October 8, 2025
A Virgin Voyages Mediterranean cruise is the kind of trip that spoils you for every other vacation. Think turquoise water, sun-warmed stone streets, and lazy afternoons that turn into rosé-fueled evenings. You’ll explore the best of the French Riviera, wake up in a new port each morning, and never once have to repack.
This isn’t your average cruise. It’s adults-only, 18 and up, which means no cannonballs in the pool and no chaos at the buffet (mostly because there is no buffet!). Every restaurant onboard is included and actually good. From healthy bowls and fresh seafood to handmade pasta, you’ll eat well without feeling weighed down. The vibe? Effortless. No formal nights. No forced fun. Just you, the sea breeze, and a seriously stylish ship.
And here’s a pro tip: if you want to make this Virgin Voyages Mediterranean cruise your own, book your excursions privately. Skip the crowded group tours and 8 a.m. departures. With a travel advisor who knows these ports (that’s where I come in), you can see each destination your way, on your schedule.
Marseille: France’s Most Surprising Port City
Marseille hums with energy. It’s France’s oldest city, but it feels alive in the most modern way. Wander through Le Panier, where colorful shutters and murals brighten every narrow street. Follow the scent of baked bread to a corner café, then make your way up to Notre-Dame de la Garde. Locals call her La Bonne Mère (the Good Mother) and she rewards you with the best view in town.
You can easily spend the day soaking up Marseille’s personality, but the region’s charm extends inland too. Art lovers will want to visit Aix-en-Provence, where painter Paul Cézanne once captured the light of Provence. Stroll the leafy Cours Mirabeau, stop for an espresso, and see why artists have chased this glow for centuries.
Wine lovers? Head to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of France’s most famous wine regions. Taste deep Rhône reds, explore the village of Avignon, and linger over lunch in a shady square. Every glass tells a story here.
Cannes: Glamour with a French Accent
Then there’s Cannes, where the line between everyday life and movie magic blurs in the best way. Keep your camera ready, you might spot a familiar face, but even if you don’t, the views steal the show.
Spend the morning wandering Le Suquet, the city’s charming old quarter with cobblestone streets and a hilltop view worth the climb. In the afternoon, stroll La Croisette (the seaside promenade), where designer shops, palm trees, and the sea all sparkle under the same Riviera sun. When in doubt, grab a seat at a beach club, order a glass of chilled rosé, and just watch.
Want a little more adventure? Cruise along the Golden Corniche (the famed cliffside autoroute) to St. Tropez, once a sleepy fishing village, now a playground for artists and icons. Or visit Monaco and Monte Carlo, where royal palaces, luxury yachts, and Grace Kelly’s cathedral make every moment feel cinematic.
Just a note: Cannes may require tendering, which means you’ll hop on a smaller boat to reach shore. But the ride gives you the best view of the Riviera, so it’s more treat than inconvenience.
Why This Cruise is Your Perfect Summer Escape
Between Marseille’s local flavor and Cannes’ glamour, this stretch of the French Riviera shows off the best of France. And you’ll see it all while sailing in true Virgin Voyages style, laid-back, grown-up, and completely stress-free.
This eight-night itinerary begins and ends in Barcelona, making it easy to fly in and out of Europe. Along the way, you’ll visit Mallorca, Corsica, and even Tuscany! Each stop offers its own blend of sunshine, coastal charm, and incredible cuisine. It’s the most seamless way to see some of Europe’s most beautiful seaside towns without ever unpacking twice.
If your idea of summer includes warm breezes, good food, and waking up somewhere new each day, a Virgin Voyages Mediterranean cruise might just become your favorite trip yet.
I’m Jennifer, founder of French Escapes Travel, and I help travelers plan unforgettable French and Mediterranean vacations that feel effortless from start to finish. Let’s design your perfect Virgin Voyages getaway together, one that’s fun, relaxing, and completely your style.
Learn more about me here or if your ready to talk travel here’s a link to my calendar to set up a call. Let’s start planning your next great escape.
