The hubby and I just got back from one of the BEST cruises ever! We sailed on Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady for a glorious seven days through the Lesser Antilles, and let me tell you—it was absolutely incredible. If you're wondering, "What are the Lesser Antilles?" don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let me take you along for the journey!
Starting in San Juan, Puerto Rico
We kicked things off with a flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and spent the night in the vibrant T-Mobile District. This area is packed with restaurants, nightlife, dancing, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. We dined at an authentic Puerto Rican restaurant, and oh my goodness, the food was some of the best I’ve ever had—rich flavors and fresh ingredients that left me wanting more.
The next day, we checked in at the Virgin Voyages port and had some time to explore Old San Juan before embarking. This area is bursting with culture, food, vendors, and charming little shops. I even found my outfit for Scarlet Night at a local boutique (pictures to come!). Old San Juan was the perfect pre-cruise adventure.
Onboard Perks: Splash of Romance Package
We opted for the Splash of Romance Package, and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. From early boarding and special treats delivered to our room to a romantic evening just for the two of us, it was magical. And yes, we shook our phone to get free champagne—a super fun perk Virgin offers!
Once we boarded, we went straight to our room. That’s right, no waiting! You can head to your room immediately, get settled, and, if you’re lucky enough to have a balcony like we did, hop right into the hammock. And let me just say… a balcony hammock is life-changing. I spent 89% of my time in that thing—it’s pure bliss.
The Dock House & Dining Delights
After getting settled, we made our way to The Dock House, where you can lounge on beds, enjoy stellar views, and have servers bring you drinks and delicious bites. The shrimp and hanger steak were my personal favorites—my mouth is watering just thinking about them.
Dinner that night was at Extra Virgin, Virgin’s Italian restaurant. Did I mention all the restaurants are included in your cruise? No specialty dining fees here! I had the beef cheeks and gnocchi, and my hubby had bolognese and steak. Everything was beyond delicious, and Extra Virgin quickly became one of our favorites.
Days at Sea
Sea days are perfect for relaxing, and Virgin makes it easy. We explored the ship, lounged at The Dock House, and even went to Bingo with the Diva, a must-do on board. It’s hilarious, lively, and you can win some serious cash (one prize was almost $4,000!). We didn’t win, but it was an unforgettable time.
Island Adventures
1. Oranjestad, Aruba. Aruba was stunning, with friendly locals and a pristine, clean vibe. We explored shops, admired the iconic divi-divi trees at Eagle Beach, and soaked in the beauty. The waves were wild that day, so we skipped swimming, but the island left a lasting impression.
2. Willemstad, Curaçao. Curaçao was vibrant and full of history, with colorful architecture and amazing art. We spent the day wandering, chatting with locals, and soaking in the culture. I could’ve spent days here—it was that beautiful and inviting.
3. Fort-de-France, Martinique. Even a little rain couldn’t dampen our time in Martinique. We indulged in melt-in-your-mouth French pastries, shopped for unique finds, and enjoyed the local chocolate. The island’s charm and beauty were undeniable.
4. St. Kitts & Nevis. This was hands down my favorite stop. The island’s natural beauty is unmatched. Imagine standing on one beach with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other—breathtaking. We found a hidden gem of a beach where I had the freshest lobster of my life, caught and cooked just for us. The people were genuinely the kindest I’ve ever met. I’m already dreaming of going back.
Wrapping It Up
Our last day was a sea day, filled with sunshine, relaxation, and amazing food. We ended the trip with a spectacular dinner at The Wake, Virgin’s upscale steakhouse. The filet mignon is honestly the best I’ve ever had—it melts in your mouth. Every dish here is perfection, from appetizers to desserts.
Saying goodbye to Resilient Lady and paradise was tough, but this cruise was everything we hoped for and more. If you’re ready to experience this level of relaxation, adventure, and incredible dining, I’d love to help you book your next vacation. Reach out to me at msharp@travelcnc.com, and let’s plan your dream getaway!
Happy travels! 🌴
If you’re ready to experience this level of relaxation, adventure, and incredible dining, I’d love to help you book your next vacation. Reach out to me and let’s plan your dream getaway!
Consider me your personal vacation guru, dedicated to making your travel dreams a reality. Let's craft an adventure that feels like home away from home and leaves you with a heart full of joy and a camera roll full of cherished memories. Because with me, you're not just a client – you're family. 🌟 Let's make your next vacation extraordinary!
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