3 of the best Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruises for winter 2022

Virgin Voyages has a variety of cruises up for grabs in the coming months. Newest Virgin cruise ship Valiant Lady will bid adieu to the Mediterranean  – and this side of the pond altogether – as it sets sail for the Caribbean on October 16, 2022.

Much like swallows flying south for the warmth come winter, you can keep that summer feeling going for longer by joining Virgin Voyages’ Caribbean cruises later this year (standing at the prow of the ship squealing “I’m flying!” à la Kate and Leo in Titanic optional).

Or, for a truly unique experience, join Valiant Lady’s fourteen-night transatlantic cruise and get the most out of both the Med and the Caribbean!

Remember, with Virgin, the price of your cruise fare includes all food onboard in a fab array of restaurants, with essential drinks and tips included plus group workouts, plenty of excellent entertainment and fun activities.

These are just three of the best Caribbean cruises you can enjoy this winter.

When we hear the term “transatlantic” it’s easy to assume you’ll just be cruising directly to the USA with nothing to do but tramp around the ship deck for days on end, however, transatlantic cruises actually offer much more en route.

The Virgin Voyages Transatlantic Med to Miami vacation offers some very exciting Spanish ports of call as Valiant Lady wends its way to Florida.

The ship departs from Barcelona and visits both Ibiza and Málaga, spending two days in the latter.

In Ibiza you can hit the beach (maybe even a beach club if you’re feeling fancy and in the mood for beats and a boogie), wander the island’s hippie markets, or take a boat tour for a spot o’snorkelling.

Málaga, meanwhile, is steeped in history, boasting heritage from a blend of Phoenician, Roman, Moor and Spanish empires. Savour the Islamic architecture, gen up on culture and knowledge at one of Málaga’s 25 museums and visit Pablo Picasso’s erstwhile home. If you get peckish, why not try an espeto – a Spanish sardine skewer and Malagueño speciality. Yummy!

Do try at get to The Alhambra if you can – it’s an unforgettably beautiful fortified palace complex built in the 13th century. Yes, you can pretend you’re royalty as you swan around. No, Prince Charming isn’t guaranteed.

After a day at sea, Valiant Lady will call at Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira. The city is set against a backdrop of majestic, verdant mountains and faces out to the blue Atlantic. The sunny coast brims with lush flora and there are a plethora of cafes, bars and galleries to visit here. Don’t miss a tasting of the island’s famous Madeira wine, either!

You’ll then have eight days at sea before ending your cruise in Miami. This is the perfect opportunity to try out all the different restaurants, hit up the gym, try some fun group classes, relax in the spa and treat yourself to some indulgent treatments – or just relax on deck in the pool or with a book, cocktail in hand! Ah, that’s the life.

This eight-day voyage through the Caribbean is a lovely way to soak up the delights of some lesser-known ports as well as spend time at Virgin Voyages’ private slice of paradise, The Beach Club at Bimini.

Sailing from Miami, you’ll head to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Fabulous adventures and shore excursions here include the Cable Car Mountain Ride and Lunch – you’ll soar 800m above sea level to the summit of the Pico Isabel de Torres for incredible panoramic views of Puerto Plata; it’s the only cable car in the Caribbean! Other options are exploring the waterfalls of Damajagua on an off-road adventure and an Island Rum Tasting Tour. Hic.

Next up is San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico – once the crown jewel of the Spanish Empire. Established in 1521, San Juan is the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas. Unsurprisingly there’s much colonial architecture to admire, plus such historical landmarks as fortresses El Morro and San Cristóbal, the Museo Casa Blanca and San Juan Cathedral.

Virgin Voyages shore excursions range from a guided walking tour through Old San Juan and an El Yunque Rainforest Tour (it’s the only tropical rainforest in the US!) to a Helicopter Tour & Rum Mixology Experience.

There’s a vibrant nightlife scene here and the good news is Valiant Lady only departs at midnight so you’ll be able to sample the island’s fabulous bars and dance spots.

It’s then over to St Croix in the US Virgin Islands. There’s a heavy pirate past and rich history here to intrigue visitors, stunning waters and a lush interior.

Snorkelling is big off St Croix – check out one of the only underwater trails in the U.S. at Buck Island Reef National Monument – or hike through St. Croix’s hills to hidden bays to take a dip. Alternatively, stroll the streets and visit a rum distillery. Hic!

Your last port of call is The Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas. Relax and unwind here at the private beach club experience (think yoga classes and beach bonfires) or opt for the best kind of Virgin active (sorry) and go scuba diving in the reefs and wrecks of Bimini.

For a slightly shorter Caribbean cruise, this Western Caribbean Charm itinerary hits up some top notch spots for sun, sea and sand.

Sailing from Miami, Valiant Lady will call at the island of Roatán, the coveted jewel of the Honduras. It’s home to the world’s second-largest reef and thousands of marine-life species making it ideal for diving and snorkelling adventures. Expect white sand beaches and lush jungle canopies, too.

As for excursions, there’s the Jungle ATV and Beach Escape which sees you driving a winding jungle trail, crossing a river bed and heading up a mountaintop to reach two overlooks as you keep an eye out for iguanas, tropical birds and other wildlife before relaxing at a private beach.

Alternatively, take a tour to three of Roatán’s towns or visit Pristine Bay Resort and enjoy its infinity pools, secluded white sand beach and tempting restaurants. Help, how on earth will we choose?

The next day you’ll call at Costa Maya in Mexico, home to natural lagoons, ancient ruins and quaint beachside villages.

The Kohunlich & Dzibanche Mayan Ruins excursion takes in the two Mayan cities that once ruled the Yucatán Peninsula while other day trip options are exploring the jungle and iridescent-colored lagoon on the Uchbenkah Jungle Retreat & Blue Lagoon trip or visiting Costa Maya’s sleepy fishing town on the Mahahual Biking Tour & Brunch excursion.

After a day at sea making the most of Valiant Lady’s bountiful offerings, jet-setters will visit the Beach Club at Bimini before ending the vacation in Miami.

Yup, being a swallow for the winter sounds pretty damn good to us.