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Little known fact about me… I’m not a cruise person. I don’t like being stuck on a boat, I don’t like the whole “you can’t leave” feeling, and after a terrible 10th‑anniversary cruise years ago, I pretty much wrote off the entire concept. So when my friend announced that her 60th birthday celebration would be a cruise, I wasn’t thrilled. I wasn’t dramatic about it — I just genuinely didn’t want to go.
But here’s the twist: Virgin Voyages completely changed my mind.
Before I get into it, let me say this — I do not get seasick. Ever. Boats, ferries, ocean waves… nothing. But disembarkation was in the rain and even I felt my stomach jolt once, which made me feel awful for the people around me who were clearly struggling. If I felt it, they were definitely feeling it.
And instead of a big, splashy sail‑away party, everything was a little subdued. Although — in true Virgin fashion — there were still people dancing in the pool like it was the most normal thing in the world.
And that’s the thing about Virgin Voyages: it’s completely “come as you are.” You can go to dinner in flip‑flops and cutoff shorts or show up in a full evening gown. No captain’s table. No forced formality. Just actual restaurants — each with its own vibe — and a ship designed for adults who want to relax, eat well, and enjoy themselves without the cruise clichés.
And I have nothing but amazing things to say about it.
The food was ridiculous — genuinely great, not cruise‑great. The entertainment was fantastic…the shows and the bands, cause if you know me, I went where the live music was.
The ship was gorgeous, and my room was stellar. Thoughtful in design and super comfortable, it was actually relaxing.
Beginning to end, the whole experience was top notch. I kept waiting for the moment where my old cruise trauma would kick in, but it never did.
Well — until the end.
Friday night, we got the text: our flight home was canceled. Blizzard incoming in New York. No way out of Miami. So Sunday night, we did what any rational person would do… we checked into my beloved Hilton, because you know I’m a Hilton girl through and through. And Monday morning, we all woke up, looked at each other, and said the words no one should ever say lightly:
“We’re renting a car.”
And then we drove.
From Miami.
To New York.
It was an experience I never want to have again. Ever. But we made it. Barely. Debrah ended up with Flu A and two days later, I tested positive for Covid …. Because of course we did.
And yet — even with the chaos, the blizzard, the canceled flight, the marathon drive, and the souvenir viruses — the trip was absolutely amazing. Virgin Voyages redeemed cruising for me in a way I didn’t think was possible.
So now I’m going to photo‑bomb you with captions and joy… because despite everything, it really was that good.
The Sea Terrace
The entertainment was amazing, and I’m pretty sure that guitarist was good …
And then we were off the boat to Key West
Moral of the Story… I would totally go on a Virgin cruise again.
Unreliable Summary – I went on a boat.
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