Virgin Voyages Review 2025 – A Detailed Day to Day Experience on The Valiant Lady!
Is Virgin Voyages worth it? Absolutely!
Virgin Voyages is truly making waves in the cruise industry, standing out as the only mainstream adults only cruise line.
With their impressive range of included amenities, their sailings offer a unique experience that’s quickly winning over the hearts of travelers.
Below, you’ll find our in depth day by day experience aboard the Valiant Lady.
Virgin Voyages is truly making waves in the cruise industry, standing out as the only mainstream adults-only cruise line.
With their impressive range of included amenities, their sailings offer a unique experience that’s quickly winning over the hearts of travelers.
Below, you’ll find our in depth, day by day experience aboard the Valiant Lady. Virgin Voyages Review 2025
Curious about our final verdict? Click here to see how we rated the Valiant Lady!
Virgin Voyages Review 2025
Is Virgin Voyages A Good Cruise Line?
Absolutely! Virgin Voyages is a great cruise line, especially if you’re looking for something fresh and different from the traditional cruise experience.
Their adults-only policy creates a more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, and they stand out for including perks like specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and group fitness classes in the base fare.
With modern ships, unique entertainment, and a focus on quality service and amenities, Virgin Voyages has quickly earned a reputation as an innovative and highly enjoyable option for adult travelers.
Read below our detailed review of Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady!
Virgin Voyages Review 2025
Virgin Voyages For Adults & Almost All Inclusive
What first drew me to Virgin Voyages was their unique “Adults Only” policy paired with a “almost” all-inclusive approach.
I was genuinely intrigued by Virgin Voyages’ adults-only policy. It’s the only mainstream cruise line to take this approach. While most other lines focus on families and would risk losing a big part of their business with such a policy, it was truly refreshing to see Virgin go in a different direction.
This unique focus instantly set them apart and caught my attention.
Virgin Voyages Amenities
Unlike most cruise lines…where you’re constantly hit with extra charges for drink packages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, specialty dining, fitness classes, and more…Virgin bundles nearly everything into your fare.
That combination is a game-changer, and honestly, I wish more cruise lines would follow their lead, at least when it comes to inclusions.
Yes, Virgin Voyages may look pricier upfront, but once the trip is over and you tally up all those typical cruise “extras,” you realize you actually come out ahead.
For example, Wi-Fi on other lines can run anywhere from $115 to $300 per device, gratuities are often $80 to $125 for a five night cruise, and specialty dining can easily be $40–$60 per person, per meal.
On Virgin, all of that is included and you get to enjoy specialty dining every night without a single upcharge. When you add it up, that’s $500+ in fees that are just part of your fare.
I genuinely believe that, in the next 5–10 years, paying separately for Wi-Fi and gratuities will be a thing of the past.
Virgin Voyages is leading the way. Their model just makes sense.
Wifi
Now, is the Wi-Fi fast? In my experience, it worked just fine for everyday needs like browsing, emails, and social media. If you need to stream video or do lots of video calls for work, you might want to upgrade to their faster package, but for most travelers, the included Wi-Fi is totally adequate, just a bit slower than what you might be used to at home.
Alcohol/Bar Tab
Drinks aren’t included, but Virgin’s “Bar Tab” concept is a refreshing change from the traditional drink package. Instead of paying $500–$600 per person for a package you might not fully use, you can load up a bar tab and get bonus credit to spend as you go.
For example:
- $200 Bar Tab = $225 to spend
- $300 Bar Tab = $350 to spend
- $500 Bar Tab = $600 to spend
- $750 Bar Tab = $925 to spend
- $1,000 Bar Tab = $1,250 to spend
It’s flexible, shareable, and you only pay for what you actually drink.
Another nice touch: sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks are included. No need for a separate “soda package” like on some other lines.
Virgin’s included options cover:
- Still and sparkling water
- Non-pressed juices
- Fountain sodas
- Drip coffee and tea (with tea bags available in The Galley)
For our trip, we chose a five night itinerary to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Bimini, Bahamas. One of the highlights for us was the exclusive Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin’s private resort just for their guests. (More on that later in the post!)
