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In Detail: 2024 Eat and Drink Festival Across Virgin Voyages Fleet

Virgin Voyages is elevating the on-board dining and drinking experience again this year, for its Sailors with the return of the eagerly anticipated Eat and Drink Festival for 2024. We look at what is to come this year!

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The Dock Mezze Cart snacks
The Eat and Drink Festival returns for the 2024 season, details have been announced © Photo by Virgin Voyages

As confirmed last week, Virgin Voyages is elevating the on-board dining and drinking experience again this year, for its Sailors with the return of the eagerly anticipated Eat and Drink Festival for 2024. This festival promises a culinary and mixology adventure across its fleet, featuring unique events and experiences designed to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

A person, sitting in a restaurant, drinking red wine.
The Eat and Drink Festival return for 2024© Photo by Virgin Voyages

Let’s dive into what’s new and what Sailors can look forward to at this year’s festival:

Offerings On Each Ship

On-Board Events Scarlet Lady Valiant Lady Resilient Lady
Asian Night Market at Sea
Seven Sea Sippers
Brand New Menu at Test Kitchen
Shhh… A Pop-Up Speakeasy
Amuse Bouche at Signature Eateries
Spirited Dinner Series at The Wake
Afternoon Tea Cocktail Extravaganza at Sip
Let’s Get Choco-Lit
Master The Art of Wine (Red)
Master The Art of Wine (White)
Master The Art of Wine (Rose)
Meat & Cheese, If You Please
Shot For Shot
Acai What You Did There

Itineraries Participating in This Year’s Festival

Scarlet Lady

  • 30 June 2024: The Irresistible Med (7 nights)
  • 7 July 2024: French Daze (7 nights)
  • 14 July 2024: The Irresistible Med (7 nights)
  • 21 July 2024: French Daze (7 nights)
  • 28 July 2024: The Irresistible Med (7 nights)

Valiant Lady

  • 30 June 2024: Riviera Maya (5 nights)
  • 5 July 2024: Dominican Daze (5 nights)
  • 10 July 2024: Fire Sunsets & Soirees (4 nights)
  • 14 July 2024: Mayan Sol (5 nights)
  • 19 July 2024: Dominican Daze (5 nights)
  • 24 July 2024: Fire Sunsets & Soirees (4 nights)
  • 28 July 2024: Riviera Maya (5 nights)

Resilient Lady

  • 30 June 2024: Greek Island Glow (7 nights)
  • 7 July 2024: Adriatic Sea Greek Gems (7 nights)
  • 14 July 2024: Greek Island Glow (7 nights)
  • 21 July 2024: Greek Island Glow (7 nights)
  • 28 July 2024: Adriatic Sea Greek Gems (7 nights)

Events and Offerings in Detail

Asian Night Market at Sea

Available on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady

For the first time, Virgin Voyages introduces the Asian Night Market at Sea, a vibrant celebration of Asian culture and cuisine. Hosted in The Galley, this event will allow Sailors to embark on a culinary journey through Asia, sampling authentic dishes and refreshing beverages that encapsulate the spirit of the continent’s rich cultural tapestry.

View Menu

Noodle Around eatery in The Galley© Photo by Virgin Voyages®

Seven Sea Sippers

Available on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady

Seven Sea Sippers offers a unique twist on the traditional bar crawl. Sailors will follow a treasure map, reminiscent of one Captain Jack Sparrow would treasure, leading them to discover popular ship bars and taste seven distinctive cocktails or mocktails. Along the way, they’ll collect stamps and possibly uncover hidden treasures.

View Inside Look

New Tastes at Test Kitchen

Available on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady

The Test Kitchen will debut its third tasting menu, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert. This menu is a fusion of molecular gastronomy, fresh ingredients, and global flavors, promising an innovative culinary journey for all who attend. Click here for more info
.
View Menu

Shhh… A Pop-Up Speakeasy

Available on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady

Virgin Voyages introduces a unique pop-up speakeasy concept, Shhh…, offering an immersive, phone-free experience. This “Stowaway Sanctuary” features world-renowned bartenders from Miami, Barcelona, and Athens, turning a unique space aboard into an intimate cocktail haven.

