The Only Innocent Thing is the Name

Marseille

When you dock in the picturesque port of Marseille, France, everyone else will set off to wine tastings and lavender fields, but not you. You’re here for something much better.

A short drive away is the town of Lacoste and the ruins of the Chateau of the infamous Marquis de Sade. Here he hosted orgies, wrote smut, and corrupted the town’s young men and women until he was finally exiled in 1772.

Purchased and partially restored by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin before his death, the castle and nearby town now host fashion shows, a design school, cafes, and charming restaurants. You know, that cute French stuff you can show Grandma, because you probably won’t be sharing the rest of this vacation’s pictures.

Cannes

It’s a short day in port here at Cannes, but you can do a lot if you plan your day right.

Here I recommend wandering down La Crossett, admiring the high-end shops — Gucci, Prada — and grabbing a few pastries. You can also oogle the designer yachts in the harbor and lux sports cars in this rich-kid’s playground.

Down on La Crossett beach, you’ll find one of the area’s only sand beaches. And yes, La Crossett is famously topless. This is France guys.

Olbia

Olbia, the main port on the Italian island of Sardinia, is known for its historic churches and ancient tombs. But we can do something more adventurous than that, can’t we?

Take a leisurely drive up the coast to Liscia Ruja beach and get ready to get comfortable, really comfortable, at one of Sardinia’s most beautiful nude beaches. Although known as a gay hotspot, Liscia Ruja welcomes all.

Take a dip in the beautiful warm waters, grab lunch at one of the seaside restaurants, and keep your eyes out for dolphins who are known to come splash with visitors. Hey — if a dolphin steals your bathing suit here, at leastyou don’t have to make up an excuse.

Ibiza

Ibiza is known as the party capital of the world, and Virgin Voyages gives you a full day and night here to make the most of your time on the island.

There are clubs that cater to every taste on Ibiza, but we think you’ll like 2 in particular.

Liberty Club is called the island’s “liberal club” but we’re not talking politics here. You decide how far to go - whether you just want to flirt, show off, watch, or go for more, Liberty Club is a classy, clean, and safe place for couples to explore.

For those with a kinkier side, Arte e Fetish is Ibiza’s only BDSM club. This elegant, Gothic inspired bar and club is woman-owned and caters to couples and singles of all orientations. It also hosts workshops, shows, and themed nights.

At Sea

Sea days on the Valiant Lady are whatever you want them to be.

Start your morning with poolside yoga or spin class. Get some fresh ink at the on-board tattoo parlor. Dine at nine themed eateries (all at no extra upcharge of course). At night you can visit the casino, record store, clubs, or see a unique show.

Or invite some new friends back to your cabin with its innovative furniture that easily changes from bed to couch for entertaining (and back to bed again, just in case).

Barcelona

Your cruise starts and ends in the beautiful Catalan city of Barcelona.

Here you can explore the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter and take in the madness and brilliance of Gaudi’s architecture.

No visit to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the famous Museu de l’Erotica. This museum catalogues the history of sex and erotic art from the Paleolithic up to modern times.

If you want to spend more time in Spain we can create multiday, custom itineraries before or after your cruise using Barcelona as your base. Just let us know what you have in mind!