CLIA Certified (Cruise Lines International Association)
Vincent Vacations Travel Advisor Logan White and family enjoying tropical cocktails in the lagoon pool at The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas during their Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady getaway.
By Logan White
LGBTQ+ Friendly Cruises, Caribbean & All-Inclusive Specialist“I sailed aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady in March 2026 for four nights, visiting Key West, Florida, and Bimini, Bahamas, and it quickly became one of my favorite cruise experiences. What I love most about Virgin Voyages is how different it feels from a traditional cruise. The adults-only atmosphere, modern ships, specialty dining included in the cruise fare, incredible entertainment, and overall energy onboard make it the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. In fact, I loved my first Virgin Voyages experience so much that I immediately booked another one aboard Resilient Lady!”
Voyage at a Glance: Virgin Voyages First-Hand Review
- Ship & Sailing Date: Scarlet Lady (March 2026, 4-Night Fire & Sunset Soirées)
- Ports of Call: PortMiami → Key West, Florida → The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas
- Next Booked Voyage: Resilient Lady (5 Nights — Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic & Bimini, Bahamas, September 2026)
- Stateroom Category: Sea Terrace Balcony Cabin with signature hand-woven red hammock
- Included Luxury Value: 20+ specialty eateries, Wi-Fi, essential drinks, fitness classes & entertainment included
- Standout Nightlife: Under-the-stars PJ Party, immersive Scarlet Night & shows with The Diva
- Vibe & Inclusivity: 100% Adults-Only (18+), modern boutique hotel feel & ultra-welcoming LGBTQ+ friendly culture
- Reviewed By: Logan White, Travel Advisor at Vincent Vacations
Why Virgin Voyages Feels Completely Different from a Traditional Cruise
When travelers tell me they aren’t sure if cruising is for them—or when seasoned cruisers tell me they are craving something fresh, modern, and elevated—my immediate recommendation is Virgin Voyages. Sailing aboard Scarlet Lady in March 2026 for four nights to Key West, Florida, and Bimini, Bahamas quickly became one of my all-time favorite travel experiences because Virgin Voyages throws out the outdated cruise playbook and replaces it with the energy of a cosmopolitan boutique resort at sea.
From the moment you step aboard, you notice what isn’t there just as much as what is. There are no kids running around the pool deck because every Virgin Voyages sailing is strictly 18+ adults-only. There are no crowded buffets, no massive main dining rooms with forced table-sharing or rigid early/late seating times, and no nickel-and-diming for specialty restaurants. Instead, you are welcomed onto a sleek, superyacht-inspired Lady Ship where over 20 chef-driven eateries, group fitness classes, high-speed Wi-Fi, and festival-caliber entertainment are already built into your voyage fare.
“Brunchin’ in Miami before heading to the ship!” Kicking off embarkation day in Miami Beach.
Toasting sail-away on the top deck of Scarlet Lady with the Miami skyline glistening behind us.
Celebrating with family and complimentary poolside bubbly at the Scarlet Lady Sail Away Party.
Because Virgin Voyages schedules afternoon embarkation out of Terminal V at PortMiami (allowing guests on the incoming voyage to enjoy a leisurely morning onboard without being rushed off at 7:00 AM), you actually get to enjoy your morning in South Florida. We started our trip by “brunchin’ in Miami before heading to the ship”—enjoying crispy chicken and waffles topped with bacon and a sunny-side-up egg alongside craft cocktails in Miami Beach before taking a quick ride over to PortMiami. Once onboard, the Aquatic Club pool deck came alive for the iconic Sail Away party, complete with resident DJ beats, sunshine, and flowing champagne as we glided past the downtown Miami skyline.
Sea Terrace Balcony Cabin Tour: Ocean Views & The Iconic Red Hammock
“Do you want a cabin tour?! Check out my Sea Terrace balcony cabin aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady! Ocean views, a private balcony, AND a hammock? YES PLEASE!”
One of my absolute favorite things about sailing on Scarlet Lady was simply relaxing in the hand-woven red hammock on my private Sea Terrace balcony while looking out at the endless blue ocean. It is such a signature Virgin Voyages touch, and it quickly became my favorite spot onboard to unwind with morning coffee, listen to the waves in the afternoon, or stargaze after a late night of dancing.
Watch: My first-hand Sea Terrace Balcony Cabin walkthrough tour aboard Scarlet Lady—from tapping my wearable Band at the door to opening the curtains with the smart tablet and stepping out to the hammock!
Modern, yacht-inspired Sea Terrace cabin design with warm wood accents.
Waking up to ocean views and the signature red terrace hammock.
