When people think “family vacation,” they imagine staterooms packed with children’s toys, pool decks full of splash zones, and kid-friendly dining options. But for our recent Caribbean escape aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, “family vacation” took on a whole new meaning—one filled with gourmet dining, rooftop workouts, cocktail classes, and curated shore excursions.
This 5-day adults-only cruise was the perfect way for me, my husband, my sister, and her husband to reconnect, recharge, and explore.
A Ship Made for Grown-Up Getaways
Scarlet Lady’s smaller size was one of the first things we appreciated. With fewer guests than your typical mega-ship, it was easy to find each other on board, whether we were meeting up for a sunrise workout or heading to a show. Navigating the ship felt intuitive, and we never felt overwhelmed or crowded—perfect for a relaxed pace that still gave us plenty of room to roam.
And Virgin Voyages does an amazing job of curating the vibe. The design is fresh, modern, and fun without feeling over the top. The ship almost felt like a boutique hotel at sea—with ocean views from nearly every angle. We quickly found our go-to gathering spot on board: The Dock, a chic, open-air lounge at the back of Deck 7, perfect for sunset views, small bites, and catching up between adventures.
Let’s Talk About the Food
Forget buffet lines and generic menus. Virgin Voyages has completely reimagined cruise dining, and we absolutely loved it. With a wide range of inventive, high-quality restaurants, plus plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, there was something delicious for everyone at the table.
Every meal was included (no upcharges for specialty dining!), and each venue had its own personality and flavors. From handmade pasta at Extra Virgin to the innovative dishes at The Test Kitchen, every meal felt like a foodie adventure. We also loved The Galley, Virgin’s elevated take on a food hall, where you could grab everything from sushi to salads to late-night ramen.
Hands down, our favorite dining experience was the lively Korean BBQ at Gunbae. I won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say the interactive table game led by the servers turns dinner into a full-on party—and we loved every minute of it.
Active Days at Sea
One of my favorite things about the cruise? Staying active was easy and fun.
We joined an ‘80s-themed workout class complete with retro music and neon accessories. It was more of a dance party than a gym session.
There were also great outdoor fitness options on board, from sunrise yoga on the deck to running on the scenic track. We even squeezed in a strength session at the fully equipped gym before heading to our cocktail-making class.
Immersive Shore Experiences
We had two ports of call: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Bimini, Bahamas. In the Dominican Republic, we booked a culinary tour that ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. We sampled local delicacies, visited a traditional kitchen, and learned about the island’s culture through its food. It was the perfect blend of flavor and authenticity.
In Bimini, we spent the day soaking up the sun at Virgin Voyage’s private Beach Club. With chill vibes, oceanfront loungers, and tasty cuisine, it was the ideal way to wind down the trip.
Why It Worked So Well
Without kids, we were able to truly focus on adult fun—whether that meant sleeping in, doing a sunrise fitness class, or lingering over late-night drinks and live music. Virgin Voyages was designed for this exact kind of experience. It’s luxe without being stuffy, playful without being cheesy.
More importantly, it gave us time to reconnect as a family of four adults. Laughing over dinner, challenging ourselves in fitness classes, and creating memories together.
If you’re looking for a grown-up getaway with your favorite people and no kid zones in sight, Virgin Voyages might just be your new favorite way to cruise.
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