In January of this year, I had the chance to embark on a new adventure aboard Virgin Voyages, a cruise line making waves with its fresh approach to cruising. Alongside one of my best friends, we set sail on an 11-day voyage through the Caribbean and Colombia. As first-time cruisers (me being a first-timer as an adult and my friend having only cruised once before), we were definitely novices when it came to the cruise experience. But let me tell you, it was an unforgettable trip!
Starting off in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Our journey began in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a major hub for Virgin Voyages. Pro tip: If you can, take some extra time to explore San Juan or even the island of Puerto Rico before boarding your cruise. There’s so much to see and do, from historic sites to vibrant beaches. The cruise itself also ends in San Juan, so if you have time at the end, you can always extend your trip.
For embarkation, Virgin Voyages allows you to board starting at 4 PM, with a hard departure time of 8 PM. I’d recommend getting there a bit early if possible. Flights from the East Coast of the U.S. are relatively easy to catch and get you there in plenty of time. If you’re flying from the West Coast, consider booking a red-eye to arrive early that morning, since most flights won’t get you there until after 8 PM.
Before setting sail, Virgin Voyages sends a ton of emails, some essential, some not so much, so be sure to stay on top of them. Keep an eye out for instructions on signing up for embarkation times, excursions, and restaurant reservations. Trust me, signing up early for these will save you from the dreaded waiting lines once you board.
A Taste of Virgin Voyages: Dining, Activities, and More
Virgin Voyages is all about a laid-back, adult-only cruise experience, and that vibe really shines through. There are about six or seven restaurants on board, and since you get two visits to each over an 11-day cruise, it’s a good idea to book your reservations in advance. It’s much easier to switch reservations as a small party, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with a group.
The first couple of days at sea were jam-packed with fun activities. Every hour, starting at 7 AM, there’s something to do, from yoga on the deck at sunrise to puzzle competitions where the winner gets a free round of drinks. Yes, shuffleboard is a thingand don’t knock it ‘til you try it! The competition is intense, and you might just find yourself becoming a shuffleboard pro.
Don’t miss out on the comedy shows and performances, and be sure to check your emails for info on themed parties. One night, there was a pajama party where everyone showed up in their comfiest clothes, and it was a blast!
For meals, breakfast and lunch are typically served at The Galley, where everything is made to order (no need to worry about shared buffets). If you’re into fitness, there’s a solid-sized gym, a track, and plenty of spots for yoga and stretching. The ship even has a small basketball court where they host some fun games and challenges.
First Stop: Cartagena, Colombia
After two days at sea, our first port of call was Cartagena, Colombia, a vibrant coastal city with a rich cultural heritage. Cartagena is warm, and I recommend wearing a hat and light, breathable clothing as you explore.
While there are plenty of excursions offered through the cruise, I opted to explore a local market before heading to the beach. I picked up some fresh fruit and wandered around the city, soaking in the atmosphere. Though some taxi drivers warned me not to go to the market (a bit off the beaten path), I had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend it if you’re feeling adventurous.
The street food was delicious and affordable, and the market itself was filled with locals, so it was a real look into local life. If you’re not comfortable speaking Spanish, Google Translate is a lifesaver. Just keep in mind that English isn’t widely spoken here. Don’t forget to try the local beer!
The one downside to Cartagena was the limited time we had to explore. With just an 8 AM to 10 PM window in port, I felt like I barely scratched the surface of this beautiful city. Still, it was a great introduction to Colombia, and I’d love to return for a more in-depth experience.
Aruba: Snorkeling and Beach Bliss
After another day at sea, we arrived in Aruba, famous for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. I booked a snorkeling tour, which was a highlight of the trip. The water was stunningly clear, and we visited a shipwreck site where you could dive down and explore the remains. The second stop was full of vibrant marine life; coral reefs, tropical fish, and more. It was magical.
In addition to snorkeling, Aruba has a great beach vibe, and I spent some time relaxing at Eagle Beach. It’s a beautiful stretch of white sand with plenty of shaded areas and water sports options. If you’re into shopping, Aruba also has a great selection of stores and restaurants, and we stopped by a speakeasy bar called Apotek for some craft cocktails. It was a little packed, but totally worth the visit.
