This post was inspired by a reddit post by u/jakwong to the Virgin Voyages subreddit. Featured image credit: Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages continues to push the boundaries of traditional cruising, offering an unparalleled experience for sailors of all ages. Among the many stories shared within the Virgin Voyages community, one by u/Grace3219 shines a light on a unique aspect of cruising as a young adult. In her post, she recounts her journey aboard a 5-night cruise from Miami to Grand Turk and Bimini, traveling with her 20-year-old companion, both under the age of 21.
Navigating the nuances of booking and enjoying a cruise as a younger traveler, u/Grace3219 provides a detailed and reassuring narrative for others in a similar situation. Her experience highlights not only the ease with which they embarked on this adventure but also the freedom they discovered onboard, from enjoying drinks to exploring the vibrant destinations. Her story, complemented by the supportive and insightful feedback from the Reddit community, offers a fresh perspective on what it means to cruise with Virgin Voyages as a young adult.
Join us as we delve into the highlights of u/Grace3219’s voyage, accompanied by the valuable insights shared by the Virgin Voyages community. Together, these voices provide a comprehensive look at the experience of sailing with Virgin Voyages before the age of 21, showcasing the inclusivity and excitement that the brand offers to all its sailors.
Young and Adventurous: A Young Adult’s Journey on Virgin Voyages
Embarking on a cruise as a young adult under 21 can often come with uncertainties, but u/Grace3219’s experience with Virgin Voyages proves that adventure and enjoyment know no age limits. Her detailed account offers valuable insights for fellow young travelers considering setting sail with Virgin. Here’s a closer look at her exciting journey:
Smooth Sailing from Start to Finish
From the very beginning, u/Grace3219 and her 20-year-old companion experienced a seamless check-in process, encountering no issues at all throughout their 5-night cruise that departed from Miami and journeyed to the stunning destinations of Grand Turk and Bimini. This hassle-free start set the tone for an enjoyable and stress-free vacation.
Enjoying the Onboard Experience to the Fullest
One of the standout aspects of their trip was the accessibility to amenities and activities typically associated with older passengers. Highlights include:
- Welcoming Toast: They enjoyed the sparkling rosé at sailaway, a signature welcome drink, without being asked for age verification, making them feel instantly included in the celebratory atmosphere.
- International Waters Freedom: Understanding that drinking laws differ in international waters, they waited until the second night to explore the diverse and exquisite drink options available onboard. Experiences included:
- Savoring cocktails at Extra Virgin, one of Virgin Voyages’ renowned dining venues.
- Participating in the lively and immersive Scarlet Night festivities, enjoying drinks without any complications or age-related restrictions.
- Understanding Onboard Policies: Notably, u/Grace3219 observed that upon returning to U.S. ports, their Sailor Bands (wristbands) displayed a drink icon with a red “X”, indicating the enforcement of U.S. drinking age laws while docked. This insight is valuable for young sailors to navigate and respect local regulations during their voyage.
A Community for All Ages
Despite initial concerns about age demographics, u/Grace3219 was pleased to discover a vibrant community of fellow young travelers onboard. She notes that:
- There were numerous passengers in their 20s, creating opportunities to connect and socialize with peers.
- The cruise atmosphere was inclusive and enjoyable for all ages, debunking the myth that cruises are only suited for older adults.
Her experience underscores that Virgin Voyages cultivates an environment where young adults can fully immerse themselves in the cruise experience, from entertainment to relaxation, without feeling out of place.
Cruising Know-How: Community Tips for Young Cruisers
The Virgin Voyages subreddit community chimed in with their experiences and tips, offering additional perspectives that are invaluable for young adults planning their first cruise. Here are the most interesting and useful insights shared by fellow sailors:
Traveling with Family and Friends
- u/Aromatic_Holiday9764 shared that taking her 18-year-old daughter on a cruise was a fantastic experience, despite her being one of the youngest on board. This suggests that even younger travelers, fresh out of high school, can have a memorable time on Virgin Voyages.
