Cruise Specialist Charlene was recently invited on a Virgin Voyages Caribbean itinerary, visiting the private island Beach Club at Bimini. Think premium ships, award-winning dining, dreamy Caribbean destinations, stylish balcony cabins complete with hammocks, atmospheric spaces and a host of always-included perks. Read Charlene’s day-by-day account of an adults-only holiday done properly.
Day 1 – Miami, Meet Resilient Lady
The transfer from our Miami hotel to the port took maybe 20 minutes. I’d actually taken a short walk before our transfer so I could see the ship. I was being a little impatient, but I wanted to see her in all her glory.
Virgin have their own terminal in Miami, so the Virgin vibes began the minute you met the porter outside. The staff were friendly, chatty and happy to have a giggle. As part of Rockstar status, we had access to the lounge before embarkation, so we took full advantage of the drinks and snacks. There was something about seeing the ship and simply waiting to get on board that really built the anticipation and excitement.
You get given your wristband. Not a flimsy one like you’d expect from a land holiday, but one that became your key to everything: your cabin, the lifts, paying for things and more.
Once we stepped on board Resilient Lady, we were greeted by the entertainment team singing and dancing, so it felt like Virgin Voyages Caribbean island vibes before we’d even left port.
After completing our muster drill and having a cheeky drink, I headed to my cabin and it was absolutely incredible. Everything was so modern and well maintained. It was all controlled by your iPad, from the air conditioning to opening the curtains.
Honestly, I was really impressed by the size of the cabin. The Sea Terrace I had came with a hammock, two chairs and a little table. I wasn’t quite brave enough to lounge in the hammock, but I did enjoy having my own private space in the sunshine.
I had a little time to freshen up before heading to the Sail Away Party. Champagne was flowing and the atmosphere was incredible. Combined with the beautiful sunshine, I was dragging my heels a bit when it came to our dinner reservation.
Food ended up being a huge part of what I loved most about this trip because every restaurant felt impossible to top.
Our first dinner was at The Wake. It’s a super elegant steakhouse-style restaurant. Honestly, it felt like the sort of place you’d save for the grand finale of a cruise and it was so good that we ended up going back on the final night. Think premium steaks, lamb and salmon, but the best version you’ve ever eaten.
After all that, it was an early night for me. I couldn’t quite stay awake for the famous Pyjama Party, but I heard it was a right laugh.
Day 2 & 3 – Atmospheric Yet Effortlessly Chilled Sea Day
I do love a good sea day to get to grips with a ship.
Breakfast was in The Galley. It wasn’t like a standard buffet restaurant. It felt more like a food hall, with individual stations where you could get exactly what you fancied. It never felt crowded and there weren’t people hovering around trying to see what was available. It all felt much more organised.
During our time on board, we enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship and saw absolutely everything. From the impressive performance venues and quieter bars to the arcades (and no kids hogging the machines, which was a welcome change) and the beautiful spa areas.
We also got to try our hand at cocktail making and there always seemed to be either something to do or time to do absolutely nothing. The social bars hosted quizzes, games and other activities if you didn’t fancy the pool, a show or the casino.
My favourite spot was The Dock. You got all the atmosphere of the music and people without being right in the middle of it. It was the perfect place to sit with a book, enjoy the sunshine and properly switch off.
We had brunch at Razzle Dazzle, which was a more relaxed dining experience with some fantastic American classics. There was no need to dress up and the dessert options were excellent. I’d fully recommend the loaded cookies.
On night three, we ate at Pink Agave. It’s the Mexican restaurant and felt a bit like a party. There was a DJ playing music and the whole place had a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
We had plenty of downtime during the sea days. After the cocktail-making class, I definitely needed a nap. There’s something special about drifting off after a brilliant day, knowing dinner is sorted and there’s absolutely no cleaning to do.
Day 4 – Jamaican Dreams in Ocho Rios
Today was our first excursion.
We took a tender from the ship to Ocho Rios in Jamaica and had time to soak up both the culture and the sunshine. There were plenty of excursions available, including lots of watersports for the thrill-seekers. Personally, I took the opportunity to explore, browse the shops and take everything in.
