Philipsburg
Castries
Antigua And Barbuda
Oranjestad
Saint Lucia
St. John's
Sint Maarten
San Juan
Cartagena
Aruba
Overview
Cruise Itinerary
San Juan's picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Ships will dock at this port.
Top Things to Do in San Juan:
- explore the El Yunque Rainforest
- visit the Bacardi Rum Distillery
- visit Fort Cristobal and the Old Town
- play a round of golf at the Palmes del Mar Golf Resort
- sail in San Juan Bay
Cartagena is a feast for the senses, with its consistently warm air, bright colours, history and nightlife. Filled with legends, romance and splendour, the walled city features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural sites. Ships will dock at this port.
Top Things to Do in Cartagena:
- join a walking tour through the city
- visit the Rosario Islands
- explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
- visit the chocolate or emerald museums
- wander the streets of Old Town and the Plaza Santo Domingo
Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. The capital of the Caribbean island Curacao, Willemstad is famous for its technicolour UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Ships will dock at the port.
Top Things to Do in Willemstad:
- explore Christoffel National Park
- snorkel in Caracas Bay
- ride the trolley train through Willemstad
- relax on Cas Abao Beach
- visit the Hato Caves
- join an underwater tour in a semi-submarine
Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast, the island's arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast.
Top Things to Do in Aruba:
- 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
- explore the islands capital, Oranjestad
- climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
- swim and relax at Eagle Beach
- snorkel or dive the Antilla shipwreck
Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.
Top Things to Do in Oranjestad:
- 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
- visit the National Archeological Museum
- climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
- swim and relax at Eagle Beach
- snorkel at De Palm Island
Saint Lucia is the quintessential island paradise, with the majestic peaks of the Pitons, the splendour of lush rainforests, and the blue-green waters of the Caribbean breaking just off shore. Here, the mix of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions. Enjoy a leisurely morning visiting Sulphur Springs, the world's only drive-in volcano, where you can relax in therapeutic mud baths and hot springs. For a taste of local culture, head to Castries Market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts.
In Castries, cruise ships dock at Pointe Seraphine or La Place Carenage. Both terminals are conveniently located within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of the city center, making it a quick 5-minute drive or a pleasant 15-minute walk. Pointe Seraphine is the primary terminal, featuring duty-free shops and a range of local craft stores, while La Place Carenage offers easy access to the central market.
To explore further, consider taking a taxi or a water taxi to Marigot Bay, roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles) south, about a 20-minute drive. Alternatively, arrange for a guided tour to the island's iconic Pitons, which are 45 kilometers (28 miles) away, typically a 1.5-hour drive. Local buses are also an economical way to see the island's stunning landscapes.
Antigua and Barbuda beckon with their pristine beaches and vibrant history. For beach enthusiasts, Antigua presents a different shore for each day of the year, like the tranquil Half Moon Bay. Adventure seekers can explore the mysterious caves at Two Foot Bay in Barbuda, offering a glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.
History buffs will find Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antigua, a compelling visit, showcasing the island's rich naval history. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda, one of the world’s largest, to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Culinary explorers can delight in the local cuisine, with seafood and Creole dishes highlighting the islands’ cultural melting pot.
Cruise ships dock at the St. John's Cruise Port, a bustling gateway mere steps away from the city's vibrant streets and markets. The terminal's location is ideal, placing visitors within a short walking distance (0.5 km, 0.3 miles, about 5 minutes) from the heart of St. John's. Here, colorful colonial architecture and local eateries welcome travelers seeking a taste of Antiguan culture.
For those looking to explore beyond the city, public buses and taxis are readily available. A popular destination is Nelson's Dockyard, roughly 19 km (12 miles, about 30 minutes) away, offering a glimpse into the island's rich naval history amidst stunning scenery. Remember, Antigua boasts 365 beaches—one for every day of the year—making any coastal excursion a must-do.
Sint Martin, a gem in the Caribbean, is renowned for its dual French and Dutch heritage. This unique blend offers travelers a diverse cultural experience. In the French capital, Marigot, visit the bustling open-air markets and savor gourmet dining, while in Philipsburg on the Dutch side, indulge in duty-free shopping and lively beach bars. Maho Beach, famous for its low-flying planes, is a must-see spectacle.
For nature lovers, the island offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Loterie Farm provides an adventurous escape with zip-lining and hiking trails. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies like conch fritters and guavaberry liqueur, which reflect the island’s rich culinary traditions.
Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten and it's port is conveniently located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from downtown Philipsburg, taking roughly 5 minutes by car or a leisurely 20-minute walk. Visitors can explore the vibrant Front Street, known for its duty-free shopping, colorful boutiques, and lively cafes. Transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and water taxis. Don’t miss a visit to the Great Bay Beach, just steps from the main shopping area, or venture to Maho Beach to watch planes land dramatically close to the shore.
San Juan's picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Ships will dock at this port.
Top Things to Do in San Juan:
- explore the El Yunque Rainforest
- visit the Bacardi Rum Distillery
- visit Fort Cristobal and the Old Town
- play a round of golf at the Palmes del Mar Golf Resort
- sail in San Juan Bay
Life Onboard Resilient Lady
Built like a super yacht and styled like a chic hotel for adult only guests, welcome aboard Resilient Lady. Read more
With wellbeing at the centre of your onboard experience, you can be totally active, completely relaxed or somewhere in-between. Read more
Cutting edge, boundary pushing productions, the epic Scarlet night and pop up performances make for lively onboard entertainment. Read more
Forget formal dining rooms and enjoy all inclusive, made to order dining at more than 20 city style eateries and restaurants. Read more
We’ve partnered with some of the industry's most esteemed mixologists to offer quality drinks without the premium price tag. Read more
We've taken care of all the details — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. Read more
Resilient Lady Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Resilient Lady' Reviews
Special mention goes to the fully stocked bar with top shelf spirits, bottles of Moet, white wine and beer that you're welcome to polish off as they were all included in the fare. Megarock Star Suites get their bar replenished for free, but it would take a serious drinker to get through all that was on offer. A second special mention goes to the shower. I’ll give a budget hotel 5 stars if it provides me with decent shower pressure and I don’t have to bend down to get under the shower head. Virgin has come up trumps with their rain shower and handheld attachment. There was plenty of room and the water pressure was fantastic! A final special mention relates to my particular suite – the “Cheeky Corner Suite”. While the suite wasn’t that large, the balcony was. As least as large as the cabin, with two loungers, Virgin’s trademark hammock, an outdoor couch, table and two chairs. Plenty of room to invite a few friends over for a tipple or three.
It’s not all praise however…on the first night of the cruise the Captain had the Resilient Lady powering down the east coast and my suite was shaking the whole night. I was on level 10 (and there are another 5 levels above me) so I’m unsure if they felt it too. On the second day and night the ship slowed down and it was fine. I’m assuming this was a result of being right at the back of the ship and I’m guessing on top of the engine room? It wasn’t comfortable.
As for the rest of Resilient Lady. Well, she’s brand new, so everything is spotless and clean and fresh. She’s huge, and if like me you get lost easily, you might want to bring your pedometer onboard with you – on your return you’ll be able to impress everyone with the amount of steps you made – to make up for all the food you inhaled. That’s a nice segue onto the meals onboard. We only scraped the surface with all the options available, suffice to say I think there’s something for everyone. From our freshly cooked pizza when we first got onboard, to Japanese Bento boxes of fresh fruit, hamburgers & chips, sweet treats, dinner over a Korean hot plate and the fancy Wake Restaurant in the aft. There are supposed to be 20 restaurants on board but I didn’t even get to see some of them. I also frequented two cafes to get my 4 daily double shot Flat Whites. Virgin’s cup sizes are wrong for Downunder (way to big) but with a few instructions I managed to get my barista to make them to my satisfaction. I’m pretty picky about my coffee, so most people will be more than happy. Espresso coffees are extra and come off your bar tab.
On such a short trip I didn’t get to visit the spa or gym, but they looked impressive. On the first night we went to a show – “The Rose” – which is the only show you have to pay for onboard - as it includes drinks and dinner. I’m not sure it’s for everyone, but I loved it. A visual feast for the eyes – I think it was a modern take on Romeo and Juliet, not that that mattered – but the meals and drinks are all interwoven into the show and done very cleverly. With Virgin being an adults only ship, the shows and entertainment are certainly more risqué than on a traditional cruise.
So would I recommend it – definitely yes – great value, great ship with lots to keep you entertained (I even had a go at Dodgeball!) and different to the other cruise lines out in the market. Who would I recommend it too? Virgin are at pains to point out their cruises are for everyone, you just need to be open minded and want to enjoy yourself. So yes, you’ll find 20 somethings onboard as well as 70 somethings and if you want to embrace the flamboyance of the brand you can, but equally there are lots of bars and quiet nooks where you can lose yourself in a book and escape other humans.
Brochure
Virgin Voyages Worldwide (2024-26)
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Virgin Voyages. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Virgin Voyages. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
