06/07/2025
The verdict is in: Virgin Cruise Lines totally rocked! Let me tell you, Virgin does things a little differently than your run-of-the-mill cruise line. First off—brace yourself—there are NO KIDS. That’s right, not a single sticky-fingered, cannonballing gremlin in sight. Honestly, that alone makes up for anything I didn’t love. Did I mention no kids? Because, seriously, it’s a game changer. The ship feels like an adults-only playground (and not in a weird way).
But wait, there’s more! There’s no buffet (so you can retire your competitive plate-stacking skills), no cruise director making “fun” announcements every five minutes, and no main dining room where you’re forced to make awkward small talk with strangers. Those three things are worth the price of admission, if you ask me.
Now, full disclosure: a few non-virgin Virgin sailors warned me that our particular sailing was a little... different. Why? Well, the ship was about 98% travel agents. So, yeah, we skewed the average age up by a decade or so. Usually, Virgin attracts a crowd in their 30s and 40s—think energetic, up-for-anything types who keep the bars and dance floors hopping until late. They also bring in some seriously good comedians, musicians, and DJs.
One of my favorite things? So many chill spots! Day beds, couches, cozy chairs, you name it, it’s somewhere on the ship. Whether you want to sip a drink by the pool, people-watch at a bar, or just stare pensively at the ocean and contemplate life, you’re covered.
I even got to tour a few of the suites, and let me tell you, they are next-level swanky. (See pics below for proof that I did not, in fact, sneak into someone else’s room.)
Oh, and let’s talk about the food—because, let’s be honest, that’s half the reason we cruise, right? Now, don’t panic: there’s no buffet or main dining room, but trust me, you won’t go hungry!
Instead, Virgin serves up a smorgasbord of restaurants, all included in your fare. That’s right: no “specialty dining” upcharges, just a whole lot of deliciousness. And the food? Phenomenal. I’m talking “take a photo before you eat it” good. Which I clearly forgot to do! I was too busy living in the moment!
For those times when you just need a quick bite (or a fourth meal—no judgment), there’s The Grove. Think of it as the cool, modern cousin of the buffet—except everything is made to order. Sushi? Check. Burgers? You bet. Ramen, sandwiches, tacos and more? Absolutely. It’s like a food court, but without the sticky trays and questionable sneeze guards.
Even the grab-and-go stuff was surprisingly tasty. So, if you’re worried about missing out on the buffet experience, don’t be. Your taste buds will thank you.
Now, for the not-so-glam part: the Bimini resort. Meh. You hop on a tram for about 10 minutes, make a few stops, and end up at a perfectly fine beach with a couple of pools. It’s nice, but if you’re used to cruise lines with their own private islands, it’s a little underwhelming. Maybe my standards are too high, or maybe I just like islands that make me feel like a castaway with room service.
All in all, would I do it again? Absolutely! No kids, no buffets, no forced fun—just the way I like it.
