Bliss Aboard Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady: Dining, Lounges, and Why I’ll Sail Again
There’s something magical about waking up to the ocean breeze, especially when it greets you from the comfort of a red hammock hanging on your private balcony. That was my daily dose of bliss aboard the Valiant Lady, one of Virgin Voyages’ stunning adults-only cruise ships. I didn’t know what to expect when I first boarded, but by the end of my voyage, I knew one thing for sure—I’d absolutely sail again.
As a travel professional, I’m fortunate to explore several cruise ships per year. But Valiant Lady? She’s in a class of her own. From the design of each cabin to the incredible food, top-tier service, and adult-exclusive ambiance—this was more than a cruise. It was a floating retreat made for grown-ups like us who want luxury without stuffiness and fun without chaos.
Let me take you on my personal journey—and maybe by the end, you’ll be booking your own cruise with Virgin Voyages.
The Ship: Modern, Chic, and Wonderfully Grown-Up
Valiant Lady is part of Virgin Voyages’ boutique fleet. She debuted in 2022 as the second ship in their line and sails a variety of Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries. My wife and I set sail from Miami, and we can offer you some tips on airport transportation, hotel accommodations, and port transportation for those who wish to arrive a day ahead. What sets her apart from traditional cruise ships is her adults-only policy. That’s right—no kids. Just 18+ travelers looking for a mix of excitement and relaxation.
The ship itself is sleek, stylish, and infused with personality. I would also like to add that the ship was ultra-clean and modern. Picture a floating boutique hotel with edgy art, mood lighting, and curated entertainment. Everywhere I turned, there was something unique—an unexpected design detail, a hidden bar, or a hammock with a sea view.
My Sea Terrace Cabin: The Hammock Dreams Are Made Of
I stayed in a Sea Terrace cabin, and it was love at first sight. The layout is modern and efficient—around 185-225 square feet and sleeps 2-4 people, depending on the layout you select. We had a simple two-person layout with a high-deck midship location. But the real stars? The balcony and the Rain shower.
I spent every sunrise and sunset in that iconic red hammock, listening to the waves and watching the horizon change color. It felt like a personal sanctuary at sea.
The room had all the right tech touches, too—mood lighting, a smart tablet to control everything, a rainfall shower, and daily carafes of fresh water. Every detail felt intentional, as if it were designed with real travelers in mind.
Dining: Six Restaurants. Zero Buffets. All Included.
Let’s talk food—because wow.
Virgin Voyages skips the traditional cruise buffet in favor of six unique, included restaurants plus casual dining at The Galley (think upscale food hall). Each restaurant is full-service, and yes, gratuities are already included.
Here were some of my favorites:
- The Wake: A glamorous steakhouse and seafood spot with sweeping views. Think filet mignon and oysters with a side of sophistication.
- Pink Agave: Mexican done right—modern, spicy, and bold. The mole and tequila pairings? Chef’s kiss.
- The Test Kitchen: A dining experience. This place felt like a science lab meets fine dining. Inventive courses, wine pairings, and surprise flavors made for an unforgettable evening.
- Gunbae: It’s Korean BBQ meets a drinking game.
Even The Galley was impressive—serving everything from sushi and ramen to all-day breakfast and artisan pastries. I never once felt like I was settling.
As someone who appreciates quality, variety, and value, the all-inclusive dining was a game changer. I didn’t pay extra or worry about tipping. Just showed up, enjoyed, and repeated. However, there are meal options that require an additional charge.
Adults Only = True Relaxation
I’ve been on plenty of cruises where the ship feels like a theme park. This was not that. Valiant Lady felt like an escape created for adults who want to let go, not be on edge.
Everywhere was calm, elevated, and curated for adults 18 and above. No screaming kids at the pool. No family-focused schedules. Just grown-up fun.
During the day, I lounged by the pool with a book, joined a sunrise yoga class on the deck, and explored the ship’s cool corners—like the record store, the tattoo studio (yes, there’s a tattoo studio onboard!), and the Sip Lounge for champagne lovers. For those who are curious, I did not get a tattoo.
At night? That’s when the ship came alive. There were themed parties like Scarlet Night, intimate live music sets, and avant-garde shows that pushed creative boundaries. Think sultry, sassy, and sometimes a little wild—in the best way. Scarlet Night was a great experience, and the DJ rocked the party for several hours.
Free Amenities That Felt Like Luxury
One of the biggest surprises? Just how much is included in the fare. Virgin Voyages doesn’t play the upsell game. Your fare covers:
- All specialty dining
- Basic beverages (sodas, drip coffee, teas, still and sparkling water)
- All gratuities
- Fitness classes like HIIT, spin, and yoga
- Wi-Fi
- Group workouts and wellness spaces
And yes, you read that right—Wi-Fi is included. No daily fees or frustrating logins. I found the free Wi-Fi to be ultra-fast and reliable for the services included. Now, you can upgrade to a video-level bandwidth (at an additional cost). But, my wife and I were able to talk to our daughter each night on What’s App with a clear connection. I even witnessed several people teleworking (Zoom Calls) on deck and in quiet private spots on the ship.
It felt good knowing that I could enjoy the ship without constantly worrying about my bill growing with every espresso or spin class. The freedom of not swiping my card every five minutes? Priceless. But if you need to pay, you have an armband that serves as an onboard credit card.
Sailor Loot vs. Bar Tab: Here’s What You Need to Know
Let me clarify something, as I had questions too.
Sailor Loot is onboard credit you can use for almost anything—spa treatments, merchandise, excursions, or paid experiences.
Bar Tab is a prepaid drink credit specifically for alcoholic beverages and premium coffee/smoothies. If you purchase $300 or more before your trip, Virgin offers a bonus (typically $50 extra). Be sure to check the prices and incentives before boarding.
I opted for both, and it worked out great. My Bar Tab covered craft cocktails and iced lattes. My Sailor Loot handled a massage, a cool souvenir hat, and a shirt. It was easy to manage through the app and provided me with spending flexibility without any surprises.
Why I’ll Sail Again
There’s a reason why Virgin Voyages has such a strong fan base—and now I’m part of it.
From the chic design and elevated food to the hammock on my balcony and the freedom of being on an adults-only ship—it checked every box for what I want in a cruise.
Even better? This experience speaks directly to my clients. Whether you’re a couple celebrating an anniversary, a solo traveler needing a recharge, or a veteran looking for a luxurious, no-fuss getaway—Valiant Lady delivers. Yes, the cruise ship offers solo rooms.
Ready to Set Sail?
If you’ve been dreaming of a cruise where you can truly unwind, indulge, and feel like every detail was designed with YOU in mind, I can’t recommend Valiant Lady enough.
Let me help you plan your own escape aboard this unforgettable ship or any other Virgin ship. From selecting the perfect Sea Terrace cabin to helping you make the most of your Bar Tab and Sailor Loot, I’ll handle all the details so you can just enjoy the view.
👉 Contact Global Escape Travel today to start planning your grown-up getaway aboard Valiant Lady or any other ship in the Virgin fleet.