Trip log, day 4. Bimini, The Bahamas.
4-Evening Bahamian Fireplace and Sundown Soiree (Bahamian) from Miami, Florida
February 7, 2026
Your Day at a Look (The Day by day Schedule)
Scarlet Woman Deck Plan
Our closing full day on the Scarlett girl. I awoke, seemed outdoors; climate appears nice. Nonetheless… the wind appears to be a problem right now. Emily headed off to the fitness center as common.
At present, we’re visiting in Bimini within the Bahamas, which is roughly due east of Fort Lauderdale kissing the southern fringe of the Florida Straits.
That is a kind of common port of name for Virgin Voyages when crusing within the area and this serves because the cruise line’s quasi unique personal providing. Bimini Seashore Membership, owned by Resorts World Bimini, is unique to sailors on days when a Virgin Voyages ship is in port.
We headed ashore just a little after 8:00 a.m, boarding the tram to Bimini Seashore Membership which is a few 10-15 minute journey.
Whereas the climate appears nice within the images, it was windy, and with the mix of air and water temperature resulted in a non-beach day for us. We wouldn’t have even been capable of take away our sweatshirts.
It was nonetheless, a terrific morning for a Bahamian island stroll.
The seaside membership is a pleasant little space that’s included within the worth of the cruise and feels extra like a cruise line’s personal vacation spot than an all-inclusive seaside resort day cross providing throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean.
There’s a seaside with an abundance of loungers, a centrally positioned pool, two consuming areas, rentable cabanas, and an space reserved for Rockstar stage friends (who’ve an unique space).
Given the climate situations and early morning arrival, there have been loads of accessible locations to sit down and benefit from the day. I’d be fascinated by listening to how it’s round 11 o’clock in the course of the summer time.
As I discussed, there are cabanas you possibly can hire for the day, together with a singular AirStream campsite space, which seemed superior.
Seashore Eats had a promising menu. Guess what was on a couple of of the tables… It’s NOT an remoted challenge in The Bahamas.
After we had made our means across the seaside membership, we determined to go out. We hadn’t deliberate to spend the day ashore, because the climate didn’t appear conducive to water actions. Nonetheless, contemplating the completely different time of 12 months, with hotter water and air temperatures, this place seems like a promising spot to spend a sunny day.
We boarded the tram and headed again to the Fishermen’s Village tram cease. It is a in style spot in case you’re trying to hire a golf cart to discover different components of Bimini. It was amusing what number of golf cart distributors had been vying for patrons, attempting to undercut one another or supply “nicer” carts. Good shoppers can leverage the aggressive nature of the distributors and sure get a terrific deal on a golf cart, offered they’re prepared to barter.
As for the Fisherman’s Village positioned on the other facet of the island because the seaside membership, it resulted in almost no wind. It was truly beautiful stroll alongside the marina.
There have been a couple of spots open, however general it was a quiet spot with little or no foot visitors. There was an open air restaurant and bar that will be a great place on a wet day, and some present outlets, however no actually port purchasing that you simply’d encounter at almost another port of name. In a means, it was refreshing not seeing the standard shops that overtake port purchasing areas promoting almost similar objects.
The Bimini Seashore Membership is the massive draw for Sailors, and sure a detailed second, the on line casino.
In the end, right now was going to be, a day to expertise extra of the onboard choices, that we haven’t been ready to take a look at beforehand within the cruise.
We received again on board just a little earlier than lunchtime, so we headed out to The Galley (deck 15 aft). Apart from me grabbing a bagel for breakfast the opposite day, we have now not skilled the realm for lunch or dinner service. Sure, this space is open for dinner!
One of many issues that basically caught my eye was the abundance of fast seize and go boxed choices from salads and charcuterie, to sandwiches and dessert. Emily used the QR code to position an order for a glass of rose wine, and inside about 10 minutes, it was introduced proper over to our desk!
As for the opposite areas in The Galley, the meals is a mixture of fast service and made to order stations. On the floor it kinda provides vibes of Cabanas or Mickey & Mates Competition of Meals, however it isn’t a self-service buffet except for the seize and go choices.
Emily & I had salads, then I headed over to strive the panini station. Each of which had been winners. We grabbed a couple of desserts and simply had a bit or so of every merchandise.
