NAUTICAL SURPRISES AWAIT

My husband and I are eating our breakfast in The Galley, the food hall aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, when a silver-haired man with a white T-shirt and jeans comes strolling by us. Other heads turn and then point, and a few bold Sailors (Virgin Voyages’ name for guests on its ships) approach the man. Yes, he smiles and takes a selfie with them. Sir Richard Branson, Virgin founder and self-made billionaire, is just making his way through the window-filled dining space just like every other guest.

This unexpected moment is one of many we experienced during our five-night “Celebration Voyage” roundtrip from Miami with stops in Cozumel and Virgin Voyages’ private beach club in Bimini, The Bahamas. Branson lives in the Caribbean and popped over for the day as part of the themed cruise. Members of Virgin’s executive team had been sailing with us from the start of the cruise, mingling with the guests—leading a Bingo game, participating in sunrise yoga on deck, or helping out at trivia. Virgin’s very approachable CEO warmly answered guests’ questions and suggestions whether they stopped him in the elevator or at the Grounds Club coffee spot.

Reggaeton guest star Nicky Jam entertained the crowd onboard and then again at the private beach club. This was followed by another surprise Branson appearance that ended with him literally jumping into the pool fully-clothed to join the crowd.  

Next year this cruise has been renamed the “Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage” to pay tribute to its loyal guest program. It will take place on Virgin’s new ship Brilliant Lady, which debuts in September 2025. She will sail for nine nights from Miami to the Caribbean on March 12, 2026, with stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. John’s, Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; and The Beach Club at Bimini, The Bahamas. Once again, Virgin promises surprise guests and live performances, and special events hosted by Virgin executives and brand partners.  

Unexpected moments, however, are a part of every Virgin cruise. For example, each sailing features a Scarlet Night when guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite red clothing. The night is capped off with a party on the pool deck where guests are encouraged to jump into the pool fully clothed (much like Branson at The Beach Club). As an adults-only cruise line with no dress code and with individuality encouraged, on that night and all nights, attire is often part of the experience itself with guests proudly promenading their outfits along the main entertainment deck. 

This carefree attitude continues with some of the entertainment featuring “nauti” innuendo, such as the “The Miss Behave Show”. There is also a drag queen show. Other offerings included live music played in intimate areas throughout the ship. On this sailing, choices included featured guest artist Selkii, former The Voice contestant, singing soulful tunes. Besides Bingo and trivia, popular cruise activities came in the form of puzzle competitions, a host of board games to borrow at The Social Club, craft classes, and private karaoke booths.

UPSCALE OFFERINGS
Despite Virgin’s four ships hosting some 2,770 guests, the line features unexpected upscale touches in its dining and accommodations. It may have a laissez faire attitude when it comes to its dress code, but it remains very serious about its culinary offerings with 20-plus choices. There are no dining rooms, only small specialty restaurants—without the upcharge you may see on other ships. Reservations are necessary, but walk-ins are possible especially for duos. Our favorites were Extra Virgin, treating us to top-notch regional Italian fare, and The Wake, the ship’s steak and seafood restaurant. Among the other choices are The Test Kitchen for small creative multi-course bites—with an option for vegetarians, as well as a Mexican restaurant, and hands-on interactive Korean barbeque place.  

For luxury accommodations, each of Virgin’s ships feature 78 RockStar Quarters or onboard suites. The RockStar treatment begins with an exclusive VIP pathway to the ship during embarkation and continues with priority access to onboard entertainment, dining reservations, and excursions. There is also a RockStar agent to help with any requests. RockStars have exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop, a secluded private club on deck with two hot tubs, daybeds, and its own bar. Every suite features full bars and cocktail kits with the first round on the house, upgraded bedding, and bath amenities.

The two “Massive Suites” are the ship’s largest at 2,147 square feet each. They come with their own music room, which can also be used as an extra bedroom and includes guitars and an amplifier and a vinyl turntable in the adjacent living room. They have large private terraces with hot tubs and outdoor showers, circular conversation pits, two hammocks, and outdoor dining tables for six.  

Stepping away from the typical cruise in another way, every Virgin voyage not only includes all dining and entertainment, but also gratuities, WiFi, sodas, juices, and unlimited group fitness classes—just another unexpected plus when it comes to sailing on Virgin. 

For more information, please visit virginvoyages.com