My first Virgin Voyages cruise impressed me so much, I decided on day one to stay onboard for back-to-back sailings. Here are 14 things I loved.

Lori A. MayJan 21, 2023, 17:05 IST

The author went on her first adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise and loved it.Lori A. May

I went on a 5-night Virgin Voyages cruise and loved it so much, I booked an immediate second trip.
I paid $2,711 for my first cruise, and $880 to stay on for the second through an onboard promotion.

I'm a seasoned cruiser who recently sailed on the adults-only Virgin Voyages for the first time. I enjoyed my trip on the Scarlet Lady ship so much, I booked a back-to-back second sailing and stayed onboard.

Lori A. May

I'm a seasoned cruiser who recently sailed on the adults-only Virgin Voyages for the first time. I enjoyed my trip on the Scarlet Lady ship so much, I booked a back-to-back second sailing and stayed onboard.

I didn't intend to book two back-to-back sailings, but I'm glad I did. I got to experience different ports of call, and go back to my favorite.

I boarded the Scarlet Lady for back-to-back sailings.Lori A. May

I set sail from Miami in a balcony cabin on deck eight of Scarlet Lady that impressed me right away.

Lori A. May

All specialty dining on Virgin Voyages is included in the base cruise fare and I loved the different approach to each venue, from menu selections to overall ambiance.

Lori A. May

I also appreciated that snacks and treats were included, too, like the ice cream shop.

Lori A. May

Virgin Voyages offers a choice of purchasing an alcohol package at the start of the sailing, or à la carte.

Virgin Voyages offers the option to choose between a pre-paid bar tab or pay as you go beverages.Lori A. May

On the first day of the trip, I was thrilled to see no reservations were required for the extra-large pool loungers or poolside daybeds, and I never saw these used to capacity.

The Scarlet Lady's main pool.Lori A. May

On the first day of the trip, I was thrilled to see no reservations were required for the extra-large pool loungers or poolside daybeds, and I never saw these used to capacity.

I found the wellness pool to be particularly appealing at night because the water was so warm.

The wellness pool is heated which makes it perfect for midnight swims.Lori A. May

My first night onboard hadn't even concluded when I knew I wanted to book another voyage immediately. Thankfully, I found an enticing promotion.

The author purchased an additional 4-night cruise to Key West and Bimini through an onboard promotion.Lori A. May

On sea days, I used cute cabanas by the pool that have no extra cost.

The author aboard the Scarlet Lady.Lori A. May

There were also many quiet zones to chill out with an ocean view.

The Scarlet Lady offers a number quiet lounging spaces with views of the ocean.Lori A. May

My first port of call was Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. I found it easy to navigate thanks to helpful maps I saw around the port plaza.

A helpful map of the port plaza.Lori A. May

My next port of call was Bimini, Bahamas. Here, Virgin Voyages operates to a sophisticated beach club for cruise guests with enormous pools.

Poolside loungers and palm trees in Bimini.Lori A. May

I also thought the beach at the club was picturesque, and great for taking a dip in the cool blue water.

The author at the Bimini beach club.Lori A. May

Later, when most other passengers disembarked, a handful of guests including myself instead went to a quick check-in for the back-to-back sailing.

The central lounge area aboard the Scarlet Lady.Lori A. May

In between sailings, I thought the ship was extra quiet until afternoon on the second sailing's embarkation day.

A quiet space on the Scarlet Lady.Lori A. May

The extra time onboard also gave me an opportunity to sample more eateries and enjoy my favorites a second time.

Pink Agave is an elevated Mexican street food restaurant.Lori A. May

My second sailing also added variety to my port visits. In Key West, we docked right downtown at Mallory Square, so it was easy to walk to attractions on my own.

The Scarlet Lady cruise ship.Lori A. May

On my second voyage, I was so happy to return to the beach club in Bimini.

The Bimini beach club offers kiosks for sport-related activities.Lori. A May

After two back-to-back sailings, I can't wait to cruise on Virgin Voyages again. Next time I'll be hitching a ride on their other ship, Valiant Lady.

The author is already planning her next adults-only cruise.Lori A. May

I skipped Mexico's party cities for this under-the-radar beach town that feels like a secret. I think it should be on every travel list in 2023.

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My first Virgin Voyages cruise impressed me so much, I decided on day one to stay onboard for back-to-back sailings. Here are 14 things I loved.

I'm a seasoned cruiser who recently sailed on the adults-only Virgin Voyages for the first time. I enjoyed my trip on the Scarlet Lady ship so much, I booked a back-to-back second sailing and stayed onboard.

I didn't intend to book two back-to-back sailings, but I'm glad I did. I got to experience different ports of call, and go back to my favorite.

I set sail from Miami in a balcony cabin on deck eight of Scarlet Lady that impressed me right away.

All specialty dining on Virgin Voyages is included in the base cruise fare and I loved the different approach to each venue, from menu selections to overall ambiance.

I also appreciated that snacks and treats were included, too, like the ice cream shop.

Virgin Voyages offers a choice of purchasing an alcohol package at the start of the sailing, or à la carte.

On the first day of the trip, I was thrilled to see no reservations were required for the extra-large pool loungers or poolside daybeds, and I never saw these used to capacity.

I found the wellness pool to be particularly appealing at night because the water was so warm.

My first night onboard hadn't even concluded when I knew I wanted to book another voyage immediately. Thankfully, I found an enticing promotion.

On sea days, I used cute cabanas by the pool that have no extra cost.

There were also many quiet zones to chill out with an ocean view.

My first port of call was Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. I found it easy to navigate thanks to helpful maps I saw around the port plaza.

My next port of call was Bimini, Bahamas. Here, Virgin Voyages operates to a sophisticated beach club for cruise guests with enormous pools.

I also thought the beach at the club was picturesque, and great for taking a dip in the cool blue water.

Later, when most other passengers disembarked, a handful of guests including myself instead went to a quick check-in for the back-to-back sailing.

In between sailings, I thought the ship was extra quiet until afternoon on the second sailing's embarkation day.

The extra time onboard also gave me an opportunity to sample more eateries and enjoy my favorites a second time.

My second sailing also added variety to my port visits. In Key West, we docked right downtown at Mallory Square, so it was easy to walk to attractions on my own.

On my second voyage, I was so happy to return to the beach club in Bimini.

After two back-to-back sailings, I can't wait to cruise on Virgin Voyages again. Next time I'll be hitching a ride on their other ship, Valiant Lady.