Sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and piña coladas are the perfect mix for a Caribbean vacation! We’ve been itching to go on a cruise since our last trip and couldn’t wait to book our next voyage. We knew we wanted to try another cruise line to experience an adults-only atmosphere, and who better than Virgin Voyages?
We booked our trip during Cyber Monday to take advantage of the deals, and it was worth the experience! We booked a 7-day Caribbean voyage with port stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands; and Bimini, Bahamas.
In this blog, I indulge in my favorite moments, share fashion inspiration, and reveal a few less-than-glamorous experiences, a true tell-all for your next voyage at sea.
One of our first port stops was Ocho Rios, Jamaica—a destination I had been especially excited about. But as we arrived, it was clear the island was still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, which had passed through just two months earlier. Instead of the lively, colorful energy I had imagined, there was a quieter stillness in the air. Buildings showed signs of wear, and at times, there was a subtle uneasiness lingering beneath the surface.
Still, we embraced the day with open minds. Right at the port, we booked a sightseeing tour that led us through local shops bursting with character. The air was thick with the warm, earthy scent of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and something smoky I couldn’t quite place. Shelves were lined with locally grown coffee, and the hum of conversation and music drifted through the streets.
Then came the Blue Hole lagoon—easily one of the most breathtaking sights of the day. The water was an almost unreal shade of blue, cool and inviting, surrounded by dense greenery that felt alive and untamed. You could hear the rush of water echoing off the rocks, mixing with laughter and the occasional splash.
But the moment that truly stayed with me was Oceans on the Ridge. The breeze was soft but constant, carrying the salty scent of the sea. Standing there, the view stretched endlessly—layers of green hills rolling into the deep blue ocean, the horizon glowing under the sun. It felt peaceful, almost cinematic, like time had slowed down just for a moment.
By the end of the day, we followed our noses to a local spot, where the unmistakable aroma of jerk seasoning filled the air. The chicken arrived sizzling, coated in a rich blend of spices—smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet. Every bite was bold and full of flavor, the heat lingering just enough to keep you going back for more. It was the perfect, unforgettable way to end our time on the island.
Truthfully, our guide wasn’t that great—though he was lovely—but compared to other sightseeing experiences we’ve had, this one felt a bit underwhelming. Perhaps once the island is fully back up and running, the experience could improve, so I wouldn’t skip it entirely. We spent roughly half the day with our guide, but once we returned to the port, we wandered over to Fisher’s Village and grabbed a local beer.
The village had a front-row view of the ship alongside the local fishermen’s boats. JR tried persuading one of the fishermen to take us out on the water, but with the rough tide and the fisherman not wanting to get in trouble, it didn’t work out. It would have been an incredible experience, though—a memory for the books if it had happened!
Our second stop brought us to the stunning Grand Cayman Island—a definite step up from our time in Ocho Rios. We hopped into a local taxi for $15 per person and headed straight to the iconic Seven Mile Beach. Breakfast awaited us at Tilly’s, a gorgeous, upscale spot that’s all over social media. Even our guide gave it a nod, letting us know we’d picked a winner.
With just a few hours on the island, I asked our server for a local’s take on the must-see spots. She suggested strolling the beachfront and popping into the local shops—and that’s exactly what we did! The walk was long, but every step was worth it, with stunning views of colorful hotels and inviting seaside restaurants along the way.
Our adventure peaked at the Gamma Shipwreck, a 100-foot vessel that sank just 20 feet from shore back in 1981. The water was shallow enough for snorkeling, letting us get up close to the wreck—but we kept an eye out for sea urchins and jagged rocks. My boyfriend swam among the sunken ship and he said it felt like stepping into another world (I was under the weather at the time so I didn’t experience it myself), just from my view point it quickly became the highlight of our trip.
Later, we dined at one of the island’s oldest and most iconic restaurants, The Lobster Pot. The cocktails and food were absolutely delicious—truly a must-try when visiting Grand Cayman. Afterward, we stopped by a nearby local store to pick up some island beers and browse the shops before heading back to the ship. It was such a lovely experience that we’d gladly return for an extended stay.
On the final stop of our cruise, we docked at Bimini in the Bahamas—and it quickly became our favorite island of the trip. The island is tiny, with just one main road, so getting lost was impossible. It had a charming, laid-back vibe and even a private oasis reserved for Virgin Voyage passengers. The beach club buzzed with energy, full of people enjoying the sun and surf. We spent a few blissful hours swimming, soaking up the sun, and of course, snapping a few must-have photos before heading back.
We knew as we drove to the beach club that we wanted to explore the island—and I’m so glad we did! We rented a golf cart for $40 for three hours at the Fisherman’s Village. Unfortunately, we ran into some issues with the first cart and had to get a replacement, but the owner was very accommodating and even gave us an extra hour for the hassle.
There were plenty of people renting carts; some opted for a full-day rental for $70. I’m sure if you shop around, you can find a deal that fits your schedule. The owner recommended venturing beyond the resort to see the real Bimini, which turned out to be the highlight of our island exploration
We drove past the resort and felt like we’d been transported to the heart of the island, where locals live. Colorful buildings, small winding roads, and even some run-down areas gave the place a unique charm—you could really feel the rhythm and hustle of daily life. At the far end of the island, we stumbled upon a hidden beach club. We tried some fried conch and, of course, indulged in a daiquiri or two! I even convinced JR to take a plunge with me—the water was beautifully clear, and I couldn’t resist one last dip before we departed.
What a truly amazing experience—Bimini captured my heart! I would highly recommend exploring the island and discovering your own hidden gems, just like we did.
Palm Tree Set: Show Me Your MuMu
Sequence Skirt: Amazon Fashion
I admit, I didn’t really know what to expect from this cruise line, but our experience on the ship exceeded expectations. It was exactly what you’d hope for in an all-adults cruise—vibrant entertainment, a lively atmosphere, sophisticated rooms, and relaxation at its finest!
We’ve only been on one other cruise, and the experiences were fairly different. If you’re curious about how my previous cruise went, check out my post. From just these two cruise lines, I’d say Virgin Voyages is my favorite for the overall cruise ship experience, while Carnival takes the lead for entertainment lineup.
For me, the gym was one of the major selling points. There were three distinct areas: a training center, an elliptical/cardio center, and a weight training center. Of course, like any gym, there were peak periods, but I loved that they also offered personal classes like yoga and spinning. The bars even served protein shakes and ginger shots, so healthy options were never far away.
Another major selling point was the spa services. Being able to take a day pass and enjoy the salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and hot tub was a huge plus! They even offer discounted rates on port days, so we made sure to take full advantage of all the amenities while we could.
Among the many amenities, the dining services were an experience in themselves! From dinner paired with entertainment, to the Test Kitchen experience, afternoon high tea sessions, comedy shows, and even hot tub and beach club activities—there was always something to do.
I hope this blog sparks your wanderlust and gives you a few insider tips for making your next cruise getaway unforgettable.
Expect a different vibe on an adult-only cruise—after all, they’re catering to a more R-rated, grown-up experience. Despite a few hiccups along the way, they didn’t take away from our adventure, and we’re already dreaming and planning our next getaway.
I hope this blog sparks your wanderlust and gives you a few insider tips for making your next cruise getaway unforgettable. Stay tuned I can’t wait to share our next adventure with you!
-XOXO
Vanessa
Vanessa Serna 