Seas the Day: A Recap of My Virgin Voyages Cruise
Ahoy, fellow wanderers! Ready to set sail on the high seas with me? Join me as I spill the beans on my unforgettable adventure aboard the first-ever Virgin Voyages Cruise: Dominican Daze. And guess what? This cruise is strictly adults-only – talk about a win! While Dan opted out due to potential motion sickness, I was fortunate to have my best friend, Christina, accompany me. Departing from Miami, our 5-night cruise featured stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Bimini, Bahamas. The onshore experiences were thrilling, but the real magic unfolded during the two full sea days. Let's explore every aspect of this unforgettable journey.
Setting Sail on The Scarlet Lady: A Floating Oasis
The Scarlet Lady, with its 16 beautifully crafted decks (excluding the 17th, known as the track), launched in 2021. Each space embodies the brand's cool, calm, and innovative vibe. Highlights include On the Rocks, a cave bar with smooth Latin music, The Dock House offering a quaint Mediterranean feel and delightful snacks for mingling and karaoke, and other favorites like The Manor (entrance shown left- their nightclub), High Street, the Redemption Spa, and the Three-Knot Net—a suspended catamaran-style net. The ship's sleek looks and innovations extend beyond public spaces to the cabins.
The Smart Room: Modern Luxury for Travelers
Introducing the smart room—a haven for modern travelers. With over 93% of rooms as "outside rooms" and 86% featuring a balcony, leaving the cabin becomes a challenge. Every room is furnished with a tablet allowing guests to control temperature, lights, and TV settings. Virgin's environmental dedication is evident, with room controls automatically adjusting upon door opening. Eco-friendly features include Wi-Fi, water-bottle refill stations, and a strict no-plastic policy.
Staying Fit and Entertained at Sea
Virgin ensures you stay in top shape with state-of-the-art gyms and fitness classes. From Vinyasa Yoga to beginner's Spin classes, we indulged in wellness activities. The gyms, located on deck 15 (Burn & Bike and Build & Balance), catered to our pace. The open-air track was perfect for leisurely laps.
Shows aboard The Scarlet Lady are a must-see. Reserve tickets early for Duel Reality, a fast-paced Romeo and Juliet with a circus twist, and "It's a Ship Show!" variety spectacle. Scarlet Night, an immersive celebration of sea goddess love, transforms the ship into a menagerie of delights. The evening demands your best attire with a touch of scarlet. Virgin offers a diverse range of entertainment and activities, providing downtime to relax by the pool or chat with friends by the DJ.
Culinary Delights Aboard Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages takes dining to the next level, bidding farewell to buffets and timed dining. Opt for restaurants or the casual "Galley," a market-style food hall. Make sure to schedule dining reservations in advance. Personal favorites included Test Kitchen for experimental food and Pink Agave for upscale Mexican and Mezcal. The chocolate tacos for dessert (shown left) were to die for! Additionally, Virgin breaks away from traditional drink packages, offering essential drinks on every cruise. Spice it up with "sailor loot" on the app for elevated coffees, cocktails, or fresh smoothies, promoting a pay-as-you-go approach.
Sea You Next Time
While I could continue recounting my ship experiences, every adventure must come to an end. Virgin Voyages exceeded all expectations, offering an adults-only, luxurious escape. Already eyeing Mediterranean itineraries for our next sailing, I can't stress enough the importance of booking with an advisor. I share various tips and tricks with clients, ensuring the best cruise line, itinerary, and cabin style match your preferences.
Are you interested in sailing with Virgin? Check out their itineraries HERE or schedule a consultation HERE.
I can't wait for you to Seas the Day!
~ Hannah
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