Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruise experience that blends indulgence with well-being, enabling guests to enjoy food and drinks while maintaining their fitness routines. During its Western Caribbean Charm sailing aboard the Scarlet Lady, I found it easy to balance pleasure and wellness, disembarking after a week feeling neither sluggish nor overindulged.
The cruise line’s approach to well-being is built on flexibility, allowing travelers to enjoy their vacation without sacrificing fitness. Nicole Huang, Senior Vice President of Fleet Experience at Virgin Voyages, noted that the cruise line’s wellness offerings are designed to cater to a wide range of guest preferences. “Some come to detox, retox, or both,” Huang said, emphasizing the choice-driven experience onboard.
A growing trend in the travel industry, wellness-focused cruises are becoming increasingly popular. A 2022 Hilton survey revealed that 50% of travelers seek vacation experiences aligned with their holistic wellness goals, while 55% are willing to pay more for wellness activities. Likewise, cruise lines like AmaWaterways and Windstar Cruises have introduced wellness-oriented sailings, and Virgin Voyages is capitalizing on this demand.
Fitness at Sea: A New Standard
Onboard, fitness options abound. Virgin Voyages’ fitness program includes sunrise yoga, Zumba, bungee workouts, cycling classes, pickleball, and even dodgeball, creating a diverse mix of activities for guests. Most early-morning HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and spinning classes were fully booked throughout the cruise, confirming that guests are indeed working out while at sea.
“We wanted to change the traditional cruise fitness experience,” Huang explained. “Wellness spaces on our ships, such as the B-Complex Gym and Redemption Spa, are designed to be premium, welcoming environments with state-of-the-art equipment.”
The B-Complex Gym provides everything needed for a full-body workout, including free weights and boxing bags. Feedback from guests even led to the addition of heavier weights. Virgin Voyages’ commitment to wellness extends to its dining options, which focus on made-to-order meals that allow for portion control, ensuring guests don’t overindulge.
Dining and Drink: A Healthy Balance
While indulging in multi-course meals and occasional cocktails, I managed to avoid gaining weight during my trip. Virgin Voyages does not offer buffets, and all meals at the included restaurants are made to order, ensuring a focus on quality and portion control. The cruise also offers low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drink options, allowing guests to enjoy their beverages without overdoing it. These drinks, along with meal pairings, contribute to a wellness-focused dining experience.
Virgin Voyages offers a moderate pricing structure for drinks, ranging from $6 to $15, with premium options available up to $29. The line does not offer drink packages, instead charging beverages to guests’ cabins.
Despite enjoying the food and drink, I made intentional meal choices, making reservations at times when I felt genuinely hungry. One of the standout dishes was an Indian-style butter chicken from The Galley, while my sweet tooth was easily satisfied without resorting to mindless snacking.
Shore Excursions: Wellness on Land
The wellness offerings extend beyond the ship, with a variety of shore excursions designed for active exploration. In Roatán, I hiked through the mountainous landscape of Honduras before embarking on an ATV ride. At The Beach Club at Bimini, I participated in a guided meditation session on the beach before taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters. These excursions allowed me to maintain my fitness routine while enjoying the local culture and scenery.
An Evolving Wellness Experience
Virgin Voyages remains committed to evolving its wellness offerings, often drawing inspiration from new trends. Huang shared that the cruise line is exploring the possibility of introducing K-pop dance classes based on their growing popularity. “We believe in experimenting and adjusting based on what resonates with our guests,” she said.
Throughout the cruise, my daily workouts took just one hour, leaving the rest of the day free to relax by the pool or enjoy other leisure activities. Unlike past vacations that left me feeling the need for another break to recover, this cruise left me feeling refreshed, strong, and balanced. It was as though I had completed a wellness retreat disguised as an indulgent, high-energy cruise.
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