Virgin Voyages Cabins
Sea Terrace – Balcony Room
We booked a Category TR “The Sea Terrace” (aka Unobstructed Balcony) cabin, located at the aft (back) of deck 13 on the Valiant Lady.
Let me just say… having a balcony cabin was incredible! I always recommend going for a balcony on Virgin Voyages (and honestly, on most cruise lines). It’s totally worth it.
Technology/Room Tablet
The moment you walk in, the room literally greets you. The curtains automatically open, the lights come on, and you’re handed a tablet that controls everything from the lighting to the TV.
You can even set the “mood” lighting, and yes, there are some pretty personal settings if you catch my drift. Wink.
The tablet acts as a remote for both the room and the TV. It did lag a bit here and there, which got a little annoying, but overall, it’s a fun, modern touch.
Hammock/Room Layout
One of my favorite features was the hammock on the balcony. I spent way more time out there than I expected! Some people might think it’s a bit gimmicky, but for me, it was a highlight.
The modular design of the bed and the smart use of space in the room were a breath of fresh air compared to the cookie cutter layouts you see on other cruise lines. From the fresh pitcher of water to just the right amount of cabinet space, we really appreciated the thoughtful setup.
Now, for our one big gripe: the bathroom.
While the stand up shower had a bit more room, the rest of the bathroom felt extremely cramped. There just wasn’t enough space to get ready comfortably, and my wife ended up doing her hair and makeup outside the bathroom most of the time… which is definitely not her usual routine.
For a room that’s advertised as being “expanded,” the bathroom size was a letdown. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely something we wish had been better.
Ship Movement
Another thing we noticed once we set sail was the ship’s movement. The Valiant Lady isn’t the biggest ship out there, and on our trip, the seas were a bit choppy.
The ship rocked quite a bit more than I’ve experienced on similar cruises, even though the storm wasn’t that intense. It made me wonder if the stabilizers or technology on board could use an upgrade.
Hopefully, that’s something Virgin Voyages will address in the future.
Our First Meal – “The Galley”
After we got settled into our cabin, our first stop was The Galley a vibrant food hall made up of several “mini restaurants” and walk-up counters, each with its own specialty:
The Galley Restaurant Options
- Diner & Dash: Classic American diner favorites
- Bento Baby: Japanese bento boxes
- Burger Bar: Freshly made burgers
- Let’s Taco Bout It: Tacos and Mexican-inspired bites
- Hot Off The Press: Pressed sandwiches and paninis
- Noodle Around: Ramen and noodle bowls
- The Daily Mix: Salads and healthy bowls
- Sweet Side: Pastries, desserts, and sweets
- Grounds Club Too: Specialty coffee and espresso drinks
And let me tell you, I was a huge fan! Unlike the typical cruise ship buffet, the lines here were always manageable, and you could actually watch your food being made fresh right in front of you at most stations.
Galley Restaurant Reviews
Diner & Dash.
Diner & Dash quickly became our breakfast go-to. The omelets, hash browns, and chicken sausage were so good that my wife and I are still talking about them!
The best part? Breakfast is served 24/7, just like a real diner. This is a game changer for anyone who likes to sleep in or craves breakfast after a late night out. Virgin nailed it.
They also mixed things up with daily world cuisine specials.
One day it was rosemary garlic lamb steaks with specialty rice, another day grilled chicken kabobs with pita and Middle Eastern sides, and even Indian dishes that my wife loved.
The quality was right up there with the specialty restaurants.
Burger Bar.
Burger Bar was always solid. Fresh, juicy burgers every time. They had some themed burgers (including a green one loaded with avocado) that weren’t my thing, but the classic burgers hit the spot, especially for someone from Houston like me.
Hot Off The Press.