- u/Signal_Chemist6193 highlighted the joys of cruising with adult children. She noted that her family enjoyed the experience so much that they booked another cruise just for her and her husband, leaving the kids a bit envious. This reflects the strong appeal of Virgin Voyages across different age groups, making it a great choice for multi-generational trips.
Understanding Drinking Policies
- u/el_david provided important clarification on the drinking age aboard Virgin Voyages, emphasizing that the U.S. is the only country with a drinking age of 21. Once out of U.S. waters, young adults can enjoy drinks freely, which is an important detail for those planning to indulge during their cruise.
- u/Grace3219 responded with a key distinction that other cruise lines, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean, still enforce the 21-year-old drinking age even in international waters unless certain conditions are met, like a waiver from a parent. Virgin Voyages, however, stands out by allowing young adults to drink without needing parental supervision or waivers.
Tips for First-Time Cruisers
- u/dsug123 mentioned that they were about to embark on a cruise with their daughter who was turning 18. This brings to light that planning a cruise around milestone birthdays can add extra excitement and make the experience more special for young adults.
- u/Travel-3575 praised the overall experience and shared that fellow travelers found the information provided by u/Grace3219 to be very helpful when planning their own trips, reinforcing the value of community-shared insights.
Encouraging Family Involvement
- u/NeedleworkerNo1854 humorously remarked about trying to convince their parents to take advantage of Virgin Voyages’ “Kids Deal”, even at the age of 24. This playful comment underlines the brand’s appeal to young adults, who still enjoy traveling with family while appreciating the freedom and flexibility Virgin Voyages offers.
These community insights not only complement the main post but also provide practical tips and reassurances for young travelers. From understanding drinking policies to the benefits of traveling with family, these comments paint a fuller picture of what to expect when cruising with Virgin Voyages, making it easier for young adults to plan their adventure with confidence.
Did You Know?
- Free Fitness Classes – But Book Fast: Virgin Voyages offers complimentary fitness classes like yoga, spin, HIIT, and even a unique bungee workout. These classes are popular and fill up fast, so be sure to book them on embarkation day using the Virgin Voyages app. If classes are full, you can still try your luck by showing up for any no-shows
- Reserve Your Dining Experiences in Advance: To make the most of your dining experience on Virgin Voyages, be sure to book your dining reservations as soon as they become available. If you’re staying in a RockStar or Mega RockStar cabin, you can start booking up to 60 days before sailing. For other cabins, reservations open 45 days prior to sailing. Use the Virgin Voyages app to secure your spots at popular restaurants and ensure you get your preferred dining times without any last-minute hassles
- Maximize Your Fun at the Virgin Beach Club in Bimini: If your cruise itinerary includes a stop at Bimini, don’t miss out on the exclusive Virgin Beach Club. It’s known for its lively atmosphere with resort-style pools, beach volleyball, and vibrant parties complete with drinking, dancing, and music. All essential drinks and transportation from the ship to the beach are included, making it a stress-free experience for young adults looking to enjoy a beach day
Your Adventure Begins Now: Book Your Virgin Voyage Today
From the inspiring experiences shared by u/Grace3219 to the wealth of tips and insights provided by the vibrant Virgin Voyages community, it’s clear that cruising with Virgin Voyages offers a unique, inclusive, and exciting adventure for young adults. Whether you’re eager to enjoy the freedom of international waters, dive into the dynamic social scene, or simply indulge in world-class dining and entertainment, Virgin Voyages provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable voyage.
Now is the time to experience all that Virgin Voyages has to offer, and there’s no better way to start your journey than by booking with Smart Sail Voyages. As specialists in Virgin Voyages, we’re here to help you navigate your cruise planning effortlessly, ensuring you get the best deals, insider tips, and a smooth booking experience.
Don’t miss out on your chance to explore the world with Virgin Voyages! Book your cruise with us today and set sail on a journey filled with discovery, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
