Cruising Without the Kids: Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Grown-Up Getaway

Day 0

Flying into Ft. Lauderdale the day before embarkation was a smart move to avoid any last-minute travel stress, especially since cruise departures wait for no one. We stayed overnight at the charming Esme Hotel, a boutique gem known for its stylish design and intimate atmosphere—a perfect introduction to the Miami vibe without the typical bustle.

Embarkation

The next afternoon, a quick ride-share took us to the Port of Miami, specifically Terminal V, Virgin Voyages’ lively and colorful embarkation point. Terminal V immediately sets the mood with music, vibrant decor, and a photo opportunity at the iconic golden anchor statue. The check-in process was smooth, especially with priority boarding, allowing us to skip the long lines. The cruise tags for luggage were a crucial detail—porters quickly whisked our bags away, freeing our hands to enjoy the start of the adventure. The “band,” a sleek waterproof bracelet, served as our all-access pass, from cabin entry to onboard purchases, making life onboard effortless.

Priority check-in at Terminal V

The band, your "all-access pass" to the ship

Day 1

After checking in and getting our bands, we headed on board to our Sea Terrace cabin. This cabin was a highlight, featuring fun amenities like a digital controller for adjusting lighting and temperature, plus a much-talked-about red hammock on the terrace, an absolute must-have for anyone booking Sea Terrace or higher. It’s the perfect spot to chill and soak up the ocean views.

The red hammock

We kicked off the voyage with a sail-away toast, then dined at Pink Agave, enjoying fresh, vibrant Mexican flavors. The evening continued with a hilarious comedy show followed by custom-made cocktails. Virgin Voyages embraces themed nights, so be ready to dress the part—our first night was PJ night (your travel advisor will help you prepare your packing list). We ended the night watching the waves from our terrace hammock as the ship sailed into the next day.

A peek at a Rock Star Suite

Dessert at Pink Agave

Day 2

The next day at sea was packed with options. Many guests will sign up for tattoos at Squid Ink—yes, a real tattoo parlor onboard—or join in the ever-popular Virgin Voyages Bingo, which features big entertainment and even bigger prizes. Day at Sea is the perfect day to indulge in a spa treatment, lounge on one of the multiple decks, or catch a musical performance in one of the ship’s many cozy nooks. There’s truly no shortage of activities.

Bingo with The Diva

Food lovers will appreciate the wide array of dining options onboard—Virgin Voyages boasts 20+ restaurants and bars. You can make reservations in advance or opt for casual dining at The Galley, which offers made-to-order meals and room service. One of our favorite dining experiences was at Gunbae, a Korean BBQ spot where you share dishes with fellow diners in a lively communal setting. There’s a game you’ll play if you dine at Gunbae. But you’ll have to sail for yourself to find out more!

Day 3

The final day was spent at the exclusive Bimini Beach Club. Unlike other islands where tender boats are needed, here you simply disembark and hop on a tram to the club. This private beach area, reserved just for Virgin Voyages guests, is breathtaking and photo-worthy. We booked a cabana, which included food and a bar tab, and enjoyed stunning ocean views all day. The DJ played fantastic tunes, and when we got tired of splashing in the ocean, we floated in the pool and later joined a fun game of pool volleyball. We ended up being one of the last groups to leave! It was by far one of the best private island beach days I’ve experienced on a cruise. That night, we caught a pre-dinner show and had dinner at The Test Kitchen, a culinary adventure spot that I recommend only if you’re open to experimenting with bold flavors.

The Beach Club at Bimini

Debarkation

Getting off the ship the next morning was the smoothest I’ve ever experienced. We self-carried our bags off, grabbed breakfast in The Galley, and easily ordered a rideshare and made it back to Fort Lauderdale Airport well ahead of schedule.

Would I recommend Virgin Voyages? Absolutely. With four stunning new ships sailing globally, this cruise line offers a unique experience: no buffets, no intrusive photographers, and best of all—no kids. It’s a grown-up playground at sea. Book the cruise—you won’t regret it!

Valiant Lady's aft

• Flying into Ft. Lauderdale instead of Miami can sometimes be more budget-friendly and less hectic, but plan to arrive at least one day early to avoid missing your cruise.

• The Esme Hotel is a fantastic boutique option close to the cruise port, offering personalized service and a cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding before your voyage.

• At Terminal V, keep your essential items like medications, swimwear, and chargers in a carry-on bag since your checked luggage might arrive at your cabin later.

• If seasickness is a concern, book a cabin lower and more central on the ship.

• All Virgin Voyages ships are built the same. What sets them apart is their destinations.

• Scarlet Night is the big “all red” evening event on every sailing. Make sure you pack a red outfit for the night!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.