By Ricky Tyus, Owner Tyus Tours & Travel
The Truth Travel Correspondent
Pamela Coleman & Ricky Tyus
(L. to R.): Ricky Tyus, Pamela Coleman, Malynn and Bryan James
Virgin Voyages invited me on a four-day travel agent cruise from Miami to The Beach Club Bimini. Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line for guests 18 and up, offering a relaxed, upscale experience.
This cruise marked my first voyage since the onset of the pandemic, as well as my inaugural experience with Virgin Voyages. I was accompanied by my grade school friend, Pam (King) Coleman, together with Bryan and Malynn James from Detroit (shown in the picture above). We embarked on the Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady journey together as part of a shared professional experience.
On Thursday, May 29, we departed Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a direct Spirit Airlines flight at 6:00 a.m. Although our scheduled arrival time in Miami was 8:59 a.m., we arrived slightly ahead of schedule, landing at 8:52 a.m.
The excitement of our early arrival harmonized perfectly with the meticulous planning that shaped every aspect of our journey. After breezing through the airport, laughter bubbling between friends new and old, we were quickly whisked toward our awaiting limousine—a sleek, spacious SUV that matched our collective sense of anticipation.
The drive through Miami’s sunlit streets revealed glimpses of palm trees and sparkling water beyond, each mile drawing us closer to the port and the promise of escape. Conversation flowed easily as we recounted our hopes for the days ahead, each of us buoyed by the chance to reconnect, recharge and explore aboard a vessel renowned for its playful elegance. The city’s skyline faded behind us and, with each passing moment, the reality of this long-awaited adventure sank in we were about to set sail, leaving routine far behind and stepping into a world meticulously curated for delight.
With the Miami skyline still shimmering in the rearview, we made our way to the port, spirits buoyed by the early arrival and a balmy breeze that hinted at the adventures to come. Embarking was refreshingly seamless – luggage whisked away, passports checked with a cheerful efficiency and before long we were stepping onto the luminous decks of the Valiant Lady as the crew welcome us aboard.
The ship exuded a contagious energy, with laughter echoing in the atrium and the gentle clink of glasses welcoming us into vacation mode. After a light breakfast at The Galley, we wandered the ship’s art-filled corridors and open-air terraces, each space offering its own invitation to linger. The itinerary promised both relaxation and revelry: sun-drenched afternoons at the Bimini Beach Club, sunset yoga on the top deck, and evenings alive with entertainment and gourmet surprises.
As we watched the city shrink into the horizon from the pool deck, the thrill of discovery took over—a sense that, after years of waiting, each new moment would be savored twice as much.
Our first night on the Valiant Lady featured a welcome pajama party for all guests.
Pajama Night
Pamela and Malynn dressed for the pajama party
The pajama party set the tone for the voyage—playful, unpretentious and brimming with possibility. As music filled the air and guests mingled in cheerful comfort, a sense of community blossomed among strangers who would soon become familiar faces on deck and at dinner tables.
The ship seemed to hum with stories waiting to unfold spontaneous conversations sparked by shared laughter, glimpses of moonlight over the water from hidden terraces, and the promise of tomorrow’s adventures shimmering just beyond the horizon. Each hour brought new delights—an impromptu dance by the infinity pool, a sampling of international flavors at unexpected corners of the ship, the quiet magic of sunrise glimpsed through panoramic windows. With every moment, it became clear that this journey was more than a getaway; it was an invitation to rediscover joy, connection, and the thrill of charting unknown waters, together.
About Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady: A boutique ship experience
Small enough to feel intimate and just big enough for all the luxury amenities, Virgin Voyages’ Lady ships are packed to the rafters with things to do on board. There is no stuffiness here, no forced formality or dress codes. Just great experiences, friendly service and a splash of glamour. It feels like a superyacht with all the excitement of a cruise.
Day 2 Scarlet Night
Ricky & Pam dressed for Scarlet Night
The promise of a new day unfurled as sunlight spilled over the sparkling sea, inviting us to embrace every opportunity aboard the Valiant Lady. Energized by our morning workout, Pam and I reveled in the slow pleasures of breakfast, the gentle hum of anticipation from fellow sailors hinting at memorable moments to come.
The ship pulsed with activity: some guests unwound in the hot tub tranquil sanctuary; others drifted toward the pool or sought quiet corners to sip coffee and watch the horizon. Excitement built steadily for Scarlet Night—a legendary celebration where the entire ship transforms into a sea of crimson energy and creativity, beckoning everyone to shed inhibitions and join in the festivities.
As afternoon drifted into evening, we explored new venues met new friends and delighted in the spirited atmosphere that made each gathering feel spontaneous and special. Every hour was a tapestry of laughter, music, and discovery, weaving together a voyage that felt at once luxurious and deeply personal, each experience more vivid for being shared.
Scarlet Night is a signature event on Virgin Voyages that transforms the entire ship into a vibrant celebration. It’s an immersive experience where the ship transforms into a red-themed wonderland. The night is packed with unique events and activities led by The Happenings Cast. The highlight of night is its emphasis on red attire, with the dress code being a key part of the festivities. Make sure to check your event lineup and don your best red outfit to fully participate in the celebrations.
