Please note that some of the links in this blog post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the maintenance of this website. Rest assured, I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

Stepping aboard Virgin Voyages for the second time, I knew I was in for a fun and refreshing experience—but this trip was even more special because I was sailing with my mom on her first-ever Virgin cruise. Over the course of 11 nights, we sailed on Resilient Lady through the Caribbean and along the coast of South America, exploring vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and enjoying everything this adults-only cruise line has to offer.

Our voyages was a roundtrip from San Juan. This was super convenient since my mom lives in Puerto Rico.

Virgin Voyages prides itself on doing things differently. From its elevated, all-inclusive dining (no buffets or main dining rooms here!) to its bold and inclusive entertainment, the experience is designed to be both fun and stress-free. My mom, who has been on several other cruise lines, immediately noticed the difference—she loved the laid-back atmosphere, not having to worry about formal nights or rigid schedules, and she was blown away by the creativity and talent of the performers onboard.

Our original itinerary included Cartagena, Curaçao, Aruba, Saint Lucia (but a last-minute change brought us to Martinique instead), Antigua and St Martin. While unexpected, the shift added an extra layer of adventure to our journey. In this post, I’ll dive into three standout aspects of our voyage: the incredible food, the unique entertainment, and the stunning destinations we explored along the way. Let’s set sail! 🚢✨

Onboard Experience: Food & Dining

One of the standout aspects of Virgin Voyages is its approach to dining. Unlike traditional cruise lines that rely on buffets and main dining rooms, Virgin offers a fresh and relaxed take with The Galley, a vibrant food hall-style space with a variety of made-to-order options. My mom and I loved how easy it was to grab a quick, fresh meal here without the usual buffet chaos. Whether we were in the mood for sushi, tacos, or a hearty breakfast, The Galley had something for every craving.

Beyond The Galley, we had the chance to try each of Virgin’s six main restaurants, and while every meal was memorable, a few spots stood out as clear favorites. The Wake, the elegant steakhouse with stunning aft views, was a favorite for both my mom and me—perfectly cooked steaks, indulgent seafood dishes, and an upscale yet unpretentious atmosphere made it a highlight of our trip.

For my mom, another favorite was Extra Virgin, Virgin’s Italian restaurant, where she fell in love with the housemade fresh pastas and flavorful dishes that felt straight out of Italy. Meanwhile, I couldn’t get enough of Gunbae, the lively Korean BBQ spot. The interactive dining experience, complete with communal seating and a fun soju drinking game led by our host, made for an unforgettable night of great food and laughter.

Virgin Voyages’ approach to dining is anything but standard, and that’s exactly why we loved it. No set dining times, no dress codes—just high-quality, creative meals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Shows & Entertainment: A Dynamic and Inclusive Experience

Virgin Voyages is known for its bold, boundary-pushing entertainment, and this cruise was no exception. However, unlike my previous sailing, this particular voyage was quite full, which meant some of the most popular shows filled up quickly. We found ourselves lining up as early as 30 minutes before doors opened to secure seats—something I hadn’t needed to do before. Thankfully, since this was an 11-night itinerary, each show was performed at least two nights, with two performances per night, giving everyone a fair chance to catch them.

Of all the shows we saw, our absolute favorite was Another Rose, a mesmerizing dinner show that seamlessly blended stunning vocals, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and a beautifully woven love story. The intimate setting and interactive elements (especially for those seated near the stage) made it feel like we were part of the performance rather than just spectators. It was well worth the additional cost for such a unique and immersive experience.

Beyond the main stage productions, we also had a blast playing Bingo during sea days, hosted by The Diva or other lively members of The Happenings Cast. Whether we won or not, the cheeky humor and playful energy made it a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Another highlight was the live music scattered throughout the ship. From acoustic sets in cozy lounges to high-energy performances by talented musicians, there was always something happening. It was the perfect way to unwind with a drink in hand, soaking in the talent of Virgin’s diverse and inclusive entertainment lineup.

Virgin Voyages truly excels at creating an atmosphere where entertainment feels fresh, unexpected, and, most importantly, fun.

