Desire Cruise Review – Mediterranean 2019: Why This Was My Best Lifestyle Charter Ever
If you’re searching for an honest Desire Cruise Review, you’re in the right place. I’ve sailed on over 150 lifestyle charters, including every Desire Cruise since they began, but the Mediterranean 2019 sailing stands out as my personal favorite. In this review, I’ll share exactly what made this trip so exceptional—from the entertainment and dining to the connections made onboard.
On the last night of the cruise, I found myself chatting with Mario Cruz—yes, the “It’s meeee, Maariooooo!” Mario—who oversees the onboard experience for Desire Cruise. I told him, without hesitation, that this was the best overall experience I’ve ever had with a lifestyle charter on this particular cruise line. And I’ve sailed with them often.
To give you context, I’ve been on the Journey or Quest 14 times in the past eight years. I know the subtle differences each charter operator brings. And this Desire Cruise truly delivered the perfect mix.
Desire Cruise Review – Mediterranean 2019
On the last night of the Desire Mediterranean Cruise 2019, I found myself in a lively conversation with Mario Cruz—yes, the “It’s meeee, Maariooooo!” Mario—who also happens to be the man in charge of the onboard experience for Desire Cruise.
This Desire Cruise Review comes straight from that trip, which I can honestly say was the best overall experience I’ve ever had with a lifestyle charter on this cruise line—and I’ve sailed with them many times.
To give you some perspective, I’ve been onboard the Journey or Quest 14 times in the past eight years, so I’ve gotten to know the subtle differences in the “special flavor” each charter operator brings. And while I’ve had many great sailings, this one with Desire Cruise stands out as the best overall.
What Made This Desire Cruise Stand Out?
A great cruise experience is never just one thing—it’s a combination of factors that come together seamlessly, and when they all align, the result is unforgettable. For me, an extraordinary Desire Cruise is the perfect blend of people, entertainment, dining, destinations, and, yes, even the weather.
It begins with the people and the connections, because the heart of any lifestyle cruise is the community you share it with, and on this sailing, I met some of the most fun, friendly, and open-minded couples I’ve ever encountered. And then there’s the entertainment and onboard experience, for Desire Cruise is renowned for its high-energy theme nights, sexy pool parties, and DJ sets that keep you dancing until sunrise, and on this trip, the entertainment team absolutely nailed it.
Of course, the dining and drink service played its part too, because the meals were consistently outstanding—fresh and flavorful, yet beautifully presented—and when you add exceptional service and premium drinks, the entire experience becomes pure indulgence. And while the ship was amazing, immersion into the destinations elevated the trip even further, since the Mediterranean itinerary was a dream, with each port offering unique excursions and opportunities to explore local culture.
And finally, there’s the weather, which is always beyond our control, yet when it’s perfect, as it was on this voyage, it enhances everything else, from lazy afternoons on deck to picture-perfect moments in port.
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Furthermore, after more than 150 full ship charters—35 of which were lifestyle cruises—I’ve learned something important: the best experiences happen when you already know a few couples before you step onboard. That familiarity transforms the first day from polite introductions into warm reunions.
That’s exactly why, for this sailing, I chose to join 20 other couples for a VIP pre-cruise tour in Monte Carlo three days before embarkation. Not only did it set the stage for incredible shared experiences, but it also ensured that from the moment I boarded, I already had a circle of friends ready to make the journey even more memorable.
Desire Cruise Review Mediterranean 2019: The People & Connections
For me, the number one factor in evaluating any lifestyle cruise—including this Desire Cruise Review for the Mediterranean 2019 sailing—is simple: the people I meet and the connections I make. After all, the heart of a great cruise experience lies in the relationships you build along the way.
On this trip, I’m happy to say, I made some of the best connections ever. The crowd came from all over the world, and they brought with them not only a variety of backgrounds and interests but also a shared sense of adventure and openness that made every interaction exciting.
Why Small Ships Make a Big Difference
In addition, one of the things I love most about a small ship like this is how easy it is to reconnect with people you meet. Because there are only so many places to “hide” on a vessel of this size, once you make a new friend, you’re almost guaranteed to bump into them again—often in the most unexpected and delightful moments.
Insider Tip: Connect Before You Sail
Furthermore, after more than 150 full ship charters—I’ve learned something important: the best experiences happen when you already know a few couples before you step onboard. That familiarity transforms the first day from polite introductions into warm reunions.
That’s exactly why, for this sailing, I chose to join 20 other couples for a VIP pre-cruise tour in Monte Carlo three days before embarkation. Not only did it set the stage for incredible shared experiences, but it also ensured that from the moment I boarded, I already had a circle of friends ready to make the journey even more memorable.
Insider Tip #1: Always join a pre-cruise event.