Hot Off The Press became one of my favorites. The pastrami sandwich was phenomenal, and I always finished off my meal with their Nutella and chopped banana toast drizzled with jam. Absolutely delicious!
The turkey and Swiss was another great choice. Hot Off The Press is consistently good.
Noodle Around
Noodle Around was decent. Nothing outstanding, but a nice change of pace when I wanted something different.
Bento Baby
Bento Baby surprised me with some of the best sushi I’ve had at sea. While it’s not the best sushi I’ve ever had, it definitely satisfied my craving.
I especially liked the seaweed garnish, which had just the right balance of sweet and savory. Another consistently good Galley Option.
Let’s Taco Bout It.
Let’s Taco Bout It had a more limited menu, mostly focused on pork options, so we didn’t visit often. But I did overhear other guests raving about it, especially the carnitas, so if that’s your thing, it’s worth checking out.
The Daily Mix
The Daily Mix offered fresh, creative salads and a variety of daily soups. It was a far cry from the usual cruise ship salad bar. My wife loved starting her lunch here, and I found myself coming back for the soups.
A very solid and consistently good option in The Galley.
Sweet Side
Sweet Side was hit or miss for us. The morning parfaits were a nice touch after breakfast, but we found many of the pastries a bit on the dry side. Your mileage may vary!
Galley Overall Experience
Overall, The Galley was a refreshing change from the typical cruise buffet. The focus on fresh, made to order food really set Virgin Voyages apart in my mind.
Sail Out Party
After finishing our meal, we decided to explore the ship on our own, taking in all the unique spaces and modern design touches that set Virgin Voyages apart.
Wandering from deck to deck, we got a real feel for the ship’s vibrant atmosphere before eventually making our way up to the Lido deck to get ready for one of Virgin’s signature events: the Sail Out party.
Unlike the typical sail away parties you might find on Carnival or Royal Caribbean, Virgin’s Sail Out is a whole different vibe. Instead of just a casual poolside gathering, the event felt more like an upscale dance club. Complete with free flowing, bottomless champagne and a high energy atmosphere.
The “Happenings Cast”—Virgin’s entertainment crew, kept the energy up, mingling with guests and encouraging everyone to join the fun. The music was pumping, the crowd was lively, and you could feel the anticipation building for the adventure ahead.
The Sail Out party genuinely felt like the official kickoff to our vacation. After years of cruising, I can honestly say this was the first time a sail away event felt truly fresh and different. There was a contagious sense of excitement and novelty in the air, making it clear that Virgin Voyages is committed to shaking up the traditional cruise experience.
Gloomy Skies
Unfortunately, Miami decided not to cooperate with the weather that evening, and the skies opened up with rain just as the party was getting into full swing. But the Happenings Cast didn’t miss a beat! They quickly moved the festivities indoors to “The Manor,” the ship’s stylish onboard nightclub.
The transition was seamless, and the party kept rolling with just as much energy and enthusiasm as before. The music, dancing, and free champagne continued, ensuring that the rainy weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
All in all, the Sail Out party was a blast. A true highlight that set the tone for the rest of our trip and showcased just how different (and fun!) a Virgin Voyages cruise can be.
GunBae
After the Sail Out party wrapped up, we headed over to “GunBae” for our 8:30 pm reservation. GunBae is Virgin Voyages’ take on Korean BBQ, and I have to say, it’s definitely a unique experience. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.
At GunBae, you’re seated with other groups, so it’s a communal dining setup. We ended up sharing our table with two other parties, which made for some lively conversation and a fun, social vibe.
If you’re looking for a more private or intimate dinner, though, GunBae might not be your best bet unless you can request a private table with the maître d’.
On the night we visited, the restaurant was packed.
When it came time to order, we expected the traditional Korean BBQ experience where you get to grill your own meats at the table. That’s not how it works here… the server actually does all the cooking for you.
It was a bit of a surprise, but we rolled with it.
