Not Your Grandma’s Cruise Line! Virgin Voyages Is Here To Redefine The Luxury Cruise Experience

I know, I know — cruises are boring right? They’re only for old people or families, the rooms are outdated and small, and the food is terrible. You’ve likely heard one of these stereotypes when it comes to cruising but I’m here to tell you — gone are the days where cruising is for second-rate experiences. That is, thanks to Richard Branson.
From the moment you board, Virgin Voyages just feels different.
And rightfully so — this isn’t your grandma’s cruise line. The quintessential touches that you love about the Virgin brand are now being offered at sea.
Scarlet Lady made her sailing debut in October 2021, having been delayed due to the COVID pandemic. She currently sails a few itineraries from Miami, including to the Dominican Republic and Mexico, all with stops at the fabulous Beach Club at Bimini.
Virgin Voyages elevates the Virgin experience with a balance of sophistication and whimsy. The ultra modern adults-only cruise line offers 20+ eateries, a state-of-art wellness center, and nightlife that you’ll actually enjoy. Walking on board the Scarlet Lady and entering the 7th floor deck feels like stepping into the greatest party you almost stayed home for, but ended up being one of the best nights of your life.
The attention to detail is evident. Accommodations aboard the 2,750-passenger Scarlet Lady range from stylish, cozy staterooms to Rockstar-inspired rooms with exclusive perks and more.
Where to eat.
The food — did I mention the food? Gone are the days of cafeteria style cruise ship food. All the dining venues onboard are restaurants; there are no banquet hall-style main dining rooms that sing to you while you eat, no cafeteria-esque buffets. The variety of food in the themed dining rooms is impressive. Italian, elevated Mexican, Korean, a steakhouse, a vegan restaurant and even a pick-your-own adventure style restaurant are all on-board. You can pre-book your reservations for selected dining venues via the app, and also change, cancel or add more reservations (just note there is a limit on how many times you can visit the same restaurant, so with a short sailing, it will be difficult to try all of the different restaurants on the ship). There’s also the option to walk in, but larger groups are advised to book ahead.
If you’re planning room service this is available 24 hours and comes with a small $5 charge, perfect for those late-night burger cravings or movie night snacks.
What to do.
Entertainment options range from Duel Reality, a show featuring incredible acrobatic stunts, to the Aquatic Club pool deck, to the ship-wide Scarlet Night party. You can expect to find live music, private karaoke rooms, a vintage-style arcade, a casino, a tattoo parlor, and of course, a nightclub.
Virgin includes group fitness classes that typically come with a surcharge on other ships. Let’s face it though, these classes are hard to get in, so try to reserve early. An outside gym and running track are also available for those who don’t’ survive the hunger games of trying to book a fitness class (I didn’t!).
Aquatic Club pool deck
What destinations do you visit?
While each Scarlet Lady itinerary is different, many Virgin passengers sailing out of Miami will get a visit to Bimini. While there, guests can enjoy the casino at the Bimini World Resort, excursions leaving from Kayak Beach (a short walk from the pier), and self-exploration. The main attraction, though, is The Beach Club. Virgin Voyages’ The Beach Club at Bimini is a large, private beach club offering pools, beachfront access, and much more. The best part? It’s an extension of your onboard credit, so you can get free food and charge drinks and spa treatments back to your room.
Would I do it again?
Let’s talk about the downsides: yes, diverse musical options are limited (expect to hear EDM inspired music everywhere you go — even if it’s Drake), and there’s no all inclusive drink packages, but all things considered a win is a win — Virgin is a solid 8/10.
Over the last two years, travel has been challenging, and in many ways, a cruise on the Scarlet Lady feels like a reprieve from the stress of vacation planning — especially for those girls trips when everyone can’t get it together. I love researching and planning trips, but there’s something so relaxing about stepping onto a ship and knowing that everything will be taken care of, from meal planning to child care. And the Scarlet Lady — with its Michelin-worthy cuisine, beautiful suites, high-caliber entertainment, and fantastical touches — feels like a high-end experience.