Curaçao: Exploring the Streets and Beaches
Next, we hopped over to Curaçao, known for its colorful streets and vibrant culture. While there are a ton of excursions, I ended up just walking around town, which had a fun, relaxed vibe. There’s a lovely strip near the port where you can grab fresh fruit, snacks, and souvenirs.
Curaçao is also home to Mambo Beach, a popular spot for both tourists and locals. It has a laid-back atmosphere with lounge chairs, cabanas, and lots of food options. One thing to note: taxis can be a bit scarce on Sundays, so plan accordingly if you’re trying to venture further afield.
St. Lucia to Fort-de-France: A Surprise Stop
Originally scheduled to visit St. Lucia, we were rerouted to Fort-de-France, Martinique. We didn’t have much time to plan an excursion, so we wandered around town, grabbed some coffee, and explored the market where you can buy spices and local products. The market was full of beautiful scents and colors, perfect for a quick, unplanned stop.
Antigua & Barbuda: Kayaking and Snorkeling
In St. John’s, Antigua, I booked a kayaking and snorkeling tour through the ship, and it was incredible. We kayaked through mangroves before snorkeling at a beautiful reef. While the coral was a bit damaged, the water was still clear, and the marine life was abundant.
Afterward, my friend and I grabbed lunch at Hemingway’s Caribbean Café, hands down one of the best meals I had on the trip! The Caribbean chicken with rice and peas, oxtail, and mango smoothies were absolutely delicious.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten: Our Last Stop
For our final stop, we arrived in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. This destination is known for its low export taxes, which makes it a haven for shoppers, especially those looking for jewelry and watches. There are plenty of high-end stores, making it a great place to grab luxury items at a better price. However, we weren’t in the mood for shopping, so we spent the morning casually strolling through town instead.
After our walk, we headed to the beach to relax. There are so many spots along the coastline where you can rent a chair under an umbrella. We opted for a laid-back day and ended up at Caribbean Blue, a beachfront restaurant with delicious food and refreshing drinks. For just $20 USD, we got a couple of chairs, an umbrella, and two drinks, a really great deal for a relaxing beach day. As you walk down the beach, you’ll find plenty of places offering similar packages, and the prices tend to drop the farther you go.
Since it was our last night on the ship, we made sure to catch one of the signature shows, Persephone. I won’t spoil it, but I highly recommend making time for it in your itinerary, it’s an hour-long performance that’s absolutely worth seeing. Arrive a little early to grab a good seat, as it tends to get crowded. The show is only performed twice during the cruise, so don’t miss out on this fantastic experience.
Departure and Overall Impression
The next morning came all too soon, and we had to say goodbye to the ship. Disembarkation can be a bit hectic, so if you can, get off earlier to avoid the long lines that form later in the morning when everyone else is trying to leave at the same time. If you have time before your flight, I highly recommend exploring Old San Juan again. There are plenty of great places to grab breakfast or lunch, and you can even visit a museum to make the most of your time before heading home.
Overall, this cruise was an incredible experience. It was a perfect getaway with my friend, and we truly enjoyed our time together. I loved starting the day early and finding a quiet spot in the shade to relax. My only piece of advice would be to book things in advance; excursions, restaurants, and shows fill up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on anything you really want to do. The pool area was a bit small for the number of people onboard, so I’d recommend exploring other activities instead.
The ship offered free Wi-Fi for one device, which was nice for staying connected, though you couldn’t stream unless you paid for additional Wi-Fi. The cruise was all-inclusive, with the exception of the drinks. You had to load money onto a card, and while it didn’t have a typical “drink package,” the more you loaded onto your card, the more bonuses you received.
One of the things I really appreciated was that the cruise was adults-only, which created a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere without any kids running around. If you’re looking for a longer, more laid-back cruise that lets you fully embrace vacation mode, this one is definitely worth considering. It’s a great way to unwind, make new friends, and just enjoy the experience. So, bring a good book, relax, participate in the activities, and make memories that will last long after you return home.
I highly recommend this Virgin Voyages cruise, whether you’re going with a friend, a partner, or just looking to get away solo. The experience is truly something special.