The appetizers were a strong start. I went with the Dakgang Jeong (crispy chicken) and Japchae (a classic rice noodle dish), both of which were tasty and satisfying. My wife tried the Haemul Pajeon, a seafood and scallion pancake, which she found really unique and enjoyable.
For the main course, I ordered the Kalbi (beef short ribs) and some shrimp on the side, while my wife went for the Ojingeo, Nakji & Saewoo (a mix of squid, octopus, and shrimp).
A Rocky Ending To The Night
Here’s where things started to get a bit rocky. Some people at our table didn’t eat seafood, and others didn’t eat pork, which made the cooking order a bit tricky.
When we explained this to our server, she seemed pretty flustered and took a while to figure out how to accommodate everyone’s preferences.
Some guests ended up having their grilled chicken cooked in the back, and the manager eventually had to step in to suggest that the pork belly be cooked separately and the seafood saved for last, due to allergies.
To add to the confusion, our server disappeared for a while after putting the meat on the grill, leaving us to fend for ourselves and flip the meat so it wouldn’t burn even though we’d been told not to touch the grill. It felt a bit disorganized, and it definitely affected the flow of the meal.
As for the main dishes themselves, I thought they were pretty good overall. My wife wasn’t as impressed, but she didn’t think it was terrible either.
After dinner, the server led everyone in some drinking games, which is a signature part of the GunBae experience. While it was entertaining, it did feel a bit forced and some folks at our table clearly weren’t in the mood to participate, but the server kept encouraging everyone to join in.
All in all, we left GunBae full and in good spirits, but the awkward moments and the confusion with the food prep definitely put it at the bottom of our dining list for next time. It’s a fun concept, but the execution could use some fine tuning.
After dinner, we headed back to The Manor to keep the night going with the Happenings Cast. We joined in on the dancing and fun for a bit, but my wife was feeling tired, so we didn’t stay too long.
We decided to call it a night and rest up for the busy days ahead.
Fitness Classes
The next morning, I signed up for a core-focused fitness class.
As someone who stays pretty active, I honestly expected the class would just be a light warm-up before my real workout. I was wrong! My core was absolutely on fire by the end!
The trainer was fantastic, striking a perfect balance between supporting beginners and pushing the more experienced folks to step up their game. The attention to detail and personalized approach really impressed me.
I’d highly recommend the core workout class to anyone looking for a solid challenge. It definitely exceeded my expectations.
After the workout, my wife and I made our way back to The Galley for another round of that amazing breakfast I mentioned earlier in this post. Once we finished eating, we headed to the pool area to relax. I have to be honest, though the pool experience was a bit underwhelming.
Pool
Let’s rewind for a moment. One of Virgin Voyages’ standout features is its commitment to being a “young” adults-only cruise.
Even as parents ourselves, we really appreciated the break from the usual cruise crowds filled with teenagers and toddlers. It created a genuinely relaxing atmosphere that you just don’t get on most other lines, which tend to cater heavily to families.
Honestly, not having a pool full of kids was a huge plus. While we do have some issues with the pool area itself, the peace and quiet that comes from an adults-only environment definitely eliminated one of the biggest downsides of cruising for us.
Pool Negative Experience
Now, about that pool… it’s small. Really small.
The photos online don’t quite capture just how tiny it is. In fact, I’d say it’s more like an oversized hot tub than a true pool. The area was always packed, and I mean always.
A lot of cruisers assume that port days are the best time to snag a spot by the pool, but even when we came back early from Puerto Plata, finding a poolside chair was nearly impossible.
This was a recurring struggle for us.
We’d try waiting it out in the hot tub, hoping someone would eventually leave, but even after about 50 minutes, seats rarely opened up. And when they did, someone else would swoop in and grab them before we had a chance.
Strangely enough, the cabanas on the deck above were often empty. It feels like Virgin could do a better job encouraging people to use that space or making it more inviting for sunbathing.
Whenever we did manage to get in the pool, it always felt crowded and cramped. Like you were constantly about to bump into someone. There just isn’t enough space to go around.
