Caribbean Adventures: The Virgin Way

Pre-departure

This five-night Riviera Maya sailing aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady ran April 20–25 from Miami, with stops in Cozumel, Mexico and Bimini, Bahamas, along with relaxing sea days in between.

This was my first cruise, and flying into Miami the night before embarkation made the entire experience feel calm and approachable from the start. Staying in the Wynwood Design District allowed us to ease into the trip, and embarkation the next day was surprisingly simple. From the moment you step onboard, the Valiant Lady feels less like a traditional cruise ship and more like a boutique hotel at sea.

The ship

The Valiant Lady itself is sleek, stylish, and intentionally adults-only, creating a relaxed and social onboard atmosphere.

Dining is incredible—there are no buffets here! Only a collection of included restaurants offering everything from elevated cuisine ranging from Italian and Korean BBQ to steakhouse classics and creative plant-based dishes.

Even the entertainment feels thoughtfully curated, with inclusive programming like Virgin’s drag shows, which were both vibrant and hilarious. The representation, energy, and pure fun of these shows made them a highlight of the sailing.

One of the moments that truly sold me on cruising happened unexpectedly one evening. I headed to the back of the ship hoping to catch a meteor shower and instead found myself in the middle of a storytelling event. The lights were dimmed, calming music played softly, and the ocean around us was completely black and endless. The stories focused on ancestry and the importance of the stars, and the moment felt grounding and almost surreal. Then a bright white streak crossed the sky. For a split second, I wondered if I was imagining it until I realized it was a SpaceX rocket zooming across the sky. It was one of those experiences that cannot be planned, and it perfectly captured the magic of being at sea.

In port

In Cozumel, we hired a private driver, which was an easy and comfortable way to explore the island without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We learned about local history, stopped at Rastas Bar, a vibrant one-love-themed spot known for its unforgettable peanut butter tequila, and visited Guisados, a local taco shop offering an impressive variety of meats and taco styles. Snorkeling, beach stops, and casual bar-hopping made the day feel relaxed yet immersive.

The trip wrapped up at The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyages’ private beach destination, where crystal-clear blue water, great food, and an easygoing atmosphere made for a perfect finale.

In sum

This itinerary is an excellent fit for first-time cruisers, couples, friends, and solo travelers who want a modern introduction to cruising that blends fun, sun, relaxation, and meaningful experiences without feeling traditional or overdone.

• Try and get yourself a sunset reservation at The Wake. I was lucky enough to get a window seat for that intentional reservation and it was incredible!

• Highly recommend getting a private driver in Cozumel (or any port town for that matter). You get a unique and special perspective on places that people call home. It is very memorable being able to connect with locals in that way.

• Wander the ship without a plan. You will find many things to do and meet many lovely people.

• Spend some time on the deck at night and just take it all in. Stare out into the darkness, look up at the stars, remember how lucky we are to be here. My favorite spot was on the stern, called The Deck.

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