Waking up in beautiful Miami at an amazing LGBT Hotel Axel South Beach we called our Uber and we were on our way. In under fifteen minutes we enjoyed a beautiful, breezy drive to the port. This time flew by as we passed each cruise ship terminal and got excited seeing all the ships lined up.
Pulling into the Port of Miami the ships grew closer and larger. So, our excitement grew. Arriving at the drop off zone, we slowed down in time to take a picture of Virgin Voyages “AHOY” sign welcoming us.
Passing off our luggage to their polite courier it was now time to check-in. The folks at Virgin made the experience even more streamlined providing five separate entry lines for five time slots. While most cruise lines have a strict, 8:00 am cabin check-out Virgin Voyages does this differently. Virgin guests have an extended check-out until 11:00 am! We’re not virgin cruisers, of course, but not knowing this before boarding, we chose the 12:50 pm time slot to allow us more time onboard to explore.
Now we were right on time for our group to be escorted for Covid testing. After a very quick 10 minutes for everyone to be tested, we entered the main terminal to begin check-in while we waited for our results. The Virgin way of checking in gave us twenty massive, stunning stations. inside of the terminal. After checking all our information, we were each given a Virgin Voyage’s bracelet made from recycled ocean plastic. “The Band” would act as your room key and your way to pay for anything around the ship. We quickly finished the check-in process and were cleared to move on to the next step.
After waiting on their fabulous scarlet covered beds and couches, we were finally invited onboard. While walking the gangway we were greeted by an energy that confirmed that we were in for a very fun time!
Music on. People dancing. Beer in hand—it was time to explore the ship.
This ship is so beautiful and very sleek. As we explored closer, we noticed all the fun finishes they had added. This is an Adult only ship, but seeing a seesaw and swings, and monkey bars and an entire outdoor gym we knew we were in for a good time! After playing and exploring it was time to eat. Duh.
So, we went to the back of the ship to The Wake steak and seafood restaurant. They not only had a full bar and plenty of staff to attend to you but, they had delicious food on offering: made-to-order skewers, shrimp, crispy polenta, filet mignon. I tell you; they were delicious and fresh!!! We were ready for this culinary experience.
We found our stateroom and used our cool wristbands to unlock our door. The lights started to glow a beautiful scarlet color as the blinds automatically draped open revealing our beautiful balcony. That little touch made us excited to explore the rest of our cabin. The bathroom was a good size and had a beautiful rain shower. Plenty of closet space and a desk to work at. The balcony has two chairs and the most comfortable hammock I’ve ever been in. The entire room is controlled by a
tablet that lets you control the lights, tv, curtains, even the climate. My personal favorite feature is the “Mood” setting. Each “Mood” has a fun sound and lighting sequence.
The first night we ate at the Italian restaurant, Extra Virgin. Fresh, authentic, and vibrant are the words that come to mind as I remember that meal. With the server’s suggested wine pairing the dinner was perfect.
At night you can join “The Pajama Party” wearing your favorite onesie. You get to dance till you drop on the sports deck amidst jacuzzies, ping pong tables, foosball tables all surrounding a stunning half-moon shaped bar.
Our first port was Nassau. Both of us had been there many times so we decided to explore the ship more. Our first find was the Private Karaoke rooms that you can rent out. We found the stunning spa offering to be a very relaxing activity you may need while onboard. Next to the massive, two-part gym where they have everything from complimentary spin, to yoga and many more classes. They also have a cardio room with a lot of machines to use at your leisure.
We then found the Galley. This is where you would normally find a buffet onboard other cruise lines, but as we now know the Virgin way is a little different. The Galley has different varieties of cuisine; simply order with your server who brings it to you at your table. They also have Grab-and-Go meals for you to enjoy anywhere. They have salads, sandwiches, cheese plates, sushi and bento boxes, plus they change daily. They make it very easy for you to have fresh food available without having to be in a buffet line.
