December 28, 2023 – Just before Christmas, I went on my first cruise with Virgin Voyages, an experience I won’t soon forget. Virgin Voyages is redefining the cruising experience for travelers, giving seasoned cruisers new experiences on the seas and defying the expectations of those who have avoided cruising as a vacation. 

The first thing to know is that Virgin Voyages are adults only, 18+, and everything from the food to the entertainment to the design is catered to a more adult experience. And the cruise line is extremely welcoming and inclusive. From an LGBTQ+ perspective, there were many members of the community on my sailing, and all felt comfortable being their authentic selves in the welcoming environment fostered by Virgin Voyages.

My cruise was on their Dominican Daze itinerary, which is a five-night cruise from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Virgin’s Bimini Beach Club in the The Bahamas, then back to Miami.

Now I’ll take you through the highlights of my Virgin Voyages experience.

Top-of-the-Line Design

Virgin prides itself on mixing superyacht-inspired design with unrivaled relaxation. That means luxury with a twist of fun and a breezy vibe. The ship itself is designed into intimate separate spaces — each with its own unique aesthetic — that sets itself apart from other large ship cruise lines. 

The cabins are decked out with fun technology that lets you choose different lighting moods for your room from the touch of a keypad that controls everything from temperature to the television, and also allows you to call for champagne or room service. I stayed in a sea-terrace room, which offers a wonderful hand-woven hammock for you to relax in and swing the day away while you watch the sea go by.

Dining Delights

One of the standout features of the Virgin Voyages experience is the diverse and delectable dining options available. There are 20+ unique eateries, all included in your fare. There are no buffets and pre-set dining times, and definitely no dress codes. From laid-back cafes to upscale restaurants, the culinary journey on board the ship is nothing short of a gastronomic delight. 

Tops on my list were The Wake, an elegant steak and seafood restaurant, and The Test Kitchen, a laboratory-like eatery inspired by Escoffier's Ma Cuisine, with evolving, chef-driven tasting menus presented as an ingredient list.

Bars that Set the Scene

The ship's bars are not just places to grab a drink; they're lively hubs of energy and excitement, each with its own personality. I was a big fan of the handcrafted cocktails at Sip Lounge, which has an upscale cocktail lounge vibe while also offering a generous selection of bubbly options.

A key difference on Virgin Voyages when it comes to alcohol and speciality drinks is that they don’t have drink packages, but instead pre-paid bar tabs. For every $100, $200 or $300 you spend on a pre-paid tab, you’re awarded with bonus credits. And the drinks are fairly priced with tips already included.

Nightlife Extravaganza

As the sun sets, the ship transforms into a pulsating hub of nightlife, offering a spectrum of entertainment options. They put on a variety of shows, all unique and different from what you’re likely to see on other cruise lines. My favorite was Duel Reality, a fast-paced retelling of Romeo and Juliet — with an elaborate circus twist. And each night, The Manor — the ship’s nightclub — comes to life with a different theme of fun, performances and nonstop dancing until the wee hours. 

But the highlight is Scarlet Night, an immersive ship-wide, all-night celebration where everyone wears red. The evening includes pop-up circus performances, interactive games, karaoke, myth-telling, and live music — culminating in a drenched-in-red pool and dance party.

In Port

Puerto Plata is positioned on the Domincan Republic’s northern coast next to the Cordillera Mountains which rise behind it. This charming port city gives you an authentic local experience with an abundance of nature. I chose to go on the excursion Eat, Drink and Dance: A Dominican Fiesta. This took me to the Macorix Rum Factory for a tour and sampling of rum, into local stores in the city’s central square Plaza Independencia and then out to Hacienda Dora in the countryside, where we ate, drank and received dance lessons and had a fantastic time. 

In the Bahamas, I went on a kayak tour along the shore and then went off to the Bimini Beach Club, Virgin Voyages’ private beach club on the island. In addition to plenty of lounge chairs on the beach, the club has two large pools, restaurants and bars. Food here is included in your fare and the drinks come right off your bar tab as if you were on the ship.

An Experience to Remember

I can’t wait to go on my next Virgin Voyages cruise. The atmosphere of elevated fun, unique experiences and inclusivity is exactly what I was looking for. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple or a group of friends, I guarantee you’re bound to have a great time on a Virgin Voyages cruise. 

If you’re ready to plan your Virgin Voyages experience, I’m glad to help you navigate planning it to make a vacation to remember.