I’ve been dying to go on a cruise for years. I’m not gonna tell you how many years because it’s embarrassing. I’ve unfortunately always had the bad luck of being surrounded by people who get motion sickness—my best friends, my husband—and then there’s my sister, who has this fear of giant squid and would never set foot on a ship. So, between never finding anyone to go with and the double occupancy prices for sailing solo, it just never made sense for me to book one. Plus, I had no idea if I’d get seasick or if I’d even enjoy it.
Then, a miracle happened- my sister promised she would go on a cruise with me in 2025 and what better time than my birthday! I finally had the perfect excuse to book my first cruise, and I chose Virgin Voyages—a decision that might have ruined every other cruises for me.
Let’s break it all down.
The Trip That Made Me Rethink All My Travel Decisions
Why I Chose Virgin Voyages for My First Cruise
Since this was my first time cruising, I leaned on my cousin, the cruise expert—who has been on over seven cruises—to guide me. She was absolutely blown away from the moment we arrived at the port. The check-in process was seamless, and stepping onto the ship for the first time felt like walking into a swanky hotel. I had no idea what to compare it to, but from her reaction, I knew I was in for something special.
Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise, which immediately made the experience feel more sophisticated. There were no screaming kids, just a mix of party-goers, chill vacationers, and adventure-seekers all doing their own thing.
Bigger Than Expected!
One thing I always heard about cruises is that the rooms are tiny. But honestly? Ours felt super spacious. I shared a Sea Terrace balcony room with my sister, and we had a queen-size bed that could be split into two twin beds if we wanted (we decided to cuddle instead).
The real game-changer? The balcony and hammock. Falling asleep to the ocean breeze and waking up to those sunrise views? Absolute heaven. If you ever book a Virgin Voyages cruise, trust me—get the balcony.
Dining on the Sea’s
I won’t lie—I had zero expectations for cruise food. I was expecting mediocre buffets and some okay sit-down meals. But Virgin Voyages blew me away.
First, make your dining reservations ASAP. My cousins, being cruise pros, handled all of our reservations, and I’m so glad they did. The Virgin Voyages app opens up for reservations about 45 days before sailing, and you don’t want to miss out.
Must-Try Restaurants on Virgin Voyages:
Pink Agave – Mexican cuisine with amazing flavors and margaritas.
Razzle Dazzle – Their bottomless brunch for $25 is so worth it.
Gunbae – A Korean BBQ spot where you can get a drink pairing for just $35 (two cocktails + two shots—worth it!).
Test Kitchen – evolving tasting menus with attention to every detail.
Even the grab-and-go spots were solid, and I never felt like I was struggling to find something good to eat.
Excursions: Do You Really Need Them?
We had two port stops: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Bimini, Bahamas. For someone who travels for a living, most of the excursions sounded kind of generic. But we did one in Puerto Plata called Sipping and Dancing, and it was a blast!
Bimini was our next stop, and Virgin Voyages has its own private beach club there. It was stunning, with a huge pool, plenty of seating, and great food.
But it was freezing! What we planned to be our beach party day, became a relaxing days in the boat enjoying the spa.
That said, you don’t have to book an excursion to enjoy the stops. If you’re confident in exploring on your own, you can get off the ship as soon as it docks and return an hour before departure. Just don’t be late—they will leave without you.
The Party Scene
The first three nights of our five-day cruise were pure party central. Virgin Voyages knows how to throw an event, but the highlight of the trip was Scarlet Night—their signature, all-red, high-energy bash.
Tips to Make the Most of Scarlet Night:
Wear Red. The sexier and more risqué, the better.
Go to All the Scarlet Activities. You’ll see them in the app—attend as many as possible.
Pace Yourself. The party builds up slowly, but by the end of the night, it’s wild.
What I Didn’t Love About Virgin Voyages
I could rave about this cruise forever, but let’s talk about some cons:
The Pools Are Tiny. For an adults-only cruise, the two pools felt way too small. Plus, the hot tubs weren’t real jacuzzis—just small warm tubs that fit six people.
Limited Restaurant Reservations. You can only book each restaurant once. If you want to go again, you have to arrive early and join the waitlist.
If you want brunch, be there before the restaurant opens. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting.
My five-day sail with Virgin Voyages on the Vallliant Lady blew me away for my first cruise experience. The combination of luxury, incredible food, and unique events like Scarlet Night made it unforgettable. I’m already planning my next two cruises this year!
Some of my favorite parts?
The amazing crew. Our room attendants, Lily and Peter, knew our names and made sure we always had fresh water.
The free soda, water, coffee, and tea. You’re never left thirsty!
The diverse crowd. Whether you wanted to party or relax, there was space for everyone.
Everyone I talked to onboard warned me that I was setting myself up for failure because Virgin Voyages is that good. And after experiencing it for myself, I have to agree! This cruise was absolutely amazing,! From the moment we stepped onto the ship, I quickly realized… I might have set myself up for failure. Because this cruise was SO good that it may have ruined all future cruises for me. I’m already planning two more Virgin Voyages cruises this year! If you’re thinking about booking one, let me help you plan it. As a travel creator and agent, I can help you get the best deal and make sure your experience is just as amazing as mine.
Be sure to check out our other posts for more. If you’re ready to book your Virgin Voyages cruise, let me help you plan. As a travel agent, I can guide you through the booking process and ensure you have an amazing experience. Now you can book a session with us as your Travel Advisor for expert advice on your next trip! Email info@travelismylifestyle.com to get a call scheduled to book your next adventure.
Virgin Voyages Review:
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