Ahoy Sailors! All Aboard the Resilient Lady
Our Virgin Voyages Cruise ~ Miami, Grand Turk, Puerto Plata, and Bimini
A Relaxing and Romantic Adventure: Our Virgin Voyages Experience
We touched down in Miami on Thursday and dove straight into the Art Deco charm of South Beach. Staying at the Pelican Hotel, a boutique gem right across from the oceanfront boardwalk, set the perfect tone for our pre-cruise getaway.
Friday morning, we kickstarted the day with a six-mile walk along the beach before enjoying breakfast at the hotel. A quick sunscreen run to the local drugstore, and we were ready to embark on our cruise adventure.
Setting Sail: Smooth Check-In and a Splash of Romance
An Uber whisked us to Terminal V, where we checked in our bags and received The Band—Virgin Voyages’ red bracelet that unlocks everything from cabin doors to purchases to on-demand champagne. Pro tip: If you're cruising with Virgin and aren't staying in a Rockstar suite, (which we weren’t), the Splash of Romance package is a must! The perks included priority boarding, daily cold-pressed juices, a 3-hour thermal spa pass, sweet treats, live music with champagne, and a complimentary Shake for Champagne.
Though we later realized we didn’t need to check our bags (Virgin cabins are ready as soon as you board), it gave us time to visit Sailor Services and snag some extra dining and show reservations. Afterward, we relaxed with tapas and drinks at The Dock before heading to our mid-ship Sea Terrace cabin on Deck 11.
Life Onboard: Comfort, Style, and That Famous Hammock
Our cabin was the perfect retreat. While the bathroom was compact, the overall space felt thoughtful and cozy—ideal for a seven-night cruise. And then there was the hammock! Handwoven in Thailand by women empowered through Yellow Leaf Hammocks, it quickly became the highlight of our mornings as we took turns lounging with the ocean breeze.
Bon Voyage! Sailing Away Virgin Style
The Sail Away Party on the pool deck was pure crazy fun. Perched on the top deck overlooking the festivities, we enjoyed multiple glasses of (free) champagne and danced to the DJ’s playlist as the Happenings Cast, Virgin’s unique take on cruise entertainment staff, got everyone into the celebratory spirit.
Days At Sea: Walk, Eat, Drink, Relax, Repeat
Each morning began with a walk on The Runway, Virgin’s top-deck track, offering breathtaking sunrise views. Breakfast options were plentiful, whether at The Galley, in our cabin, or over brunch at one of the ship’s restaurants. And we definitely enjoyed the gourmet ice cream (hello Browned Butter!) after an afternoon of lounging by the pool.
We enjoyed kicking off our evenings with a few of the cocktail related events…
And then there was dinner…
Dining on Virgin Voyages is next-level, with 20+ venues designed by Michelin-starred chefs and no buffet or main dining room.
That being said, we were not there to go crazy, given our new focus on health, and Virgin made that possible. All of the dining venues accommodated Shawn’s low sodium requests with minimal hassles. There was a note on his name and most knew about the restriction ahead of time and were able to help him navigate the menu.
One of the interesting restaurants on board was The Test Kitchen: Inspired by Escoffier's Ma Cuisine, its evolving, chef-driven tasting menus are presented as an ingredient list — but the cooking techniques, presentation, and flavors are explored in ways you've never seen.
Dinner at The Wake, the onboard steakhouse, was extra special when we used the Shake for Champagne feature to have a bottle of Moët delivered to the lounge we were waiting in before heading to our table.
Exploring Ports and Creating Memories
At our ports of call, we mixed exploration with relaxation. Grand Turk’s beach surprised us with its gorgeous sand and warm water, and we regretted not wearing swimsuits for a dip. In Puerto Plata, the rum-tasting tour took an unfortunate turn into a shopping excursion, but Virgin was quick to take feedback. At Bimini Island, we lounged in beach chairs at Virgin’s exclusive beach club and enjoyed our cocktails while looking out at the turquois blue water.
Entertainment and “The Vibes”
The ship’s entertainment exceeded our expectations. From live performers to a dazzling Cirque du Soleil-style show with Broadway-caliber singing, the evenings were unforgettable. Virgin’s adults-only policy creates a very relaxed, romantic vibe that is perfect for couples. The mix of passengers—mostly in their 40s and 50s—added to the laid-back atmosphere, with a notable LGBTQIA+ friendly environment making it feel welcoming for everyone.
Looking Ahead: A Rockstar Return
This cruise was everything we needed—fun, connection, romance, and zero stress. It was so fantastic to spend that time together, just focused on us, that we couldn’t resist booking another. In 2026, we’ll kick off our 20th year of marriage aboard Virgin’s new Brilliant Lady, sailing through the Panama Canal on a 16-night voyage in one of their amazing Rockstar Suites.
We’re already counting down the days until our next adventure!
Stay tuned for my next post on packing carry-on only for a 7 night cruise.
Sounds heavenly! So glad you had a nice time 💕