Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady Cruise Review – Day 8: October 24, 2025

Well, here we are — the final day of the MerMaiden Voyage of Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, Brilliant Lady. It’s wild how fast eight days can fly by. One minute you’re unpacking your suitcase and trying to figure out how to work the lighting from the tablet in your stateroom, and the next, you’re being gently reminded by the Virgin Voyages app that it’s almost time to leave.

Today we’re docked in Bimini, The Bahamas, spending the day at The Beach Club at Bimini — Virgin’s adults-only resort that’s not technically Virgin’s. Yep, the Beach Club is actually part of Resorts World Bimini, which is owned by Genting Group (the same folks who used to run some cruise lines of their own, but we won’t go down that rabbit hole – looking at you Disney Adventure!). The whole complex sits on North Bimini, and you can’t walk there from the pier — unless you really enjoy lugging all your beach gear almost 2 miles down the road in the stifling Bahamas humidity. Instead, there’s a free tram that shuttles you over.

The club is used exclusively for Virgin Voyages guests while the ship’s in port, then handed back to Resorts World once the last guest walks up the gangway.

Since this is my first time visiting, I’m heading ashore to check it all out — and more importantly, to see how it stacks up against other cruise line private islands. Will it have all the bells, whistles, and waterslides of Perfect Day at CocoCay, the laid back atmosphere of of Half Moon Cay, or undisturbed nature  theme of MSC’s Ocean Cay?

But before we dive into the beach, a little housekeeping. If you haven’t been following along, now’s the time to catch up on this eight-day adventure aboard Brilliant Lady. We’ve had four sea days, stopped in St. Maarten and Tortola, spent more hours at The Galley than I’d like to admit snatching up grab-and-go sushi, and learned that Virgin Voyages does things very differently than the “traditional” cruise lines.

This final post will wrap up not just the day in Bimini, but also my overall review of the cruise – my thoughts on the stateroom, dining, entertainment, inclusions vs. extra charges, WiFi, drink options, embarkation, disembarkation, and of course… whether Virgin Voyages makes my “I’d sail again” list or gets filed under “been there, done that.”

But first… let’s see what The Beach Club at Bimini is all about.

Getting to The Beach Club at Bimini

Brilliant Lady pulled into Bimini a little before 9 a.m., though we were scheduled to arrive earlier. Mother Nature, however, had other ideas. Strong headwinds — I’m talking steady 22–25 mph gusts with some stronger bursts — slowed the Lady Ship down.  Because of the delay, things got a little delayed behind the scenes. Normally, the crew is ashore early setting up the bars, food outlets, and cabanas so everything’s ready to go the moment sailors are cleared to disembark. Today, though, guests were let off the ship not long after arrival, and the crew was still hustling to get everything operational. It took a little while before bars and lunch stations opened.

A quick side note: whenever a Virgin ship is docked at Bimini, the food and beverage operations are entirely handled by the ship’s crew — the same bartenders and servers you’ve gotten to know onboard. Resorts World staff are present, but mostly for maintenance-type tasks like cleaning, trash collection, and keeping the grounds tidy.

Once you’re off the ship, it’s time to make your way to the Beach Club — which, fun fact, is about 1.75 miles away. You’ll walk a short distance to the tram station where a fleet of janky Resorts World trams wait to shuttle everyone over.  These trams are old, noisy, and spew enough exhaust to give you a headache if the wind is blowing just the right way. They pack you in tight and then proceed on a scenic-but-slow journey that takes 10–15 minutes — not because of distance, but because they make multiple stops along the way.

You’ll stop at the main resort, casino, Fisherman’s Village, and finally, the Beach Club. And just when you think you’re almost there, people on the side of the road start yelling, “You want to rent a golf cart? Best price today!” over and over again.   Honestly, the tram experience was the first strike in the negative column for me. Old, smelly, slow, and filled with unnecessary stops — not exactly the kind of first impression that screams “luxury beach day.”