Though the surface temperature was climbing and the wind died down, there was extra we needed to expertise onboard. We grabbed our books from the stateroom and headed to The Dock (deck 7, aft) – an open lounge space overlooking the strict.
We spent a couple of hours right here speaking, studying and having fun with a a number of the completely different spritzes on the menu.
Between the Dockhouse and The Dock, there was a choice of mild bites, and extra seize and go containers from The Galley and within the Pizza Place. We didn’t strive any, however listed below are a number of the choices.
Talking of the Pizza Place, it was now or by no means to strive a contemporary pizza. Even with a lightweight crowd, there was a stable 20-minute wait after I ordered. This isn’t a excessive quantity or fast chunk providing, however the pizza, for probably the most half was good. The margarita pizza was a winner, and whereas the particular of the day (hen pesto) had excessive potential, it was ready with an excessive amount of olive oil leading to a soupy mess.
It’d be nice if they only provided a slice, even chilly in a seize and go container or simply stack a couple of containers up in a window. That pizza from the hallway was nonetheless good, so why not make it an official seize and go providing? Apart from the dearth of prompt gratification, credit score to them for individually made to order pizzas for every visitor.
Proper outdoors the pizza store is the ice cream store, and even when there’s a modest line, it strikes fairly quick, ’trigger it’s easy course of. Ice cream served in a cup or cone, and one of the best half no transaction crucial as it’s included within the cruise fare. Frankly, it was completely scrumptious. This may very well be harmful on longer cruises. We don’t ever partake within the ‘all you possibly can eat’ tender serve on different cruise traces, however may see ourselves grabbing a few of this high quality ice cream on longer sailings (which we have now arising on the finish of January).
One factor we did, simply because we had the Blue Extras (loyalty stage) profit, was that we despatched off a bag of laundry, which was a free loyalty perk. The Scarlet Woman does NOT have a self-service laundry so in case you are packing mild, your solely choice is to ship it off. The bag is fairly massive comparatively. The service did require that we doc all the pieces you set within the bag for accountability. As soon as it was prepared, we used the stateroom pill to request a pickup and we went on with our day.
They folded all the pieces and the garments had been clear and contemporary. Now, for $55 out of pocket for a bag of laundry is steep, however given the dearth of a self service choice your different choice is to pack extra garments. Nonetheless, Disney is a uncommon fowl within the trade with the self service launderettes. As a loyalty perk, it’s superior! We will certainly be utilizing this sooner or later!
We additionally completed our stateroom puzzle (there have been a number of lacking items) and returned it to The Social Membership.
This afternoon, a Nintendo Change was setup on one among The Social Membership’s TVs with a very good visitor turnout.
Earlier than dinner, we stopped in at On the Rocks (deck 6, midship) for drinks. The band was simply beginning to setup and within the night there may be dwell music in an space with a variety of area to unfold out.
Tonight, we had been heading again to Fortunate Lotus (Razzle Dazzle deck 5, aft). Within the night, Razzle Dazzle turns into a Scarlet Woman unique often known as Fortunate Lotus – providing a night within the East as a contemporary Chinese language eatery.
Sadly, the lighting was not conducive for images. So, please settle for my apologies for the horrible images, however.. It’s what it’s on this case.
Total, the meals was certainly flavorful as marketed and a pleasant venue change from brunch at Razzle Dazzle.
Tonight’s massive occasion was Rock-ehokie, that includes a 90’s-ish setlist. It was extra of a dwell live performance with the karaoke coming within the type of the sing together with the lyrics scrolling scrolling on the massive screens behind the stage. We beloved this. I’d say this was our favourite providing of the voyage. Who knew the lyrics to Nirvana’s “Nevermind?”
And afterwards, we referred to as it an evening on the very late hour of 9 o’clock in order that we may pack up most of our baggage.
Scarlet Woman Journey Log Day 5: 4-Evening Bahamian Virgin Voyages Cruise – Bimini – February 8, 2026
Trip log, day 5. Debarkation Day in Miami.
4-Evening Bahamian Fireplace and Sundown Soiree (Bahamian) from Miami, Florida
February 8, 2026
Our closing hours onboard began with a stunning view of the Miami skyline, and simply probably the most picturesque ports in Florida. It’s value stepping outdoors early within the morning to soak up the view.
