The Hammock That Made Me Fall in Love With Virgin

I've been on cruises before. I know the drill — the buffet lines, the packed pool decks, the shows that are fine but forgettable. So when I boarded the Scarlet Lady out of Miami for the first time, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was something I genuinely wasn't prepared for.

The first thing that stopped me was the ship itself. No announcements blaring over the intercom. No chaos. Just this sleek, sexy, almost hotel-like energy — think the W, but floating. Mood lighting that actually works. Design that feels intentional. I kept waiting for the "cruise ship" feeling to kick in. It never did.

Then there was the food. I'm just going to say it: the best food I've ever had on a cruise, and it's not close. Every restaurant felt like stumbling into a great spot in a major city — mood lighting, real menus, actual atmosphere. And here's the thing nobody tells you: it's all included. No upcharges. No "premium dining" upsell. You just eat well, every single night.

The entertainment was legitimately shocking. I've seen cruise ship shows. These were not cruise ship shows. The Romeo and Juliet-themed production alone was worth the sailing. The send-off party had me wondering if I accidentally booked a concert.

But if I'm being completely honest? My favorite part of the entire experience was the hammock.

Every Sea Terrace cabin on Virgin Voyages comes with a signature red hammock on the private balcony, handwoven by artisan women from Thailand's hill tribes through a partnership with Yellow Leaf Hammocks — a brand built around lifting communities out of poverty through ethical employment. I didn't know that when I first sat in it. I just knew it was the most comfortable thing I'd ever experienced at sea. I lost hours out there. Open ocean, blue sky, the hum of the ship underneath me. Nothing else required.

I booked the XL Sea Terrace, which gives you about 30% more cabin space, a split bathroom with separate rain shower and toilet, and that bigger terrace. Worth every penny — especially for the hammock. One thing to know: not every XL cabin includes one, so when I book clients into this category, I always make sure their specific cabin has it confirmed. That's the kind of thing that matters.

If you've been on traditional cruises and thought "this isn't really for me," Virgin Voyages might change your mind. It changed mine!