Feet up in the hand-woven balcony hammock—pure vacation bliss.
Panoramic harbor and mountain views right from our private terrace.
Why I Recommend the Sea Terrace Category to My Clients
As you can see in my cabin tour video above, Virgin Voyages engineered the Sea Terrace stateroom with clever technology and boutique hotel comfort at every turn:
- Smart Tablet Room Controls: Every cabin includes a bedside tablet that controls your room temperature, television, and curated mood lighting presets (like “Get It On,” “Chill,” “Wake Up,” or “Hangover”). Best of all, your ombré curtains automatically glide open when you tap the tablet or unlock your cabin door for the first time!
- The Custom Hand-Woven Hammock: Crafted by artisans at Yellow Leaf Hammocks, the red terrace hammock sits alongside two modern outdoor lounge chairs and a side table. Advisor Insider Tip: A handful of forward and aft metal-railing cabins have slightly different balcony layouts—when I book my clients, I personally select your exact cabin number on the deck plan so you are guaranteed a glass-railing terrace with the full hammock and quiet midship stability.
- Wearable Band Technology: Instead of carrying a plastic keycard around the pool, every Sailor receives a waterproof wearable bracelet made from recycled ocean plastic. You tap your wrist to unlock your cabin door, pay for cocktails, or check in at the Beach Club at Bimini.
- Elevated Vanity & Rainshower: The cabin features a spacious glamour vanity with a large circular illuminated mirror (perfect for getting ready before Scarlet Night!) and a glass-enclosed rainfall shower stocked with eco-friendly Red Flower bath amenities.
Unforgettable Entertainment: The PJ Party & Scarlet Night
The entertainment is another huge reason I fell in love with Virgin Voyages. Rather than traditional Broadway-style revues that feel dated, Virgin Voyages curates immersive, festival-style productions, acrobatics, live music, pop-up street performances, and high-energy themed nights. Whether you want to belt out classics in a private karaoke lounge at The Groupie, play retro arcade games at The Arcade, catch a boundary-pushing show in The Red Room (the first transformational multi-form theater at sea), or dance inside The Manor (the two-story nightclub named after Richard Branson’s first recording studio, complete with its famous glittering mirror hallway), there is truly something for every mood.
For me, the PJ Party and Scarlet Night were easily my two favorite nights onboard:
Watch: “PJ night last night was definitely a night to remember! Nothing like dancing the night away in your PJs on Virgin Voyages!”
Matching red satin pajamas with family inside The Manor’s glittering mirror hallway!
Pre-party cabin mood lighting before heading up to the PJ Party under the stars.
Stepping through the iconic mirror tunnel dressed in red for Scarlet Night.
Savoring a craft espresso martini by the grand staircase on Scarlet Night.
1. The Under-the-Stars PJ Party (Night One)
On the very first night of the sailing, once everyone has unpacked and enjoyed their first specialty dinner, the entire ship heads up to the top deck under the stars (or into The Manor if weather calls for it) for the legendary Virgin Voyages PJ Party. Our group wore matching crimson silk pajamas, and the energy was electric from the first song—complete with 90s and 2000s throwbacks, line dances, pillow-fight antics, and a best-dressed pajama contest hosted by the Happenings Cast. It breaks the ice on Night One so effortlessly that by the next morning, you already have new friends waving to you across the ship.
2. Scarlet Night: Pack Something Red!
If there is one piece of packing advice I give every client before they board Virgin Voyages, it is this: always pack something red for Scarlet Night and get involved in all the fun! Scarlet Night is not just a theme party in one room—it is an immersive, ship-wide takeover celebrating the mythic love story between the mysterious goddess of the sea (represented by the giant inflatable octopus tentacles that appear throughout the ship) and the sailor.
Every deck transforms with crimson lighting, pop-up circus and vocal performances, secret interactive storytelling moments, karaoke, and live bands, building up to the famous poolside dance party at the Aquatic Club where Sailors and the Happenings Cast jump right into the pool before the after-party continues late into the night at The Manor.
An Inclusive, Welcoming & LGBTQ+ Friendly Experience: Meet The Diva!
With The Diva—Virgin Voyages’ sensational resident drag performer—after an unforgettable show onboard Scarlet Lady.
Another thing I really love about Virgin Voyages—and something that resonates deeply with my clients as an LGBTQ+ travel specialist—is how genuinely welcoming, celebratory, and LGBTQ+ friendly the entire experience is. From the crew and the Happenings Cast (who replace traditional cruise directors with a diverse team of artists, hosts, and performers) to your fellow Sailors, the inclusive atmosphere is something you can feel in every corner of the ship.
