Ahoy, Adventure with Virgin Voyages!

jjstravelplanners
Nov 3, 2024
6 min read

The toughest decision you’ll face on a Virgin Voyages cruise? Picking your dream cruise destination and room! I promise, it’s a breeze, and I’m here to guide you if you’re torn about when to sail or which voyage to choose.

We jumped into the excitement during hurricane season in September (bold, right?). This made grabbing travel insurance a no-brainer – you never know what Mother Nature has up her sleeve. To kick off our adventure stress-free, we flew in a day before the cruise. This gave us a buffer against any flight delays and a chance to explore Miami (check out my prior blog for deets!). Miami Pre-Cruise Experience: A Perfect Start to Your Journey Arrival (jjstravelplanners.com )

Pro Tip: Once you book, dive into the Virgin Voyages app. It’s a game-changer for pre-purchasing your bar tab, making restaurant reservations, and booking excursions. While not mandatory, planning ahead guarantees a smooth, worry-free trip. Then the toughest choice left is what cocktail to sip by the pool!

The day before you board, use the app to pick your perfect boarding time. Keep an eye on your email to snag the best slots.

Packing for your Virgin Voyage!

Here are some must-have items to ensure your cruise is legendary.

For the pool and beaches!

· Sunglasses

· Sunscreen (reef safe)

· Towel bands

· Hat

· Swimsuits

· Cover ups

· Water shoes

· Book

· Water bottle

· Reusable straws

· Binoculars

Feel great!

· Advil

· Tums

· Bonine/Dramamine

· Gas X

· Bug wipes

· Poo-pouri

· Liquid IV

Don’t forget!

· Passport (check expiration date before booking)

· Cash for tips (on Virgin tips are included, but cash was useful for the excursions)

Welcome aboard Valiant Lady!

From the moment our Lyft pulled up to the port, we were greeted with warm smiles and tagged bags by the friendly crew. We breezed through the check-in process, thanks to the pre-booked check-in times that ensure zero lines and maximum fun!

We chose the Sea Terrace XL cabin, and it was nothing short of amazing. Leading up to the cruise, I was tempted to bid for an upgrade, but I’m so glad we didn’t spend the extra money. This room was absolutely perfect for two friends to enjoy 5 nights of pure bliss.

There were endless activities and cozy lounge spaces throughout the ship. We truly had our pick of what to do and where to relax.

First things first, we dropped off our carry-on bag and watched the safety video in our room. The process of heading to our safety location for check-in was super efficient and convenient. With that out of the way, we headed up to the pool area for a refreshing frozen cocktail, people watching, and grooving to the music.

The crew members joined in the fun, dancing and interacting with all the sailors. Before we knew it, they handed out champagne for a bon voyage toast, as we sailed away from stormy Miami with a cheerful send-off!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Food and Drink Adventures on Virgin Voyages!

We embarked on a culinary journey and managed to try as many restaurants and eateries as possible, listing them in order of my favorites:

Test Kitchen – A top favorite! Here, you don’t order from a menu: you simply trust the kitchen. And trust me, it’s so worth it. I opted for the wine pairing, which made the experience even more fabulous. The bright atmosphere and synchronized serving of courses to fellow sailors added to the charm. The chef even came out to share insights about the concept, and we watched some desserts get their finishing touches while enjoying our dinner. If you love the unexpected and a bit adventurous, don’t miss Test Kitchen!

Pink Agave – Better than expected! Think of this as an upscale Mexican restaurant. The margaritas and enchiladas were delightful, and we indulged in ALL the desserts. Yes, every single one! One of the best perks of a Virgin Voyages cruise is trying anything and everything. Although the service felt a bit rushed and the space was tight, the overall experience was still very enjoyable.

Extra Virgin – We sat near the bar at this Italian restaurant, which was perfect for some good people watching. We tried meatballs, calamari, pastas, and a couple of desserts and shared it all! This laid-back service pace was just right!

