Curator’s statement
We really enjoyed the "MerMaiden" voyage on The Brilliant Lady! It was our first time sailing on Virgin Voyages, and the ship was sailing her first time out of Miami to the Caribbean. She is bright and shiny and has a wonderful crew to match!
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The very first thing to point out when sailing a Virgin Voyages ship is that it is adults only (18+). Even though I have sailed with multiple generations and loved those cruises, it was a noticeable difference. And since there aren't any kids onboard, there are times you'll notice a difference in some of the entertainment.
Sea Terrace cabin
Our balcony and hammock
Lobby staircase
The next very noticeable difference is about dining. There is no main dining room or buffet—instead, there are over 20 restaurant options on board. And yes, all the food is included in your fare! There are several quick-service eateries, some grab-and-go spots, and some more specialized options, like the excellent steakhouse The Wake or The Galley, where you can get breakfast and/or burgers virtually all day long.
Drinks at On The Rocks
Dinner at The Wake
Also included in your fare are "essential beverages." This includes soft drinks and coffee or tea. Bar drinks, specialty coffees, and pressed juices do have to be purchased. Be sure to consider pre-loading a bar tab and getting top-up bonuses!
Sun deck "sitting pool"
Evening on deck
There are various entertainment options too, of course. There was a very interesting musical performance about the history of Virgin and Sir Richard Branson. There are multiple venues to take in the various shows, which can be booked or set as a favorite in the app while onboard.
In port at Tortola, BVI
Need to know
Something that I was particularly fond of was that debarkation day is quite relaxed—you can 'go as you please. I always try to stretch my cruise as long as possible! And usually, we book our flights later so that we don't have to rush or worry about mishaps en route to the airport. This also has an impact on the embarkation of the next cruise. Boarding begins at 2 pm, so don't be over anxious!
There is impressive tech onboard as well. Your cabin has various items that can be controlled on the provided tablet, and sailors wear an inconspicuous bracelet for purchases and access.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.
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