Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow Cruise Review | Eclectik Girl
Acropolis
Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow Cruise Review: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos & Beyond
At this point, I know y’all are probably sick of me and the lack of updates. It’s been a year, I absolutely slacked, and yet somehow managed to have some truly incredible travel experiences along the way.
Before I wrap this one up, I have to share more about my first, though definitely not my last, Virgin Voyages cruise. I spent 10 unforgettable days cruising the Mediterranean on the Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow itinerary, and it was an excursion I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Why We Chose Virgin Voyages
My cousins mentioned they were taking a Virgin Voyage to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and after some deliberation, my husband and I decided to join. Best decision I made all year. I honestly don’t know that I ever want to cruise with anyone other than Virgin again.
This was our first Virgin Voyages experience, and the adult-only vibe, elevated design, and overall attention to detail immediately set it apart from traditional cruises.
Pre-Cruise Stops: Paris & Athens
Our cruise departed from Athens on a Sunday, so we decided to leave a bit early. We squeezed in a 36-hour layover in Paris (more on that trip here if you're interested) before heading to Greece.
Where We Stayed in Athens
We spent two nights in Athens before heading to Piraeus Port, which was the perfect amount of time to explore the city. Athens is ideal for a short stay, and I felt we got a solid grasp of the city proper.
We stayed at Hotel Neoma, centrally located near the Acropolis and within walking distance of major attractions and great food. The rooftop restaurant deserves its own moment—breathtaking Acropolis views at night that felt straight out of a movie.
Exploring Athens
Our days were spent soaking up history, including visits to the Parthenon and Acropolis. If you’re traveling during peak season, please book tickets in advance. They sell out quickly, and you don’t want to miss this.
Timing matters too—it gets HOT at the top. Early morning or just before closing is your best bet for fewer crowds and less sun exposure. And wear good walking shoes; Athens is hilly and gave me serious San Francisco vibes in certain areas.
We also explored the Monastiraki district, full of restaurants, nightlife, and an overall fun, energetic vibe. Don’t miss the Instagram-worthy hotspot Attic, or the upscale dinner gem Hill, which offers fantastic sunset views and excellent food.
Boarding Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
Finally, it was time to board the Resilient Lady for the Greek Island Glow sailing.
If you’ve never sailed with Virgin Voyages, it’s truly an elevated adult-only cruise experience. From the sleek embarkation process to champagne flowing freely, everything is designed to make you feel like a VIP from the moment you arrive.
Splash of Romance: Worth It?
We opted for the Splash of Romance package ($250), and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat. You get:
*Priority boarding and reservations
*A complimentary “shake for champagne”
*A private cocktail hour
It easily paid for itself several times over.
After a smooth luggage drop and security process, we were officially onboard. The Happenings Cast welcomed us with high energy (including a twerk), and I knew immediately I was in the right place. A quick tour, room check-in (rooms are ready right away), and off to food we went.Pro tip: Start the safety video as soon as you enter your cabin—your electronic controls (yes, including the AC) won’t work until it’s done.Dining on Virgin Voyages
The Galley is essentially an upscale adult food court with everything from sushi to a popsicle and champagne cart. Virgin also provides to-go containers, which makes grabbing late-night snacks incredibly easy. Those sushi rolls and charcuterie boards came in clutch.
That evening, we dined at Gunbae, the Korean BBQ family-style restaurant and it’s a must. Virgin allows you to book dining reservations about 45 days in advance (earlier with status), and I highly recommend doing so even if you cancel later.
Our sail-away party was vibrant, high-energy, and yes even more champagne. Our first night we participated in the Grog Walk, an onboard pub crawl and a great way to acclimate yourself to the ship's offerings.Santorini: Flying Dresses & Beach Clubs
Our first port was Santorini. Depending on where you dock, you may need to tender to shore. Book your tender time as soon as it opens in the app.
Once ashore, you can take the cable car or brave the never-ending stairs to the city above. We had a tight turnaround because we booked a flying dress photoshoot and it was 100% worth it. Normally I avoid overly touristy experiences, but this one delivered. I’ve linked the photographer I used , along with my tips for getting the best results.
Afterward, we visited Santorini’s Red and Black Beaches. The Red Beach is tough to access but offers stunning views. We wrapped the day at Wet Stories Beach Club before heading back to the ship—just make sure to leave enough time for the cable car line, which gets long fast.
Rhodes, Bodrum & Scarlet Night
Rhodes: A Surprise Favorite
Day three brought us to Rhodes, which ended up being my favorite stop. Incredible beaches, a thriving resort area, and a catamaran excursion to quieter spots made this day unforgettable. I’ll absolutely be back.
That night, we tried Test Kitchen, an inventive small-bites experience. Not my favorite cuisine onboard, but late-night pizza and live music by Shevonne and The Force Band more than made up for it.
Bodrum, Turkey
Day four took us to Bodrum, known for designer-inspired shopping at a fraction of the cost. The Grand Bazaar is the spot for dupes, if that’s your thing. We opted to head back early to enjoy ship activities and prepare for Scarlet Night—Virgin’s signature all-red, anything-goes party. It’s wild, immersive, and goes as late as you can hang.Rhodes Excursion
Sea Days, Champagne & Mykonos Nights
Sea day is where Virgin truly shines. We brunched at The Wake, indulged in seafood towers, and found a quiet deck area when cabanas were booked.
And yes, shake for champagne is exactly what it sounds like. Shake your phone in the Virgin app, and champagne arrives in about 20 minutes. Someone please bring this concept to land life.
Dinner at Extra Virgin was another standout, followed by private-room karaoke and open karaoke with fellow sailors.
Overnight in Mykonos
Having an overnight stay in Mykonos was a game-changer. By day, we visited Branco Beach Club (freezing water, plush loungers). By night, we headed to Scorpio’s which is entirely worth the hype. Book early, splurge on table service, arrive for sunset, and enjoy one of the best nightlife experiences in Greece.
We wandered Old Mykonos, shopped, ate, and I had my first authentic gyro which did not disappoint.Final Days & Disembarkation
On our second Mykonos day, we treated the ship like a floating hotel. We secured a cabana, hosted a mini private party, and squeezed in more champagne. Dinner at Razzle Dazzle capped off the night, followed by a lucky run in the casino where I cashed out my remaining Sailor Loot (Virgin's onboard cash system) with a win.
Disembarkation back in Athens was smooth and stress-free, off the ship within 30 minutes, which perfectly summed up the Virgin experience. Final Thoughts: Is Virgin Voyages Worth It?
Greece checked every bucket-list box, and I was surprised to find that some of the lesser-hyped destinations ended up being my favorites. Virgin Voyages has officially become my cruise line of choice, and I already can’t wait to book the next one.If you’re considering a Mediterranean cruise, an adult-only cruise, or the Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow itinerary, I can’t recommend it enough.