If you’re a big pool person, I’d recommend setting your expectations low. This is definitely one area where Virgin Voyages has room for improvement.
The Dock
After our time at the pool… or at least whatever time we could manage there, we spent the rest of the afternoon just unwinding.
We headed over to The Dock, which turned out to be the perfect spot for a laid back vibe. The “bed” style loungers were incredibly comfortable, and it was easy to settle in, grab some snacks, and just relax.
The food at The Dock was solid.
I’d definitely recommend trying the shrimp and chicken thighs they were both delicious. The walnut and pomegranate dip was just okay for me, and the beet hummus was a little unusual flavor wise. Not bad, just a bit different than what I’m used to.
Unfortunately, my phone died while we were hanging out there, so I didn’t get any photos of the food. But honestly, the service at The Dock was excellent, and the whole atmosphere was incredibly peaceful, with a beautiful view over the south end of the ship.
If you’re someone who prefers a tranquil spot to relax rather than the party scene, I highly recommend spending some time at The Dock. It’s the ideal place to recharge and take in the scenery.
Razzle Dazzle
We headed back to our room to unwind and get ready for our dinner reservation at Razzle Dazzle. This restaurant quickly became one of our favorite specialty dining spots on the ship everything we tried was genuinely impressive!
To start, we ordered the Old Bay Chicken Wings, Fried Tomatoes and Okra, and the Green Goddess Salad. Each appetizer was packed with flavor and set the bar high for the rest of the meal.
For our mains, we went with the Slow Cooked Lamb Shank, Nashville Hot Cauliflower, and Napa Cabbage Wrapped Snapper. The lamb shank was my pick, and it was absolutely bursting with savory goodness I couldn’t get enough.
My wife had the snapper, and judging by her reaction, she loved every bite as well.
We wrapped up the meal with dessert, sampling the Rum Apple Cake, Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, and Brown Sugar Baked Pears. All three were delicious and made for a sweet ending to a fantastic dinner.
Overall, both the service and food at Razzle Dazzle were outstanding. We’re already looking forward to dining there again on our next Virgin Voyages cruise!
Duel Reality Show
After our delicious dinner at Razzle Dazzle, we made our way over to the “Red Room,” Virgin Voyages’ take on an interactive theater space.
The setup of the Red Room actually reminded me a bit of a high school gym. Think two movable bleachers and some unique, over the top side seating. It’s definitely not your typical cruise ship theater, but that’s what makes it interesting.
We caught the show “Duel Reality,” which was a thought provoking experience.
The way they used the space for the performance was really impressive, and the acrobatics were genuinely cool. The story woven throughout the show was engaging, and it definitely made you think.
Is Duel Reality worth checking out? Absolutely.
While I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to see it again, I’m glad we went. The creativity and energy were admirable.
“We Fancy” Party
After the show, we headed back to The Manor, the ship’s nightclub, to keep the night going with the Happenings Cast. That evening’s theme was “We Fancy,” and the party was in full swing.
The crew was out on the dance floor, mingling, dancing, and even performing alongside guests. The whole atmosphere was lively and interactive. Definitely a night to remember.
Just a heads up: keep your eyes open, because you never know when the next bit of entertainment will pop up around you.
With the party winding down, we called it a night, ready to wake up and explore Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic the next day.
Disembarking in the Dominican Republic was a breeze. Virgin Voyages really nailed the crowd management both getting on and off the ship. Everything felt smooth and never overcrowded, which made for a stress-free start to our day ashore.
After spending the day at a private beach, we returned to the ship and started getting ready for dinner at “The Wake,” followed by the much anticipated “Scarlet Night.”
The Wake
Once seated in the beautiful dining room, we kicked things off with the Corn Custard/Black Bean Salad and the Crispy Polenta. Honestly, neither appetizer wowed me, though my wife did enjoy the polenta.
The highlight at the start of the meal was actually the freshly baked bread and butter. Definitely a nice touch that helped make up for the lackluster starters.
