My 225-square-foot home for seven days of cruising the Mediterranean Sea felt bigger than I expected.
When I booked the sea terrace room with the adults-only cruise line Virgin Voyages in 2023, I was prepared to feel cramped in the tiny space, especially since I was traveling with someone else.
I’m glad I was wrong.
My cabin on Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady ship had a starting rate of $5,910 for a weeklong stay for two people, though Business Insider paid a media rate for the cruise.
The cruise sailed round-trip from Barcelona to ports in Italy and France, including one overnight stay in Ibiza. I spent more time in my room than I thought I would because it was so comfortable and luxurious. Here’s a look at every detail that made it worth the price.
Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady ship has 1,408 cabins and suites. My room was toward the back of deck 12.
I booked a third-tier stateroom with a balcony — a step above sea-view cabins, which have only a window, and two steps above an interior room with no view.
The room was 225 square feet, including the balcony. I thought the cabin efficiently used the tiny space without sacrificing luxury details.
Inside was a queen-size bed, a desk, a bathroom, and plenty of hidden storage compartments. Considering the room’s small size, I was surprised by the ample floor space. I never felt too confined in my cabin.
At the front of the cabin, the bathroom was stocked with toiletries and storage spaces to keep the counter clutter-free.
The bathroom felt luxurious thanks to a rainfall showerhead. Wall shelving made it easy to keep the space looking tidy.
Across from the bathroom, an iridescent curtain hid the closet.
Inside, I spotted a shelf with two empty bins for extra storage and a cabinet holding emergency life vests, towels, a safe, and drawers I filled with clothing.
Next to the closet, the desk against the wall had an ottoman tucked underneath it. I thought this made the room feel bigger.
Beneath the desk, I spotted a hidden mini fridge, which I used to keep my drinks cold.
I thought the vibrant, round mirror above the desk added a unique touch of luxury.
At the back of the room, there was a comfortable queen-size bed. Next to it, a thin nightstand was light enough to move around the room as needed.
I learned from the Virgin Voyages app that crew members could transform the bed into a couch upon request. This made the cabin feel more like a living room during the day.
The cabin also had an in-room tablet with entertainment and smart controls.
I didn’t have to leave my bed to change the lighting or close the curtains.
From “hangover” to “photo shoot,” different tablet settings changed the mood lighting throughout the room.
The best part of the cabin was the balcony. It had a table, chairs, and a large, netted hammock.
I spent a lot of time on my balcony during the voyage. With the fresh air and sunset views, I thought it was worth the upgrade for a private outdoor space.
With multipurpose furniture and plenty of storage, I thought the 225-square-foot room was big enough to keep two people comfortable.
I’d definitely book a sea terrace cabin with Virgin Voyages again. And I’d recommend it to adult travelers who want to feel wrapped in luxury at sea.
Read the full article here
