Cheerie Dorris

My favorite vacation is always the most recent one, and my group cruise on Virgin Voyages this past August was truly spectacular. We began with a few days in Athens to explore the iconic sites before boarding the new Resilient Lady. The cruise took us to enchanting destinations like Rhodes, Santorini, Bodrum, and Mykonos. I traveled with a diverse group of clients, including teachers from Oregon, clients from Kentucky, Texas, and Florida, and everyone had an unforgettable time. 

The highlights of this trip were numerous but having two days in Mykonos allowed us to fully experience both its vibrant nightlife and daytime offerings like shopping and swimming. The cuisine onboard was exceptional, and the ship itself was a beauty, featuring incredible entertainment options. This journey held profound meaning for me as it was initially planned with my mother for 2021, but her passing in 2019 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic delayed our plans. Traveling with my daughter, we felt Mom's spirit with us. 

As a travel advisor, every trip leaves a lasting impact and broadens my knowledge. It's the little details, like taxi wait times in Bodrum during the afternoon or the affordability of Uber in Athens, that I continue to discover. And of course, the invaluable tip to dine at a rooftop location in Athens to witness the breathtaking sight of the Acropolis at night – a memory my clients and I will always cherish.