And yes, I know what you’re thinking — some ports have tender boats to get you ashore, and those can take a while too. True. But at least tenders don’t make pit stops at the casino and usually come with a nice sea breeze instead of exhaust fumes. So yeah…

Give me a tender over the tram any day.

The Beach Club at Bimini – My Honest Take

The tram pulls right up to the entrance of the Beach Club, which does have a Virgin Voyages sign on the exterior. I couldn’t help but wonder if they swap it out or cover it once the ship leaves, since this whole area is shared with Resorts World Bimini when a Virgin ship isn’t in port. Inside the resort, the branding gets even more confusing: you’ve got Resorts World signs everywhere, with the occasional Virgin-branded A-frame popping up directing sailors to the private suite guest area or back to the ship.

Once you enter, the first thing you notice isn’t the beach — it’s the two massive pools sitting right in the middle of the resort. One’s supposed to be the “party pool” while the other’s the “chill pool,” but today they were both serving up full-on party vibes with loud techno and plenty of action in the water.

Even though I went later in the afternoon hoping to miss the crowds, both pools were still somewhat packed.  Nearby, there were a few drink kiosks (where, as always with Virgin, you pay for your drinks — no beverage packages here). On either side of the resort, you’ll find food huts serving light bites. Forget the classic cruise line “island barbecue” or buffet. The menu here is short, limited, and if you’re hungry, you’ll want to eat onboard before heading ashore.

Behind the pool areas are cabanas for rent, including one that goes for a whopping $1,000 a day. Not surprisingly, it sat empty. There are also smaller rentals and beach loungers spread throughout. I actually covered the excursion options and rentals in yesterday’s post, so if you missed that, check it out for all the details.

Now, if you’re not into the whole party pool thing, you can head down to the beach. It’s the perfect size for the number of passengers Virgin’s ships carry. There were plenty of loungers and umbrellas, and nothing felt overcrowded. The water was a little rough thanks to those strong winds we had, but it was still a nice stretch of white sand and turquoise water.

But here’s the part that made me do a double take: there are no lifeguards. None. Zero. Just signs everywhere letting you know that you swim at your own risk. Now, I get it — no kids onboard — but let’s be real, there’s a lot of drinking going on, and it doesn’t take much for an accident to happen. Having at least a couple of lifeguards wouldn’t hurt.

Beyond the pools, beach, food, and drinks, that’s pretty much it for The Beach Club at Bimini. There’s not a ton to do. I left feeling like Virgin could do better here. Granted, they’re technically just “renting” this space from Resorts World, and with only four ships in the fleet — and just one sailing year-round from Miami — it probably doesn’t make financial sense for them to invest in a full-blown private island or their own fully-run resort.

Still, I didn’t see much of that signature Virgin Voyages flair here. It lacked the creativity and boldness that makes the onboard experience vastly different from any other cruise line. Aside from the crew leading games and the bartenders keeping drinks flowing, it felt a bit disjointed — more like a resort you happen to visit than an extension of the ship.

If I had to rank it against other cruise lines’ private destinations, I’d have to say… even the worst of the competitors’ private resorts is better than the Beach Club at Bimini.

Virgin has the potential to make something truly special here — but rebranding a section of a hotel’s beach as your “exclusive destination” just doesn’t cut it. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, sure, it’ll do. If you want a wild pool party, you’ll find that too.

But would I pick an itinerary just because it stops here?  Nope. Not even close.

Opa Hour Back Onboard

After a few hours of sun, sand, and tram fumes, I headed back onboard Brilliant Lady to grab a little something to eat. My stop? The Dock, located all the way aft on Deck 7 — easily one of the ship’s most relaxing outdoor hangouts.

The Dock serves up small Mediterranean-inspired bites throughout the day, along with a special menu for “Opa Hour,” which runs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. There’s a core menu that’s always available — featuring things like grilled shrimp, roasted veggies, and dips — and then the Opa Hour lineup brings a few extras that are perfect for an afternoon snack (or pre-dinner appetizer, if we’re being honest).

