I’m going to be honest. I had only been on board two cruises in my entire life and I simply did not consider myself the type of traveler that was a fan of cruises. This is until I got into the Valiant Lady at the Port of Miami for a four-day cruise that would take me and my husband to Key West and the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. It truly was love at first sight. As soon as I stepped inside the Virgin Voyages cruise and took in the elegant environment, the welcoming and fun décor, as well as upscale shops and the sights of the first gorgeous bar, I was in love. It was time for an adventure, one that I was sure my husband and I would enjoy to the max.
A True Lady
The Valiant Lady is part of Virgin Voyages’ introductory fleet, a fun and inviting ship that’s part of the company’s “Lady Ships.” The adorable nickname celebrates Virgin’s British heritage and the term ‘your ladyship.’ I feel like this nod to the British culture is perfect, and my trip experience made me feel as if Virgin Voyages are all about celebrating life and the moments that we are truly thankful to have experienced.
Close to 90 percent of the Virgin Voyages cabins have a balcony with a swinging and super bright red chair where sailors can relax with their preferred drink while taking in the ocean views since 93 percent of the cabins offer an ocean view. This, to me, was impressive since these are rare offerings for those who wish to sail away. I was lucky enough to have a room with a balcony, and the view of the ocean and stars was impeccable and a beautiful way to relax and take time for yourself.
The technology in each room is top notch, and the rooms each have an electronic tablet where those on board can control pretty much everything to their heart’s content. And it’s just about everything, in a good way!
From their cabin’s temperature to the television shows and movies that they wish to watch, as well the tablet giving them the power to request any additional items that they might need for the room, and even a button to close or open the cabin’s blinds in the evening or morning. This makes the ship simply ooze and scream elegance and the promise of possibly the best cruising experience that you will have once on board.
Let’s talk about the ship’s overall space. My husband and I never felt cramped and uncomfortable as we strolled around the ship and explored all the options to socialize and unwind. The boats fit about 2,770 sailors and the crew is from all over the world. As for crew members, there are about 1,160 of them on board. And yes, this translates into impeccable service.
One way that it was proven was with how speedy a cold bottle of Moet and Chandon arrived at our cabin when we used their speedy champagne delivery “press a button for champagne” service. And yes, it’s highly recommended to do this. Don’t leave without pampering yourself with a bottle and just have a toast during the cruise with your party or your special plus one.
As for the boat’s capacity, there are about 1,330 cabins. The Valiant Lady also offers 78 RockStar Quarters aboard the ships where those who book their cruises can choose that VIP option that gives them access to special add-ons to their cruising experiences such as a private rooftop known as Richard’s Rooftop with a 5 to 6 pm unlimited drink happy hour boasting top-shelf spirits such as Zacapa Rum and Johnnie Walker Black, and of course, champagne. And there are also hot tubs overlooking the ocean at this spot on the highest deck of the cruise.
An Adults-Only Cruise Full of Entertainment
A Virgin Voyages cruise is adults-only. Yes, you read that right. All adults on board! Might be fun, right? Yes, you can only be over 18 to join in and sail away.
Trust me, it is. The cruise is perfect for a great girl’s trip, a guy’s trip, to celebrate a bachelorette or bachelor’s party, or a great option and an even better excuse to simply take a romantic and quiet escape with your other half. You’ll spend sailing days visiting different restaurants, bars, enjoying trivia at a pub or even playing games at an arcade while competing with your best friends or ship mates.
At a Virgin Voyages cruise, don’t expect to have to eat from the usual casual buffets featuring food options such as salads and pizza. You won’t even have to schedule a communal dinner every night at a selected and specific hour. At the Valiant Lady, things work a little bit differently. And it works to their advantage, making the cruise company and the ship very different from others and their offerings.
Our cruise was known as the Fire and Sunset Soirees voyage. I felt like the cruise, starting with us leaving on a Wednesday and having us docking back in South Florida on Sunday, was enough time for a sailor to introduce themselves to the Virgin Voyages experience. It’s the perfect amount of time to get to know the brand, its offerings, and its all-around energy. And trust me, it’s a vibrant energy, one that lures those on board to dance, drink, eat and play throughout their experience.
While there are no regular buffets, there is a place where those on board can enjoy different types of food options throughout the day. Known as The Galley, the classy food hall offers everything from Asian food to classic American diner options, and fresh bento boxes. These boxes offer yummy bites inside, such as all sorts of sushi or meats and cheeses, for those who love a nice charcuterie box.
As for the full-on Virgin Voyages dining experience, it’s a different one than from any other cruise line. Sailors can use the Virgin Voyages app, one that they will need throughout the sailing to book experiences such as restaurant reservations and shows. We recommend scooping those up as soon as you can, for there is a high demand.
We recommend The Wake for brunch and dinner, a restaurant featuring wonderful drinks, a bottomless drinks option for brunch, and perfectly cut steaks at night. We also highly recommend visiting their Korean BBQ restaurant called Gunbae, where diners are sat in groups and even play a few drinking games.
As for a different type of fun, there is Draught Haus, which offers excellent craft beers and there’s The Manor, a nightclub hosting events every evening, many of them themed, giving those on board a chance to mix and mingle. There are so many great places, and I promise you that you will enjoy exploring them all. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the casino and try your luck! Yiu never know just what you might win, right?
Besides amazing acrobatic shows and engaging comedy shows that will keep those on board giggling, sailors will also have a chance to enjoy fitness classes, select cocktail and wine pairings, fun games such as trivia where you can compete with other sailors, and many other events that you can add to your schedule and book on the app as well.
We’ll Leave This at Shopping and Scarlet Night
My experience on board made me comfortable to try cruises again, and truly maybe it’s because I was spoiled by this top-notch experience.
The cruise ship also has a tattoo and piercing parlor, a vinyl record store, a spa and salon, and a shopping area full of anything that you could ever want. From designer handbags to Chanel makeup, and spiffy clothing, you’ll be tempted to shop until you drop.
I won’t end this story without mentioning Scarlet Night. It’s literally a night that you will never forget.
The exclusive boat-wide party is a night full of dancing, art and entertainment installations, including DJs and colorful art. Think of it as a night where bright neon and inflated blow-up fish are scattered about, there are fun photo booths, the chance at having someone glitter up your makeup is offered, and the party never stops. Prepare to bring your best red outfit, come with an open mind and unleash your free spirit within. Oh, and just wait until the culmination of the evening, an outdoor dance party by the pool. It’s truly fabulous.
Thanks, Virgin Voyages, for making me a new sailor. I’m sure all of you will feel at home with this cruise company, too, as I did. And you’ll come back with amazing memories.
For more information on Virgin Voyages and to book a cruise, visit https://www.virginvoyages.com.
