Welcome Sailors!
Table of Contents
I am absolutely thrilled you’re here!
And, I’m so excited to share with you all the details of our Love of the Magic Vacations Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunset Soirees Group Cruise!
If You…
– Love cruising and comparing Cruise Lines
– Need to de-stress and relax (and need to schedule your relaxation time or it won’t happen)
– Could use a break from the kiddos (to recharge and show up for them as your best parent self)
– Enjoy a curated culinary experience (I see you, Foodies!)
– Just want to soak up the sun and sea air because the ocean calls to you
…Then, THIS cruise is FOR YOU!
Picture this:
– The craziness of the holidays is finally over!
– You are exhausted from doing All. The. Things. for EVERYONE (as a Mama Claus does).
– The kids are back in school and all the holiday visitors are gone!
– And you are about to enter the long, dark, cold stretch of winter that seems to last forever…
But WAIT!
YOU are packing your favorite bathing suit!
YOU are reaching for that beach read you never got to over the summer!
YOU are escaping the January blues, celebrating YOURSELF for making the Holidays as Magical as always!
And YOU are headed to Miami for the Most Fabulous Virgin Voyages Cruise with the Most Fabulous Love of the Magic Vacations People!
Wanna know the best part? You can WIN your spot on this cruise! That’s right, you could CRUISE FOR FREE!
Ready to join me on the Scarlet Lady this winter for a 4-night, adults ONLY cruise getaway?
In this blog, you’ll find all of the information you need to plan, book, and prepare for this fantastic adventure together!
We will be sailing on the Scarlet Lady, departing from Miami on Wednesday, January 10th and sailing to Key West, then to the Beach at Bimini in the Bahamas, and back to Miami on Sunday, January 14th, 2024. You can read all the details and reserve your room at the links below!
I’m already in! Bring me to a Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunset Soirees Cruise Quote!
Who Should Go?
Virgin Voyages is a Cruise Line for ADULT travelers who are seeking a fun and energetic atmosphere, and who are interested in a modern and stylish approach to cruising.
Forget the “traditional” ways of cruising, with assigned dining times, daily schedules, and over-sized dining rooms. With Virgin Voyages, you set your own pace, and design your own cruising lifestyle!
If you’re looking for a unique and immersive experience, with a focus on entertainment, dining, and socializing, Virgin is the perfect vacation for you! The Virgin Voyages crowd includes adventurous professionals, solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends (LIKE US) who are looking for a lively and exciting vacation.
You may have heard that Virgin Voyages is for the young crowd, but from personal experience, I can say that’s FAR from true. What IS true is that Virgin is for the young at heart, and anyone with a spark for adventure!
Virgin Voyages also appeals to travelers who are interested in wellness and sustainability, as the cruise line emphasizes healthy eating options and eco-friendly practices. Virgin ships are complete with a running track, and daily fitness classes at every level.
Overall, the ideal client for Virgin Voyages is someone who is looking for a fresh and innovative take on cruising, with a focus on fun, relaxation, and adventure.
I mean, that’s all of us, isn’t it?
Cruise Details
Set Sail Aboard the Scarlet Lady for a Fire & Sunset Soirees Cruise roundtrip from Miami!
January 10-14, 2024
Itinerary
Day 1
Miami, Florida: Ship departs at 6pm
Day 2
Key West, Florida: Ship in Port from 8am-5pm
Day 3
Sailing
Day 4
Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas: Ship in Port from 8am-7pm
Day 5
Miami, Florida: Ship arrives in Port at 6:30am
(Schedule subject to change per Virgin Voyages Policy)
A Schedule of Love of the Magic Vacations Group Meet Up Times will be provided to everyone sailing within our group. You are welcome to join in any, all or none of the Group Meet Ups; whether you’re a social butterfly, prefer to be mostly on your own, or anywhere in between, the choice to participate in Group Meet Ups is completely yours. Just know there will be opportunities to gather throughout the cruise.
Cabin Choices
Rockstar Quarters
The name really says it all: when you stay in this type of cabin, you are treated like the Rockstar you clearly are! You’ll have access to exclusive areas throughout the ship, including Richard’s Rooftop, Rockstar Agents answering to your every beck and call, early booking access to excursions, your own private cabana area at Bimini Beach Club, and overall Rockstar status service throughout your entire voyage.
Sea Terrace
The most popular option, Sea Terrace Cabins offer floor to ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto your own private Terrace with a signature red hammock. The cabin itself is equipped with smart lighting that intuitively matches the light from outside, plus the option to convert your bed to a sofa during the day.
Sea View
These cabins come in a variety of options, from duos to singles, depending on how you’re traveling, and offer a large porthole window with a sweeping sea view.
