Ad/Invite. We were invited to a ship visit of Resilient Lady whilst she was in Portsmouth recently. This was organised by Virgin Voyages and CLIA Europe.
Our visit gave us the opportunity to look briefly at a cruise line that we have not sailed with previously and which we felt would be useful to both us and our followers. As it was a change over day, we were able to see the ship with minimal capacity of `sailors’ although it did mean that most staff were busy readying for the next embarkation later that day.
Unfortunately the weather was not particularly in our favour so some of the photo opportunities were not how we would have wished. However the welcome was warm and friendly which makes such a difference.
There were quite a number of visitors to the ship so we were split into small groups for a brief tour. This took us to many of the venues including outside, when the weather gave us opportunity. There were several in the group that we know through social media and it was really nice to meet them again. In particular though we met our friends Lizzy (Travels with Lizzy Lou) and Luke and Gavin (Cruise Monkeys) who have previously sailed with Virgin Voyages and so could help with our orientation.
It was suggested that we look for the unusual and that is certainly right. Rather than just look at the rooms, it was interesting to see that there were many interesting, almost sculptural, features everywhere.
There is an overwhelming sense of fun aboard and its obvious that many areas and activities are geared towards bringing out the child in you. Whether it is exercising on the seesaw or taking part in the Pyjama Party Night there will be something for everyone.
An area that is taken seriously is the food. From speciality dining to buffet style dining the food has a good reputation. As a group we were offered to have lunch in the buffet. Ken and I felt the need to taste the burgers and other options were also available from traditional British fare to more exotic dishes from around the world. All prepared fresh at the cooking stations and all served to you.
Straight after lunch we were able to have some free time to perhaps re-visit areas of the ship we had not previously seen or did not have time to photograph. Our friends made sure we made the most of this extra time, even being able to access Richard’s Rooftop for a quick photo opportunity before the new `sailors’ arrived.
The visit ended with a quick get together with a glass of bubbly to see us off (or soft drinks if preferred). A final opportunity for a photograph with some of the other visitors and it was time to head home.
Our thanks to Virgin Voyages and their staff who looked after us, together with CLIA Europe and Choose Cruise without whom this visit would not have been possible.