Virgin Voyages Review - Miami to Bimini, Bahamas

Source: Chews to Explore (Chu & Liv)

Overview

A 3-night Virgin Voyages cruise from Miami to Bimini, Bahamas aboard the Scarlet Lady, sailing on Virgin's "Creator Cruise." Virgin Voyages is adults-only, no buffets, and marketed as all-inclusive with no hidden fees — once you check out, everything you see is what you pay.

Check-In & Cabin — Sea Terrace Suite

• Wristband serves as room key and onboard payment method
• Cabin includes: modern bathroom, comfortable bed, TV, desk area stocked with alkaline water and Cokes
• Balcony with a red hammock and Miami skyline views
• In-room amenities: adjustable mood lighting, live TV, food delivery directly to the room
• Assisted at check-in by a Virgin crew member (Joe Lex) who walked them through amenities

Food & Dining

The Galley (15th Floor) — Casual, Available Most of the Day

• Sushi
• Miso udon (noodles, edamame, described as very flavorful)
• Thai curry noodles
• Champagne included

Pink Agave (Mexican, Reservation Required)

• Cocktails: Sol de Fuego margarita with tajín rim
• Shared starters: corn, guacamole, Mexican squash, Mexican street corn, aguachile (tuna), shrimp, chicken enchiladas (shrimp was a favorite)
• Entrées: pork, sea bass, steak, duck, and a vegan option (relleno vegano) — recommended for vegan travelers

Breakfast (Restaurants Rotate to Breakfast Menus)

• French toast with a berry box
• French toast bacon-egg-and-cheese "burger"
• Salmon on rye with chips
• Wide range of vegan/vegetarian options available

Gunbae (Korean BBQ, Communal Style)

• Table of 8; server cooks the food tableside (unlike self-cook Korean BBQ in Korea)
• Accommodates dietary restrictions — vegetarian courses served first on request
• Dishes: beef bulgogi, short ribs, tteokbokki, sticky rice
• Includes a drinking game (rules kept a surprise)
• Called out as a possible favorite meal of the trip

Onboard Activities & Nightlife

• Sail-away party — described as a judgment-free, highly inclusive space (creators of all backgrounds, accessibility, diversity, sexuality represented)
• Scarlet Night (guests dress in red)
• Pool party with live performances
• Sea day activities scheduled roughly every 30 minutes: fitness classes, pop-ups, meditation, spa treatments
• Daily activity calendar posted in the elevators
• Morning run on the track, pickleball
• Dodgeball session (2:30pm)
• Espresso martini at the onboard coffee shop while relaxing on deck
• 17 floors total, noted for strong photo/architecture aesthetics
• Guests had the chance to talk with Richard Branson

Bimini Beach Club (Bahamas Stop)

• Easy disembarkation (~1 minute, passes scanned)
• Option to walk to the beach club or take a free shuttle (walk described as windy — "hold your hats, wigs, lashes")
• Amenities: large pool, volleyball, wheelchair-accessible ramps, day beds, beach chairs
• Food included: lechón (Filipino pork), Caribbean jerk chicken, snapper ceviche, curry potato (pumpkin Indian curry style), Caribbean rice and beans, corn on the cob, rum cake, fried yucca/cassava
• Free champagne (initially thought it was a liquor line)
• Reviewer's take: the Beach Club and getting off the boat was "absolutely worth it"

Costs & Inclusions

• Cruise ticket includes most food, some drinks, and many activities
• Additional drinks purchased separately in some cases (used included "Sailor Loot" credit)
• Sample retail spending mentioned: sunscreen and Sol de Janeiro products (~$32–$190 range) purchased at gift shop, contributing to packing/luggage space issues at the end of the trip

Overall Verdict

First cruise together as adults — reviewers said it "opened their eyes to cruising" and set a high bar, calling it their first but not their last cruise. Strong praise for the inclusivity, food quality/variety, activity density, and the Bimini Beach Club experience.