Insider
Perfect for anyone who plans to spend most of their time on the ship decks, catching the sun and enjoying the nightlife and entertainment, Insider cabins offer an even more affordable option to get in on the party, while still getting your beauty rest like you have blackout curtains!
Tell me more about Cabin Details and Prices!
*Cruise prices are subject to change until your deposit has been made. Prices will be updated periodically based on availability. Your cabin has NOT been reserved until you receive a confirmation from your favorite Love of the Magic Vacations Travel Advisor! If you have any questions, please email hello@lotmv.com. Please check your spam folder often; first-time emails sometimes go to guests’ spam folders.*
Payment Schedule Details
By entering your information in the Reserve Your Room section, you are authorizing Love of the Magic Vacations to charge a NON-REFUNDABLE 20% deposit to your credit card.
– Initial Payment: 20% Deposit due at the time of booking
– Final Payment: Balance will be due 120 days prior to sailing (on September 12, 2023)
* All prices and payments include prepaid gratuities*
Insurance should be purchased to cover your vacation investment and any medical needs that may arise. See below for more information.
Dining Onboard
Dining on Virgin Voyages is an integral part of the onboard experience, focused on high-quality, delicious food, served in stylish and modern settings.
Here are the key things to know about Dining on Virgin Voyages:
1. No Buffets: Unlike traditional Cruise Lines, Virgin Voyages does NOT have any buffets onboard. Instead, they offer a range of restaurants and dining options, each with its own unique menu and atmosphere.
2. Complimentary Dining: ALL dining on board Virgin Voyages Cruises is included in the cost. Yes, you read that right; ALL dining is complimentary. Some of the options include The Wake, The Galley, and Razzle Dazzle. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from classic American fare to eclectic international dishes. Other options, also included, are some of the ships’ Specialty Restaurants. These include Test Kitchen, featuring innovative dishes created in collaboration with famous chefs, and Extra Virgin, serving Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
3. Group Dining: If you’re traveling with a group (like we are), you can take advantage of Virgin’s Private Dining options. These include The Dock, a private outdoor space with its own bar and grill, and The Manor, a sophisticated restaurant that can accommodate large groups (If enough people are interested in this, I can organize some group dining experiences, and keep you updated on details).
4. All-Inclusive Dining: All food is included in the cost of your cruise, including Specialty Dining, with the exception of a (very) few premium menu items, which are completely optional add-ons.
5. Vegan and Vegetarian options: Virgin Voyages offers a wide range of plant-based options onboard, including a dedicated Vegetarian Restaurant called Razzle Dazzle.
6. Room Service: Room service is available 24/7, for a flat rate of $5 per delivery, or if you order a specialty drink (such as a specialty coffee or alcoholic beverage), the cost of delivery is replaced by the cost of the drink. For example, if you order (or pre-order the night before, as is highly recommended) breakfast to your room, it would cost $5 for delivery, but if you order breakfast and a specialty coffee drink for $8, you only pay the $8 (not the cost of coffee plus the cost of delivery). It’s a pretty good deal for cruise ship room service, trust me.
Excursions
Excursions are not included as part of your cruise fare, but can be booked after your final payment is made. Virgin Voyages offers a range of excursions, from cultural experiences to water sports, so plan ahead to make the most of your time in port. You can book these excursions through the Virgin Voyages app or online 120 days prior to sailing, or 135 days prior for Rock Star guests (another reason to upgrade to that suite life!).
In Key West, Guests can choose to stay on the ship or explore the island through one of Virgin’s Shore Things Excursion options, which include a biking and walking tours, back-country catamaran adventures, wildlife safaris, and tasting tours. Be sure not to miss a photo opp at the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA!
In Bimini, you’ll be granted access to Virgin Voyage’s Private Beach Club, with the option to upgrade to private cabanas in different areas, and also with options for scuba diving and jet skiing as well.
Pre and Post Cruise Arrival and Departure Information
ARRIVAL: Sailors planning to board the Scarlet Lady on January 10th with the Love of the Magic Vacations Group should plan to arrive in Miami AT LEAST one day before (by January 9th or earlier) the ship departs from the port. Cruise ships do not wait for delayed flights, or traffic delays, and it is so sad watching friends get left behind!
DEPARTURE: Your departure flight should NOT leave before Noon on the day we disembark the ship, Sunday, January 14th, 2024.
Flights
If you are flying, you should fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), by January 9th at the latest. Once you arrive, we have a number of hotels in Miami that we recommend, at different price points, which you can choose from when you book!
Miami Airport is only about 15 minutes from downtown Miami, depending where your hotel is located.