For Opa Hour, I went with the Mezze Platter — a tasty spread of red pepper and feta dip, hummus, tzatziki, toursi, and warm whole wheat pita. I also ordered the Greek Bites, which came loaded with cod souvlaki, lamb skewers, dips, and even more pita. It was the perfect combo after walking all over the Beach Club — light, flavorful, and just enough to hold me over until dinner.

I’ve included both menus (the all-day and Opa Hour versions) below for anyone curious about what’s served.

Dinner at Test Kitchen… Or???

After freshening up and changing, I headed out for a few cocktails before dinner. Tonight — to close out this MerMaiden Voyage — there was a headliner onboard: Kelis. You know, “Milkshake brings all the boys to the yard” Kelis. Honestly, I had no clue who she was until someone mentioned that song, but apparently she’s kind of a big deal. She was performing out by the pool at 10 pm, and I figured I’d check it out… or at least part of it, depending on how dinner went.

My original plan for the final-night meal was to hit up the Test Kitchen, the only restaurant onboard I hadn’t tried yet. Virgin describes it as “a laboratory-like dining experience where chefs take the lead and food is both experiment and art” — six tasting courses, each built around a single ingredient, with optional wine pairings for an extra charge. It’s definitely one of the more adventurous dining spots onboard and designed for people who like surprises and don’t mind not knowing what they’re about to eat.

But as I strolled through The Galley just as dinner service was starting, I noticed a long line forming at the carving station. Curiosity got the best of me, so I wandered over to see what the buzz was about — and there it was, a beautiful beef Wellington being pulled fresh from the oven.

I took a moment to contemplate my options — go to the dinner lab or stay here and eat beef wrapped in pastry. After about three seconds of thought, The Test Kitchen was out. Honestly, the menus didn’t look all that appealing to me, and several fellow sailors I’d talked to weren’t big fans of the food or the concept. So, The Galley it was.

I started off with a custom salad from the made-to-order station before making my way back to the carving station just in time for a another fresh Wellington to come out. Perfect timing. I asked for a nice thick cut, paired with root vegetables, green beans, and mashed potatoes.  The Wellington was tender, flavorful, and I didn’t even need a knife to cut it. The sides were great, too, but the beef stole the show. I almost went back for another piece but decided to pace myself since the night was still young and the cocktails were calling.

Before heading to the pool deck to grab a spot for the concert, I made a mental note to include this PSA in my report: Don’t sleep on The Galley for dinner. It might be Virgin’s “extra casual dining” option, but that Wellington was delicious — and earlier in the week, they were serving up some amazing prime rib too. Sometimes the best meals come from the most unexpected places.

Kelis Wraps Up the Miami MerMaiden Voyage

Finally, it was time for the big event — Kelis. I grabbed a spot along the railing on Deck 16, looking down at the pool area around 9:45 pm. When I got there, there weren’t too many people down on the pool deck yet — most seemed to be hanging out up above, just like me. As 10 pm approached, the crowd started to grow, but even then, the area never got packed. There was plenty of open space on both Deck 15 by the pool and up where I was on 16, which was nice because, well, I’m not exactly a fan of being shoulder-to-shoulder with sweaty strangers waving drinks around.

When 10 o’clock rolled around, the stage was still empty. People were waiting, servers were circling with trays of shots (because why not), and the anticipation started to fade into mild confusion. 10:10 pm — still no Kelis. Finally, around 10:20, she and her DJ took the stage. She mentioned that she was originally signed by Virgin Records for her first album, and that this was her first time performing on a cruise ship.

Now, since I admitted earlier that I had no idea who she was beyond “the milkshake brings all the boys to the yard”, I hung around for about 15 minutes to see what the hype was about. The music was… fine. Not really my thing, but she had good energy and the crowd that did gather seemed into it.

