Virgin Voyages has built a reputation on being different, and after sailing the Scarlet Lady through Bimini, Nassau, and Puerto Plata, I can tell you the reputation is earned. But “different” cuts both ways, and there are a few things I wish someone had told me before I stepped on board.
So here’s the honest version!
The Vibe Is Real
Adults only means exactly that (my FAVORITE part!) No waterslides shaped like cartoon characters, no kids running the hallways at 7am, no family-of-six blocking the buffet. The energy on Scarlet Lady is up beat, social, and genuinely grown-up. If you’ve ever been on a mainstream cruise and felt like the experience wasn’t quite designed for you, Virgin Voyages will feel like a correction.
The ship itself is pretty, but not stunning. My main difference that I felt, is that it feels more intimate than the massive floating cities that other cruise lines operate while still being a larger ship. It doesn’t feel like a theme park, which is a plus for us.
What Surprised Me (And Not in a Good Way)
Let’s be honest: the pools get crowded.
For a brand that markets itself as a more elevated, adults-only experience, the pool situation would dissappoint you if you were interested in actually swimming (crazy idea, I know…) The pool on Scarlet Lady is built for drinking, socializing, and standing around. If relaxing by the water is a top priority for you, try to plan around it. Go early, go late, or find one of the quieter outdoor spaces on the ship.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing before you build expectations around lounging and endless quiet afternoons poolside because you frankly just won’t find that here. See my real photo below for proof. One is right when we boarded the ship and the other is during the sailing.
Where to Eat: Go to Gunbae!
Let me put my disclaimer that I AM NOT AN EXTROVERT! And yes, unless you have a group of 6 or more, you will likely be sat with other sailors. Virgin Voyages includes most dining in your fare, which is one of the things that genuinely sets them apart. There are no main dining rooms you’re assigned to, no formal nights if you don’t want them.
My sneaky favorite was Gunbae, their Korean BBQ concept. The food is excellent, the game experience is interactive and fun, and it’s the kind of dinner that turns into an event. Book it early in your planning because it fills up fast.
If you’re nervous about sitting with new people, my recommendation is to request from the host to sit with people more your age. That can help make sure you might have more in common with the others at your table.
The Cabin: Sea Terrace Is Worth It
I stayed in a Sea Terrace cabin, which is Virgin Voyages’ standard balcony category, and it’s the right call for pretty much all travelers. The design is sharp, the lighting effects are cool, and of course the famous hammock on all balcony rooms. On a short Caribbean sailing, you’re not spending a lot of time in the cabin, but when you are, it feels like somewhere worth being.
The best part is the entry level sea terrace room doesn’t feel extremely small. We felt the space was very usable.
The Splash of Romance Package: Honest Take
Here’s where I’m going to give you the advice a booking site never will.
The Splash of Romance package is one of Virgin Voyages’ most popular add-ons for couples, and it includes things like spa access, a bottle of champagne, and other elevated perks like priority boarding designed to make the trip feel more special. It photographs beautifully in the marketing materials. And for the RIGHT traveler, it delivers.
But it is not for everyone.
Book the Splash of Romance package if: you want to elevate your experience beyond the standard fare, you drink and plan to take advantage of the champagne perks, and you actually want to use the spa. If those three things describe you, the package makes sense and you’ll feel the value.
Skip it if: you’re watching the budget closely, you don’t drink, or the spa isn’t something you’d seek out on your own. In that case, the package becomes an expensive collection of things you won’t fully use, and that money is better spent elsewhere on the ship.
This is exactly the kind of decision that looks simple from the outside but has a real right and wrong answer depending on who you are and how you travel. It’s also exactly why booking with a travel advisor matters. I’m not going to sell you a package because it has a good margin. I’m going to tell you whether it actually fits your trip.
Before You Board: Book the Extras in Advance
Virgin Voyages has a lot of paid experiences worth considering, from specialty events to excursions in port. Some of these sell out before the sailing date. Don’t wait until you’re on the ship to start thinking about them. This is pretty standard with most cruises these days, but it still needs to be said.
When you book through Sojourney Travel, we will go through this together. I’ll tell you what’s worth adding, what you can skip, and what to prioritize based on your itinerary and travel style. You board the ship with a plan instead of a list of things that are already sold out.
The Bottom Line
Scarlet Lady is a genuinely great cruise experience, particularly for couples, adult friend groups, and anyone who has felt like mainstream cruising wasn’t built for them. The itinerary through Bimini and Puerto Plata gives you a strong mix of beach days and port exploration without overloading the schedule. The cruise prices higher because of ALL the inclusions which I’ll go over in a different post, but just know you’re typically getting really great value on Virgin Voyages, especially if you love specialty dining.
Is it perfect? No. The pools are a real consideration and the add-on landscape can get confusing fast. But with the right expectations and the right planning, it delivers exactly what it promises.
If you’re curious whether Virgin Voyages is the right fit for your next trip, reach out. That’s a conversation worth having before you book.
Please note this information is accurate as of May 2026 and like all travel, specific details regarding add-on packages, dining, and inclusions can change at any time.
Sydney Nieveen is the owner of Sojourney Travel with Sydney, and an independent contractor with Sojourney Travel, a boutique travel agency based in Georgia specializing in honeymoons, couples travel, cruises, and European adventures.
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