Rock out with 80s stars on a luxury cruise
Enjoy sun, pampering, golden beaches, culture and 11 nights of live entertainment from pop heroes of the 1980s
GET ready to step back to the 1980s courtesy of an epic new Rock and Retro: 80s Extravaganza Sailcation from Imagine Cruising.
We’re talking 11 nights on a sunsoaked cruise around the Canaries, Spain and Portugal, with a star-studded line-up of entertainment co-headlined by former Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley and ABC’s lead singer Martin Fry.
But that’s not all. The ultimate 80s cruise will also include amazing performances from the likes of Toyah, T’Pau and Altered Images, and more brilliant nights out courtesy of celebrity DJs Bruno Brookes and Gary Davies.
The best part is that all of the acts are performing multiple times throughout the sailing, so there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a dose of nostalgia as you dance to some absolute classics from the iconic decade.
To top it all off, you’ll be sailing on Virgin Voyages’ brand new adults-only ship, Valiant Lady, where you can enjoy everything from outstanding dining to a luxury spa and memorable nights out. You can dance under the stars at Valiant Lady’s Aquatic Club, unwind on the pool deck, indulge in lavish treatments at the Redemption Spa, or check out some of the entertainment programme inspired by fringe festivals from around the world.
As for dining, you’ll be spoiled for choice whether you tuck into à la carte steak and seafood at the Wake, indulge in some plant-based treats at Razzle Dazzle, or fill up on mouthwatering Mexican delicacies at Pink Agave. For something a little different, head to The Test Kitchen, an onboard culinary laboratory and restaurant!
It’s going to make for a memorable trip but if you’re really after an everlasting memento, you may want to consider a trip to the ship’s very own tattoo parlour, Squid Ink.
It’s not just the glamorous onboard offerings that make this a
bucket list-worthy cruise holiday – the itinerary itself is gloriously luxurious too.
We’re talking some seriously sunsoaked destinations, whether that’s beautiful golden sand beaches or vibrant cities steeped in culture.
The first port of call will be the Spanish city of La Coruña, famed for the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use, the Tower of Hercules. Another highlight includes the Casa Museo Picasso, the recreated house where artist Pablo Picasso and his family lived when he was 13.
Another exciting port of call will be Madeira, where you can enjoy breathtaking views at the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, or enjoy the crystalline waters where you could even spot some of the whales and dolphins that reside here.
From Madeira you’ll head straight to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, with plenty of time to explore the picture-perfect beaches ( featuring everything from unusual black sands to picture postcard golden shores), dormant volcano Mount Teide, or just wander along the bustling promenades to be found with heaps of restaurants and shops.
Tenerife isn’t the only Canary Island on the cards – you’ll also have the chance to explore Gran Canaria, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve due to its diverse natural habitats and rugged coastline.
The final port of call will see you heading to Portugal’s bustling capital Lisbon.
Located in a natural harbour, the city has attracted various different civilisations so it’s filled with eye-catching architecture, as well as landmarks such as the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
IMAGINE Cruising’s Rock and Retro: 80s Extravaganza Sailcation offers an itinerary packed with sunsoaked destinations and star-studded entertainment. We take a look at what’s going to be on offer for those sailing away on the Valiant Lady...
Day 1: Embark Valiant Lady in Portsmouth
Spend a day exploring your new home at sea, from the brilliant restaurants to the pools and spa. In the evening, kick off the holiday with a performance from ABC lead singer Martin Fry, followed by music from DJ Gary Davies, all under the stars at the ship’s Aquatic Club.
Day 2: At Sea
Valiant Lady is going to be a hit with any foodie thanks to the diverse cuisine on offer, whether you’re after steak and seafood at the Wake, plant-based dishes at Razzle Dazzle, or want to tickle those taste buds at The Test Kitchen, arestaurant that doubles up as a culinarylaboratory. As sun sets, prepare foran evening of nostalgia and dancing courtesy of ABC and GaryDavies.
Day 3: La Coruña
Your first sunny port of call is the Spanish city of La Co r uñ a , which boasts beautiful beaches and cultural highlights such as the
Tower of
He r cules
(right), the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use, and Casa Museo Picasso, the recreated house where Pablo Picasso and his family lived when he was a young boy.
Day 4: At Sea
Holidays are all about relaxation and there’s plenty of that on offer with Valiant Lady whether you’re unwinding poolside, or indulging in some self-care a t the Redemption Spa where mud and salt rooms await.
Day 5: Madeira
The Portuguese archipelago has everything you could want for a memorable day out, whether you’re planning to explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, or go whale-watching on those azure waters. Back on the ship, you’ll be treated to an exclusive DJ set by Bruno Brookes.
Day 6: Tenerife
Today you’ll be heading to the largest of the Canary Islands where bustling promenades, spectacular scener y and abundant marine life await. After a day of exploring you’ll get to enjoy a night full of 80s hits thanks to a DJ set from Bruno Brookes.
Day 7: Gran Canaria
The second Canary Island on the itinerary offers such a wide array of lush habitats that it’s been deemed a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. In the evening it’s time for a dose of Girl Power courtesy of performances from T’Pau, Toyah and Altered Images.
Day 8: At Sea
Valiant Lady provides an entertainment programme inspired by fringe festivals around the world, with everything from themed brunches to karaoke rooms. In the evening you’ll get to enjoy more brilliant music from 80s stars T’Pau, Toyah and Altered Images.
Day 9: Lisbon
The Portuguese capital is an intrepid explorer’s dream with its cobbled alleyways, domed cathedrals and natural harbour. Aftera day of exploration, head back to the ship for an evening of ultimate 80s entertainment from co-headliner, former Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley.
Day 10: Lisbon
Following a night in port on the ship, you’ll get more time to explore the romantic city – one unmissable highlight being the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, Imagine Cruising guests can enjoy an exclusive performance from Tony Hadley.
Day 11: At Sea
A trip to Redemption Spa is a must for that extra R&R, with its speciality hi-tech facials and deep tissue massages. Alternatively, foodies may want to try more of the eateries, such as Mexicanthemed Pink Agave.
Day 12: Disembark Valiant Lady in Portsmouth
The ultimate 80s sailcation has come to an end, but you’ll have some incredible memories to enjoy. Those who visited the ship’s tattoo parlour Squid Ink may even have a visible memento too!