Champagne & Cyclades: A Virgin Voyages Celebration

Our Greek adventure began with an international journey from Houston to Athens, connecting through Paris. After a short layover and a weather-related delay en route to Athens, we landed around 9 pm—greeted by warm Mediterranean air and the excitement of the week ahead.

To ensure a seamless arrival, we pre-arranged private airport transportation through Welcome Pickups. Our driver was exceptional, proactively monitoring our delayed flight and keeping us informed every step of the way. After a long travel day, that level of communication and service made all the difference.

We checked into the beautiful Herodion Hotel, a modern and chic boutique property located just steps from the Acropolis and within walking distance of the charming Plaka neighborhood. The staff welcomed us warmly, immediately setting the tone for a wonderful stay. Our spacious room featured both a small living area and a separate bedroom—an ideal setup after international travel. A fresh fruit plate awaited us upon arrival, a thoughtful and refreshing touch.

Day One: Plaka & The Acropolis

We began our first full day exploring Plaka, wandering through its lively streets filled with artisan shops and handmade crafts. For lunch, we indulged in our first authentic Greek gyro—and it did not disappoint. Greek cuisine is one of our favorites, and every bite was incredible.

That afternoon, we joined a guided walking tour of the Acropolis. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought centuries of history to life through detailed storytelling. Standing atop the hill overlooking Athens, we were completely in awe. Seeing the Parthenon up close and reflecting on how such an architectural wonder was created so long ago was a humbling and unforgettable experience.

After returning to the hotel to freshen up, we enjoyed cocktails at the lobby bar, set within a stunning glass-enclosed atrium. Later, we headed to the rooftop bar and restaurant for small bites and drinks. With breathtaking views of the illuminated Acropolis, it was pure magic and the perfect way to end the day.

Day Two: The Acropolis Museum & rooftop dining

With warm September temperatures, we spent much of our second day enjoying the comfort of air conditioning while exploring the Acropolis Museum. Newly opened about a year prior to our visit, the museum is a must for history lovers. Its modern design and thoughtfully curated exhibits beautifully complement the archaeological site above. I highly recommend dedicating several hours here to fully appreciate the artifacts and historical context.

That evening, we discovered a charming restaurant near our hotel with rooftop dining. We enjoyed another fantastic meal—this time savoring lamb moussaka that was absolutely unforgettable.

Virgin Voyages: Celebration Sailing on Resilient Lady

This Virgin Voyages cruise was an especially memorable one—it was Virgin’s very first Celebration Cruise, and Sir Richard Branson himself was on board!

Embarkation day started with one of the things I love most about Virgin Voyages: later boarding times. There’s no chaotic early morning rush like on many other cruise lines. The process was organized, relaxed, and incredibly smooth. Virgin uses staggered arrival times, and once you check in, boarding flows efficiently. Luggage drop is simple, security moves quickly, and before you know it, you’re stepping onboard with champagne in hand.

And yes—the Champagne started flowing immediately for sail away.

In my opinion, Virgin does the best sail-away parties at sea. The energy is high, the music is pumping, and everyone is ready to celebrate. By the time Sir Richard Branson appeared alongside Hostess Abi, the party was in full swing—and he was clearly having the time of his life. It was such a unique and electric atmosphere that you simply don’t experience on traditional cruise lines.

We had one sea day on this itinerary before our first port in Rhodes. We actually chose to skip Rhodes because we were having so much fun onboard Resilient Lady. Between the elevated dining, vibrant entertainment, and the adults-only atmosphere, the ship itself truly becomes the destination.

Bodrum & Ephesus

Our next stop was Bodrum, where we booked an excursion to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. This was an incredible guided tour where we walked along the marble streets of the ruins, soaking in the history and architecture of one of the most impressive ancient cities in the region.

After exploring the ruins, our guide brought us to a villa where Turkish silk rugs are handmade. We enjoyed lunch there before watching a demonstration of how silk is spun and woven into intricate rugs. It was fascinating to see the craftsmanship and tradition behind each piece.

Our final stop that day was the believed final home of the Virgin Mary. Walking through this peaceful and historic site was a meaningful experience and a beautiful way to end the tour. It was a full and unforgettable day—and by the time we returned to the ship, we were completely exhausted.

Santorini

Santorini was next, and as many cruisers know, it is a tender port. We had a private guide arranged for the day and decided not to wait for the cable cars to reach the top of the cliffs.

Instead… we walked the zig-zag path up with the donkeys.

In 100+ degree heat.

Never again.

It was absolutely brutal and a lesson learned! Once at the top, we met our driver who took us to Akrotiri, an ancient village discovered and preserved beneath volcanic ash. Viewing the ruins from the elevated platforms was fascinating and gave great perspective into the island’s history.

We then visited a winery overlooking the caldera for a wine flight paired with spectacular views. It was a welcome reward after our uphill trek. Before returning to the port, we stopped for a late lunch at a local restaurant recommended by our guide. It was a long but incredibly rewarding day filled with culture, history, and unforgettable scenery.

Mykonos & Delos (overnight port)

One of the standout features of Virgin Voyages is their overnight port stays—something few large ships offer.

We docked overnight in Mykonos, which allowed us to fully enjoy the island without watching the clock. We wandered through the charming whitewashed streets and stopped for drinks at the famous Jackie O’s. The vibrant nightlife and relaxed island energy made the evening feel effortless and fun.

The following day, we took a boat over to the ancient island of Delos. This guided tour was another highlight—our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and we learned so much about the ancient civilization that once thrived there.

Before we knew it, our seven-day cruise had come to an end.

• Athens heat: If traveling in summer or early fall, prepare for extreme heat. Bring a refillable water bottle and consider packing a cooling towel you can wet and place around your neck. The heat is no joke—especially when touring the Acropolis or walking uphill in Santorini.

• Transportation in Athens: Pre-arranging airport transfers is highly recommended. Welcome Pickups was easy to use via the app and provided excellent communication. While taxis are available, pre-booking removes stress after long international flights.

• Acropolis strategy: Book a guided tour early in the morning to avoid peak heat and crowds. Wear sturdy walking shoes—surfaces are uneven and can be slippery.

• Santorini tender ports: Expect lines for cable cars during peak season. Either go early, book a private transfer arranged in advance, or be prepared for a climb (but not in 100-degree heat!).

• Embarkation on Resilient Lady: Download the Virgin Voyages app ahead of time. Check-in, select your arrival window, upload travel documents, and reserve dining before sailing. Embarkation is smooth and modern—more boutique hotel vibe than traditional cruise terminal chaos.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises and Greece pages.