Sailing the Caribbean with Virgin Voyages: Dominican Daze Trip Report

Having sailed with Virgin before, we decided to try a new itinerary out of Miami and experience a different ship from our last voyage. We boarded Valiant Lady on a Friday, which meant we needed to come in a day early. You should always arrive at your first port of debarkation at least a day in advance. This will let you know if there are any delays, cancellations or unexpected problems that may happen. This was really important for us because we were sailing during hurricane season and the weather can be so unpredictable.

Since I was flying in from the West Coast and Hurricane Helene was making its way to the Gulf, I opted to change my flight and come in two days early to make sure I got there and didn’t have a canceled flight from the storm. For my first night in Miami, I stayed in South Beach at the Mondrian. I had never been to South Beach before, and it was the perfect location for a nice little walk on the beach in the morning. The neighborhood has lots of coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance, and the rooms will either have beautiful city views or beach views. Highly recommend taking a trip over to Pura Vida Miami for breakfast — just a short 5-minute walk from the hotel.

Uber in Miami can be pretty expensive if you are wanting to explore the city, so I decided to rent a car for the day to get around. I got the car when I landed in Miami. I was going to meet my friends at the airport when they landed, so I could return the car to the airport when I was done exploring. Highly recommend renting a car for the day if you are wanting to see different parts of the city!

For my second night, our group stayed at AC Hotel in Brickell. The location is convenient to the port and walkable to many restaurants and shopping in the downtown area. The hotel is shared with the Element Brickell, so if you are looking for a stay with a "homey" vibe, the Element might be a good option for you! We love staying here because they have a great pool — we like to get a late checkout and spend our morning by the pool with a couple mimosas before boarding the ship. It's a great way to get your vacation started!

Boarding was super smooth with our priority boarding — our ship was not full so the lines moved really fast and we were on board within 5 minutes of arriving. This is one of the best things about Virgin — their boarding process is so much smoother than most. Make sure you bring your passport with you! You will not be able to board without it!

Things to do once on board:

- Make sure you start to book your classes and any final dinner reservations that need to be made the minute you get on board. Things book up fast!

- Head to your room to drop off your luggage. Rooms are ready right when you board.

- Once you are in your room, make sure to watch the safety video to get it out of the way. It is such a unique way to get you the safety information you need in case of an emergency.

- Prioritize your muster drill so that you do not forget! The ship cannot set sail until everyone has checked in.

Dining on board is a really unique experience compared to some of the other cruise lines. You will have several options for quick-serve food in The Galley, Sun Club Cafe (only open for lunch), The Pizza Place and The Dock House. The best part of the dining on-board is that it is all included in your cruise fare. Virgin works with Michelin-rated chefs to curate the menus at all of their dining venues on board.

Don't miss out on these food highlights when you are on board:

- Gunbae: Dakgangjeong, K-Pop Water Cocktail, "Hot Bar", Bibimbap, Kalbi

- Extra Virgin: Meatballs, Steak, Carbonara

- Razzle Dazzle: Chicken Sandwich, Secret Menu Blue Cheese Burger, Rainbow Churros, Bottomless Brunch, Acai Bowl, Candied Smoky Bacon

- The Wake: Bread, Steak, Apple Tartine, Bottomless Brunch

- Pink Agave: Elote Appetizer, Guac Appetizer, Enchiladas, Bistec Marinero En Escabeche, Chocolate Tacos Carajillo (not on the menu, but ask for it!!)

- The Pizza Place: Pretty Fly for a White Pie, White Truffle and Egg

- The Dock House: Grilled Shrimp, Fire Roasted Chicken Thigh, Hanger Steak

- Burger Bar: French Toast Burger (best hangover cure!)

So, what is included in my cruise fare?

- All Dining

- Soft Drinks, Coffee, Tee, Water

- Basic Wifi

- Entertainment

- Gratuities

- Fitness Classes

- Entertainment

There are so many shows and activities on board that you will not be able to see them all. Here are some you should see.

Grog Walk: This is a great way to meet your fellow sailors. This does cost extra but includes drinks! You will be led around to all the ship's bars and get a special cocktail at each one. To get your drink, you will be given an activity to do with your fellow sailors to "earn" your drink. Highly recommend doing this with your group, or if you are a solo sailor!

Miss Behave Show: This was hilarious! Make sure you go in with an open mind as some of the content is a bit adult, but you will have a blast either way. It relies on a lot of crowd interaction, so be ready!

Untitled Dance Show Party Thing: This is another signature event unique to Virgin — this is a standing-only event, so just know that going into it. The dancers spread out between the audience, and it really is a unique show to watch - super fun!

Scarlet Night — This is another can't miss event. Make sure you bring something red with you as the whole ship gets decked out in red! The crew gets in on it too and it is such a blast! The festivities start around 6 pm in various locations around the ship and end with a big late-night pool party. It is always the highlight of our sailing!

Port Day - Puerto Plata

During our port stop in Puerto Plata, we opted to spend the day in Taino Bay, right inside the cruise port. This is free to all cruisers that are currently docked in the port. Taino Bay features several pools to choose from, as well as several restaurants and bars. Access to the pool is free, but you will need to pay for all food and drinks while you are on site. Make sure to bring cash to make it easier to purchase things — cards do work, but cash is a bit easier.

Port Day - Bimini

Bimini Beach Club is a short tram ride from the dock, and the tram ride is free! Make sure to get off the ship early to make sure you get a good spot on the beach if that is what you are wanting to do. Your wristbands that you use on the ship will also work in the beach club to purchase drinks while you are in the pool area. All food, soft drinks and water are included just like they are on board. Make sure to be by the pool at 2 pm for the Float On pool party with the cast. There are also some fun beach games on the beach in the morning if that is your thing.

Virgin is the perfect line for bachelorette/bachelor parties, girls trips, boys trips, couples trips and more! If you are looking for an adults-only getaway — this is where you want to be. They have so many unique itineraries, and the experience itself is top-notch. The staff is lovely and you really can't beat five days with no kids on site! Reach out to plan your next voyage!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Miami. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sharon Iannone’s guide, 10 Things to Do in Miami After a Cruise.