A Joyful Summer Reset + Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Review
After a whirlwind school year, I took the last two weeks for myself! I unplugged and enjoyed connecting with friends, family, and the SEA! Not in a Pinterest-perfect, color-coded itinerary kind of way—just in a real, simple, soul-filling way. Let me tell you about my summer reset and also provide a Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady review!
Tampa to Punta Gorda: A Florida Family Getaway
It started with a family trip to Florida. My brother, nephew, his girlfriend, my husband, and I all flew into Tampa and kicked things off with a little casino fun at Seminole Hard Rock Casino. This AAA Four‑Diamond casino is one of the largest casinos in the U.S., with over 5,000 slot machines, more than 110 gaming tables, and even sports betting and live table games like craps and roulette. My gambling brother and husband were on cloud 9!
After our time in Tampa, we hit the road toward Punta Gorda. I wish we could’ve stopped in Siesta Key—my absolute favorite beach with powdery white sand and the dreamiest sunsets—but it was late and we needed to keep moving. (I’ve written more about why I love Siesta Key here). Once we arrived in Punta Gorda, we settled into my dad’s beautiful home, complete with a pool and charming little boutiques nearby. We grilled, we laughed, relaxed, and feasted on incredible Haitian food, thanks to my stepmom’s magic in the kitchen.
Cruising with Virgin Voyages: Our Escape on the Valiant Lady
After four relaxing days, we packed up and headed to Miami to board the Valiant Lady, one of Virgin Voyages’ adults-only cruise ships. Destination: Key West and Bimini. My best friend and her husband joined us in Miami, which made the trip even more memorable. My husband, who isn’t a huge fan of cruising, agreed to a short itinerary—and surprise: he had fun (I think LOL)!

What Sets the Valiant Lady Apart
This wasn’t our first time with Virgin Voyages, but the experience still felt fresh and joyful. Here’s why this ship stands out:
A Boutique Atmosphere for Grown-Ups
No kids. No buffets. No forced formal nights. The Valiant Lady leans into an elevated, relaxed, and modern vibe that feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.
Sleek Cabins with a Hammock (Yes, Really!)
We stayed in a Sea Terrace cabin with a private balcony and the iconic red hammock. One of my favorite moments from the trip was swinging above the sea with nothing but the breeze and horizon in front of me. I took a 2-hour nap each afternoon before dinner. The room also came with techy touches like a tablet to control the lights, curtains, and TV.
The cabin was also impressively clean and thoughtfully designed. Even though the bathroom was on the smaller side (which is typical for a cruise), it didn’t feel cramped. The rain shower and handheld spray nozzle combo was honestly one of the best I’ve ever used—so relaxing after a day in the sun. The pillows and mattress were incredibly comfortable, and we slept like babies every night. We also appreciated having a mini fridge for drinks and leftovers, plus a full-length mirror that made getting ready a breeze. Virgin really thought through the little details that make a stay feel easy and elevated.
Dining Highlights: No Buffets, All Flavor
With 20+ eateries included, Virgin Voyages skips the buffet chaos and delivers thoughtful, restaurant-quality meals in stylish, curated spaces. Some of our favorites:
- Pink Agave – Bold Mexican dishes in a moody, intimate setting
- Gunbae – Korean BBQ with sizzling group toasts, drinking games, and tons of energy
- Late-night pizza bar – Perfect after dancing or wrapping up at the casino
- The Wake – An elevated, classic steakhouse where we had the most tender filet mignon (a must-try)
- The Dock – The ship’s best-kept secret: cozy Mediterranean vibes, delicious Greek-style small plates, and the most peaceful ocean views from the back of the ship
Thanks to our Deep Blue perks, we also enjoyed two free barista-made coffees per day and early boarding—which made the whole trip feel a little more special from the start.

Events, Vibes & Entertainment
Virgin knows how to create a vibe. The energy onboard is vibrant but never overwhelming.
- Sailaway party + PJ party: Playful and fun without being forced. Super chill vibes and fun on our first day onboard!
- Scarlet Night: Red lighting, surprise performances, and a pool party under the stars
- Diva Events– Hosted by the fabulous Miss Cordelia, a quick-witted, high-heeled Tennessee queen with a lot of personality. These gatherings were equal parts sass, sparkle, and soul—with Cordelia serving up laughs, life advice, and a whole lot of joy. Whether you caught her strutting the ship or hosting trivia, she brought humor and heart to every moment.
- Casino days and nights: My husband and brother were regulars! (Rolling eyes–I am NOT a gambler. LOL)
There’s always something going on—but plenty of quiet spots when you want to unwind.
Port Stops: Key West & Bimini
In Key West, we rented a golf cart and roamed freely—stopping at the Southernmost Point, lunching at Blue Heaven, grabbing key lime pie at Kermit’s, and even doing a little Margaritaville bar crawl.
Bimini was pure calm—but with just the right splash of fun. Virgin Voyages has its own private Beach Club at Bimini, and it felt like stepping into a curated island daydream. We noshed on a complimentary Caribbean-style lunch, complete with jerk chicken, fresh salads, snapper ceviche, sweet coconut corn-on-the-cob, and beans and rice—all included in the cruise fare.
The beach itself had soft white sands, warm turquoise water, and plenty of loungers for soaking in the sun or napping in the shade. There was also a lively pool party (hosted by the Virgin Happenings Crew) with floaties, upbeat music, and bartenders who kept the island vibes flowing. You could go full chill or full party—whatever you needed that day. For us, it was the perfect balance of laid-back luxury and barefoot freedom, and we left feeling completely recharged.
My Honest Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Review: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Adults-only, boutique ship feel
- Excellent dining options with no upcharges
- Unique, immersive entertainment
- Thoughtful cabin design and tech
- Friendly crew and wellness-focused amenities
Cons:
- None for me, however, to be fair I will share a few cons that I heard from my brother who has cruised with Carvinal and Royal Caribbean:
- Smaller pool – Virgin believes that adults like to wade, not swim, so they don’t have pools on their ships.
- Not ideal for those who want constant scheduled activities or fancier shows.
What This Trip Reminded Me
Time with family and friends is everything. We get so caught up in our to-do lists that we forget how grounding it is to just laugh together, eat good food, and take in a sunset.
This cruise reminded me that joy doesn’t need to be earned. It lives in the quiet balcony hammock moments, the unexpected jokes, the shared pizza, and the spaces where no one needs you to be productive.
Thinking About Your Own Joyful Escape?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take a break, let this be it.
Life will always hand you another to-do list, another responsibility, another reason to wait. But joy? Joy often whispers. It lives in the unplanned pauses, the laughter you didn’t schedule, the salty breeze that makes you exhale without even realizing you were holding your breath.
Spend the money. Take the trip. Unplug. Reconnect. Dance in your pajamas. Eat the pie, drink the coffee, float in the pool without checking your phone. Let yourself remember what it feels like to be in your life—not just managing it.
The ocean has a way of showing you what matters. And so does joy.
Until next time!
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