Now it’s time for my overall thoughts on this ship, the experience, and whether I’d sail Virgin again.

Embarkation at Terminal V PortMiami

Embarkation Day — that glorious moment when your vacation finally begins… or, depending on the cruise line, when you question all your life choices while standing in a crowded terminal for two hours. Luckily, Virgin Voyages has figured out how to make boarding actually pleasant — a word I don’t often use when talking about embarkation.

If you remember from Day 1, I mentioned how Virgin’s process feels totally different from the usual chaos. Virgin gives you a specific boarding time and actually sticks to it. I showed up at Terminal V in Miami early and waited in line for a bit before things started moving.  They absolutely stick to their schedules, although we did run about 30 minutes early.  I was checked in, through security, and walking up the gangway shortly after being let inside.

Even the muster drill, which is usually one of those “ugh, let’s get this over with” moments, was a breeze. You watch a video through the app or your stateroom TV, then just pop by your assigned station once onboard for a quick check-in – but not until after 2:30pm! No crowding, no endless announcements, no “please remain silent while we explain how to use a life jacket for the 400th time.”

Everything was organized, calm, and refreshingly smooth — three words you rarely get to use about embarkation day.

So yeah, first impressions? Virgin’s got this boarding thing figured out, and honestly, every other cruise line should take notes. If embarkation day always went this well, I’d be showing up early just for fun.  Just don’t expect to get in early if you should up ahead of your assigned boarding time, they don’t play like that.

Accommodations: Central Sea Terrace (Balcony) Stateroom 14170A

Let’s talk about my stateroom — 14170A, a Central Sea Terrace. If you’ve been following along since Day 1, you’ll remember I gave a first impression of the cabin when I boarded — and after eight days onboard, I can officially say that I fell in love with this room.

The layout worked perfectly for me. It’s sleek, functional, and very minimalistic, which fits Virgin’s modern, boutique-hotel vibe. The highlight for me — and probably for most people — was the hammock on the balcony. It’s an ingenious way to create more usable space while giving you a supremely comfortable place to unwind. I spent plenty of time out there! It’s one of those small touches that really stands out and makes the stateroom feel unique to Virgin Voyages.

Inside, the furnishings were streamlined but comfortable. The bed was cozy, and while I never asked for it to be converted into the daytime sofa setup, it was nice knowing that option existed. I did appreciate that Virgin uses a thick mattress topper that makes the bed feel like one solid piece rather than two twins shoved together — other cruise lines, take notes.

Now, for the critiques. The bathroom is definitely on the smaller side, though the shower itself is surprisingly roomy, with great pressure and temperature control. Closet space is limited, and if you’re sailing as a couple, you might find yourselves playing a little luggage Tetris trying to fit everything. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the open closet concept — it just made things look a bit cluttered.

A few other notes: there’s no under-bed storage because the bed sits so low to the floor, so don’t expect to stash your suitcases underneath. On the plus side, there are plenty of outlets and USB ports, which is something every cruiser can appreciate. The tablet control system for the lights, curtains, and TV was convenient, though I’ll admit, sometimes I just went old-school and used the physical switches and remote.

Every day, my room attendant refreshed the cabin while I was out without me ever having to ask. The pitcher of fresh water that appeared daily in the cooler was a nice touch, and there was even a soft throw blanket perfect for those breezy nights in the hammock.

All in all, I absolutely loved my stateroom.  If you book a Sea Terrace on Brilliant Lady, prepare to spend more time in that hammock than you think.

