Right here is a component one in all three recaps of our Virgin Cruise!
I’m so excited to share all of the photographs from our journey to Miami, Cozumel, Bimini and the Gulf of Mexico! This journey was a dream come true! I’ve needed to journey with a bunch of buddies for years. Whereas I’ve accomplished some weekends away, this was an actual VACATION. 13 of us boarded our first Virgin cruise (sure, we had been all Virgin virgins from Virginia and lots of jokes had been made!)
How did this journey come to be? Effectively you already know I like cruises and I casually requested my good friend group at pleased hour one evening if anybody would wish to go on a cruise with me. The response was constructive, and I requested my sister, Laura, who’s a journey advisor, if she may suggest one. She instantly stated that Virgin can be excellent for a good friend group, and so the planning started. In some way I obtained 13 individuals to commit, 5 singles and 4 {couples}, and we had been so excited to flee the snow of Virginia.
Virgin Cruise Recap!
Our journey started with a bunch flight. All however one in all us took a mid-day direct flight from Dulles to Miami the day earlier than the cruise. Keep in mind the way it felt to see your classmates within the wild whereas on a subject journey? That’s what it felt like after we all gathered on the airport!
Our flight was on time, and we took a Lyft to downtown Miami. We stayed on the Aloft, which was good however not superb, as a result of a few of us used Marriott factors. Three of the {couples} stayed at completely different lodges, and we merged half the group for a Cuban dinner by the bay. Dinner was simply Okay. I believe we by accident hit up a fairly touristy space. The fish was nice although!
Purple snapper + plantains
Breakfast + Morning Energy Stroll
The subsequent morning we went to Pura Vida for espresso and smoothie bowls.
After which powerwalked round within the sunshine! It was a bit chilly so I had on Jonathon’s winter coat for a bit.
After which it was time for showers and to go to the cruise port! We had been SO EXCITED!
Due to my sister, we had precedence boarding which meant we skipped an enormous line and obtained on board proper at 1:45pm.
My Room
I had a Sea Terrace room to myself, which was pretty!
The balconies all have pink hammocks that I lounged in a couple of occasions. And this was severely probably the most comfy jumpsuit of all time!
Even my rainshower impressed me!
After dropping our baggage, we went to The Galley for a late lunch! Most ships lately don’t have buffets, and meals is served touch-free by class at stations. The Disney cruise and Explora cruise I did each had an analogous setup. Whereas I’m speaking meals, the meals on Virgin was OUTSTANDING! Typically my expectations for all-inclusive meals are low-to-medium, and this was the most effective meals of the three cruises I’ve accomplished in recent times.
I used to be craving a salad, so I constructed one on the huge salad bar. (It’s type of like Chopt the place you inform the individual what you need and so they add it). Liked that kalamata olive dressing!
Afterwards we went to the ice cream store, Lick Me Until Ice Cream!!
Round 4:30 there was a sail-off occasion on the principle pool deck, so we headed up for champs and solar!
Our resident mannequin, Seanny Boy:
That they had a DJ going (just about the entire cruise) and the music was nice!!
As soon as out at sea, we explored the ship a bit extra – take a look at this internet you possibly can climb onto!
Down under was The Dock, which was my favourite hangout spot. It was designed to really feel just like the Amalfi Coast and was quieter than the principle pool. Additionally they served Mediterranean apps and had a particular menu of spritzs!
I went again to my room to dress for dinner and my cabin steward had modified the lighting in my room!
Dinner at Take a look at Kitchen
Search for the birch for Birch!
Take a look at Kitchen was one of many extra distinctive eating places with a inventive menu of small plates. You possibly can select one facet or the opposite (or request extras) and obtained a 5 course expertise.
My favourite drink got here from Take a look at Kitchen. This was a Mezcal Negroni with coconut foam on high!!!!! I beloved it!
The meals was all inventive and scrumptious.
I beloved that cheese tart on the underside proper. However the spotlight of the meal was undoubtedly the dessert: Yuzu Meringue Tarts! They had been being made proper in entrance of me!
SO GOOD! I like all issues foam/whipped cream/meringue and the combo with the tart yuzo and crunchy cookie layers was perfection.
We referred to as it an evening after dinner and a few Rummikub gaming within the lounge!
Day At Sea
Our subsequent morning was a day at sea. I like the ocean days since you are “trapped” in the course of the ocean and I discover that to be so enjoyable and comfortable. You don’t should rush anyplace, and there are such a lot of issues to do.
First issues first: breakfast!
I LOVE chia pudding and had one on a regular basis! Additionally they had actually good in a single day oats.
We began the journey off with a pleasant HIIT exercise that was more durable than it ought to have been, haha. And plenty of monitor strolling! The view is all the time so stunning up on the monitor.
10 stations x 2!
Similar crew, completely different gymnasium.
The Dock
After rinse-off showers, we went to The Dock to chill out for the day.
After all we play The Recreation in all places!
Small plates lunch:
I went to search out extra whipped cream and meringue and located marshmallow too! The perfect desserts.
We spent the afternoon by the principle pool with the DJ, studying and speaking.
Dinner at Additional Virgin
Our favourite lounge was On The Rocks, and we met there earlier than dinner most evenings.
Whilst you can eat at The Galley or the Dockhouse any evening, the principle eating places do require reservations. Additional Virgin gave the impression to be the group favourite. I believe we had 8 of us for this dinner. The menu was Italian-focused, and we ordered so many dishes to share, from a cheeseboard to pasta to fish.
All the things was unbelievable!
Extra lick me until ice cream!
We ended the evening with a comedy present in The Manor. Enjoyable occasions!
On Wednesday I’ll be recapping our first tour at Cozumel!