For our main courses, we tried the Pan Roasted Salmon, Salt Baked Dorade, Filet Mignon, and Lamb Chops.
Unimpressed Experience
I wasn’t particularly impressed by the fish entrees, and while the filet was cooked to my preference, it ended up tasting a bit dry and underwhelming. Nothing really stood out.
The lamb chops, however, were quite good and would probably be my pick if I dined there again. I was hoping to try a different steak cut, but unfortunately, we couldn’t snag another reservation at The Wake during our cruise.
As for dessert, I honestly can’t recall exactly what we ordered since I didn’t get a chance to snap a photo of the menu. Like the rest of the meal, I found the desserts forgettable, but my wife seemed to enjoy most of what she tried after the appetizers.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed, especially since The Wake is often hyped as the “must-try” spot on board. For me, it was just “good” not great.
I’m open to giving it another shot in the future, but for this first experience, it didn’t quite live up to the buzz.
Scarlet Night
Scarlet Night is probably the most iconic event on Virgin Voyages. It’s what most people picture when they think of a Virgin cruise. There’s a reputation for wild, all out partying and a bit of chaos, but honestly, our experience wasn’t quite as over the top as some might expect.
The evening kicked off with the crew putting on a high energy performance in the main lobby, dancing their way up the spiral staircase. It was a fantastic way to start the night, and the Happenings Cast mingled with everyone, making sure the energy stayed high and everyone felt included.
After that, we headed up to the Lido deck, where the party really came alive.
There was a massive inflatable octopus looming over the crowd, and the lighting setup made it feel like you’d stepped into a full on red themed celebration. The atmosphere was electric, with people dancing around and even in the pool.
I couldn’t resist rolling up my pants and wading in shin deep to join the fun. The music this night was actually really good, which was a pleasant surprise compared to some of the other evenings on board.
The Happenings Cast was everywhere… dancing in and around the pool, keeping the party going and the crowd engaged. We partied late into the night, only taking a quick break at The Galley before diving right back into the Scarlet Night festivities.
Did things get a little wild? Sure, there were definitely some guests who took the partying a bit too far, but honestly, it was nothing crazier than what I’ve seen on other cruise lines. The vibe was lively, but never felt out of control or uncomfortable.
All in all, Scarlet Night was an absolute blast. We had a fantastic time, and it was easily one of the highlights of our trip!
Our next day at sea was all about revisiting the things we’d already come to love on board.
I kicked off the morning with a high-intensity workout led by one of the trainers. The class was fantastic and absolutely packed. If you’re thinking about joining any of the fitness classes, I’d definitely recommend showing up early to snag a spot.
Most of our afternoon was spent relaxing by the pool and hanging out at The Dock again, soaking up the sun and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
The Pizza Place
As the day went on, we decided to check out The Pizza Place. Virgin Voyages’ take on classic pizza.
Honestly, it was the best pizza I’ve had at sea. Is it the best pizza ever? No, but for a cruise ship, it was seriously impressive. The dough and ingredients were fresh, and the flavors really hit the spot.
After our pizza fix, we stopped by “Lick Me Till Ice Cream” for a sweet treat. The name is definitely on brand for Virgin Voyages, and the ice cream was just what we needed after a hot day in the sun.
Couples Game Show
Later, we joined a game show style event hosted by Big Lew, known as “The Gamer.” He did an awesome job getting everyone involved and keeping the energy high. Watching couples answer questions about each other was hilarious.
Things got pretty competitive, and the crowd was laughing nonstop.
We also caught a live music performance in the lobby for about an hour. The musicians were fantastic and really knew how to entertain.
Casino
After that, we hit the casino for a bit of fun. Even though it was busy, there was still space at most tables, and the atmosphere was lively. The casino was clean, the dealers were friendly and knowledgeable, and we had a great time at the craps table.
Comedy Show
Before dinner, we caught a comedy show with Sean Fehnerty, and he had us in stitches the entire time. He’s absolutely hilarious and has a knack for working the crowd. Just be careful what you say, because he’ll turn it into comedy gold! Truly a phenomenal comedian.
