Embarking on a voyage with Virgin Voyages isn’t merely a cruise; it’s a journey into a world of luxury, excitement, and boundless adventure. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to set sail on the Scarlet Lady, exploring the sun-kissed shores of Miami, Key West, and the vibrant Beach Club at Bimini. Come along as I share my personal experience aboard this cruise line and show just what makes Virgin Voyages truly stand out in the world of travel.
What is Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages is a cruise that stands apart from traditional cruise lines. Founded by the visionary entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, the company seeks to reimagine the cruising experience for a new generation of travelers.
One of the most notable differences between Virgin Voyages and other cruise lines is its adult-focused experience. Unlike traditional cruise ships, which often cater to families and large groups, Virgin Voyages primarily caters to adults, creating a sophisticated, stylish atmosphere tailored to the needs and desires of grown-up travelers.
Another noteworthy distinction of Virgin Voyages is its approach to dining. Onboard a Virgin Voyages ship, culinary experiences are elevated to an art form. With a diverse array of dining options curated by top chefs from around the world, the only thing that makes it better is it’s all included. No buffets, extra cost restaurants, or main dining times.
Culinary Delights
You can make reservations for the specialty dining or you can try the walk up wait list. I made reservations for each specialty dining, as well as reservations for the two that offered brunch as well. They were all such different and unique options with such a variety. From fine dining Italian with tableside affogato to Korean BBQ cooked in front of you with whole group drinking games. All were very enjoyable, but I have to say my favorite was the Mexican restaurant- Pink Agave.
Outside of the extra restaurants, the Galley was AMAZING! It’s like a high end food court that is Virgin’s answer to the buffet. We ate their so often as there were just so many options to begin with, not including the daily rotating specials.
Overall, Virgin Voyages redefines the cruise dining experience, offering a culinary journey as memorable as the destinations themselves. With its emphasis on quality, creativity, and sustainability, Virgin Voyages really sets a new standard for dining at sea.
Setting Sail from Miami
My journey with Virgin Voyages began in the vibrant city of Miami, where the Scarlet Lady awaited just in the distance. I arrived with plenty of time to explore the city itself, including dining on some delicious Cuban food and savoring a quick Cortadito (a new found love). I checked out the shopping center close to the pier, which Virgin provides a transfer to and from. Once my boarding time had finally arrived, I couldn’t wait to set foot on the beautiful lady ship.
From the moment I stepped on board, I was enveloped in a world of sophistication and excitement. With stylish lounges, an energetic Happenings Cast, and stunning ocean views at every turn, the Scarlet Lady exuded an energy unlike any other.
The sail away party was full of high energy, free bubbly, and gorgeous night time Miami skyline views. It was incredibly obvious from that point, exactly the kind of time we were in for.
Exploring Key West
Our first port of call was the charming island of Key West, known for its colorful architecture, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere. From the bustling streets of Duval Street to the historic landmarks like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, there was no lack of things to do! This time we opted to not book an excursion ahead of time and instead spent time walking every inch of the island. We checked out shops, dining options, bars… you name it we saw it! We even ventured through the residential area and got the real experience. Of course, we also spent plenty of time see the famous chickens!
After doing plenty of exploring, we decided to embark on a last minute glass bottom boat tour. We went out to the reef, saw lots of incredible sea life while learning about it, and just got to have a really unique experience. The best part was stumbled upon a pod of feeding dolphins who then swam along with us for quite some time!
To end my time in Key West, I finally got to see the Manatee I had been looking for all day! The sea potato was hanging out right at the pier next to where I had to go to get back on the ship. Needless to say, it was a very successful day in Key West of culture, wildlife, and shopping!
The Beach Club at Bimini
Next on our itinerary was the Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyage’s private island paradise nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas. The port is not next to the beach club, but as soon as you disembark there is a trolley service provided to take you over. It was a nice relaxing little ride in the Bahama warmth.
One of the highlights of my time at the Beach Club at Bimini was the Float On pool party, where guests were invited to grab a colorful inflatable float and join the fun in the pool. With a DJ spinning lively tunes and the high energy of the amazing Happenings cast, there was nothing but good vibes all afternoon.
Beyond the pools, there is an expansive and oh so beautiful beach. Lined with plenty of chairs, loungers, and Bali beds… there was no shortage of relaxation here. Let’s not forget about the various bars scattered about and the quick service food (included!) on the beach to fill you up after participating in the beach games, swimming, and just soaking in the sun.
As the day wound down at the Beach Club at Bimini, the atmosphere shifted with the onset of evening. Live music filled the air, complemented by the crackling of a bonfire.
Reflecting on My Virgin Voyages Adventure
As my time with Virgin Voyages came to an end and the Scarlet Lady sailed back to Miami, I found myself grateful for the incredible experiences and memories created. From exploring new destinations to enjoying top-notch dining and entertainment, Virgin Voyages truly delivered an exceptional cruise experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to cruising, I highly recommend setting sail with Virgin Voyages for a journey that promises to be unforgettable.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of the wonderful planners at DizN Vacations! We will gladly help you set sail!
About the writer
Hey, I’m Rebecca Reynolds! I’m an independent travel planner with DizN Vacations at CS Elements Travel. I specialize in planning trips to Disney destinations, Universal Studios, and beyond. Outside of that, I’m a stay-at-home momma to four sweet little ones. I love travel and sharing my years tips and tricks on how to make the most of all your trips. If you would like help planning your next getaway, send me an email to rebecca@diznvacation.com