When you keep in mind on Embarkation Day, check-in wasn’t till the afternoon for all friends, which permits a later debarkation time on the ultimate morning. The gangway opens early, however you could have till round 10:30 to depart the ship.
Relying on the way you select to get pleasure from your cruise, this affords a much less rushed closing night time which I by no means get pleasure from, not as a result of the cruise is coming to an finish, however the looming closing packing up and debarkation course of a conga line with fellow passengers. With a later all ashore time, this created an ideal window of time early within the morning for an off-the-cuff disembarkation expertise.
You aren’t required to, however there was an choice to recycle the Band. We opted to maintain ours and simply eliminated the portion with the RFID and stored the bracelet. I’m probably not a bracelet sporting man, however, you understand, it’s a pleasant little nautical look which presently appears cool on my desk.
Whereas we weren’t in a rush to get off, it was Tremendous Bowl Sunday, and we did guide the Brightline for the 9 o’clock hour departure again to Orlando.
In the end, we debarked just a little after 7:30, and let me inform you, it was the proper time as there have been only a few others leaving round this time in comparison with once we’ve queued up in a protracted line for specific stroll off. This morning, it was virtually like a ghost ship, even outdoors at ready for our rideshare it was quiet within the pickup space.
I didn’t do any analysis on the cruise line or the ship previous to boarding and this was intentional. When heading out on a brand new ship or cruise line, I favor to go in with none preconceived expectations and determine it out as I am going. I can do that as a result of my spouse, however, does the analysis and planning. For instance, she took care of the eating reservations. If we do something in port, she often plans that as nicely. The principle cause I select to do it this manner is to check and distinction what I do know from previous cruises, which permits me to have a extra within the second impression of the expertise.
Earlier than we get into the price, I wish to level out that in October 2025, the gratuity coverage modified to a day by day per sailor line merchandise in your folio which can be pre-paid. Under is the FAQ on the present coverage:
Are there extra ideas for purchases on board?
Nope — as soon as your service gratuity is roofed, that’s it.
We maintain issues refreshingly easy: there’s no have to tip for drinks, eating, or spa therapies throughout your voyage. Your service gratuity helps your entire Crew, so you possibly can deal with having fun with each second — with out reaching in your pockets after each order.
It’s all a part of our promise to make your vacation really feel effortlessly inclusive.
What’s Virgin Voyages’ service gratuities coverage?
Beginning October 7, 2025, To help our unbelievable Crew — those who ship unforgettable recollections from morning lattes to laundry service — we routinely apply a day by day service gratuity of $22 USD per Sailor to your onboard folio.
Favor to handle it upfront? Pre-pay earlier than the voyage begins and pay simply $20 USD per night time.
No have to tip on board — ever.
In contrast to different cruise traces, we don’t add further gratuities to drinks, spa companies, or eating experiences throughout your voyage. That day by day service gratuity is all you’ll ever be requested to contribute — and it helps your entire Crew who convey the Virgin Voyages magic to life.
Concerning the price of this cruise, we initially booked an Insider stateroom, however later upgraded to a Sea Terrace. We paid $1354 ($169pp per night time), and the speed was principally what DCL calls an IGT price – it was non-refundable, allowed no adjustments, and so forth, then, Emily put in a bid which was accepted for an improve to Sea Terrace for $205 complete. That brings the price of the 4-night cruise $1559 for two adults, which breaks all the way down to $195 per particular person per day. This included all eating, gratuities and web for each of us.
There’s no actually direct comparable crusing, as Disney Cruise Line doesn’t sail from PortMiami. Nonetheless, it’s truthful to check to sailings at close by Port Everglades. For instance, the closest sail dats can be the February 2nd Disney Dream or the February fifth Disney Future 4-Evening Bahamian cruise from Fort Lauderdale. Under is a desk exhibiting the two Disney Cruise sailings with the Scarlet Woman crusing with worth we booked and the improve worth for a verandah in comparison with opening day pricing for two adults aboard the respective Dream and Future 4-night Bahamian Cruises.
| Sail Date | Ship | Inside | Verandah |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/2/26 | Disney Dream | $2211 (276/ppd) | $2579 (322/ppd) |
| 2/4/26 | Scarlet Woman | $1354 (169/ppd) | $1559 (195/ppd) |
| 2/5/26 | Disney Future | $2305 (288/ppd) | $2801 (350/ppd) |
The Future would have been a more in-depth itinerary comparability with a port of name and a non-public vacation spot whereas the comparable in worth choice on the Dream however that was solely going to Nassau, however did have Florida Resident Charges for Inside and Verandah that had been truly about the identical per particular person per day (though doesn’t embrace gratuities or web). Now, the actually distinction on this cruise is the cease in Key West which Disney pulled from their itineraries following the native referendum that was later preempted by the State of Florida.