Just a heads up: the comedy show features a lot of strong language and is definitely rated R. If you’re sensitive to that kind of humor, this probably isn’t the show for you.
Extra Virgin
That night, we had dinner reservations at “Extra Virgin,” Virgin Voyages’ Italian specialty restaurant.
I have to say, it quickly became my absolute favorite dining spot on the ship!
We kicked things off with fresh bread served alongside olive oil and balsamic, which was the perfect start. For appetizers, we went with the Beef Carpaccio and Calamari. Both were outstanding.
For our main courses, we ordered the Gnocchi, Oxtail Ravioli, and Lamb Chops. Every single dish was phenomenal! Cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The oxtail ravioli, in particular, was unforgettable!
I genuinely enjoyed every bite of this meal. Major kudos to the chef! This was a 10/10 dining experience.
For dessert, we tried the chocolate cake and Italian doughnuts, both of which were delicious and a great way to finish off the meal.
Extra Virgin is definitely at the top of my list for our next cruise!
After dinner, we made our way to The Manor, partied until midnight, and then called it a night to rest up for our day in Bimini.
Virgin Voyages – Beach Club at Bimini Bahamas
We woke up excited and headed off the ship to start our day at the Beach Club at Bimini. Virgin’s exclusive private resort, reserved just for sailors. With private beachfront access that’s only available to Virgin guests, it felt like our own little slice of paradise.
A tram shuttled us over to the club, and since we arrived early, we scored prime first-row beach chairs right by the water.
The ocean in Bimini is truly something special. Crystal clear with a stunning baby blue hue. It’s honestly some of the most beautiful water we’ve ever seen.
After a morning of swimming and soaking up the sun, we joined in on some beachfront games hosted by Big Lew the Gamer. Participation is totally optional, but I have to say… the games were a blast and added a fun, energetic vibe to the day!
Once the games wrapped up, we headed to the restaurant for lunch. The setup is a la carte, with a menu inspired by Bahamian flavors.
I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and delicious everything was. Definitely not your typical beachside fare. I even went back for seconds later in the day!
After lunch, we relaxed by the pool just as the party atmosphere was starting to build. It wasn’t anything over the top, but the music was great and the vibe was lively and fun.
Looking for a little adventure, we decided to rent a golf cart and explore more of Bimini. The island is small enough that you can see it all in about 20–30 minutes by golf cart.
We ended up discovering a peaceful, nearly deserted spot at the end of the island, where we swam and enjoyed the scenery. It honestly felt like a scene straight out of a movie. That’s just how beautiful Bimini is.
We also made a stop at Stuart’s Conch Stand to try a local delicacy. If you’re curious about where to eat in Bimini, check out our separate post on the island’s top eateries!
After a day of exploring, we headed back to the ship to get ready for our evening reservations at “The Ship Show.”
The Ship Show
Held at The Manor, “The Ship Show” promised a memorable evening the moment we sat down. We kicked things off by ordering a three course meal, and the kitchen immediately got to work.
Because the kitchen at The Manor is on the smaller side, the menu is fairly limited.
For appetizers, we both went with the tomato and burrata salad. For our main courses, I chose the breaded chicken, while my wife opted for the breaded sea bass.
As we waited for our starters, the show began. The first act featured a lively mix of music and acrobatic performances, setting the tone for the night. Next up was a tap dancer who wowed the audience with impressive archery skills and tricks. The third act was the main event a game show style performance hosted with plenty of energy and humor.
The whole evening had an unmistakable ‘80s flair, blending music numbers from the hosts with interactive live games. It’s honestly tough to put this event into words, but we had an absolute blast! The entertainment was top notch, and the food was enjoyable as well.
What really sets The Ship Show apart is its uniqueness. You just don’t find this kind of dinner and show experience on other cruise lines. Where else can you enjoy a great meal and such a creative show at the same time? As far as I know, it’s a one of a kind experience.