In fact, every ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet has its own resident drag performer, affectionately known as The Diva! The Diva brings so much charisma, humor, powerhouse vocals, and larger-than-life personality to the sailing. Throughout the voyage, you can catch The Diva at multiple signature events:
- Around the World with The Diva: A high-energy, laugh-out-loud cabaret and lip-sync extravaganza in The Red Room or The Manor.
- Bingo with The Diva: Forget quiet cruise ship bingo—this is raucous, hilarious drag bingo where the commentary is just as exciting as the cash jackpots.
- Scarlet Night & Pop-Up Appearances: From leading the storytelling on Scarlet Night to hosting late-night parties, The Diva is the heart and soul of the ship’s entertainment.
Whether you are traveling as an LGBTQ+ couple, planning a pride group celebration, celebrating a honeymoon, or sailing with family and friends, Virgin Voyages creates a space where everyone is celebrated and encouraged to be 100% themselves.
Specialty Dining Included: 20+ Unique Eateries with Zero Upcharges
I also loved the dining experience on Virgin Voyages. On most mainstream cruise lines, if you want a great steakhouse dinner, handmade Italian pasta, or interactive Korean BBQ, you have to pay $50 to $80 per person in extra cover charges each night—or purchase an expensive specialty dining package. On Virgin Voyages, every single restaurant onboard is a specialty concept included in your cruise fare.
That means you can enjoy a completely different, Michelin-chef-curated dining experience every night of your sailing without paying an additional specialty dining fee:
Perfectly seared steak topped with green beans and crispy shoestring fries—included in your voyage fare.
Savory glazed wings with dipping sauce during a lively evening onboard.
Sizzling poolside fajitas and fresh warm tortillas enjoyed in the Caribbean sunshine.
Must-Book Dinner Venues Included Onboard
- The Wake: Located at the aft of the ship with dramatic wake views, serving upscale steak and seafood (plus an incredible daily Champagne brunch!).
- Pink Agave: Elevated, modern Mexican cuisine in a moody, vibrant setting—the esquites (grilled corn), guacamole, and ribeye with mole are phenomenal.
- Extra Virgin: Trattoria-style Italian featuring fresh, handmade pasta, tableside affogato, and artisanal charcuterie.
- Gunbae: The only Korean BBQ at sea! Built around flameless tabletop grills and a lively round of Korean drinking games that make it impossible not to laugh with your tablemates.
- Razzle Dazzle & The Test Kitchen: Creative contemporary American fare (and legendary brunch!) at Razzle Dazzle, plus laboratory-style tasting menus at The Test Kitchen.
Casual All-Day Spots & Sweet Treats
- The Dock & The Dock House: An outdoor Mediterranean lounge at the stern of Deck 7 serving grilled shrimp, hanger steak skewers, and mezze carts right to your daybed.
- The Pizza Place: Made-to-order artisanal pizzas baked fresh until 2:00 AM (a mandatory stop after Scarlet Night or the PJ Party!).
- The Galley: Instead of a buffet, Virgin features a stylish food hall with over eight shops—including a taco bar, ramen station, burger grill, sushi bento boxes, panini press, and 24-hour American diner breakfast.
- Lick Me Till… Ice Cream & The Social Club: Complimentary hand-scooped artisanal gelato in freshly baked cones, plus gourmet hot dogs, wings, pretzel bites, and milkshakes.
Memorable Destinations: Key West, Florida & The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas
“Good morning from the Bahamas! The Beach Club, Bimini, Bahamas.”
The destinations on our four-night Fire & Sunset Soirées itinerary were just as memorable as the ship itself. Both Key West and Bimini offered so much flexibility. You can spend your day shopping and exploring, enjoy local restaurants and bars, relax by the pool, or find a pristine stretch of white sand beach and spend the day soaking up the sun.
Striking a pose on the signature pink ladder wall at The Beach Club at Bimini.
Poolside sunshine and red-and-white cabanas at Virgin Voyages’ private Bahamian beach club.
Cooling off in the lagoon pool with tropical frozen pineapple-cherry cocktails.
Why The Beach Club at Bimini Was a Highlight of My Sailing
While many cruise lines have private islands designed for families and waterslides, The Beach Club at Bimini feels like an exclusive Ibiza or Tulum day club transplanted onto a crystal-clear Bahamian island just 50 miles east of Miami. A complimentary open-air tram whisks you straight from the pier to the club, where two massive lagoon pools, oceanfront hammocks, daybeds, and powdery white sand await:
- Two Distinct Vibes (Party vs. Chill): The morning starts with yoga, ocean swims, and peaceful lounging. In the afternoon, resident DJs turn up the energy with the famous pool float party in the central lagoon, while the outer beach and North Pool remain tranquil for those who want quiet relaxation.
