Virgin Voyages Miami Cruise Review

Is a Virgin Voyages Miami Cruise Worth It?

If you are considering a Virgin Voyages cruise from Miami, this review covers what the experience is really like, from the ship itself to the destinations, dining and onboard atmosphere.

My trip combined one night in Miami with a 4-night sailing on Scarlet Lady, visiting Key West and Bimini. It was a relaxed, modern and genuinely different style of cruise.

Starting in Miami: Why It Works So Well

Spending a night in downtown Miami before the cruise was the perfect way to start the trip.

The area feels completely different to Miami Beach, with a more modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are great restaurants, rooftop bars and plenty to explore, making it ideal for a short pre-cruise stay.

It also delivered one of those unexpected travel moments. I bumped into Mick McCarthy and ended up having a genuinely lovely chat. Completely unplanned, but a reminder of how memorable travel can be.

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady: First Impressions

From the moment you step onboard Scarlet Lady, it feels different to a traditional cruise.

The design is modern, the layout is more open, and the overall atmosphere is noticeably more relaxed.

One of the biggest differences is that Virgin Voyages is adults only. This creates a calmer environment, without the typical structure you might expect on other cruise lines.

There are no buffets, no fixed dining times and no formal routines. You can plan your days exactly how you want.

Dining on Virgin Voyages: What Is It Really Like?

Food is one of the standout parts of the experience.

Instead of one main dining room, there are more than 20 eateries, all included in the fare. Each venue feels like its own restaurant, with a completely different style.

Some highlights included:

A 24-hour diner for casual meals
A popular onboard pizza spot
Test Kitchen for experimental tasting menus
Korean BBQ with a lively atmosphere
A vibrant food hall with a wide range of options

The flexibility makes a big difference. You can eat when you like, where you like, without needing to plan your day around set dining times.

Entertainment on Virgin Voyages: A Different Approach

Entertainment is another area where Virgin Voyages stands apart.

Instead of traditional theatre shows, the focus is on immersive and creative experiences.

Scarlet Night was one of the highlights of the entire trip. The whole ship becomes part of the event, with music, performances and a lively poolside party.

The PJ Party is also worth mentioning. It is a relaxed, social event where everyone gets involved, and it adds to the overall atmosphere onboard.

Wellness and Fitness Onboard

There is a strong focus on wellbeing throughout the ship.

Options include:

Gym spaces with ocean views
Yoga and recovery sessions
Guided meditation
High-energy fitness classes

It is easy to balance relaxing with staying active, depending on what you want from the trip.

Bimini Beach Club: What to Expect

Bimini was one of the most memorable stops.

The Beach Club offers a mix of relaxation and a more social poolside atmosphere, with music and events throughout the day.

Food and drinks are included, so the whole experience feels easy and well organised.

For something more adventurous, there are excursions such as diving and island exploration. Hiring a golf buggy is also a popular way to see more of the island.

Key West: A Highlight of the Itinerary

Key West was a real standout.

The island has a laid-back feel, with live music, colourful streets and plenty to see within a short distance.

We explored by bike, which made it easy to visit:

The Hemingway House
Key West Lighthouse
Beach bars along the coast
The Southernmost Point Buoy

The food was another highlight, especially the key lime pie, which lived up to expectations.

One Night in Miami After the Cruise

Adding a night in Miami after the cruise worked really well.

We spent time cycling along the beachfront, before heading to Española Way for dinner. The evening finished on Ocean Drive, with drinks at Mango’s Tropical Cafe and live entertainment.

It rounded off the trip perfectly.