Untitled “DancePartyShowThing”
After The Ship Show wrapped up, we headed over to the Red Room for “Untitled: DanceShowPartyThing”. Our final official event before disembarking the next morning.
This ended up being my absolute favorite event of the entire cruise. We were right on the floor of the Red Room, completely surrounded by dancers. The setup was incredible, with multiple stages that actually moved throughout the performance, keeping us on our toes.
You never knew where the next dancer would appear, which made the whole thing feel immersive and interactive. It was pure dancing fun, and we had an absolute blast!
Dancers zipped by, grooving to the music, while singers popped out with hilarious renditions of classic songs. It might sound chaotic, but the show was brilliantly choreographed and executed. The neon lights, dynamic stage videos, and almost “space-age” dance vibe made it easy to lose yourself in the moment and just enjoy.
This show is absolutely worth attending. When it ended, my wife and I looked at each other and, at the exact same time, said, “I didn’t want this to end.”
That’s how much fun we had.
The next morning, our vacation had officially come to an end… always a bittersweet feeling. Thankfully, Virgin doesn’t rush you off the ship at the crack of dawn, so we were able to enjoy a more relaxed disembarkation instead of the usual 6 a.m. scramble.
Of course, it was tough to say goodbye.
Virgin Voyages Value For Money
Is Virgin Voyages worth it? Without a doubt! 10/10, yes!
It’s quickly become one of my favorite cruise lines, and I didn’t hesitate to book my next trip as soon as I got home.
That said, there are a few areas where I think Virgin Voyages could improve:
- The “Influencer” Vibe:
Virgin clearly leans hard into the social media and influencer culture. While I get that it’s part of their brand and yes, social media sells… it did start to feel a bit forced and repetitive, as if every corner of the ship was designed to shout “we’re young and hip!” It’s a fun change from the norm, but after a while, it became a little much. - Itinerary Length:
Five-night cruises just aren’t long enough for Virgin Voyages. With so much to see, do, and eat, it’s impossible to experience everything in a single sailing. While Virgin does offer a few longer itineraries, they’re not as common, and the dates often don’t line up for everyone. I get that the shorter trips encourage you to come back again, but honestly, the product is strong enough on its own. People will want to return regardless. - The Pool:
This was probably our biggest disappointment. For an adults-only cruise, finally having a pool without kids running around sounded perfect. In reality, the pool was often overcrowded and just didn’t have enough space. It’s something that likely won’t be fixed until future ships are launched, but it was a definite letdown for us. - Technology:
Virgin prides itself on being cutting-edge, but there’s still some room for improvement here. The app on my phone was buggy and sometimes just wouldn’t work. Which was frustrating when trying to make reservations or figure out what was happening around the ship. The in room tablet, while a cool feature, also lagged at times. These aren’t deal breakers, but for a brand built on innovation, I’d love to see some upgrades in this area.
Overall, even with a few drawbacks, Virgin Voyages absolutely delivered an incredible experience. I left already looking forward to my next sailing and that says it all.
All things considered, the few negatives we encountered were far outweighed by the long list of positives during our Virgin Voyages experience.
As I mentioned earlier, we’ve already booked our next cruise and I can easily see us sailing with Virgin once or twice a year from here on out.
Right now, Virgin Voyages is absolutely at the top of our list whenever we’re cruising without the kids.
The brand is truly making waves in the cruise industry, and we’re happy to be along for the ride. If you’re looking for a cruise that’s refreshingly different but still delivers an amazing experience, I can’t recommend Virgin Voyages highly enough.
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About the Author:
Kam is a passionate traveler with a decade of cruising experience, having explored the world by sea for over ten years.
He has immersed himself in the unique offerings of all the major cruise lines, from popular favorites to luxury experiences.
Kam’s journeys span Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, MSC, and many more you’re sure to recognize.
His firsthand knowledge and love for adventure bring a seasoned, insightful perspective to every travel story he shares.