Miami
As I’m sure you’ve heard, Miami is a super vibrant, lively city with great food and nightlife. And, as mentioned, there are a handful of great hotel options the Love of the Magic Vacations Team shares with our clients, including the Ritz-Carlton, and the Marriott at Biscayne Bay (and don’t miss Sergio’s Restaurant for the best Cuban cuisine). We are happy to book hotel reservations for you as part of your cruise package.
Transportation
We are happy to book either a Shared Transfer or a Private Black Car Service for you for any of your transportation needs. You can also book an Uber/Lyft on your own.
For Arrival:
Miami International Airport to Hotel
– Shared Transfer
– Private Black Car Service
– Uber/Lyft (prices fluctuate based on demand)
Hotel to Miami Cruise Port
– Shared Transfer
– Private Black Car Service
– Uber/Lyft (prices fluctuate based on demand)
For Departure:
Miami Cruise Port to Miami International Airport
– Shared Transfer
– Private Black Car Service
– Uber/Lyft (prices fluctuate based on demand)
Passports
Passports are MANDATORY for ALL Virgin Voyages cruises.
Please make sure your Passports are NOT expired, and that they are valid for six months after your return date.
If you do NOT have a passport, apply for one NOW! Passports have been averaging six months for processing time, and you might JUST make it in time if you don’t have one. If you don’t want to risk it, STILL apply for one NOW so you can come on the next Virgin Voyages Group Cruise in June! You’ll find all the Passport information you need to know at Travel.gov. DO NOT DELAY!
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is ALWAYS HIGHLY recommended to cover any emergencies or “What if?”s that may arise before or during your trip. For this trip, we recommend adding on the Virgin Voyages Travel Insurance Policy at the time of booking (details on the policy can be found here, please read the coverage amounts to decide if this policy fits your needs). If you want additional coverage for your flights, pre-cruise hotel stay, transfers, etc., just let us know when you book, and we’ll be happy to help you invest in peace of mind for your trip!
FAQs
How do I reserve my cabin?
Easy! Just fill out this form!
What’s NOT Included?
The prices listed here DO NOT include the following:
– Airfare
– Pre- and Post-Cruise Hotel Stays
– Transfers
– Gratuities for anything OFF the ship (onboard Gratuities ARE included)
– Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees
– Specialty Dining
– Excursions
– Souvenirs
What should I do after I book?
Once you have your cabin reserved and your deposit confirmed, here’s what you should do:
1. Download the App: The Virgin Voyages App is a great way to stay connected with the ship’s crew, manage your itinerary, and explore the ship’s amenities. But I’ll warn you, it can be a little glitchy! It’s not you, it’s them! Let’s hope it sees some improvements soon! One more Pro-Tip: Download it long BEFORE boarding; it will make your life so much easier.
2. Check your inbox for any updates from your Love of the Magic Vacations Travel Advisor regularly!
3. Get EXCITED! And make sure you have something red to wear…speaking of which…
What should I pack/wear?
Virgin Voyages has a relaxed dress code, so you don’t need to bring formal wear. We’d suggest something fun and RED for Scarlet night, your bathing suits, of course, and whatever floats your boat for dinners each evening. Go fancy or go casual, the choice is yours! And one more thing: that “couldn’t-pass-up” outfit you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to wear? Bring it! Whatever it is, it will be perfect, I promise!
Also, bring a reusable water bottle. Virgin Voyages does not offer plastic water bottles, ever. They aren’t even onboard! So, you should absolutely bring your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the ship’s water stations.
What if I cannot travel?
Deposits and Cruise fares are non-refundable. Please purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseeable circumstances under which you would not be able to travel.
So, How Do I WIN A FREE CRUISE?
You won’t believe how easy it is!
Love of the Magic Vacations will be hosting a Wine & Cruise Night on Thursday, September 14th, 2023, from 6-8pm (find more details here).
All YOU have to do to be entered to win your spot on this Love of the Magic Vacations Group Cruise on the Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunsets Soiree Sailing is: book ANY Virgin Voyages Cruise from September 1st – September 16th (48 hours from the Wine & Cruise Night, to be exact) through your favorite Love of the Magic Vacations Travel Advisor that sails within one year (whether you choose to book one of our group cruises, or cruise on your own). Super easy, right?
Fine Print: Prize is based on the cruise fare for one person in a double occupancy Insider cabin ($857 value).
Sign me up! I want to WIN a free cruise!
Ready to Plan?
Are you ready to sail on the Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunsets Soiree Cruise with us? Email the Love of the Magic Vacations Team today at hello@lotmv.com to get started planning, or click here for a free quote from your favorite Love of the Magic Vacations Travel Advisor!
Not able to make it in January? Or not interested in the Caribbean? No problem! Join us in Europe this June for the French Daze and Ibiza Nights Virgin Voyages Group Cruise! Details to come, so stay tuned…
