Not My Mama's Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages Fire and Sunset Soirees

Ship: Scarlet Lady

Scarlet Lady has been sailing since 2021. Her home port is Miami. This lady is a “boat-acious” 110,000 tons and carries 2,762 sailors (passengers) and 1,150 crew members.

Fire and Sunset Soirees: Departing from Miami for four nights with stops in Key West and the Bimini.

Terminal V

Your voyage starts at Terminal V: Virgin Voyages’ home at the Port of Miami. Its mid-century modern meets Miami vibes are a great place to start your voyage. No boring terminal here! The music is pumping as you take the escalator to the second floor to check in and embark on your voyage. This is where you'll receive your wristband that functions as your key for cabin access and shipboard and beach club charges. When booking a Virgin Voyage with a Fora Advisor, you receive anytime boarding. No waiting for your assigned time to board.

On-Board

Ship Aesthetic: No dark wood or Las Vegas-style lights here. These lady-ships are sleek and chic and more like a boutique hotel aesthetic than a traditional cruise ship. Virgin claims the Lady ships have the feel of a superyacht. I am going to have to take Sir Richard’s word for it because sadly your girl has not been on a superyacht.

Cabins: Scarlet Lady has 1,404 cabins and suites. My cabin was in the Sea Terrace category. It was modern and spacious with some fun and unique touches such as mood lighting and a hammock on the terrace. The cabins are comfortable with adequate storage space and in-room safes.

In addition to the Sea Terrace rooms, Virgin also offers Insider, Seaview, XL Sea Terrace and a variety of RockStar and Mega RockStar suites. RockStar guests have access to Richard’s Rooftop, an exclusive retreat for suite-level passengers. All RockStars receive priority booking and VIP Boarding and a curated in-room bar with a RockStar agent to serve as your on-board concierge. Though, Mega RockStars have even more benefits, including Bar Tab, premium wifi, daily access to the spa’s thermal suite, complimentary parking or transfers and an unlimited in-room bar.

Dining Options:

Scarlet Lady has over 20 dining options with Michelin-starred chef-curated menus. The food options range from quick bites and appetizers to five-course meals. The main restaurants include:

The Wake: Located at the aft of the ship, you enter The Wake via the grand staircase. This sophisticated restaurant offers steak and seafood with a view. Insider tip: Don’t pass on the bread!

Extra Virgin: Offering Italian classic fare with homemade pasta in a modern ambiance. Highlights include the Affettati Misti (Italian charcuterie board) and tableside Affagato (gelato cart).

Razzle Dazzle: All-day dining is available in this casual but upbeat eatery with its red, black and white decor. Enjoy breakfast, dinner and all-day boozy brunch. Classic comfort food options with a modern twist, including vegetarian menu items as well as naughty items for the meat lovers.

Pink Agave: Upscale Mexican cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere. It's fun. Try their margaritas and share botanas (small plates) and entradas (medium plates) with your friends before enjoying your delicious main dish. The Tamal de Chocolate is a must-try dessert. Be sure to get a photo at the entrance.

Gunbae: This is the first and only Korean BBQ restaurant on the sea. The evening starts with a drinking game so you get to know your fellow diners (the tables are for groups of six to 10 people). Get comfortable and have fun with new friends as your cook your own protein and/or vegetables on your table grill.

Test Kitchen: Step into this kitchen laboratory and watch the chefs prepare your tasting menu.

The Galley: This food court with a sea view offers a variety of quick bites and grab-and-go items. Options include burgers and fries, bento boxes, paninis, salads, a 24-hour breakfast and more. Just raise the flag on your table and a server will stop by soon to take and deliver your order.

There is an array of other options on board, including pizza, ice cream, snacks and shakes. I promise that you will not go hungry.

Entertainment:

Scarlet Night: Be sure to pack your red outfit for the premier event of the voyage. Check the planner for the times to stop by and see the Story of Scarlet Night, a one-woman show that explains why we celebrate Scarlet Night. Enjoy pop-up events all over the ship. Later that night, hit the pool deck for the pool party. Tip: Wear a skirt or shorts as there may be dancing in the pool.

Duel Reality: This show is a combination of Dodgeball and Romeo and Juliet with a twist of cirque. It is performed in The Red Room (theater).

Ships in the Night: Combining high-tech effects and edgy choreography, this high-energy production show explores the impact chance encounters in our lives. The show is performed in the Red Room.

Casino: Luck Be a “Scarlet” Lady as you play slots and table games at this full-service casino. There is also the World Poker Tour at Sea poker room if that is your game of choice.

The Manor: Serves as a nightclub, performance venue and lounge. Be sure to stop in the club to at least get a photo in the entrance. If you don’t want to stay and dance the night away, you can find plenty of other entertainment options on the ship. The Manor turns into a supper club for It’s a Ship Show! a fun variety show. Reserve your space once you board the ship via the VV app.

Spa, Beauty & More:

Redemption Spa: Relax and get your spa on. A variety of treatments are available, including massages, facials and body treatments. The thermal suite includes a mud room, salt room, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools and heated marble hammam benches (not included with treatment). Book on-board the ship, at the spa or using the VV app.

Dry Dock: This hair salon offers a variety of services from haircuts, color, keratin treatments or blow-outs to keep you looking your best for Scarlet Night. Book appointments onboard, in person or in the VV app.

Tune - Up – Pedis with a view of the sea, yes please! They also offer manicures. Get those nails vacay ready. They offer both regular and gel polish. No time for a touch-up before you sail? No problem! There is a med spa on board that offers botox, fillers and other treatments. Book onboard using the VV app or in-person at the spa.

Stubble and Groom: A barbershop where the guys can get a shave and a trim as well as a man-ly pedi.

Squid Ink: Get new ink while at sea at this rock-and-roll-style tattoo parlor.

Destinations:

Scarlet Lady calls on a variety of Caribbean ports. My four-night cruise docked in Key West and Bimini.

Key West: Scarlet Lady docks right near Front Street with an easy walk to Duvall Street. Party goers have a short walk to Sloppy Joes, Hog’s Breath Saloon and Irish Kevin’s. If partying is not your thing, there is plenty of shopping. To tour the Island, you can take a ride on The Conch Train that offers three stops to jump on and off. You’ll want to grab a photo at the Southern Most Point or with the famous kitties at The Ernest Hemmingway Home and Museum. Entrance tickets can be bought on site (no reservations required) and 20 to 30-minute tours start about every 15 minutes. If you just want to see the cats, you can skip the tour.

Beach Club (at Bimini): While not a private island, sailors do have access to use a private beach club. Grab a towel on your way off the ship (outside as you exit) and walk to the end of the pier where you will board the tram. Take the tram to the Beach Club. With South Beach vibes, the beach club has lounge chairs by the pool that are very popular as well as loungers under umbrellas on the beach. If you want a coveted pool spot, get there early. Beach loungers also fill up, but there are more of them. While at the club, you can charge your drinks to your account. The club offers a buffet lunch with some island favorites. RockStar guests have an exclusive area with loungers and cabanas.

Book your next Virgin Voyage with me to receive exclusive perks including a $100 sailor loot (on-board credit) and anytime boarding, a benefit that is usually reserved for RockStars.

Stay tuned for my next trip report. I will let you know what mom and dad think of Virgin Voyages!

What makes Virgin Voyages different? For starters, they're an adults only cruise line (all sailors must be 18-plus). While the target age is 30 to 60 years old, VV caters to sailors of all ages. Anyone who is young at heart will love this line. VV is an awesome option for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, multigenerational trips (adult kids and grandkids) and for those who want to kick back and have fun.

The Virgin Value (the following are included in the cruise fare):

• Specialty dining

• Gratuities

• Basic WiFi

• Essential drinks such as water, drip coffee, tea, sodas and non-pressed juices

• Group fitness classes