Virgin isn’t just in the hotel and airline business. Cruisers will be pleased to know that Richard Branson’s hospitality brand has high-seas adventures too, setting sail from romantic and intriguing ports of call, including Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and Alaska in the United States.
Internationally, Virgin Voyages ships Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady sail to the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa, to name a few of the inspired ports of call. Joining the fleet in 2025 will be Brilliant Lady with an inaugural sail from New York City to Bermuda’s Kings Wharf.
My first Virgin Voyages cruise was aboard the Valiant Lady, a 1404-cabin ship that set sail from Miami, which was convenient to my home on the west coast of Florida. Our four-day voyage took us to two scenic destinations—Key West and Bimini—each with its own unique charm and style.
However, the real magic of the trip lay in the Rockstar Status access, the exhilarating parties, the breathtaking performances, and the unparalleled service.
The Rockstar Life at Sea
One of the standout features of a Virgin Voyages cruise is their ‘Rockstar Status’, and if you’re craving an indulgent VIP experience, this is the way to go.
Even before we boarded the Valiant Lady, we were ushered through a VIP entrance for a swift check-in process. Crewmates instructed us how to use The Band, wearable technology that doubled as keys and payment systems. With now digging through my bag for cards or cash, the entire cruise was a seamless, touch-free experience from beginning to end.
Part of being a Virgin Rockstar is access to Richard’s Rooftop on Deck 16, a private members-only outdoor space for parties and pre-dinner drinks with other rockstars: think endless Moet & Chandon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and refreshing frozen rosé sangria.
We enjoyed these sunset happy hours on expansive chaise lounges and sipped champagne while soaking up the turquoise sea views in one of the ship’s most stunning spots. It was a perk that felt both private and social, and was the perfect space to kick off the night’s festivities.
Unwind by a pool, in a casino, or at one of the numerous restaurants aboard
Food For Food Fans
Forget what you think you know about cruise ship food. Dining on the Valiant Lady was another experience entirely and Virgin Voyages has done away with the typical cruise buffets and offers an array of diverse restaurants and eateries to suit every taste, from food truck fare to mult-course feasts.
Each meal is a made-to-order culinary journey, whether a taste of international street food, a high-end steakhouse dinner, or comfort food classics. The freedom to choose when and where to eat adds to the casual yet luxurious atmosphere on the Valliant Lady. Plus, the ease of simply scanning our bracelet to settle the bill made it effortless. Check out the restaurant list here.
Have I mentioned the champagne carts?!
No matter where we were on the ship, it seemed like a champagne cart rolled up, ready to pour another glass of bubbly, giving us the sensation of surprise and delight (and indulgence) around every corner.
Dining options range from street food nibbles to multi-course meals
A Night to Remember
The most iconic event of the cruise was Scarlet Night. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill theme party; it’s a dazzling, immersive experience that feels like something out of a dream. With passengers dressed in crimson, the ship transformed into a sea of red on the pool deck, where the party truly began.
Picture this: we’re standing under the stars, surrounded by vibrant lights, while acrobatic performances unfold above us.
Dancers and performers swung from ropes, and the music created an electric energy that kept the crowd moving. It’s hard to put into words just how creative and thrilling this event was. We danced on the pool’s expansive shelf where the water rose only calf-high while red confetti fell all around us. It was a scene straight out of a fantasy—a moment that encapsulated the cruise’s ethos of fun, bold, and uninhibited enjoyment.
Sip cocktails at one of the numerous bars inside and out
Explore Key West
When we weren’t reveling in the onboard fun, we explored some fantastic destinations. Key West was our first stop, a place that oozes charm and history. We hopped on the famous Conch Train Trolley, a leisurely way to see the sights and get a sense of the town’s laid-back vibe.
The ultimate literary tour, however, was the Hemingway House. No trip to Key West is complete without a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, a must-see destination for literature lovers and history buffs alike. Nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West, this home offers a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most iconic writers.
The famous scribe lived in this Spanish colonial-style house from 1931 to 1939, during which he produced some of his most famous works, including parts of For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Snows of Kilimanjaro.
Ernest Hemingway lived in this Spanish colonial Key West house from 1931 to 1939
The home is as well known for its six-toed cats as for Hemingway himself. These cats, known as polydactyls, are descendants of Hemingway’s own pet cat, Snow White, who was gifted to him by a sea captain. Today, nearly 60 cats roam the property, and many still carry the distinctive six-toed trait. The Hemingway cats have become legends, adored by visitors from around the world. They add a quirky, living link to the writer’s legacy, as they freely wander the house and grounds.
After touring the home, stop at Books & Books, owned by author Judy Blume (Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret?). A haven for book lovers it’s a quaint, carefully curated bookstore with a perfect collection of local and global reads.
For a bit of local color, venture to Captain Tony’s Saloon, an iconic bar with as much history as character.
As the oldest bar in Key West, Captain Tony’s is the stuff of legend with dollar bills pinned to the walls and stories of famous patrons woven into its lore. It’s a stop that added a fun, casual vibe to our otherwise luxe itinerary. Jimmy Buffett fans will know Captain Tony’s from his song, Last Mango in Paris.
