Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Review Cruising with my 18-Year-Old
Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady
Thanks to points and miles, I have been lucky to travel with my kids all over the world. Each year I try to pick something I think they will like that we do just as mom and son.
I was trying to think of something special to do with my college son, Finn. I mentioned a few things. However, I was excited that Finn agreed to try Virgin Voyages with me. I had been on a few, and I thought the high-quality food would really appeal to Finn. I was correct! Finn loved Virgin Voyages even though he doesn’t love cruising; he has said he would do another one in the future.
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Planning the Trip
We kicked off our cruise adventure by flying into Miami the day before embarkation. I booked us a night at the Hyatt Regency Miami, one of my go-to hotels when sailing out of PortMiami. I’ve stayed here several times, and it continues to be a favorite—mostly because of its unbeatable location.
The hotel is within easy walking distance of fantastic restaurants, shops, and some of my favorite Miami spots. There’s a scenic waterfront path I love to stroll, and it’s just a short walk to Bayside Marketplace and the Frost Science Museum. There’s even a Whole Foods nearby—perfect if you want to pick up a bottle (or two) of wine to bring on board.
If you’d rather stay in, the hotel has solid dining options. Their restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I highly recommend the French toast with lemon mascarpone—it’s indulgent in the best way. There’s also a convenient deli-style café with a coffee bar and grab-and-go items. On one trip, my sister and I shared a meal there and ordered the Greek salad, which was surprisingly generous and affordable (especially for Miami). We joked that we should’ve split it—until we both polished off our own and agreed it was too good to share.
And don’t even get me started on the guava and cheese pastries. I can never resist them.
🏨 Staying in Miami before your cruise? Check out my full review of the Hyatt Regency Miami—a convenient, comfortable launchpad for your Virgin Voyages adventure. I cover location, amenities, and why it’s a smart pick for cruisers.
Embarkation Experience
Virgin starts embarkation later than other cruise lines. Thanks to my deep blue extras, we had boarding at 1:30. We requested a late checkout at the Hyatt Regency Miami. It was granted thanks to my Discoverist status with Hyatt. We took a quick uber ride to the port.
Uber Receipt
They weren’t quite ready for us so we waited in an airconditioned area until we could board the ship.
After we were allowed to board, we quickly headed to our room to drop off our luggage. We only had carry-ons, so we carried everything we needed on the ship. Our room steward, Rhyan, came by quickly, and I told him I was traveling with my 18-year-old son and asked him to separate the beds for us. He said no problem and asked when it would be convenient. Since we were about to head out to explore the ship, he said he would do it then.
Bed formation for twins on Virgin Voyages
Exploring the Ship
After boarding the Valiant Lady, Finn and I set out to explore the ship together. Our first stop? The Dock—my absolute favorite spot to relax onboard. It’s tucked away with ocean views, comfy seating, and a laid-back vibe that feels more like a beachside lounge than a cruise venue.
We grabbed lunch there, and as always, the food and service were top-notch. Finn ordered the octopus and shrimp, while I went for the shrimp and hangar steak. Both dishes were flavorful, beautifully plated, and exactly what we needed to kick off our cruise. We agreed: this meal was a win.
After lunch, Finn was eager to explore the ship solo—he’s 18 now and loves the freedom of discovering things on his own. I was perfectly content to stay put, soak in the ambiance, and enjoy a quiet moment. We agreed to meet back in our cabin later to get ready for dinner together.
Dining on Virgin Voyages
My one requirement for this trip was I wanted to have dinner with my son each night. I spent a lot of time picking out where we would eat each night. One of the best things about Virgin Voyages is that all specialty dining is included. Check out my guide on the different restaurants. Each night we had the most amazing dinner and caught up on the day, discussed our plans for the next. I would rarely see Finn the rest of the time. He was living his best life playing chess or hanging out in the social club. I enjoyed reading on my balcony. It is one of the reasons I enjoy cruising. There is so much to do on board for everyone.
🌴 Ready to cruise smarter, splash harder, and travel like a pro?
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