Day 3 Bimini Beach Day
Bryan, Malynn and Pamela enjoying Bimini Beach
As the sun dipped lower, casting long golden rays across the sands of Bimini, our group drifted between laughter-filled swims in the turquoise sea and long, unhurried lunches shaded by palms. The beach club pulsed with music and camaraderie—a feeling of effortless belonging as we danced barefoot, sipped frozen cocktails, and let the salty breeze erase any lingering remnants of everyday life.
In quieter moments, we wandered the shoreline, collecting shells and stories, each step a gentle reminder of how travel can both soothe the spirit and spark fresh wonder. By day’s end, we returned to the ship sun-kissed and content, ready to dive back into the rhythms of shipboard life and discover what new joys the next sunrise would bring.
The Test Kitchen
Our waiter at Test Kitchen. Talent
The Test Kitchen on Virgin Voyages offers a fresh take on dining, blending creativity and culinary exploration. This venue invites sailors to approach dining as an experiment, with a fixed seasonal tasting menu that highlights both flavor and technique.
Styled to resemble a science lab, The Test Kitchen’s decor complements its focus on education and experimentation. It’s a standout venue on the ship, known for its inventive approach to cuisine and unique dining concept.
The menu at The Test Kitchen stands out with its creative and inventive dishes, designed to impress both the eyes and the palate. This dining experience encourages sailors to explore unique flavor and texture combinations, offering a distinctive and engaging culinary journey.
Given that it’s a multi course menu, sailors should not feel obliged to finish or even enjoy everything. Some dishes may challenge your palate and that’s part of the fun.
Day 4 At Sea
Red Hammock
Pamela enjoying the Red Hammock
Typically, cruise line balconies are equipped with two chairs, and a small table. However, on Virgin Voyages, you’ll notice two chairs, a small table, and a red hammock as you walk onto your balcony.
Dinner at Gumbae
Located at the back of The Galley, Gunbae is a Korean Barbecue restaurant that expertly combines food with interactivity. Whether you’re a devotee of Korean cuisine or are curious, Gunbae is a destination that guarantees a memorable dining experience.
Upon entering Gunbae, guests are greeted by a lively ambiance that effortlessly blends modern aesthetics with traditional Korean elements. Servers will welcome guests by shouting out Gunbae or “cheers” in Korean. The inviting, contemporary design fosters an atmosphere that turns dining into a social event and creating a space that indulges the senses.
Gunbae’s menu takes diners on a culinary journey through the rich, diverse flavors of Korean cuisine. Each dish, whether it’s sizzling barbecues or delectable side dishes, is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, promising an explosion of taste and delivering an unforgettable gustatory experience.
Day 5 Disembarkation
Our final morning aboard was tinged with both contentment and a quiet reluctance to part ways with the sea-bound haven we’d called home. Packing up felt like a gentle ritual—clothes folded away alongside keepsakes; camera rolls already brimming with memories we knew would surface in laughter for years to come. The Valiant Lady’s crew, always attentive and warm, offered heartfelt farewells as we made our way through the lively corridors for the last time, the ship’s unique blend of sophistication and playfulness lingering even as we stepped ashore. With every goodbye exchanged, there was a sense that this journey had been more than a vacation; it was a tapestry woven from spontaneity, friendship, and the shared delight of discovery.
As we gathered our bags and took a final look at the Valiant Lady, a bittersweet sense of closure swept over us—the ship now a mosaic of cherished moments, laughter, and newfound friendships. The air carried a hint of farewell, but our spirits remained buoyant, still awash with the memories of sunlit beaches, crimson-lit nights, and culinary adventures that pushed us to savor the unexpected. Each step down the gangway felt like moving from one chapter of wonder to the next, fueled by gratitude for the voyage and anticipation for the city day ahead. With the rhythm of the sea still gently echoing in our ears, we set out to explore Miami, eager to extend the adventure just a little longer, open to whatever surprises the day might have in store.
After disembarking from the cruise, we caught a FREE shuttle to the local mall and then took a tour of Miami on a Double Decker Hop on Hop off Bus.
The city buzzed around us as we navigated Miami’s vibrant streets, each turn revealing colorful murals, lively neighborhoods, and the lingering scent of seawater in the humid air. Eager to make the most of our day ashore, we wandered through sun-dappled plazas and bustling shops, picking up souvenirs and swapping stories about our favorite moments at sea.
There was a sense of unhurried exploration—the freedom to let curiosity dictate our next stop, whether it was a tucked-away café or a street performer drawing a modest crowd. As afternoon clouds gathered overhead, we found ourselves drawn to the city’s pulse, grateful for the blend of relaxation and urban energy that punctuated the final hours of our adventure.
Unfortunately, it stormed, and we viewed the rest of the tour from the lower level of the double decker bus which was overcrowded and uncomfortable. After returning to the mall, we caught an Uber to Fort Lauderdale Airport and waited for our flight to depart at 6 pm.
To book your Virgin Voyage Cruise call Tyus Tours & Travel at 866-547-5362.