Virgin Voyages Caribbean Cruise 2023

(14 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Jennifer Holmes

Riverview, FL
Mission and Group Travel Expert

As your personal travel advisor, I craft customized journeys that are as unique as you are. My specialties include sustainable luxury vacations, mission excursions, and group adventures worldwide.

My passion is creating deeply meaningful tr...

Enjoying a cocktail before dinner at Gunbae

This past December, I embarked on an incredible 7-night Virgin Voyages cruise through the Caribbean that went beyond ordinary beach getaways. In April of 2025, in partnership with Journeys4Peace, we will have a large group aboard so I decided to take one of their cruises to experience it for myself first. First-hand research is hard work! 


With unique destination experiences that gave back, this sailing showcased how Virgin is redefining luxury travel.Our first stop was Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, where I visited a remarkable women's co-op that empowers the community through recycling. At the co-op, mothers turn waste paper into handmade books and recycled plastic into jewelry, providing income and opportunity. Interacting with these inspiring artisans offered perspective into resilience and pride.


In historic San Juan, Puerto Rico, I dined at a local restaurant specializing in all things chocolate (even chocolate ketchup), then walked the cobblestone streets absorbing colorful colonial architecture and upbeat salsa rhythms.


The highlight was Bimini, Bahamas, where I visited the non-profit Dolphin House Museum, a 30+ year labor of love created by Bimini native Ashley Saunders, also an author and retired teacher. The tour of his dolphin-inspired home built with reclaimed and recycled materials was truly inspirational.


Between these community-focused escapades, I relaxed poolside aboard Virgin's sleek new "Valiant Lady" ship, dined on incredible cuisine (the duck at Pink Agave is divine!), and sipped cocktails watching the sunset at sea.


Virgin Voyages has truly raised the bar for what sustainable and socially-conscious cruising can look like, with fun flavors and purpose at every port. If you seek travel that nourishes the soul while also nurturing local communities, set your sights on a Virgin Voyages sailing. You'll come home with memories and inspiration to last far beyond your disembarkation day. I did!

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Virgin Voyages Cruise 2023
Our guide and friend in Puerto Plata for the Co-op
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