Rain poured down as I peered from my balcony aboard Virgin Voyages’s Scarlet Lady, watching the downpour blur Roatán, Honduras’ shoreline. My friend shot me a knowing glance, the same unspoken question hanging between us: abandon our zipline adventure or brave the storm? Getting drenched and cold didn’t exactly sound appealing, and what if they canceled the whole thing anyway? These thoughts bounced around in my head until my travel companions reminded me that we hadn’t traveled all this way to let the weather rain on our Caribbean trip (literally). It was just the push I needed to say, “Let’s do it!”

Nine action-packed ziplines later, despite the rain growing heavier with each run, we leaned into the chaos, laughing through every soaked, slippery moment. The cable-course high made sprinting back through the downpour to our cozy cabin totally worth it. Even with the weather working against us, the afternoon turned into one of my favorite travel memories.

This moment of defying expectations began a few days earlier when I boarded the adults-only Scarlet Lady as a RockStar, Virgin Voyages’s version of VIP status, which includes first dibs on onboard entertainment, restaurant reservations, and Shore Things—what Virgin calls excursions. Admittedly, I hadn’t sailed in a few years and had the typical cruise skepticism before embarking: visions of crowded buffet lines, rigid schedules, and cramped quarters. From the moment I was whisked through priority check-in and straight to the exclusive Richard’s Rooftop deck for a welcome Champagne toast during sailaway, I could tell this voyage would be anything but ordinary. I set out on the six-night Western Caribbean Charm itinerary, which departed from Miami’s new Terminal V overlooking the Magic City’s skyline with stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; and Bimini, Bahamas, home to Virgin’s exclusive Beach Club.

Scarlet Lady, the First Lady of Virgin Voyages’s fleet, which debuted in 2021, had received a fabulous little glow-up by the time I arrived, boasting everything from additional suites, a fresh dining concept, and six luxurious new cabanas. The ship even dons a new, fiery redhead mermaid on its bow.

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Here’s five tips and tricks for smooth sailing on Virgin Voyages

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What to Expect Onboard

One of the biggest differentiators of Virgin—and one of the reasons many sailors choose this brand—is that it’s exclusively for adults. So, naturally, not running into any screaming toddlers or teenagers was definitely a highlight of the week. But plenty of thoughtful grown-up touches throughout elevated the whole experience.

Sailing in Style

Tight quarters are a given on cruise ships, but I didn’t feel cramped in my Sea Terrace cabin, especially when our stewards ensured our every need was met. They could even arrange the room’s layout to our liking, but my bestie and I decided to share the bed. Aside from the vibey mood lighting, I most enjoyed peacefully swaying in the signature red hammock on our balcony, aka the perfect perch for daytime reading. There are even larger suites on board, which come with amenities, including sprawling terraces and hot tubs, as well as Peek-a-View outdoor showers.

Dine Without Boundaries

With no strict dining schedules and dress codes, dining aboard Virgin Voyages felt refreshing. I could satisfy my cravings at any hour, at any of the 20-plus eateries (though some encourage reservations), as often as I pleased.

I usually started my day with an iced latte at Grounds Club Too cafe (part of the cocktail bar) before exploring The Galley’s 10 inventive food concepts. Lunch favorites included an incredible cheeseburger at The Burger Bar and spicy ramen at Noodle Around, which I recommend trying at least once. Razzle Dazzle on deck six also served a refreshingly light acai bowl, perfect for post-workout noms. For dinner, standout experiences included The Test Kitchen, Virgin’s take on a modern cuisine concept developed by Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert. This rotating five-course experience features only a simple, cryptic list of menu ingredients, such as “eel/soy,” “study of chicken,” and “yuzu/meringue,” as clues to what’s coming next.

I also ate my weight in charcuterie boards and bowls of pasta at Extra Virgin, which had a warm, convivial setting. I loved how there were even haunts for solo travelers seeking connection, like Gunbae, a Korean barbecue favorite. One of the most idyllic settings—and a personal favorite—was The Dock, an outdoor Mediterranean concept offering small plates and flame-grilled skewers.

