A four-metre tall inflatable sea monster's tentacles flail in the ocean wind as a man in a red velvet jacket throws himself backwards into the pool.
Raving dancers cheer, lifting their boozy bevvy of choice high into the air as a sequin-clad Scottish drag queen grooves nearby.
It was clear to see Scarlet Night, as Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages calls the biggest party event on board its ships, was a hit with Aussies.
READ MORE: What we loved the most about Virgin Voyages, as Richard Branson's cruise firm heads to Australia
A MerMaiden Voyage
We were on the firm's first cruise in Australia – dubbed the 'MerMaiden Voyage' after the mythical sea creature – a five-day jaunt from Melbourne to Hobart and Burnie in Tasmania.
However, despite the rather lively Scarlet Night, which is held once on each cruise, we also discovered Virgin Voyages isn't just for party animals.
It might be adults only – but you don't have to be young to fit in either.
In fact, we were told the average age on board was mid-fifties, with a lot of folks in their 70s and older.
The best things we ate on Virgin Voyages' first Aussie trip View Gallery
The vessels, of which Resilient Lady is one of three, are designed to feel like massive "super yachts."
Cabins have tablets to operate the lights, TV, and curtains, and are a nice place to spend downtime, though some might find the bathroom a bit of a squeeze.
Add to that a tattoo parlour, men's grooming salon, lavish spa complete with a 'mud room,' and it's clear the firm has gone all out to stand out.
READ MORE: Sophie's travel mishap left her with just $81 to her name
Traditions ditched
Branson has done away with a lot of cruising traditions.
There's no tipping, no traditional formal dining room, and definitely no swirly carpets or chandeliers as you may find on a regular cruise ship.
He's also included many handy things in the cruise cost.
You don't have to pay for WiFi or fitness classes – including funky workouts like bungee fitness and '80s VHS aerobics.
All your food is covered, apart from very few select dishes, as are soft drinks.
There are also no drinks packages – but that didn't stop folk enjoying the abundant glasses of free happy hour champers which come if you splash out on a 'rock star' suite.
There are the old favourites like karaoke, and quizzes on offer too.
However, we did miss a few of the cruise staples Branson has done away with.
For example, we rarely heard from the captain over the PA, there is no holiday-club-style entertainment director, and you won't find a towel animal on your bed at night. Sob.
Mishap getting on
We are assured the company has now sorted the normally easy cruise embarkation process, too.
The computer systems crashed at Port Melbourne ahead of our voyage, meaning passengers had to wait for hours to check-in.
Thankfully Branson himself – who was there to see off the ship – apologised to everybody in person before giving out free fizz onboard.
READ MORE: We review the $500 hairstyler that TikTok loves
Aussie faves
Meanwhile, Aussie cruisers are also being given a special welcome.
Australian favourites – including Allen's Lollies, freshly created Tim Tam-style cakes (christened 'Zim Zams'), Red Rock Deli chips, and bottles of Vegemite - have been loaded on board to make everyone feel at home.
A surprising drink was also stocked up just for Aussies, 9Honey was told.
"Peppermint tea!" Virgin Voyages Senior Director of Brand Billy Bohan Chinique mentioned, was ordered in especially.
Buffet banned
And while we're on the subject of food, just like on all cruise ships, it's decadent and delicious.
Resilient Lady has a mix of casual eateries which you can just rock up to, and more upscale restaurants which you can book via the app.
Our favourite restaurants were a Mexican spot, Pink Agave, for the tacos and The Wake for the lavish seafood.
Branson has famously banned buffets – there's too much waste – but The Galley is a great alternative.
It's a food court-style venue showcasing different cuisines from burgers and ramen to (more) tacos and an array of delicious cakes.
Some dishes are made to order while others are passed directly to you by staff.
Meanwhile, another casual dining spot, The Social Club, even has a lolly station plus regular and vegan hot dogs.
There, you can sip an alcoholic milkshake while playing board games, watching sport, or challenging yourself on the retro arcade games.
If you're still hungry, you can grab a pizza from The Pizza Place and finish off at Lick Me 'Till Ice Cream, the cheeky dessert parlour.
Coffee lovers need not worry either.
There are a couple of proper coffee shops where you can buy a barista-made cup for around $5.
The only place we wouldn't go back to was the experimental-style restaurant, Test Kitchen – we found all the dishes a bit weird.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, sign up here to receive our top stories straight to your inbox
The top-trending destinations for Christmas and New Year's View Gallery
Fresh entertainment
After dinner, just like on other cruise ships, you'll want to catch a show.
Virgin Voyages has worked with big-name theatre firms on land to bring something a little different to sea.
READ MORE: What the Christmas Day weather will be like in your city
From the dinner show Another Rose, which features dancers and acrobats performing literally on your tabletop, to the cheeky audience participation quiz, Miss Behave, it's a refreshing change from the usual musical crooners.
Plus, some nights you don't even need to stay on the ship.
Virgin Voyages ships tend to stay later in ports – or even overnight.
That means in places like Ibiza you could go clubbing before getting back on board.
We overnighted in Hobart, which isn't exactly known for its nightlife. However, reading a book on the balcony as the sun set over the city's harbour was no less memorable.
Taking trips
Of course, there are a range of tours you can book as well.
As usual with cruise ships, they are quite expensive – though Virgin is aiming to support sustainable local tourism which is a big plus.
When we docked in Burnie we discovered the town, once known as Australia's dirtiest because of all the industry, is a gateway to dramatic coastline and turquoise ocean.
We took a chairlift up an ancient volcanic plug called 'The Nut' to check out spectacular views.
We also ate in the cute little town of Stanley, whose heritage buildings were recently featured in the movie, The Light Between Oceans.
We reckon if you're new to cruising, Virgin Voyages would be a great intro.
Veteran cruisers who want to try a more modern approach to a holiday at sea should also give it a go.
The writer travelled as a guest of Virgin Voyages.
Virgin Voyages sails from Port Melbourne. Prices start at $1,450.