Dining Onboard Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady

One of the biggest things that sets Virgin Voyages apart from the rest of the cruise industry is how it handles dining. There’s no main dining room, no buffet line where you fight for a table, and no “pay extra” specialty restaurants. Instead, every single restaurant onboard is included, and each has its own kitchen, staff, and concept. It’s a refreshing take that gives Virgin an edge—at least in theory. I managed to try every venue except The Test Kitchen, and here’s how they stacked up:

• Pink Agave – ★★★☆☆ – This upscale Mexican-inspired restaurant gets three stars from me, mostly because of the rushed 45-minute dinner service that killed the mood a bit. The food, though? Good. The duck was flavorful, and easily one of the top dishes I had onboard. I just wished I didn’t hit them up on a night where they were in such a hurry to turn the tables.
• The Wake – ★★★☆☆ – Virgin’s take on a classic steakhouse. But while the atmosphere screamed high-end, the food was just… fine. Think Ruth’s Chris or LongHorn, not Capital Grille or Hyde Park. My steak was cooked well, and the sides were solid, but it didn’t wow me. Still, service was impeccable, and the overall experience was enjoyable. If you want a solid, familiar steak dinner at sea, this will do the trick—but it’s not the best steakhouse afloat. (That title still belongs to Holland America’s Pinnacle Grill.)
• Extra Virgin – ★★★★☆ – Hands down my favorite restaurant onboard. In fact, I went twice. Everything from the antipasti to the pasta to the desserts was spot-on. The service was warm and personal, the cocktails were perfect, and the atmosphere felt authentic without being stuffy. Italian food on cruise ships can be very hit or miss—this one’s a hit. Not quite as impressive as Eataly on MSC World America, but worlds better than Cucina del Capitano on Carnival.
• Rojo by Razzle Dazzle – ★☆☆☆☆ – I hate to say it, but this one was a total miss. This restaurant came hyped up, hard-to-get reservations and all—but it ended up being the worst meal of the cruise. The food was unremarkable, and the baby back ribs were so sweet and tough they were nearly inedible. Service was off, too, with my mains coming out twice. I left disappointed and confused about what all the hype was about.
• Gunbae – ★★★☆☆ – Virgin’s Korean BBQ joint is all about social dining, soju drinking, and meat grilling—when it works. Unfortunately, my tablemates were in a hurry to get to the 10pm show, so the meal felt rushed and incomplete. We skipped the fun drinking games (yes, that’s a thing here), which took away from the full experience. The food itself? Pretty good. Our chef grilled up a delicious variety of meats and seafood. I’d go again in a heartbeat, but next time I’d ask to be seated with a table that wants to stick around and enjoy the whole experience.
• The Galley – ★★★★☆ – I’ll admit, I love The Galley concept. It replaces the traditional cruise buffet with a food hall-style setup, and it works beautifully. There are different food stalls offering everything from burgers and tacos to ramen, sushi, sandwiches, and salads, plus grab-and-go cases stocked with wraps, sushi, fruit, and charcuterie. The variety is great, the quality consistent, and the convenience unbeatable.
• The Pizza Place – ★★☆☆☆ – Every cruise line claims to have the “best pizza at sea,” but let’s be real—nobody touches MSC when it comes to pizza. Virgin’s pies were freshly made to order, which I appreciate, but the flavor was just meh. Better than Carnival’s, not nearly as good as Princess’s, and nowhere close to the perfection MSC serves up daily. If you’re a serious pizza lover, this one won’t blow your mind.

As far as overall availability and selection, Virgin nailed it. You can grab food practically any time of day, and it’s all included—no upcharges, no gimmicks. There’s a wide variety of cuisines, plenty of healthy and indulgent options, and lots of smaller bites that make snacking easy.

Are the restaurants five-star, Michelin-level experiences? No. But they don’t need to be. Virgin clearly understands what cruisers want: quality food, fun experiences, and no hidden fees. With a few tweaks—especially to Rojo—Virgin’s dining lineup could easily rival some of the best at sea.

Overall dining rating: Impressed. Very impressed.

Brilliant Lady Fellow Passengers

I’ll be honest — going into this cruise, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Virgin Voyages’ passenger mix. Every cruise line tends to attract its own “type.” You know the drill: Holland America caters to the 65+ crowd who like things calm, classy, and in bed by 9 p.m. Carnival is all about high-energy, poolside partying, and “fun ships” that live up to the name. Disney brings in families with more kids than most school buses. And then there’s Virgin Voyages — adults only, edgy, and totally different.