In the end, I believe it was cash nicely spent as we had an pleasant expertise with Virgin Voyages on the Scarlet Woman.
Since we’ve began to department out, we’ve sailed on Carnival Cruise Strains, Royal Caribbean, and now Virgin Voyages – all of which have been documented in journey studies. Every have been distinctive with a mixture of comparable and completely different experiments from Disney Cruise Line. Journey experiences from the vacation spot to the meals are just about 100% subjective in nature, all of us like what we like. What works for us could not give you the results you want and I’m not in any means saying one is healthier than the opposite. My aim right here is to share my expertise with you and if these non-DCL journey studies are usually not in your wheelhouse, I completely perceive. I’ll say crusing on different traces, I’ve a brand new perspective from throughout the cruise trade and there are numerous areas the place I really feel Disney can do higher – at first the meals, adopted carefully by itinerary variety inside established areas particularly for somebody like myself that sails to go locations, not the ship as a vacation spot. And who can overlook, worth?
Total, I used to be actually impressed with our expertise on Scarlet Woman and left with a excessive opinion of Virgin Voyages model. I don’t understand how a lot of my satisfaction has to do with the origin story of the road which was molded by the experience of former Disney Cruise Line leaders, or if it was only a results of crusing on a brand new to me ship with a very completely different set of choices geared to adults. There have been quite a few eating choices accessible, however sadly, we didn’t have the prospect to strive all of them. Whereas there have been what you’d contemplate principal eating places to select from every night time, there have been additionally different choices accessible simply as lite bites or stations in The Galley. Actually my largest gripe is the silliest factor, the velocity at which it takes to seize a slice of pizza, however that is negated by the truth that I can seize a field of charcuterie.
Anyway, I loved almost each facet of our four-night cruise, and I’m I’m keen to return on an extended voyage… Our pal and touring buddy additionally has a daughter the identical age as ours, and initially we weren’t positive if this cruise can be the appropriate vibe for them. Welp, we booked one other Virgin Voyages cruise, and we’re planning on reserving a third and we will likely be taking our faculty age daughter on that one, as we each felt dangerous sharing our expertise together with her figuring out she would have had a blast. Sure, the identical child who grew up with Disney Cruise Line and can also be a Pearl Castaway Membership member.
Would it not work for a household? Completely not – as a result of it’s not designed for youngsters. Nonetheless, for a household with younger grownup kids, that is one thing value contemplating. For our household dynamic, the Scarlet Woman gives the actions and occasions (sure, I do know we did 2 puzzles on this cruise, however that’s not unusual for our household – keep in mind the time we went to the MEGA in Cozumel to purchase puzzles as a result of we had been bored onboard the Disney Treasure that value us virtually $10K for the 7n crusing) which were missing for our household as we have a tendency to hang around with our daughter fairly than solely seeing her at dinner every night time. The Scarlet Woman additionally gives loads of public area to chill out and unwind with out the venue being taken over as an occasion area for an exercise. There are inside and outside areas alike devoted for this objective. Please notice, this isn’t essentially criticism of 1 specific cruise line; venues are a premium onboard and each area must be utilized, I get that. Nonetheless, there may be turning into much less and fewer public area devoted to what cruising used to supply… leisure. I’ll say, they’d quite a lot of actions provided and plenty of had been nicely attended. It was refreshing to attend issues that weren’t simply trivia – the puzzle problem was an absolute blast.
Though my pattern measurement right here is 4 nights, I believe there’s a singular case right here that Virgin Voyages is setting itself aside from the trade in a singular means. Possibly we had been lucky and the brochure/advertising matched the fact. In that case, that’s spectacular if that is the usual expertise. Anyway, Emily and I are trying ahead to attempting out an extended crusing on an itinerary that isn’t even provided by Disney Cruise Line, and one other sooner or later with our daughter that’s……
I hope you loved this journey report and I’d be pleased to reply any questions that you might have!