- Included Island Eats: Just like onboard the ship, your lunch at The Beach Club at Bimini is completely included—featuring Bahamian conch and mango salad, coconut curry, grilled jerk chicken, lechon asado pork, and rum cake.
- Seamless Sailor Band Integration: Your wearable Virgin Voyages Band works at every bar at the Beach Club, meaning your onboard Bar Tab carries right onto the island!
So Good I Booked Another One: Sailing Resilient Lady to Puerto Plata & Bimini
“What a wonderful time spent with family, making new friends (of course!), relaxing, and having lots of fun! So many laughs, great memories, and unforgettable moments. The countdown is officially on until the next cruise!”
The true test of any vacation is whether you want to go back before you have even packed your bags. I loved my first Virgin Voyages experience aboard Scarlet Lady so much that I booked another one! For my next voyage at the end of September 2026, I am sailing aboard sister ship Resilient Lady for five nights, visiting Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and returning to beautiful Bimini, Bahamas.
Standing dockside in front of the sleek silver hull and signature red Virgin logo.
Exploring colorful Umbrella Street and vibrant port stops ashore.
Enjoying the oceanfront lagoon pool with our Lady Ship anchored right behind us.
Stepping aboard Resilient Lady offers the best of both worlds: the familiar Sea Terrace hammock, favorite restaurants, and welcoming crew we fell in love with on Scarlet Lady, paired with brand-new headline shows (like Persephone and Another Rose) and a five-night Caribbean itinerary that combines the mountain-framed coast and Taino Bay resort port of Puerto Plata with a full day back at The Beach Club at Bimini.
Why Book Your Virgin Voyages Cruise with a Firsthand Travel Advisor
Having personally sailed with Virgin Voyages allows me to give my clients firsthand recommendations about cabins, dining, entertainment, ports, and all the little details that can make their vacation even better. That is one of the biggest reasons I love sharing Virgin Voyages with my travelers: you can fill your days with high-energy activities, drag shows, great food, nightlife, and beautiful destinations, or you can slow down, relax by the pool, and spend the afternoon swaying in your balcony hammock. You can truly make the experience your own.
Logan’s Top 5 Insider Tips for First-Time Virgin Voyages Sailors
- Book Your Specialty Dining the Night Reservations Open (45 Days Out): While around 30% of restaurant inventory is held for embarkation day onboard, I help my clients mark their exact 45-day dining window (or 60 days for RockStar Quarters) so we snag prime dinner times at The Wake, Pink Agave, and Gunbae right away.
- Pick the Right Sea Terrace Location: Not every Sea Terrace cabin is identical! Cabins directly below the Aquatic Club pool deck (Deck 14) or directly above The Manor / Red Room (Deck 8 forward) can hear music late at night, and certain forward cabins have metal railings or lack a hammock. When you book with me, I hand-pick your cabin location for maximum comfort and views.
- Pack for Both PJ Night & Scarlet Night: Bring a fun set of pajamas for Night One’s PJ Party and an outfit with plenty of red (plus red swimwear if you plan to jump in the pool!) for Scarlet Night.
- Don’t Miss Brunch at The Wake or Razzle Dazzle: Both restaurants serve full sit-down brunches every single day until early afternoon—included in your fare—and you can add bottomless mimosas, sangria, or sparkling wine!
- Take Advantage of Exclusive First Mate Perks & Sailor Loot: As a preferred travel agency partner through Vincent Vacations and Signature Travel Network, we have access to My Next Virgin Voyage bonuses, promotional Bar Tabs, and exclusive Sailor Loot (onboard spending credit) on select sailings.
Complete Photo Gallery: Logan White’s Virgin Voyages Experience (All 39 Photos)
Browse all 39 first-hand photos from my Virgin Voyages cruise experience—from pre-cruise brunch in Miami and my Sea Terrace balcony hammock to The Diva, PJ Night, Scarlet Night, specialty dining, and The Beach Club at Bimini:
Plan Your Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Getaway with Logan White
Whether you are dreaming of a 4-night Key West & Bimini escape on Scarlet Lady, a 5-night Caribbean adventure to Puerto Plata on Resilient Lady, or a Mediterranean voyage in Europe, let me help you choose the best Sea Terrace cabin, unlock promotional Sailor Loot & Bar Tabs, and customize every detail of your trip.
Explore more: Logan White’s Advisor Profile • Virgin Voyages Travel Agents • Become a Travel Advisor