We shared incredible moments—laughing, exploring, and indulging in the kind of conversations and experiences that form deep, lasting friendships. It truly felt like lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Desire Cruise Review Mediterranean 2019: VIP Pre-Cruise Adventures
When I say this Desire Cruise Review is about connection, I mean real connection—the kind that starts even before you step foot on the ship. For the Mediterranean 2019 sailing, I joined TheSwingerCruise.com’s exclusive VIP Pre-Cruise in Monte Carlo, and it set the tone for the entire trip.
Talk about lifestyles of the rich and famous—we arrived at our 5-star host hotel by helicopter from Nice! Over the next three days, we shared incredible experiences that bonded our group in unforgettable ways:
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Backstage access to Monaco’s famous casino, including the secret passages and high rollers room.
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Fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in Eze, with breathtaking harbor views.
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Perfume creation workshop with the master “nose” from Fragonard, learning the art of scents and sensuality.
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Private wine cave tasting in Nice, sampling exquisite French vintages.
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Dancing the night away at the Negresco Hotel during the official Desire Cruise meet-and-greet.
How Pre-Cruise Events Transform the Onboard Experience
Not only did we enjoy luxury experiences, but we also shared them with new friends from around the world. The Desire Cruise crowd is warm, welcoming, and refreshingly down-to-earth—couples just like us.
One of the host couples told me they signed up to “host” the pre-cruise simply to push themselves out of their shy zone. Having a role gave them structure and an easy way to connect with others.
And here’s the magic: once onboard, we already had a fabulous group of friends. Many of them knew other guests from previous cruises, so our circle of friends expanded instantly.
Built-In Wingmen (and Wingwomen!)
By sharing our preferences, we discovered our new friends were happy to be “unofficial wingmen,” helping us meet the kind of couples we most enjoy spending time with. And let me tell you—there were plenty of sexy, interesting couples that were exactly our cup of tea.
What I love about the relaxed atmosphere on a Desire Cruise is that there’s space for deeper conversations, genuine connections, and a sense of ease you just don’t find on larger, more frenetic charters.
This pre-cruise wasn’t just an add-on—it was the foundation for making the Mediterranean 2019 Desire Cruise one of the friendliest, most fulfilling lifestyle travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Desire Cruise Review: Upgrades to the Program
No Desire Cruise Review would be complete without talking about the upgrades—and the Mediterranean 2019 sailing had some standout additions.
More Ways to Meet & Connect
One notable upgrade was the daily meet & greets hosted by Michael & Holly, often organized by language or geographic region. These made it easy for guests to connect with others who shared a common background.
Dr. Jess O’Reilly also brought her signature flair, teaching classes like Full Body Orgasm and hosting a large group mixer on Day 2 that was as sexy as it was social. And that’s just a taste—there were classes and workshops every day, with sea days offering even more learning opportunities.
With only 344 couples onboard, the ship’s size made it easy to find like-minded guests. For us, a kinky or “swinky” couples meet & greet would have been a welcome addition, but we still connected with similar couples through Claus and Katrina’s kink-focused sex-ed sessions—both educational and, well… stimulating.
Exclusive Agency Events
Another tip: if your travel agent is onboard, they may host private events. On this sailing, TheSwingerCruise.com sponsored a VIP party on Day 2 featuring candy girls and an open premium bar exclusively for their clients. It was a lively, intimate way to meet fellow travelers.
Foodie-Friendly Socializing
As self-confessed foodies, we loved the Chef’s Table experience—interactive dining with top-notch food, wine pairings, and the chance to connect with others who appreciate great cuisine.
Meeting couples on excursions and inviting new friends to join you for dinner is another tried-and-true way to deepen connections on a Desire Cruise.
Desire Cruise Review: Entertainment Upgrades
Entertainment also got a boost on this sailing. Desire brought in their playmakers and entertainers from Cancun, adding that unmistakable “Desire at Sea” vibe. They hosted playful games, created a fun and flirty atmosphere, and kept the energy high—whether you wanted to jump in or simply enjoy the show.
Bottom Line: I give the people we met and the connections we made on this Desire Cruise a solid 5 Stars. The upgrades to the program made it even easier to connect, learn, and enjoy the onboard experience.
Next in This Desire Cruise Review Series:
Desire Cruise Review: Overview and Entertainment
Desire Cruise Review: Dining
Desire Cruise Review: Itinerary and Season
Desire Cruise Play Room Experience
Curious to join a future Desire Cruise?
Upcoming Sailings:
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Desire Greece & Turkey – September 2024
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Desire Rome to Barcelona – May 2025
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Desire Athens to Rome – September 2025
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Desire West Indies – February 2026
- Desire Mediterranean – August 2026
Past Favorites:
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Desire Rio NYE – December 2022
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Desire Venice to Rome – May 2023
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Desire Greek Islands – August 2023
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Desire Rio NYE Redux – December 2023
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Desire French Riviera – May 2024
