Why Virgin Voyages Surprised Me: My Honest Experience Aboard a Kids-Free Cruise

Fiorella Panzitta
2 days ago
4 min read

Ready to sail on my first-ever Kids-Free Virgin Voyages experience.

I’ve been on several cruises over the years — Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Norwegian — and I truly believe they all have great things to offer. Each one creates memories in its own way. So when I decided to sail with Virgin Voyages, I thought it would be a similar experience, just without kids on board.

Well… I was completely wrong. In the best possible way.

First Impressions: A Floating Boutique Hotel

Every corner of the ship felt intentionally designed and beautifully modern.

From the moment I stepped on board, I could tell this was different. Instead of the usual grand-atrium entrance or flashy decor, I walked into what felt like a high-end, modern lounge — sleek, cozy, and full of personality. Every space seemed intentionally designed, from the cafes to the lounges. It felt upscale, but never pretentious — more like a boutique hotel at sea where you could relax anywhere and instantly feel at home.

Even though the ship was sailing full, I never felt crowded. The layout flows beautifully, and there’s always a quiet corner or cozy spot waiting for you.

My Sea Terrace: Simple Luxury Done Right

My favorite place on the ship — the iconic Virgin Voyages hammock.

My Sea Terrace cabin was more spacious than I expected, and I fell in love with all the thoughtful details. The room design is clean, smart, and surprisingly roomy. The hammock on the balcony was everything I imagined — and more! I spent so much time there, coffee in hand, watching the endless blue.

The in-room tablet was a fun surprise — you can control the lighting, temperature, curtains, and even enjoy included on-demand entertainment, all from one place. And little touches, like always having bottled water available, really make a difference.

Dining Without Buffets — and Loving It

Delicious options for every palate, including vegetarian and seafood lovers.

Here’s the thing — I’m not a buffet person. So I was thrilled to discover that Virgin Voyages has no buffets at all. Instead, they have The Galley, which is a collection of mini-restaurants offering a huge variety of freshly prepared meals. I never waited in a long line, and everything was delicious and made to order.

There are also grab-and-go coolers throughout the ship stocked with salads, charcuterie boards, desserts, and more — available 24/7. It’s so convenient and feels like real food, not mass-produced cruise fare.

And then there are the specialty restaurants, all included in your fare. The menus are creative, the plating beautiful, and the flavors incredible. My favorite was The Wake, the ship’s elegant steakhouse-style restaurant. Even though I don’t eat meat, I found plenty of delicious options — the seafood and vegetarian dishes were outstanding.

And don’t even get me started on the little things: the pizza, the ice cream parlor, and all those midnight snacks that somehow feel guilt-free when you’re on vacation. 🍕🍦

Entertainment & Atmosphere: Out-of-the-Box Fun (With Something for Everyone)

Entertainment that’s immersive, creative, and completely unexpected.

What I loved most about the entertainment is that it is truly unique — no traditional Broadway musicals, but something far more creative, interactive, and unexpected. The shows are edgy, immersive, and full of personality, and the performers make you feel like part of the experience rather than just a spectator.

But what really surprised me was how much there is to do throughout the day. There’s always something going on — puzzle competitions, trivia, storytelling sessions like Star Stories, comedy acts, pop-up happenings, and fun little surprises that appear out of nowhere. And if you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, you can simply chill with friends and pick from the many board games available around the ship 24/7.

The live music was another highlight. The musicians were incredible — talented artists from all over the world performing in different lounges and venues. Whether it was acoustic sets, jazzy tunes, or upbeat rhythms, the atmosphere always felt warm, intimate, and full of soul.

And of course, the theme parties were unforgettable. Everyone gets into it, yet it never feels forced or too much. The entertainment team is small but incredibly genuine and welcoming, and they go out of their way to make you feel included. That combination of unique shows, amazing music, and so many different activities creates a cozy, vibrant vibe I haven’t experienced on any other cruise.

The Beach Club at Bimini — Paradise Found

The Beach Club at Bimini — pure paradise.

When we arrived at Virgin Voyages’ private Beach Club in Bimini, I instantly fell in love. The beach is absolutely beautiful — soft sand, turquoise water, and a relaxed, chic vibe.

What really impressed me was the food. I’ve been to plenty of cruise line private islands, and the food usually means burgers and fries. But this was on another level — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I even tried dishes I’d never had before. It was the perfect mix of luxury and laid-back island fun.

A Cruise Experience That Just Felt Right

Kids-free, stylish, and wonderfully relaxing — everything I didn’t know I needed.

At the end of this cruise, I realized something: this one actually felt like a vacation. With other lines, I’ve sometimes felt like I was on a schedule — rushing from one thing to the next. But on Virgin Voyages, everything felt effortless. There are no dress codes, no fixed dining times, and no pressure to do anything at all.

It’s casual yet sophisticated, full of freedom and great energy. Whether you’re looking to unwind, have fun, or connect with amazing people, Virgin Voyages offers something truly special.

If you’ve ever thought about trying a kids-free cruise, trust me — this one is worth it.