This adults-only cruise redefines the high seas experience, offering lavish accommodations, world-class dining, thrilling entertainment, and awe-inspiring destinations. From the moment we set sail, every detail was designed to create an unparalleled voyage to remember.
What we experienced on the boat
The Sea Terrace rooms had private balconies that offered breathtaking ocean views, perfect for unwinding with the sound of the waves. The size of the room was great even if shared with another person. The room has a great selection of tv channels, mood lighting options, blackout curtains, a spacious closet, plus the Virgin Voyages signature hammock.
The ship features a grand pool, an exhilarating running track, and a vibrant casino, ensuring every traveler finds their ideal on board escape. I definitely took advantage of the running track that is also ideal for evening walks. If you are worried about missing out on your workouts, no need, since they have daily fitness classes and a fully equipped gym. I noticed the pool was rarely crowded, so I definitely got in some swim time.
Of course we indulged in an extraordinary culinary journey with diverse restaurants on board, serving delectable cuisine crafted by top chefs. My absolute favorite was The Wake, a sophisticated steak and seafood restaurant offering fine dining with spectacular ocean views. Their classic steaks are lovely, served with creamed spinach, but make sure to leave some space for dessert. My favorite dessert was a decadent grand macaroon filled with vanilla cream and berries. I have to confess I had one after each meal. It is a light dessert after all as long as few other options don’t fall on your plate which happened to me frequently.
We had a blast at Pink Agave, a high-energy Mexican restaurant serving elevated street food and artisanal tequila cocktails. They have a DJ, and the entire restaurant takes shots together in the same rhythm. After our night of over-indulging it was great to head to the juice bar who supplied us with fresh and healthy elixirs.
For the ultimate foodie experience Test Kitchen is the way to go—their futuristic experimental cuisine is full of innovative flavors, and truly artistic presentations. Italian food is always welcome. Extra Virgin, an authentic Italian trattoria specializes in handmade pasta and curated wines. The pasta was truly outstanding—I enjoyed Gemelli al Nero seafood pasta with mussels, shrimp, chili and sea urchin sauce. It is worth mentioning that there is a very good pizza shop on the ship too.
For dessert we took advantage of their homemade sorbet and the boat’s special ice cream shop, which is open throughout the day, offering different and new flavors each day.
We tried Razzle Dazzle, a bold vegetarian-forward eatery with playful dishes and colorful ambiance, meant for a more casual dining. We did not get a change to try Gunbae, a Korean BBQ spot where guests can grill their own meats while enjoying soju and games—this seemed popular for bigger groups. For basics, there is a cafeteria where you can indulge 24/7 thereby guaranteeing you will not ever be hungry with Virgin Voyages.
If you have earned a rock star status you can also enjoy Richard Branson’s rooftop with lovely views, amazing happy hour and hot tubs. Entertainment is equally impressive, featuring electrifying performances, comedy shows, and buzzing nightlife.
A highlight of our voyage was Scarlet Night, a dazzling red-themed party that transformed the entire ship into a sea of crimson revelry, complete with music, dancing, and live performances. It was great hanging out with fellow sailors around different areas of the ship and of course taking photos in a special Scarlet Night Photo Booth. So don’t forget to pack something red for a most fun night out.
Exquisite Destinations & Adventures
Sailing through the Caribbean, the Resilient Lady stops at some of the region’s most breathtaking destinations. Our first stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico, where we walked the cobblestone streets, visited historic forts, and savored the island’s famous mofongo. Second excursion was in Road Town, Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands. This island is a truly tropical paradise with pristine waters, lush hills, and opportunities for snorkeling and sailing. We explored the stunning natural pools of The Baths at Virgin Gorda. Third stop was at Philipsburg, Saint Maarten, the Dutch part, famous for its spectacular beaches, and duty-free shopping. We sank into Maho Beach and watched the low-flying planes overhead. Stop number four was Bridgetown, Barbados. Here we indulged in the island’s famous delicious rum, and did some snorkeling, and even saw sea turtles. Our fifth stop was at Fort-de-France, Martinique where we experienced local Creole cuisine and explored the Balata Gardens. Stop six was in Castries, St. Lucia where we opted to experience the volcanic mud baths, as part of the Knotty Girl Tours, which also brought us to a scenic waterfall, and a tour of celebrity homes. The seventh stop was at Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis. We indulged in a history tour and rode the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, then relaxed at Cockleshell Beach. On our last day, back in San Juan we had one last chance to soak up its cultural and natural beauty and treat ourselves to a couple of Pina Coladas, since this is where they were invented.
A Voyage to Remember
As a first timer on a cruise , this is one of the best trips I have ever taken because of the mind-blowing variety of experiences. To be able to experience such great accommodations while visiting so many beautiful places—each with a different culture and quaint customs is a once in a lifetime experience. Whether you’re indulging in world-class dining, lounging by the pool, exploring exotic locales, or dancing under the stars at Scarlet Night, every moment aboard is designed for pure enjoyment. With attentive and friendly staff, a lively social atmosphere, and unbeatable destinations, this Virgin Voyages adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime. Caribbean Cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico is a wonderful opportunity for a first time experience with Virgin Voyages. Check the website for details on the many worldwide themed tours.
