Virgin Voyages is a newer cruise line that is adults-only with so many inclusions. The brand started with the reputation of a risqué experience but has mellowed in the last year or so to a more mainstream experience that appeals to a wide range of adults. With 3 ships and a 4th coming soon they cruise the Caribbean and Bahamas, Europe, South Pacific, and Transatlantic crossings.
I recently sailed their 4-night Miami round-trip cruise on the Scarlet Lady that stopped in Key West and Bimini, Bahamas with a day at sea. Guests are called Sailors but the ship felt more like a hotel than a typical cruise ship. You won’t see dark wood paneling or nautical themes throughout the ship but rather bright and modern spaces.
Our stateroom was a Sea Terrace (photo below) which included a balcony with two chairs, a small table, and hammock. Bathroom had a rainfall shower head and refillable shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel dispensers. Interior and Oceanview rooms are available as well as suites called RockStar Quarters. These staterooms have extra perks including their own VIP entrance, private lounge onboard, and 24/7 agent attention (ie butler).
Pricing is very reasonable and with so many inclusions that are extras with other cruise lines such as Wi-Fi (upgrade onboard to stream, send emails, and other non-basic functions), gratuities (even alcoholic drinks have tip included), essential drinks (water, coffee/tea, juices, and soft drinks), and specialty dining.
What I loved about the cruise was the food! Virgin Voyages touts they don’t have buffets that waste food or a main dining room. The only downside to this is you need to make reservations for their “specialty dining” restaurants. These can be made via the app 60 days in advance for Rockstar Guests (VIPs) and 45 days for all other guests. I booked just a few weeks before sailing and nothing was available. Once onboard guests are able to make or adjust their dining reservations at a specified location and was able to book us dinner at Gunbae, Extra Virgin, The Wake, and Pink Agave which was all the restaurants we wanted to experience. Two other restaurants had availability, Test Kitchen and Razzle Dazzle, but we preferred the others.
When not eating, you can swim in one of the two pools. One pool is shallow with sun shelfs lining the pool and the other one is deeper with jets. The deeper pool is a bit warmer but not hot tub warm and has seating inside the pool. If you don’t have to get wet you will find plenty of outside seating all over the ship on multiple decks. We chose to book a cabana on our sea day which gave us a semi-private lounge with a dedicated attendant, welcome drink, and access to specialty items only served in the RockStar Quarters private area. You also get access to the thermal suite in the spa 3 hours either before or after your cabana rental.
Those that want to do more than just lounge have the option to work out or attend any of the complimentary fitness classes. There’s a walking track on the top deck, outside yoga deck, basketball court that turns in to a pickle ball court, boxing ring, and the fitness facility overlooks the ocean on one side and one of the pools on the other.
If you want to relax you can enjoy treatments in the spa, get pampered with a manicure or pedicure, haircut, blowout or mede-spa services. More adventurous sailors can get their first tattoo or add to their collection at the appropriately named Squid Ink.
Evenings can be lively or quiet depending on your mood. Each cruise has theme nights including PJ night and Scarlet Night where guests and crew wear red and they have a show on the pool deck. You can find a comedy show, several live music options, and the casino when not in port. With over 12 bars and lounges there are plenty of options for every cruiser including a brewpub, arcade, private karaoke booths, and champagne lounge.
Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a private island but does call on Bimini, Bahamas and guests have access to the Bimini Club to lounge, eat, drink and party. There is a large pool with DJ, two dining outlets, beachside loungers and daybeds, and RockStar guests have their own private space.
If you want an adults-only cruise that’s a little spicy that’s very reasonably priced then Virgin Voyages is perfect for you. Reach out to McAlpin Travel for pricing and availability.