The locals were absolutely lovely.
I’d never visited this part of the world before and what stood out most was just how picture-perfect it all was. You see photos of palm trees and white-sand beaches all the time, but actually standing there felt surreal.
I headed back to the ship for lunch, spent some time by the pool and caught up on a bit of reading. It was the perfect way to end the day.
Dinner was at Gunbae, the Korean BBQ restaurant. It was interactive and so much fun. Similar to teppanyaki, everyone sits around a cooking table while the chefs entertain you as they prepare some incredible dishes.
Day 5 – Starfish, Sunshine & Grand Cayman
Today we arrived at Grand Cayman. It sounds just as good as it looks.
We took a tender from the ship to shore. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, a tender is used when the ship can’t dock directly in port. Instead, it anchors offshore and guests are transferred on smaller boats. They were comfortable, spacious and there were no long queues.
From there, we transferred to a catamaran for our trip to Stingray City. We’d been warned that itineraries can change depending on the weather and, sure enough, the water was too choppy for us to visit.
Instead, the crew took us to an alternative location and, honestly, we enjoyed it even more.
We visited Starfish Point, where we spent a few hours paddling in crystal-clear water surrounded by starfish. I even got to hold one. White sands, warm sea and sunshine everywhere. Pretty much my idea of paradise.
After heading back to port, we caught the tender back to the ship. I grabbed a bite to eat in The Galley and enjoyed some downtime before the evening.
Dinner was at The Test Kitchen. With a choice of two menus, we were treated to a nine-course tasting experience made up of smaller dishes.
The Test Kitchen is perfect for anyone looking for something a little different. Its mystery menus, molecular gastronomy and laboratory-style presentation make it one of the most unique dining experiences on Virgin Voyages. It’s every bit as impressive visually as it is in flavour.
Day 6 – Virgin Voyages Tips & Tricks
Our final sea day had arrived.
After a few days of excursions, it was very welcome. I spent the day reading, exploring more of the ship and making the most of the facilities.
Through the app, I managed to book a bridge tour. I’ve always loved visiting a ship’s bridge to see exactly how everything operates. Standing at the front of the ship, looking out towards the horizon, is always exciting.
I honestly don’t know how they process all the information in front of them. It’s incredible knowing they’re able to sail so smoothly while coordinating with countless other vessels.
One tip I’d definitely share is to book your dining and excursions as early as possible. I was lucky enough to experience all the venues I wanted to visit and I’d have been disappointed to miss any of them.
Sea days are naturally busier because everyone is making the most of the facilities, so even if you only prioritise booking activities for those days, it can save a lot of disappointment later.
Day 7 – Beach Club at Bimini
The main event today was definitely the Virgin Voyages Caribbean highlight, the Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas.
Arriving there felt like stepping into paradise. White sands, crystal-clear water and the freedom to do as much or as little as you wanted.
You could book guided island tours, jet ski adventures or even swim with stingrays. Or you could simply make the most of the facilities and relax.
Your wristband worked at the bars too, which made everything easy. We also had access to the Rockstar VIP area.
The pool party was a real highlight, with giant inflatables, brilliant music and great energy throughout the day. That was followed by a cocktail party with free-flowing drinks, which felt like the perfect way to round off the Bimini experience.
For our final dinner, we returned to my favourite restaurant onboard, The Wake. For me, it’s the ultimate way to end a cruise. The food and service were both exceptional.
Day 8 – Final Thoughts on Virgin Voyages Caribbean Itinerary
Even now, looking back through my photos, I can’t believe the final day came around so quickly.
I’d been travelling by myself and normally, by this point, I’d be missing my family and counting down the hours until I was back in my own bed. But this wasn’t a normal holiday and I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
Everything about disembarkation felt just as relaxed as the rest of the cruise. There were no queues and no mad rush to get off the ship.
I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and then reluctantly headed off to collect my suitcase.
Virgin Voyages Caribbean itinerary was genuinely one of the most magical experiences of my life, and even now I still can’t quite believe some of the things I got to see and do.
I can’t wait for the next one. I just need to work out who’s looking after the kids.
You can view Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise deals here
You can view all Virgin Voyages cruise deals here