So who exactly sails Virgin? On this MerMaiden Voyage of Brilliant Lady, it was quite the mix. Since Virgin is strictly 18+, you instantly lose the family-with-kids crowd, which changes the onboard atmosphere dramatically. I saw plenty of sailors (Virgin’s term for passengers) in their 20s and 30s, a good number of seasoned cruisers in their 60s and beyond, and a strong core group that I’d estimate fell right around the 45–55 age range. It’s not a “party boat” like Carnival, but it’s also not the sleepy sea days you’ll find on some of the more traditional lines — it’s somewhere in between, leaning modern, relaxed, and social.

One thing Virgin absolutely nails is inclusivity. The cruise line proudly celebrates diversity, and this sailing had a large, visible LGBTQ+ community onboard. Everyone I encountered — crew and guests alike — was welcoming, upbeat, and respectful. There was no drama, no nonsense, and no “that guy” who’s had too many drinks at 3 p.m. I didn’t witness a single fight or overhear any complaints about out-of-control behavior.

And I think part of that comes down to Virgin’s decision not to offer an unlimited beverage package. You either pay as you go or pre-purchase a Bar Tab before sailing (typically $250 worth of drinks for $200, depending on the promo). Once you’re onboard, there’s no discount. It sounds minor, but this policy seems to make a big difference — people still enjoy themselves, but you don’t get that over-the-top drinking culture you sometimes see on other lines.

Overall, the vibe was chill, friendly, and very social without being wild. It’s a mix that feels curated for adults who want to have a good time, not a college frat reunion. If you’re used to cruising on lines that lean heavily one way — super family-oriented or nonstop party — Virgin Voyages hits a really nice middle ground.

Brilliant Lady Entertainment

If there’s one area where Virgin Voyages doesn’t just outperform the competition but absolutely obliterates it, it’s entertainment. I’ve been on a lot of ships — big, small, and everything in between — and nobody is doing entertainment quite like Virgin. It’s bold, it’s creative, it’s modern, and yeah, sometimes it’s a little weird… but that’s exactly what makes it so good.

While some cruise lines stick to the same tired Broadway-style revues that feel like they’ve been recycled since 1998, Virgin throws out the rulebook. Their shows are interactive, inclusive, loud, unapologetically edgy, and ridiculously fun. You’ll get everything from drag performances and immersive productions to live bands, stand-up comedy, and spontaneous pop-up acts in the ship’s bars and lounges.

Let’s start with The Diva, the ship’s resident drag queen. If you’re easily offended, maybe grab a drink before the show — but honestly, you’d be missing out. The Diva’s performances are hysterical, sharp, and absolutely no-holds-barred. My favorite was The Diva Goes West, a raunchy, laugh-out-loud western hoedown in The Manor, Virgin’s nightclub that doubles as a performance venue. It was a total blast — the kind of show you can’t stop talking about afterward.

Then there are the main production shows, which are just as wild in a totally different way. The standout for me was Red Hot, which takes you on a musical journey through the history of Virgin — from Richard Branson’s early record shop days to his “oops, got arrested” moment, all the way to founding a cruise line despite never having actually taken a cruise before. It’s fast-paced, full of energy, and packed with music, dance, lasers, video, and lights.

One of the best things Virgin does is repeat shows throughout the week. Most have multiple evening performances and even an afternoon matinee or two, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch everything without having to miss dinner or a cocktail hour. It’s a smart move that more lines should copy.

And if production shows aren’t your thing, no worries. There are live musical acts in venues like On The Rocks and Sip Lounge, plus comedy shows and plenty of quirky events hosted by the entertainment crew — think bingo, trivia, and offbeat games that always end up being a good time.