Aboard Virgin Voyages Sailing to Bimini, Puerto Plata and Grand Turk

This Virgin Voyages cruise was the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure and cultural discovery, starting with Miami and continuing to three standout destinations: Bimini, Puerto Plata and Grand Turk. Each stop offered something unique, making it easy to find activities that suited everyone, whether you’re all about lounging on the beach or diving into new experiences.

Virgin Voyages is all about redefining the cruise experience. It’s sleek, adults-only, and filled with modern amenities, from Michelin-inspired dining to fitness classes and wellness spaces that you wouldn't normally expect on a cruise ship. The ship itself has this cool, boutique hotel vibe — ideal for travelers who want more of a luxury-yet-casual atmosphere. I think it’s especially perfect for couples, solo travelers and groups of friends looking for a stylish, social experience at sea. There’s an emphasis on flexibility, so you’re never stuck with rigid schedules or assigned dining times, which I really appreciated.

Bimini was definitely a highlight for me. Virgin Voyages has its own private beach club here, and it’s as close to paradise as it gets — think crystal-clear waters, daybeds by the pool and a DJ setting the perfect laid-back vibe. If you're into watersports, Bimini’s known for its snorkeling and diving, especially around the shipwreck sites. Puerto Plata, in the Dominican Republic, added a nice historical touch to the itinerary. We explored the colonial architecture, took a cable car ride up Mount Isabel and even toured a rum distillery — perfect for a cultural twist between beach days. Lastly, Grand Turk was all about pristine beaches and turquoise waters. It’s the kind of place where you can go whale watching or just relax on the sand, cocktail in hand.

Virgin Voyages feels like it’s made for the modern traveler who wants a little bit of everything: beach clubs, cultural exploration, active adventures and wellness. I’d recommend it for those who want the fun and social aspect of a cruise, but with an elevated, contemporary twist that feels fresh and different.

Virgin Voyages offers a refreshing take on cruising, designed for adults who crave a mix of luxury, relaxation and adventure. Starting from Miami, this particular cruise takes you to the pristine beaches of Bimini, the cultural charm of Puerto Plata and the laid-back island vibes of Grand Turk. Here’s everything you need to know for your pre-cruise stay, what to pack and the onboard experience, as well as insights into each port.

Pre-and post-cruise stays

If you’re flying into Miami before your Virgin Voyages cruise, take advantage of the city’s mix of vibrant culture, art and nightlife by staying a day or two. A top choice for a pre-cruise stay is EAST, Miami. Located in the heart of the trendy Brickell district, EAST is perfect if you want a modern, upscale vibe with easy access to shopping and dining. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Sugar, offers some of the best views of the city’s skyline — ideal for enjoying a cocktail while soaking in the pre-cruise excitement. The rooms are sleek and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the hotel boasts multiple pools, a top-notch fitness center and an innovative Asian-inspired restaurant, Quinto La Huella. It’s a great spot to relax and get into vacation mode before boarding.

Essentials to bring

Packing for a Virgin Voyages cruise is a bit different from other cruises. First, there are no formal nights, so you can leave the tuxedo and ballgowns at home. Instead, opt for smart-casual outfits that work for the ship’s upscale dining venues. Think sundresses, linen shirts or nice slacks for evening dinners, but feel free to embrace a relaxed vibe during the day.

For the ship’s outdoor areas, you’ll definitely want to pack plenty of swimwear. Between the pool decks, Virgin Voyages’ private beach club in Bimini and the stunning beaches in Grand Turk, you’ll be in the water often. A good sunscreen is essential, given how much time you’ll spend outdoors. Virgin Voyages is also big on wellness, with a top-tier gym and fitness classes, so don’t forget your activewear if you want to take a spin class or join a yoga session.

The ship

The Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages’ flagship, is unlike any other cruise ship. It’s sleek, modern and designed to feel more like a boutique hotel at sea than a traditional cruise liner. The vibe is very adults-only, with a focus on stylish spaces and experiences that feel fresh and contemporary.

Dining is a major highlight. With over 20 restaurants onboard, the dining experience is elevated and included in your fare, so no extra charges for specialty restaurants. You won’t find any buffets or fixed dining times here — there’s complete flexibility. My favorite restaurant was The Wake, which serves incredible steaks and seafood with a view of the ship’s wake. For a more relaxed meal, head to The Dock for Mediterranean-style tapas by the pool, or try Razzle Dazzle, which offers a creative menu full of plant-based dishes and indulgent treats.

