Tacos, Trivia, and a Peekaboo Shower: A Playful Valiant Lady Recap

Fresh off a change of command and ready to swap schedules for sea breezes, we sailed May 10–15, 2024, on Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady—our first Virgin cruise—and it was precisely the exhale we needed. Adults-only calm, ultra-modern design, and a ship that hums “you’re off duty now.” No blaring announcements or conga-line coercion—just a floating boutique hotel that lets you do everything or absolutely nothing without judgment.

Then the plot twist: we tossed our names into the upgrade lottery…and won a Brilliant Suite. One minute, we were regular cruisers, the next, we were Suite People who casually discussed “taking coffee on the terrace.” The space felt like a chic loft at sea—big enough to breathe, with mood-setting in-room music, a gloriously stocked bar, a peekaboo shower, a large sitting area, and a bed that deserves its own fan club. Winning also unlocked RockStar perks: Richard’s Rooftop (we used it all—daybeds, hot tubs, sunsets for days), priority/direct boarding, a reserved RockStar area at Bimini that was, frankly, badass, and concierge magic that made dinner times appear exactly when we wanted them. We were spoiled in record time and, yes, we’re never looking back.

Food is where Virgin really flexes. The buffet scrum doesn’t exist; instead, you get grown-up restaurants with personality. Gunbae (the Korean BBQ spot) stole our hearts and our willpower—short ribs so good they should come with a warning label. The Test Kitchen delivered the most unique, most delicious meal of the trip: playful, multi-course, and the kind of culinary theater that turns you into a food storyteller. For casual cravings, we kept boomeranging to tacos—simple, perfect, the ideal “I’m hungry but also horizontal” solution. And somewhere along the way, Blanton’s bourbon became a theme. Let’s say “unlimited Blanton’s” captured both the bar’s supply and our enthusiasm.

Days settled into a rhythm we wish we could bottle: morning runs on the upper deck (those short ribs weren’t going to run themselves off), hammock-adjacent lounging, and the kind of aimless wandering that leads to happy surprises. Evenings brought clever headliners and pop-up performances that made you forget what time it is. Scarlet Night delivered a ship-wide, red-drenched fever dream. We overdressed, which was great for photos, but less significant for our feet. Next time: still red, slightly more relaxed.

Scarlet Night

Between all that, we discovered our competitive streak in the Social Club, where we enjoyed board games and trivia, as nothing bonds people like passionately debating obscure facts over excellent drinks. The overall vibe varied throughout the day—chill mornings, playful afternoons, and just-right energy at night—so you can choose your own adventure without FOMO.

Ports kept the momentum going. Bimini Beach Club was pure exhale—powdery sand, turquoise water, and that RockStar zone that felt like a private wink from the island. In Puerto Plata, we explored the 16th-century seaside fort, complete with stonework, cannons, and ocean views that spark “imagine living here” conversations.

The crew tied it all together with stealthy excellence—warm, quick, and two steps ahead without hovering. Bottom line: this isn’t your grandma’s cruise. It’s standout food, inventive entertainment, and the freedom to unwind in style—amplified by a Brilliant Suite win and RockStar perks that turn convenience into a lifestyle. Would we go again? Already plotting the sequel. Virgin is our go-to adults-only cruise—five stars, forever.

Virgin is a must!

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