Port Stops & Excursions: A Perfect Mix of Culture and Relaxation

One of the main reasons we chose this itinerary was Cartagena, Colombia—a city that had long been on our travel list. To make the experience extra special for my mom, I booked a private tour with a local operator, ensuring a personalized and stress-free day. Our amazing guide took us to some of Cartagena’s most iconic sites, including the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, perched high above the city with stunning views, and the San Felipe Castle, an impressive fortress that speaks to the city’s rich history. We also wandered through Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed walled city and the colorful, artistic neighborhood of Getsemaní, soaking in the vibrant street art and lively atmosphere. We ended our tour with a bit of local shopping, bringing home beautiful souvenirs and memories of a fantastic day.

Beyond Cartagena, each of our other port stops had something unique to offer:

• Curaçao: We joined a Shore Thing excursion that took us to a museum, caves, and the Blue Curaçao distillery, where we learned about the island’s signature liqueur and got to taste it ourselves.
• Aruba: This was a laid-back beach day, where we simply soaked up the sun and enjoyed the island’s clear blue waters.
• Martinique: We spent time exploring the old town, taking in the French-Caribbean charm and enjoying a relaxed day wandering through the streets.
• Antigua: This was another beach day, but it ended up being our favorite! The beach was stunning, and we were welcomed by incredibly friendly locals, making the experience even more memorable.
• St. Maarten: We opted for a Shore Thing excursion that included a chairlift ride with breathtaking panoramic views, followed by a delicious lunch with a view.

Each stop gave us a different taste of the Caribbean, blending history, culture, and relaxation in the best way possible. It was the perfect balance of exploration and downtime, making for an unforgettable journey.

Other Highlights of the Sailing

Beyond the amazing food, entertainment, and port stops, there were a few other experiences that made this sailing extra special.

One of my absolute favorite onboard experiences was a spa day with a friend who happened to be on the same cruise. We spent three blissful hours in the Thermal Suites, enjoying the dry sauna, steam room, pools, salt room, and mudroom. It was the perfect way to unwind and recharge.

I also made time to relax by the pool on Deck 15 and soak in the hot tubs, embracing the carefree vibe of Virgin Voyages. My friend and I had fun indulging in a Negroni cocktail and whiskey tastings, adding a little extra sophistication to our sea days.

One of the most delightful surprises of the trip was afternoon tea at Sip Lounge with my mom. It was such a lovely way to slow down, sip tea, and enjoy some sweet treats while watching the ocean pass by.

But above all, our absolute favorite thing onboard was our hammock on the Sea Terrace cabin. There was nothing better than unwinding in the hammock, feeling the sea breeze, and watching the waves. It was pure relaxation at its finest.

Final Thoughts: Would I Sail Again?

The clear answer is YES!

This was my second Virgin Voyages sailing (and second cruise overall), and I already have three more booked!

As an avid solo traveler, I never thought cruising would be my thing. But Virgin Voyages changed my mind. The friendly staff, modern entertainment, incredible food, and beautifully designed cabins all make it an experience unlike any other cruise line. Plus, there’s always something to do onboard besides just lounging by the pool (which, let’s be honest, is not my cup of tea).

And then there’s my mom, who is now completely OBSESSED. She kept asking, “When are we going back?”—so, of course, we’re going back!

Here’s what’s next:
🛳 June 1–6, 2025: Riviera Maya – A short and sweet 5-night solo sailing for me.
🛳 May 28–June 4, 2026: Seattle, Juneau & Canadian Coasts – My mom and I’s first time in Alaska!
🛳 September 6–19, 2026: Iceland, Greenland, Canada & NYC – A 13-night Transatlantic voyage from Reykjavík to NYC, and possibly the trip of a lifetime.

Clearly, I’ve been converted. Virgin Voyages isn’t just a cruise—it’s an experience. And I can’t wait to set sail again!

Ready to Set Sail? Let’s Plan Your Virgin Voyages Cruise!

If you’re curious about cruising with Virgin Voyages and want expert guidance on finding the perfect itinerary for you, I’d love to help! Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, a solo traveler, or looking for a unique adults-only getaway, I can handle all the details so you can simply pack and enjoy the adventure.

📩 Get in touch today to start planning your dream cruise!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR NEXT VIRGIN VOYAGES CRUISE!