My First Virgin Voyages Adults-Only Cruise

I sailed with Virgin Voyages for the first time on a 5-day cruise to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Bimini, Bahamas, with my fitness group to celebrate the birthdays of a classmate and our instructor’s husband in May 2023.

I decided to book Virgin Voyage’s solo traveler room in case I needed “me time” on the trip, but I thought about sharing the cost with a roommate. It was smaller but meant for one person - just enough room for me. Everything on the ship was pretty much brand new. I was fascinated with the technology, modern decor, and excellent service. When you board, they provide a waterproof wristband for your room key, reservations, and purchases on board or at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club. You can keep it as a souvenir at the end of your voyage!

The thing I loved the most was that Virgin Voyages was an adult-only cruise. As a single young woman with no children, I’m not used to kids being around, and let’s be honest - they can be a handful sometimes.

I’m not a big drinker, but I got a $300 bar tab with my room, and since they allow you to bring two wine bottles on board with you, I brought along Sangria too. I struggled to use all of my bar tabs and spent much of it buying drinks for others. I finished one bottle of Sangria, but the other bottle returned home with me.

The food was delicious, made fresh, and the options were plenty. Pink Agave was my favorite spot for dinner, and The Wake was my favorite for brunch. You must start your day with the food and bottomless mimosas at The Wake at least once! The best part was that I didn’t have to pay an extra dime for any of it since it was an all-inclusive cruise. I even got a $50 credit to spend however I liked.

I strongly suggest you book dinner, excursions, and activity reservations well in advance before they get booked up. I missed some events because they filled up but the events I was able to attend were spectacular! I advise you to look at the line up to see scheduled events at least 48 hours before you board the ship and book everything you may be interested in attending beforehand. Some things you must book on board, but I recommend going to guest services to book as soon as you get on the ship.

The highlight of my trip was Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini, where we spent time at the beach and pool. A DJ rocked a float party at the pool, playing diverse music from hip-hop to pop.In the Dominican Republic, we explored Puerto Plata on an excursion with the locals; we went rum tasting and dancing at a Dominican Fiesta, where they provided food and more drinks! We learned how they made it and its impact on the region.

One thing I would’ve liked to see was a professional photographer on board. In the past, I’ve cruised mostly with Carnival, and I loved that they had photographers waiting to take your picture almost everywhere you went on the ship and even when you got off. Then, you could purchase the photos you liked the most at the end. I was kind of disappointed Virgin Voyages didn’t offer this perk. I was having so much fun I kept forgetting to take pictures to capture special moments. Still, my group did a good job stepping up to the plate and took some good off-guards of me.

Now, I am a Gold-Tier Virgin Voyages travel expert and have earned group booking certifications.

I loved my Virgin Voyages cruise and can’t wait to book my next one. Want to join me?