Now that my children are out of college and in the workforce, their vacation schedules are anything but flexible. I wanted to organize a four- or five-night holiday family trip that would allow us to truly reconnect. After weighing our options, I returned to my favorite travel hack: the short-haul cruise. After consulting with my husband, son and daughter, we collectively decided on one major requirement: we wanted a sailing experience without any children on board.
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View this post on InstagramThe Overall Vibe
We took a quick Uber to Terminal V at PortMiami, arriving just in time for our 1:45 p.m. boarding window. We booked three cabins in a row on Deck 14 of Scarlet Lady, which created a super-fun dynamic for the group. While three separate cabins might seem like a splurge, it was money well spent—and I don’t regret a single dime. Since this is our one big family vacation of the year, providing everyone with their own space ensured we all stayed comfortable (and on speaking terms!). Plus, every balcony features that signature red hammock—a trademark Virgin Voyages amenity that we all put to good use.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruise experience that is especially well-suited for families with children over the age of 18. “Unlike traditional cruise lines that often focus heavily on younger families and children’s programming, Virgin Voyages creates an environment designed entirely for adults—making it an ideal setting for parents and their grown children to connect in a more mature, relaxed way,” says Lisa M. Lee, a travel advisor and owner of Taking Off For Travel LLC in New Jersey.
I wanted to share some highlights of my amazing Scarlet Lady sailing.
What I Loved: The Dining Experience
Virgin Voyages
Stations included custom salads, soups and noodles, a deli, burgers, pizza and several hot entrees, plus a carving station. The desserts were equally impressive. A special treat was a popsicle cart with frozen treats, which is something I have yet to see at sea.
We dined at The Wake, a steakhouse; Extra Virgin, the Italian venue; Pink Agave, the Mexican restaurant; and Razzle Dazzle, which has an Asian fusion theme. I must say each meal was amazing, and my entire family said the dining reminded them of being in a cool and trendy restaurant in either Miami or New York. Additionally, the service was exceptional. Our dietary restrictions were accommodated efficiently and accurately. Guests are permitted to order whatever they like from the menu, including multiple appetizers, sides, main courses and desserts. We did not encounter any limitations and were able to sample several dishes, all of which were delivered courteously to our table each night.
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Loved: Fellow Passengers and The Social Vibe
Virgin Voyages
“We see families traveling with their adult children not out of obligation, but by choice,” says Nicole Huang, SVP of Fleet Experiences atVirgin Voyages. “There’s something really special about that shift. You’re no longer in a parent-and-child dynamic; you’re reconnecting as adults. What we’re seeing more and more is that it's less about planning activities and more about rediscovering each other in a completely new way."
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Loved: The Activities
Erica Lamberg
Another major advantage is the atmosphere on board. “With no children allowed, the environment is calm, stylish and distinctly adult,” she continues. “The ship’s aesthetics reflect a modern, sophisticated design, and the overall vibe is more relaxed and refined. This allows families with adult children to enjoy each other’s company without the noise and distractions often found on more family-oriented cruises.”
Entertainment on board also reflects this adult focus. The shows are creative and often feature mature themes, while events like the signature “Scarlet Night” party offer a lively, high-energy experience that appeals to an older crowd. “These moments create lasting memories that feel fresh and exciting for both parents and their adult children,” Lee explains. “Spending time with your children as adults is very different from when they were young—it becomes about shared interests, deeper conversations and growing together through new experiences.”
Didn’t Love: The "Bar Tab" System
Erica lLamberg
Instead of conventional unlimited drink packages, Virgin uses a Bar Tab. Guests can prepay in tiers ranging from $200 to $1,000 and are awarded bonus credits; higher tiers provide increased bonuses of up to 25%. This Bar Tab covers any crew-prepared drink on Scarlet Lady or at The Beach Club at Bimini, and the credit is simply deducted with each order. It’s a straightforward concept, and you are essentially working off a "prepaid" tab.
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As a writer, I was extended access to Richard’s Rooftop, an exclusive space reserved for suite-level guests known as “Rockstars.” This area provided a much more tranquil environment; although it lacks a pool, it features hot tubs and premium sun loungers. One thing I should share: I found the proximity of the ship’s designated smoking area, which is adjacent to one side of the Rooftop, to be somewhat bothersome.
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Yes, I Just Booked Another Virgin Voyages Cruise
We loved our cruise so much that I already booked another sailing for later this year. I am counting down the days until my sailing on Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in Virgin's fleet.
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