Night two we went to the famous Test Kitchen. This unique experience started right as you walk in as you are greeted with a complementary shot prepared by their mixologist as a palate-cleanser. While escorting us to our table the restaurant Manager explained how it all works in the Test Kitchen. Our high bar-top table was positioned perfectly to watch the chef preparing what we later found out to be first course. We also had our choice of either a cocktail or wine pairing with the 6-course tasting. I chose the cocktail while Adam chose wine. The drinks did not disappoint and neither did the unique food—we were amazed! From smokey peas and egg yolk to a beautiful cut of venison, the food was not only delicious, but a show of its own.
After that it was “Scarlet Night”. We grabbed a drink in the casino and then headed into a show in the Red Room with an entrance separated into two sides. Without giving anything away, let’s just say that the show was interactive, exciting, shocking, and an absolute blast! Inside the close quarters it feels like you are a part of the performance.
Now it was time for the “Scarlet Pool Party”. With everyone dressed in their favorite red outfit, it was time to party. As we walked out on to the pool deck, we were greeted by, what I would have to guess is, a 100-foot inflatable octopus with her tentacles waiving around. Inflatable fish everywhere. What caught my eye? The amazing dancers performing full-out in the pool as the DJ spins amazing music in front of the grow wall that says in bright neon lights, “Save Water and Drink Champagne”. Was I dreaming, or was this cruise ship made for me? As I am taking it all in, our leader of fun invited everyone that was dancing to jump into the pool—fully clothed or not! As I sit and breathe, I thought there is no way. I lost that bet to myself because more than half of the sailors jump in; men in suites, ladies in dresses, costumed people dancing and having the time of their lives. It was at that moment I knew that Virgin has changed what cruising is.
After a wonderful night dancing the night away under the stars, we woke up in the beautiful island of Bimini. Now Virgin owns a private beach club on Bimini, and we were extremely excited to explore this beautiful island as neither of us had ever been here. We take a very short golf cart ride to the beach club, and as you walk in it takes your breath away. With the turquoise water as the backdrop, you are greeted by a stunning resort-like property. There are forests of hammocks; more day beds on white sand than I have ever seen. Two huge pools with a DJ spinning all day for you. Underneath the DJ there is a dance floor over the pool. You know the Virgin dance crew is going to get us up there. We ate delicious BBQ food made-to-order. And there are plenty of bars to get drinks that you can just charge to your cabin as if you are onboard the ship. It was seamless. As the sun was setting, they did a bonfire and a show as we all danced the sun below the horizon.
That night before dinner we went to see a Drag show… Yes! A Drag show on the open seas!!! When I tell you that this Queen was living—well, she was!!! This amazing one-woman Drag show with live vocals was perfect. I may have gone up there and won some champagne. Such a fun night.
We then went to Gunbae for some Korean BBQ. We were sat with three lovely people who we quickly became friends with. They start everyone off by doing a drinking game. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s math, so…I lost. But it made us all laugh together and enjoy the best Korean BBQ I’ve ever had.
Afterwards, we decided it was time to dance. Going in you must enter through a hallway of lights. As you first step up to this hallway it looks like there is no ground beneath you, and you’ll simply fall forever. For me, I saw a runway. I strutted my way down that hallway like I was RuPaul herself. It leads you into the same dance club we saw the drag show in, only this time it’s dark and there are dancers and sailors having a blast together. There was so much energy—between the guests and the crew—it was contagious. We danced until the place closed.
There were so many more memories made that I couldn’t get to like the “Live Sex Ed” class (you wear a mask, and really get out of your comfort zone or watch others), or how you can shake your phone while on the Virgin Voyages app and a bottle of Champagne and sparklers are delivered to wherever you are on the ship!
My takeaway from becoming a sailor on The Scarlet Lady is that you must be open-minded to sail the Virgin Way. I am very happy with this new way of cruising and the direction they are heading. I feel as if more and more exciting things will come from Virgin.
Now who wants to join us on our next adventure?