Bimini Beauty
Our second stop was the stunning island of Bimini, a jewel in the Caribbean. This is where our Rockstar Status truly shone. We boarded a catamaran to head out to the shimmering turquoise waters, where we had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with stingrays. The gentle creatures gracefully glided through the water, allowing us to feed and interact with them—a magical experience that felt surreal.
After a delicious lunch onboard, we sailed back to Bimini to spend the rest of the afternoon at Richard’s Beach Club, a swanky, serene retreat reserved exclusively for Rockstars.
With plush daybeds, attentive staff, and a private stretch of the beach, it was the perfect way to unwind. We sipped tropical cocktails, sifted through the soft Bahamian sand, and let the gentle rhythm of the waves set the tone for a lazy, luxurious afternoon.
Adults-Only Fun
It’s worth noting that the adults-only aspect of the Valiant Lady is a significant part of what makes this cruise so appealing. Without kids onboard, the ship was a haven for adults seeking both relaxation and vibrant nightlife. The party atmosphere was always fun and engaging, but never over-the-top. There was plenty of space for quieter moments as well, whether that meant lounging on a daybed at the pool or enjoying a romantic dinner. It’s a unique balance—invigorating but never chaotic—that Virgin has perfected.
Seamless Embarkation & Disembarkation
One of the stress points on any cruise is the embarking and disembarking process, but Virgin has streamlined it to make it as easy as possible.
From the moment we arrived at the port in Miami, it was smooth sailing, literally and figuratively. The use of wristbands made entry and purchases hassle-free, and we were able to settle into our cabin without any delays or confusion.
Disembarking at our ports and upon return was equally efficient, allowing us to maximize our time enjoying the trip instead of dealing with logistics.
A Cruise Like No Other
Virgin’s Valiant Lady cruise was unlike any other sea voyage I’ve experienced. It perfectly blended luxury, adventure, and fun, all wrapped up in an adult-only atmosphere that never felt too rowdy or too reserved. Whether you’re looking for thrilling nightlife, a luxurious escape, or unforgettable excursions, this cruise has something for everyone, whether it’s an afternoon puzzle competition, chilling by the pool, or playing a few rounds of Blackjack in the casino.
Evening entertainment isn’t standard Broadway shows and magicians (which are always fun), but instead shows like: Untitled DanceShowPartyThing, which features an eclectic cast dancing to everything from Vivaldi to Beyonce. The audience stands around the stage, so they are free to dance, too. There is even a section for dances everyone can do, like the electric slide and the macarena.
The stage even moves, starting on one side, and then pivoting to the other. Crew members are on hand to make sure everyone is still standing afterward.
Unwind in a terrace hammock, a feature of some of the ship’s staterooms
For travellers who want to pair wellness and fitness with relaxation and revelry, Valiant Lady’s state-of-the-art gym and luxurious spa facilities are a balance of indulgence and self-care.
The gym is stocked with the latest machines and free weights as well as classes that target everything from cardio to strength training equipment. A specialized “Build & Balance” room focuses on stretching and core exercises.
Join in a yoga, Pilates, and HIIT session with expert instructors or indulge at the Redemption Spa, a tranquil escape designed with a soothing aquatic theme, with luxurious treatments, including facials, massages, and body scrubs.
One of the most unique elements of the spa is the thermal suite, complete with a hydrotherapy pool, heated marble loungers, and a mud room. Whether you’re indulging in a treatment or simply relaxing in the serene atmosphere, the spa provides the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge.
A Crew That Goes Above and Beyond
All of this would not be possible without a top-notch, attentive crew. From the moment we boarded, the entire staff exuded warmth and professionalism. Whether assisting with dining reservations, answering questions, or simply greeting us with a smile, the crew onboard ensured we all felt like a VIPs.
They were friendly without being overbearing and always available without hovering—an essential balance that added to the carefree vibe of the cruise.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Fun fact about Virgin Voyagers: Passengers are called “Sailors” and can “shake for champagne” on the app to have a bottle delivered to their rooms.
- Go behind the scenes: For $200 per person, you can schedule a 2.5-hour bridge tour and see the seas from the captain and crew’s point of view.
- Whether you shop before or after booking, be sure to dress for Scarlet Night. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “party person,” this event is not to be missed. You will find yourself dancing in the pool, and don’t worry: You can relax the next day, reminiscing about the previous night.
- Most cabin balconies have red hammocks for relaxing or napping.
- The eco-conscious Virgin brand addresses plastic pollution in marine and coastal environments by crafting the bracelets from BIONIC® Yarn, equal parts functional and stylish. Our lightweight eco-chic accessory stood up to water and was a unique post-voyage keepsake.
About Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is one of the newest cruise lines at sea, bringing the world-famous Virgin service and experience to Sailors across the world. Our ships are making waves; for 2024 Virgin Voyages was awarded #1 Best Large Cruise Ship by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, again! We were also awarded #1 Mega Cruise Ship by Travel + Leisure – World’s Best Awards.With a total fleet of four adult-only cruise ships, each with a superyacht-inspired design, along with the latest technology, luxurious accommodations, and amenities all delivering an unrivaled at-sea experience.
Book your cruise at Virgin Voyages
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Author bio: Kerry Kreisman
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Photos from VirginVoyages.com
