Voyages delivers. The itinerary was rich with history and scenery, the service was great, and the food was outstanding. For the cost, I found it more than reasonable considering everything that’s included: incredible dining, shows, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and yes free Diet Coke. As a solo traveler who often craves both connection and freedom, I felt comfortable and welcomed. And as a daughter traveling with her mother, it gave us shared joy, laughter, and the comfort of exploring together. Yes, the shows can be somewhat edgy, but they had a certain flare and energy.
From the Byzantine beauty of Istanbul to the ancient walls of Rhodes and the postcard views of Santorini, the historical depth of this itinerary was unforgettable. My mom and I left with hundreds of photos, new friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to go back to try another Virgin Voyage and you should try one too!PS: Check out my other posts on Travels of Sarah Fay (travelsofsarahfay.com) for more about Athens and other Greek destinations we explored before and after the cruise, as well as posts on Instagram.