Amuse Bouche at Signature Eateries

Available on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady

Across Virgin Voyages’ Culinary Collective, Sailors can start their dining experience with specially crafted amuse-bouches. These inventive starters are the perfect introduction to a meal that promises to be an unforgettable culinary masterpiece.

Spirited Dinner Series at The Wake

Available on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady

This exclusive event features a four-course meal paired with a selection of fine spirits, beers, or wines. Crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, the Spirited Dinner Series at The Wake is an intimate culinary event not to be missed.

A table set for bottomless brunch at The Wake eatery onboard Scarlet Lady.
The Wake is a popular bottomless brunch spot on board Virgin Voyages ships© Photo by Virgin Voyages

Afternoon Tea Cocktail Extravaganza at Sip

Available on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady

Blending the charm of traditional British tea with innovative mixology, this event is a sophisticated break in the day. Sailors can enjoy herbal tea flavors, teapot cocktails, and an exquisite pairing of single malt whiskey and chocolate.

Let’s Get Choco-Lit

Available on Scarlet Lady only

A must-attend for chocolate lovers, Let’s Get Choco-Lit is a culinary demonstration on the Scarlet Lady where Sailors can learn to craft chocolate pralines and rocher treats, delving deep into the world of chocolate.

Master The Art of Wine

Available on Scarlet Lady (red and white), Valiant Lady (red, white and rose) and Resilient Lady (red and white)

Offered in three variations (Red, White, and Rosé), these wine tastings at The Wake will guide Sailors through a sensory journey, teaching them to appreciate the nuances of different wines.

Meat & Cheese, If You Please

Available on Valiant Lady only

This culinary demo, exclusive to the Valiant Lady, teaches Sailors how to craft the perfect charcuterie board, including Instagram-worthy salami roses and cheese zippers.

Shot For Shot

Available on Valiant Lady only

Hosted in The Test Kitchen on the Valiant Lady, this interactive class combines mixology with photography, teaching Sailors to create signature cocktails and capture their creations through the lens.

Acai What You Did There

Available on Resilient Lady only

Available on the Resilient Lady, this experience focuses on creating tempting açaí bowls with a variety of healthy toppings, perfect for those seeking a fresh and nutritious treat.

Gunbae Korean BBQ
Virgin Voyages continues to set an exceptional standard for food on board cruise ships© Photo by Virgin Voyages

Conclusion

The 2024 Eat and Drink Festival across Virgin Voyages fleet promises an array of experiences that cater to every taste, from immersive cultural explorations to intimate culinary events. Sailors are in for a treat as they discover new flavors, engage in unique experiences, and perhaps even uncover a few hidden treasures along the way.

About the author

Co-Founder and Director. David has a background in web design and development and writes travel content, vacation guides and tips about Virgin Voyages.


11 Comments

  1. Katrina Raymond says:

    Spirited dinner at the Wake-
    Is this available every evening or
    What evening is this taking place please? Athens sailing 21-28
    Thanks

    1. Rob Sammons says:

      Hi Katrina, I believe its taking place every evening but best to check your event line up

    2. jorge m figueiredo says:

      Was extremely delighted experiencing the patron dinner @the wake during or valiant lady voyage and hopefully this becomes a regular addition to more sailings

  2. Janice Toyoda says:

    Sailing the season pass in August on the Scarlet Lady – will the new Test Kitchen menu be available then? Hope, hope….

    1. David Todd says:

      Yes, it should be part of the rotation with Menu A and B

  3. Quanita Miller says:

    Is the Asian Night Market at Sea free or do I have to pay?

    1. Rob Sammons says:

      The Asian Night Market will be included with the fare 🙂

      1. Sarah Smith says:

        Is there a specific date for Asian night or every night/day

        1. Rob Sammons says:

          It’ll be listed in your event line up, should be up to 3 times for a 7 night voyage

  4. aron levy says:

    sounds great but when will we get exact list of happenings and do any of these events cost extra ?

    1. Rob Sammons says:

      Anything with alcohol included will be extra, we likely won’t find this out till the first Eat and Drink festival. Events like the Asian Night Market will be included.

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