Navigating Europe: A Tale of Two Cruises
Hello, fellow sailors!
It’s Amanda here, your Europe cruise expert at Real Family Travels. Today, we’re setting sail into the enchanting waters of Europe on a journey through two incredible cruise experiences: a 12-night European cruise with a well-known cruise line and a 12-night European voyage with Virgin Voyages. This comparison is a true-to-form, bona-fide comparison of ACTUAL bookings on both cruises. Both cruises promise unparalleled excitement, luxury, and unforgettable memories, but how do they stack up against each other? Let's dive in and explore these marvellous journeys!
Setting the Scene: Traditional Cruise Line vs. Virgin Voyages
Europe’s charm lies in its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time explorer, these cruises offer unique experiences to ensure your adventure is nothing short of spectacular.
Traditional Cruise Line: The Classic Luxury
Our first cruise is with a well-known, traditional cruise line that's renowned for its extensive amenities, family-friendly atmosphere, and superior service. This 12-night European cruise spans a diverse array of destinations, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in everything from ancient ruins to bustling cities.
Itinerary for Traditional Cruise Line:
Day 1: Southampton, England (Boarding, Departs at 5:00 PM)
Day 2: Cruising
Day 3: La Coruña, Spain (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Docked)
Day 4: Cruising
Day 5: Madeira (Funchal), Portugal (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Docked)
Day 6: Lanzarote, Canary Islands (10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Docked)
Day 7: Las Palmas, Canary Islands (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Docked)
Day 8: Tenerife, Canary Islands (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Docked)
Day 9: Cruising
Day 10: Lisbon, Portugal (9:00 AM - 11:59 PM, Docked)
Day 11: Cruising
Day 12: Cruising
Day 13: Southampton, England (Arrives at 5:30 AM)
Highlights of Traditional Cruise Line:
Ports of Call: Expect stops at iconic locations such as La Coruña, Madeira, Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Tenerife, and Lisbon, each offering rich historical sites, stunning architecture, and vibrant local cultures.
Onboard Experience: The ship is a floating city, complete with world-class dining, Broadway-style shows, and an array of recreational activities like rock climbing and ice skating.
Family-Friendly: With dedicated kids’ clubs, teen lounges, and family excursions, this cruise line is perfect for travellers of all ages.
Virgin Voyages: The Chic Adventure
Virgin Voyages, the fresh face of modern cruising, promises an adult-only haven with a unique, laid-back luxury vibe. This 12-night European voyage invites you to experience Europe like a local, focusing on immersive, off-the-beaten-path destinations and nightlife experiences.
Itinerary for Virgin Voyages:
Day 1: Portsmouth, United Kingdom (Departs at 6:00 PM, local time)
Day 2: Sailing
Day 3: Sailing
Day 4: La Coruña, Spain (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, local time)
Day 5: Lisbon, Portugal (Arrives at 6:00 PM, local time)
Day 6: Lisbon, Portugal (Departs at 6:00 PM, local time)
Day 7: Sailing
Day 8: Casablanca, Morocco (7:00 AM - 11:59 PM, local time)
Day 9: Sailing
Day 10: Málaga, Spain (8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, local time)
Day 11: Sailing
Day 12: Ibiza, Spain (8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, local time)
Day 13: Barcelona, Spain (Arrives at 6:30 AM, local time)
Highlights of Virgin Voyages Cruise:
Ports of Call: Visit picturesque and lesser-known spots such as La Coruña, Lisbon, Casablanca, Málaga, Ibiza, and Barcelona, offering a mix of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural experiences.
Onboard Experience: A relaxed, sophisticated ambiance with high-end dining experiences, wellness programs, chic bars, and unique entertainment options like drag shows and silent discos.
Adults Only: Perfect for couples, groups of friends, or solo sailors looking for a more mature and refined experience without the hassle of traditional cruising norms.
Status Match: Virgin Voyages offers a "Status Match" program with most of the popular cruise lines, allowing you to enjoy similar perks and loyalty rewards.
Price Comparison
To help you make an informed decision, let's compare the total costs for both cruises.
Choosing Your Adventure
If you’re looking for an adults-only, more modern and chic voyage with a focus on unique experiences and a contemporary vibe, Virgin Voyages will meet your needs. Its adults-only policy ensures a tranquil environment with a sophisticated twist, perfect for those who want to explore Europe in style and intimacy.
Conclusion
Whichever cruise you choose, both our traditional cruise line and Virgin Voyages promise a European journey that you’ll cherish forever. From ancient cities and stunning landscapes to luxurious onboard experiences, there is no wrong choice when you’re setting sail with Real Family Travels.
So, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable European adventure? Let’s plan the cruise of your dreams and #CollectMemoriesNotThings!
For additional savings - see Virgin Voyage's current offer!
Reach out to me, Amanda, at amanda@realfamilytravels.com or call (226) 374-9878, and let’s get cruising!
To browse the sailings Virgin Voyages has to offer - CLICK HERE!