When it comes to amenities, the spa is a standout. You can indulge in massages, enjoy the hydrotherapy pools or try the mud room. The Aquatic Club pool area is another favorite — it feels like an exclusive beach club with daybeds and cool vibes, perfect for relaxing between activities. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center with high-energy classes like spin and HIIT, as well as more restorative options like yoga and meditation.

The ship doesn’t have a casino, which is a refreshing change, but it offers plenty of nightlife. The Manor, a nightclub inspired by Richard Branson’s own Virgin Records days, is the perfect spot to dance the night away in a sultry, glamorous setting.

Entertainment and activities

Virgin Voyages offers a unique take on onboard entertainment. Instead of traditional cruise ship shows, you’ll find innovative performances that break the mold. "Duel Reality", a modern and athletic retelling of Romeo and Juliet, features incredible acrobatic performances and is a must-see. Another standout is the quirky, immersive dance show, which blurs the lines between a dance party and a theatrical performance.

One of the coolest features onboard is the pop-up performances that happen around the ship. Whether it’s spontaneous live music or unexpected dance acts, there’s always something happening, and it gives the ship a vibrant, dynamic feel. For more low-key entertainment, you can catch a film at the outdoor cinema or join one of the karaoke sessions in the ship’s private karaoke rooms.

The ship is adults-only, so there aren’t any kid-specific activities, making it a great option for couples, solo travelers or groups of friends looking for a sophisticated, social atmosphere. If you’re a wellness enthusiast, the ship’s wellness programming is impressive, with classes, a top-notch gym and even a tattoo parlor if you’re feeling adventurous!

Port calls

Bimini: Virgin Voyages’ private beach club in Bimini is a tropical paradise. The beach club is exclusive to Virgin passengers and offers a chilled-out atmosphere with cabanas, daybeds and a DJ creating the perfect laid-back vibe. You can spend your day lounging by the pool or taking part in water activities like snorkeling or paddle boarding. One of the most popular excursions here is snorkeling at the Sapona Shipwreck, a sunken ship-turned reef that’s ideal for underwater exploration.

Puerto Plata: In the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata offers a blend of history, adventure and beautiful scenery. Take the cable car up to Mount Isabel for panoramic views, or explore the charming colonial streets of the city. If you’re into rum, the Brugal Rum Distillery tour is a must, where you can learn about the rum-making process and enjoy tastings. Puerto Plata also offers beaches, waterfalls and hiking for those who want to mix nature with history.

Grand Turk: This small island in the Turks and Caicos is all about clear waters and pristine beaches. Spend your day at Governor’s Beach, known for its soft white sand and calm waters, or explore the island’s reefs through snorkeling or diving. Whale watching is also a popular activity here, depending on the season, and for a touch of history, you can visit the Grand Turk Lighthouse, which offers beautiful views and a glimpse into the island’s maritime past.

Additional costs

One of the best aspects of Virgin Voyages is the number of inclusions in the fare. All dining (even at specialty restaurants) is included, so you don’t have to worry about extra charges for meals. Wi-Fi, fitness classes and entertainment are also included, which is a huge plus for those who want to stay connected and active without extra fees. Even gratuities are built into the fare, so there’s no need to tip throughout the trip.

However, there are some extras you should budget for. Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees aren’t included, so if you enjoy cocktails or your morning espresso, you’ll need to account for that. The ship offers drinks packages for those who want to keep their bar tabs in check. Spa services, tattoos and shore excursions are also additional, though they’re fairly priced considering the level of service and experience. Virgin Voyages includes more than most luxury cruises, so while there are a few extras, the overall value is excellent.

In summary, this Virgin Voyages cruise is perfect for those who want a blend of luxury, relaxation and adventure in a stylish, adults-only setting. From the chic design of the ship to the vibrant port stops, it offers an elevated, modern cruise experience with plenty of inclusions and little surprises along the way. Whether you’re lounging by the pool in Bimini or exploring Puerto Plata’s colonial streets, this cruise promises a memorable getaway tailored to the modern traveler.

I highly recommend Virgin Voyages as a cruising option for a vastly different experience than what you would see on a more traditional sailing. The modern, luxury yet boutique atmosphere combined with the "near all inclusive" experience is worth the hype that it gets. The cruises are phenomenal options for couples and friend get-away trips.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on cruise travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Kelsey Parry’s guide, What to Know about the Adults-only Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini.