baggage issues

What I had not planned for was the drama with our luggage. We flew Manchester – Dublin – Boston – San Juan, and things started to unravel in Boston. We were waiting at the carousel with only 30 minutes before our connecting flight when the belt stopped and we were calmly told that our bags were already on the aircraft. Cue a mad dash through the airport to reach the gate in time. When we finally landed in San Juan at 2 am, exhausted and relieved, our suitcases were nowhere to be seen.

Thankfully, we had sensibly booked a pre‑cruise hotel night. I never advise getting straight off a flight and onto a cruise for exactly this reason, and this trip proved why. We spent what should have been a relaxing day in San Juan on the phone to airlines, trying to track down our bags and imagining a 10‑night cruise with no clothes. Eventually we discovered that our suitcases had arrived into San Juan on an early‑morning flight, but then had to patiently wait all day for a driver to deliver them to the ship. They finally turned up with just 15 minutes to spare before the cut‑off. I do not think I have ever been so happy to see a suitcase in my life.

Now onto the cruise...

Food, Glorious Food: Dining on Virgin Voyages

One of the absolute highlights of this sailing was the food. Virgin Voyages does things differently when it comes to dining at sea as everything is included. I loved the variety, the quality and the fact that so much is cooked to order. It felt far more like eating out in a collection of great city restaurants than the traditional cruise ship dining experience.

Elevated Evenings: Extra Virgin & Test Kitchen

Two of my favourite venues were the more refined, evening restaurants:

• Extra Virgin: A modern Italian trattoria with a relaxed, sociable feel and seriously good food. Think beautiful pastas, rich sauces and generous portions that feel both comforting and special. It is the kind of place where you happily linger over a bottle of wine and a long conversation.
• Test Kitchen: This is where Virgin really leans into its playful, experimental side. The menu feels like a culinary adventure, with creative dishes that surprise you in the best possible way. It is ideal if you enjoy trying something a little different and talking about the food as much as eating it.

Both felt like destinations in their own right, not just “somewhere to eat” on the ship.

Casual Bites & Poolside Treats

It was not all fine dining, though. Some of my happiest moments were grabbing something casual between sunbathing, sea views and evening plans:

• Sun Club Cafe: Perfect for poolside snacks, light bites such as poke bowls, dips and bao buns were easy, fresh and exactly what you want on a hot day.
• The Pizza Place: Genuinely excellent, cooked‑to‑order pizza that you can enjoy late into the evening. It is dangerously easy to make a habit of “just one more slice” after a show or a dance in The Manor.
• Lick Me Till… Ice Cream: Fun name, even better ice cream. A brilliant stop for a cooling treat on a warm day at sea or after a busy port call.

Comfort Food & Sweet Treats

For those little cravings and comfort‑food moments, Virgin has you covered too:

• The Social Club: Home to pretzels, chicken wings and hot dogs, classic American snacks that are perfect for something quick in between quizzes, shuffle board games or hanging in the retro arcade.
• Grounds Club: Not just great coffee, but also sweet treats that pair perfectly with a mid‑morning or mid‑afternoon pick‑me‑up. Think croissants, muffins and brownies – delicious.

Breakfast Bliss: The Galley

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, and on this voyage it was all about The Galley. Set up more like a collection of little eateries than a traditional buffet, it gives you lots of choice without feeling chaotic.

The standout for me: a smoked salmon and avocado bagel. It was the best avocado I have ever had. Fresh, ripe and beautifully served, it turned a simple breakfast into something that felt really special. When you are starting your day with good coffee, perfect avocado and an ocean view, you know you are on the right holiday.

Overall, the food on Virgin Voyages made the cruise feel just that bit more elevated and tailored. Whether I was in a fine‑dining restaurant, grabbing a pizza, or enjoying ice cream on deck, it always felt like there was something tempting and high‑quality just a short stroll away. And if you want to stay in your cabin you can order food and drink from any bars / restaurants through the amazing Ship Eats service.

Port Highlight: Long Bay, Beef Island, British Virgin Islands

Our call into the British Virgin Islands reminded me exactly why I am so fond of this part of the Caribbean.

We spent the day at Long Bay on Beef Island, a gorgeous stretch of sand where the water is that perfect Caribbean blue and life slows right down. After the long journey from the UK, days like this are your reward: bare feet in soft sand, warm sea, the simple joy of a beach you do not want to leave.

This was our second time visiting the BVI and we have managed a different beach each visit. That is one of the lovely things about cruising into these islands: even if you have been before, you can have a completely different beach experience each time, whether you are looking for quiet coves, livelier beach bars or somewhere particularly good for snorkelling.

Adventure in the Rain: Damajagua Waterfalls, Dominican Republic

Our stop in the Dominican Republic was one of the most adventurous days of the cruise, and also the most mixed.

We chose a shore excursion to the Damajagua Waterfalls, which turned out to be an excellent choice given that it rained all day. If you are going to get wet, you might as well lean into it, and this experience is all about the water.

The falls themselves were fantastic: a natural playground of cascades, smooth rock slides and deep turquoise pools. We spent the day scrambling up, sliding down rocks, and jumping into refreshingly cool water. It is the sort of excursion that makes you feel like a big kid again, with lots of laughter and a real sense of adventure.

However, there were a couple of drawbacks that are worth knowing about:

• Group size: There were far too many people on our trip, which meant a lot of standing around waiting between each section of the falls. It took some of the spontaneity out of the experience and made it feel quite stop‑start at times. For future clients, I would always look for the smallest group option available or consider private arrangements where possible, so you can really make the most of the day.
• Photography disappointment: Because it was such an active, wet excursion, we decided not to take our own phones or cameras, relying instead on the official photographer. Only after the experience did we discover that the images and footage were being sold at around 80 USD per person. That was a huge disappointment and meant we came away with no photos at all, which is such a shame for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime kind of day.

The excursion finished at a zip‑line park, which was great fun and, by then, the rain had finally stopped. Again, it was the sort of activity where you are in the moment, flying through the trees and grinning from ear to ear, and not really set up to take your own photos.

So overall, I loved the waterfalls and the zip‑lining, and I would absolutely recommend this style of excursion to anyone who enjoys a bit of adrenaline and does not mind getting wet. I would simply manage expectations around group size and the photography costs, and give clients clear advice about how best to capture their memories without any surprises at the end.

Birthday at Sea: A Day I Will Never Forget

Celebrating my birthday on board felt like a perfect snapshot of everything I love about cruising with Virgin Voyages: relaxed, stylish, a little bit cheeky and full of great food.

Sunrise on the balcony
I started the day quietly, watching the sky soften from inky blue to pastel pink from my balcony. There is something incredibly calming about having your own outdoor space at sea: just you, a coffee and the sound of the ship moving through the water.

A walk around the running track
Virgin’s ships are wonderfully walkable. I took a lap or two around the running track as the sun climbed higher, enjoying that fresh sea breeze and the easy rhythm of life on board. No rush, no commute, just time.

Brunch at The Wake
The Wake is one of my favourite places to eat on board: all chic, modern steakhouse vibes with beautiful wake views over the back of the ship. Brunch here feels indulgent, from the presentation to the flavours. It is the sort of meal where you linger over a second coffee (or mimosa) simply because the view and the atmosphere are too good to leave.

Sunbathing by the pool
Birthday rule: you must make time to stretch out by the pool. The pool deck has a lively but stylish feel, with great music and plenty of spots to relax. I spent the afternoon doing very little other than reading, drinking, people‑watching and enjoying the sunshine.

Dinner at Pink Agave
In the evening I headed to Pink Agave, Virgin’s upscale Mexican restaurant. Think inventive dishes, bold flavours and a really fun, grown‑up setting. It feels like the sort of restaurant you would happily book at home for a special night out, which is exactly what you want on your birthday.

Drag show in the Red Room
After dinner the entertainment began. The Red Room theatre is a flexible space that hosts a variety of shows, and the drag performance I saw was full of energy, humour and incredible talent. This is where Virgin really leans into its grown‑up, playful personality.

Dancing in The Manor
The night finished in The Manor nightclub, which has a glamorous, club‑lounge feel with great lighting and a brilliant soundtrack. It is very easy to lose track of time in here, dancing your way through the night with a drink in hand.

It really was a day to remember from sunrise on the balcony right through to the last song in the nightclub.

Discovering Charleston, South Carolina

Our stop in Charleston, South Carolina, fell on Good Friday and it could not have been more aptly named. It was a truly special day in a city that completely charmed me.

Charleston feels like the perfect mix of historic and fashionable: cobblestone streets, pastel‑coloured houses, leafy parks, plus excellent shopping, bars and restaurants. It is one of those places where you keep turning corners and finding yet another pretty street or inviting café.

I came away thinking that Charleston deserves far more than a cruise stop. It fits beautifully into US self‑drive itineraries:

• As a stop on a Southern road trip linking cities like Savannah and New Orleans.
• As a long weekend add‑on to a New York or Orlando holiday.
• Or as a twin‑centre break with one of the nearby islands or beaches for a mix of culture and coast.

If you enjoy walkable cities with character, great food and an easy-going Southern charm, Charleston is one to watch.

Sea Days: Sunshine, Calm Seas and Time to Breathe

I absolutely love a good sea day, especially when the sun is shining.

There is something very relaxing about waking up, peeking outside and seeing nothing but open water, then realising that your entire day is yours to shape. On this sailing we enjoyed some beautifully calm seas, particularly as we cruised north along the US coast after leaving Charleston.

Sea days with Virgin Voyages can be as busy or as lazy as you like:

• Long breakfasts and lingering coffees.
• Time in the spa, by the pool or at the gym.
• A chance to try a new restaurant, bar or activity.
• Or simply the luxury of doing very little at all.

Scarlet Night: When the Ship Turns Red

One of Virgin Voyages’ signature events is Scarlet Night, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

Scarlet Night is the evening when everyone dresses in red, the ship’s mood shifts into full party mode and the pool deck becomes the heart of the action. There is music, performances, a very playful atmosphere and a sense that the whole ship has come together for one big celebration.

Yes, some people do end up in the pool fully dressed in red. I chose to keep dry and dance at the edge, but you can make the night whatever you want it to be: wild and splashy or simply a chance to dress up, enjoy the spectacle and soak up the buzz.

If you are someone who enjoys themed evenings with personality and a bit of theatre, Scarlet Night is a highlight.

Arriving into New York: The Perfect Finale

Sailing into New York is always special. There is a sense of drama in watching the skyline and Statue of Liberty appear, knowing you have travelled there slowly, by sea, rather than racing in by air.

After days in the warmth of the Caribbean and the charm of the American South, arriving into New York felt like the grand finale: a complete change of pace and scenery, yet another iconic city ticked off in one itinerary.

For anyone who loves variety in a holiday, this type of sailing really delivers: island beaches, action‑packed excursions, historic cities, sea days and a big‑city finish, all while only unpacking once.

Why This Voyage Stood Out

Looking back, a few things made this Easter sailing on Virgin Voyages particularly memorable:

• Adult‑only atmosphere: The ship feels grown‑up and stylish, with a focus on good food, great entertainment and relaxed luxury rather than formality.
• Destination mix: Caribbean islands, adventurous shore excursions, the character of Charleston and the energy of New York all in one trip.
• Onboard experiences: From brunch at The Wake and dinner at Pink Agave to Scarlet Night, drag shows, live music, comedy shows and dancing in The Manor, there is always something to look forward to.
• Culinary variety: From Test Kitchen and Extra Virgin to late‑night pizza, ice cream, pretzels and the perfect breakfast avocado, the food alone would bring me back.
• Personal moments: Celebrating my birthday at sea, watching sunrise from the balcony and savouring those quiet sea‑day mornings made it feel very personal, not just like ticking off ports.
• Lessons learned: Experiences like the waterfalls in the Dominican Republic have given me even more insight into which excursions work best for different travellers, and how to avoid little disappointments like unexpected photo costs. And if you’re doing connecting flights, perhaps get a baggage tracker so you have less anxiety should your luggage not arrive.

If you are interested in a similar voyage, or you would like to build a tailor‑made itinerary that combines a cruise like this with extra time in Puerto Rico, the BVI, the Dominican Republic, Charleston or New York, I can help you put together something that feels truly individual to you.

Contact me to start planning your own unforgettable Virgin Voyages adventure.