How to Cruise to the South Caribbean Stress Free
Sailing the South Caribbean with Virgin Voyages: Packing Tips, Pro Tips, and Unforgettable Moments
If you’ve ever dreamed of an adults-only cruise where luxury meets laid-back vibes, Virgin Voyages is calling your name. We—Shelby and Megan—recently set sail on an adventure through the stunning South Caribbean, with stops in Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua, and a departure from Puerto Rico. December was the perfect time to cruise—warm breezes, turquoise waters, and just the right amount of holiday spirit on board.
So, grab a cocktail, kick back, and let us take you through our trip, plus some handy pro tips and packing must-haves to make your Virgin Voyages experience seamless!
Packing Tips: Essentials You Won’t Want to Forget
Let’s talk about packing smart. Virgin Voyages cruises are all about effortless style and comfort, so packing light (but right) is the way to go. Here are some must-haves:
Packing Cubes – Keep your suitcase organized and easily find your outfits for every occasion. Check out our favorite set here: https://amzn.to/4jK3Vy6
Sun Hat – The Caribbean sun doesn’t mess around. A stylish, packable sun hat is a lifesaver for beach days. We love this one – it was so easy to fold in our travel bags, yet still super accessible: https://amzn.to/3Q5qRdp
Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Whether you have health issues that require medication or if you just like to be well-prepared for any illness scenario, we love this Travel Pill Organizer! https://amzn.to/3QbRXj2
Waterproof Phone Case – Perfect for those catamaran rides and snorkeling trips. https://amzn.to/4gptPEq
Comfortable Sandals – You’ll be doing plenty of exploring, so comfy and stylish sandals are a must.
Portable Chargers – These are a MUST during travels! Ours came in handy numerous times (shocker – we took a lot of pictures, videos, notes and all things for this content!) https://amzn.to/40Mre1o
Swimwear & Cover-Ups – Pack a few so you’re always ready for a spontaneous beach stop or a dip in the ship’s pool.
Casual Chic Outfits – No need for formalwear, but having some trendy yet comfy outfits will keep you feeling great for dinner and entertainment onboard.
Sea Sickness Bands or Ginger Chews – Just in case those waves get a little too friendly.
Pro Tips for Sailing with Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is all about breaking the mold of traditional cruising. Here’s what we learned to make the most of the experience:
Download the Virgin Voyages App ASAP – This is your lifeline for booking restaurants, excursions, and activities. Popular spots fill up fast!
No Buffets Here! – Unlike traditional cruises, you won’t find massive buffet lines. Instead, The Galley offers a trendy food hall experience with everything from ramen to fresh-made salads.
Late-Night Eats Are a Thing – Craving a burger at midnight? The 24-hour diner has you covered.
Take Advantage of the Included Fitness Classes – Whether it’s sunrise yoga or a high-energy HIIT workout, the ship’s fitness options are next level.
Don’t Skip Scarlet Night – Pack something red and get ready for a night of fun, dancing, and surprises.
Book Spa Time on a Port Day – You’ll get a better deal, and the ship is quieter while most passengers are off exploring.
Our Favorite South Caribbean Moments
Tortola to Jost Van Dyke: A Slice of Paradise
One of our favorite days was hopping on a catamaran from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. The ride itself was breathtaking—crystal-clear waters, salty breezes, and an instant feeling of relaxation. Our main destination? Ivan’s Stress Free Bar.
Let’s just say, the name says it all. Picture yourself sipping on a Painkiller cocktail, toes in the sand, reggae music floating through the air, and zero worries in sight. If you’re looking for an authentic Caribbean beach bar experience, this is it.
Barbados: Shipwrecks & Stingrays
We set out on an excursion with Tranquility Cruises in search of sea turtles. While the turtles were a bit camera-shy that day, we still had an unforgettable underwater adventure. We swam alongside stingrays, schools of vibrant fish, and even explored a shipwreck! The clear, warm waters of Barbados made every second feel magical.
Antigua: Local Charm & Stunning Beaches
The glorious infinity pool view from Sheer Rocks, at Ffryes Beach in Antigua. The weather, the view, and those turquoise waters don’t get any better than this!
Antigua quickly became one of our favorite stops, thanks to our incredible taxi driver and impromptu tour guide, Chocky. He took us on a cultural tour of the island, stopping at local shopping spots and scenic viewpoints before dropping us off at Little Ffryes Beach, a perfect slice of paradise. We also made time to visit Sheer Rocks at Ffryes Beach, where we sipped cocktails and enjoyed the most spectacular ocean views from their cliffside lounge. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Antigua!
St. Maarten: Thrills & Chills
St. Maarten was all about beachside relaxation and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Watching planes land at Maho Beach was a wild experience—where else can you be sunbathing while jumbo jets fly just overhead? But the real rush came from zip lining at the world’s steepest zip line, The Flying Dutchman at Rainforest Adventures, an absolute must-do for thrill seekers!
Why Virgin Voyages is a Game-Changer for Adults
If you’re looking for a cruise that feels elevated yet fun, Virgin Voyages is a winner. From the modern, boutique-hotel vibe of the cabins to the incredible dining options (all included—no upcharges here!), this is the perfect cruise line for adults who want a mix of relaxation and adventure.
The best part? No screaming kids, no rigid schedules—just pure, unfiltered vacation bliss.
So, if you’re thinking about your next getaway, let Virgin Voyages take you on an unforgettable journey. And if you need a few essentials to make your trip even better, don’t forget to check out our packing recommendations above!
Stay tuned! Throughout February, we’ll be adding more detailed posts about our specific cruise experiences. But that’s not all—we’ll also be sharing tips on how to best enjoy travel and all things Virgin Voyages. You won’t want to miss it!
Until next time—cheers to adventure, exploration, and stress-free travel!