I’d consider The Wake the most sophisticated dining destination on board, featuring a menu brimming with surf and turf by yet another Michelin-starred chef, Brad Farmerie. It’s definitely a place to whip out your fancy clothes (if you packed them) to really take in the sumptuous mid-twentieth-century atmosphere with table-side drink cart service. For a nightcap, my travel mates and I usually gathered at Sip, offering high tea service by day and Champagne-caviar pairings by night.

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Check Out Virgin Voyages’s Next Cruise Leaving From Miami This November

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Entertainment With Edge

Is it possible to go stir-crazy when you’re in the middle of the ocean? Not when daytime activities include events like trivia, drag queen bingo, and my personal favorite: Zumba. Nighttime programming favors more risqué acts and dramatic performances, such as Lights, Camera, Drag! or Duel Reality, a riff on Romeo & Juliet featuring acrobatic storytelling. One not to miss is It’s a Rock Show-ke, a new classic rock and 90s music event that had me on my feet singing along to songs I hadn’t heard in years. Each ship also presents original shows and classics. Think: UNTITLED DANCESHOWPARTYTHING, an immersive late-night spectacle everyone has to see for themself because there’s honestly no other way to explain it.

There are even karaoke rooms, which my friends and I booked for a rollicking evening belting out our favorite songs. (Pro tip: reserve your spot ahead of time, as this activity is quite popular once word spreads among fellow sailors.)

I also made sure to pack a red outfit for Scarlet Night, the one evening on board when the entire ship is imbued with Virgin’s signature red in a high-energy celebration, complete with pop-up performances, themed parties, a massive dance bash under the stars and a few other surprises.

Wellness & Relaxation Reimagined

As someone who prioritizes relaxation, I was so ready to check out Scarlet Lady’s dreamy Redemption Spa. There was much to indulge in, from aquatic therapies and wellness rituals, including the hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Lying on the heated marble hammam benches in the Thermal Suite was easily my favorite; the warmth was so soothing I nearly dozed off. I definitely could have booked more treatments throughout my travels, but other activities were calling.

Some days, I’d give the traditional gym equipment a spin but usually preferred the daily fitness classes, such as 80s-themed aerobics, Vinyasa flow yoga, or my favorite of the entire trip: the On-the-Upswing bungee class. I was harnessed to bungee cords and enjoyed 45 minutes of pure bliss, filled with belly laughs, cardio and strength training. It’s definitely a must and one to book when you first get on board, as spots fill up quickly.

A Shore Thing

The six-night itinerary offers plenty of time to explore the ship, while still allowing for port excursions. Costa Maya’s beach town featured everything from Mayan ruins day trips to beachside salsa-making and dancing classes. I enjoyed my thrill-seeking ziplining adventure on the tiny island of Roatán, but there are also opportunities to soak in the sun from an all-inclusive villa or snorkel a shipwreck, weather permitting.

Exclusive to Virgin Voyages sailors (how the cruise line refers to its cruisers), The Beach Club at Bimini is a private escape with white-sand beaches and island-inspired dishes. The weather was unfortunately not on our side when we docked, but the water was still the most gorgeous aqua. Had the sun made an appearance, I’d have started with morning yoga at ocean’s edge before claiming a lounger to work on my suntan. Supposedly, there are even DJ-led flotilla parties that kick off in the afternoon, turning the club into a full-on beach celebration.

The Virgin Voyages Verdict

Back in Miami, the week at sea left me with unexpected souvenirs—memories of rain-soaked ziplines, extraordinary bites and spontaneous karaoke sessions. That impulsive decision in Roatán captured the essence of Virgin Voyages: saying yes to the unexpected and discovering joy in unplanned moments. I found myself already plotting my return. Not for the amenities or destinations (though they’re certainly on my list), but for the authentic connections and fun at every turn. Not to mention, it feels like there is truly something for everyone’s quirks and interests. As Scarlet Lady pulled into port, my preconceptions about cruise vacations had vanished, replaced by the simple truth that the best memories often come from those moments when you simply give in to the adventure.

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