Razzle Dazzle – Primarily vegetarian but with some meat options too. This was the least memorable for me, and I can’t recall what we ate. However, I heard it’s getting a redo soon with an Asian cuisine focus. Definitely one to check out next time for me!

Quick Eats

Each day we start at the Grounds Club for coffee and the Galley for breakfast. There is a good variety of options to choose from, whether you want a traditional bacon and eggs breakfast, pastries, yogurt, avocado toast, pancakes, or noodles. You can order from your table or walk up to the stations.

For snacks, we enjoyed Lick Me Till Ice Cream and The Pizza Place. The flavors were plentiful and everything we tried was delicious!

More food and drinks!

Sip, the champagne bar, was perfect for a pre or post-dinner drink. The atmosphere was high-end yet relaxing. One afternoon, we indulged in a tea service – a lovely way to spend an hour relaxing and enjoying food, beverages, and company.

On the Rocks was another fun bar for a post-dinner drink, often featuring live music and never too crowded.

Prepare your taste buds for an epic food adventure, much different than the traditional cruise line options.

Entertainment Extravaganza!

Bingo with the Diva – A fabulously entertaining experience! We may not have walked away winners, but who doesn’t love a good bingo game?

Trivia – While our trivia skills were a bit lacking, the fun we had was undeniable. Pro tip: Team up with other sailors to boost your chances of winning!

Paint & Sip – This was a delightful afternoon activity. Despite not being particularly talented in the art department, I had a blast meeting fellow sailors, sipping champagne, and creating a unique souvenir to take home.

It’s a Ship Show (variety show) – While the food didn’t quite hit the mark for me, the lively and fast paced entertainment more than made up for it. I recommend grabbing a bite at another venue before or after the show.

Duel Reality – This unexpected retelling of Romeo and Juliet was a thrilling battle that kept us on the edge of our seats. Don’t miss this exhilarating experience!

Redemption Spa – When time allows, a massage is always a must for me. This time, it was on a heated sand bed – an experience like no other. Pure relaxation! While I didn’t get to enjoy the other spa amenities, a quick look around convinced me to prioritize them on my next Virgin Voyage.

Other amenities that I loved!

· Wi-Fi is included

· Tips & gratuities are included

· No drink packages, sodas are included, and alcoholic drink prices are very reasonable

· No buffets!

· Lots of open spaces and not crowded

· Walking track and indoor and outdoor gyms

· The app – so easy to use before and during the trip

· Crew to sailor ratio – service was fast, and everyone was so friendly and helpful

· The Band – a wearable room key and an easy way to charge purchases to your account

· Balcony and hammock

· Environmentally conscious sailing

· Only adults onboard!

Grand Turk and Bimini Excursions: Thrills, Beaches, and Culture Await!

Grand Turk Excursion

We kicked off our adventure with an exhilarating dune buggy island adventure. Yes, it was hot and dusty, but it was also a fantastic way to explore the island while satisfying our need for speed. If you’re on the fence and feel the pull of excitement, I recommend giving it a go!

Our next stop was Bajari Beach. This beautiful beach offered a serene spot to relax and soak up the sun’s rays. Floating in the ocean was a wonderful way to cool off after our morning adventure.

Before getting back on the ship, there were a lot of shops to explore and if you need a Starbucks fix, here is your chance.

Bimini, Bahamas Excursions

Although the day started out with rain and lightning, we had a short amount of time to enjoy Virgin Voyages’ private Bimini Beach Club. This beachside haven was nothing short of paradise with its stunning views, crystal clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere. We enjoyed lunch and a drink in our cabana before heading out for our tour. I hope to spend more time there one day!

For a deeper dive into local history and culture, we joined the Bimini Heritage and Cultural Tour. This tour was a treasure trove of fascinating experiences, from marveling at the intricate conch shells and visiting the unique Dolphin House, to exploring a historic shipwreck, shopping a local market, and enjoying Bahamian music and attempting to dance!