Cruises
Valiant Lady and The Rebel Billionaire
Ilona Kauremszky finds her sea legs and discovers how Virgin Voyages is shattering the mould of cruising, as she uncovers some of her own greatest hits along the way.
By Ilona Kauremszky
There’s a certain thrill in the air as you step aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady. Maybe it’s the electric energy of Miami’s skyline shrinking behind the dazzling crimson ship, or perhaps it’s the sense of freedom that comes with a cruise designed for adults only. Either way, you quickly realize this is no ordinary voyage.
Gone are the days of splash-happy kids, predictable buffet lines and tired clichés about cruising. Virgin Voyages is rewriting the rules with its adults-only philosophy, and my five-day Celebration Cruise last summer proved to be a playlist of epic hits, from wellness to sustainability to rock-star glamour.
Oh, and did I mention Sir Richard Branson himself? Yes, the rebel billionaire was on-board, sprinkling stardust over the entire experience. True to form, the Virgin Group founder of megahits Virgin Records and the airline company Virgin Atlantic included some Galactic astronaut crew from his latest venture, Virgin Galactic, along for the celebratory sail. And while I’m dishing on guests, ’80s music legend Boy George (a Virgin record label talent and friend of Sir Richard) was there to celebrate too.
Aptly dubbed “Celebration Voyage,” the sail was Branson’s way of saying, “Thank you” to staff, guests, friends and fellow adventurers who have supported the bold visionary on his 50 epic years in the business. Indeed. Valiant Lady, the second ship in Virgin Voyages’ fleet of four, was totally decked out for the occasion.
A Playground for Grown-Ups
From the moment you step aboard, Valiant Lady feels like a floating playground. Designed with sleek, modern aesthetics, the 2,770-passenger ship offers Michelin-inspired dining, jaw-dropping entertainment, and indulgent amenities—all wrapped in Virgin Voyages’ irreverent ethos. Guests, known as “Sailors,” are treated like VIPs, especially those with “Rock Star” status. Rock-star perks include early boarding, priority dining reservations, and exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop, a chic sundeck with cabanas, hot tubs and champagne that never stops flowing.
My mornings on the ship began with wellness rituals. A favourite was sunrise yoga on deck, where the Caribbean breeze mingled with the gentle sound of waves. One surreal morning saw me stretching alongside Virgin Voyages COO Michelle Bentubo and astronaut Jamila—a moment that perfectly captured the extraordinary nature of this cruise.
Wellness didn’t stop there. I treated myself to a hot quartz bed massage at the Redemption Spa. Afterward, I alternated between a steam room for a mud bath and the thermal pools for hot-and-cold plunge therapy that left me tingling from head to toe. Even fitness classes were an experience. For a throwback twist, I joined a retro fitness class that channelled the spirit of ’80s fitness guru, Richard Simmons. Glitter headbands optional but strongly encouraged. Leg warmers, neon and plenty of laughs—need I say more?
Stories That Inspire
Virgin Voyages knows how to blend leisure with purpose. Over coffee, I joined a storytelling session with Virgin leaders, including Virgin Atlantic veteran David Tait, who shared tales of triumphs and turbulence from the company’s history. Sustainability was a recurring theme throughout the cruise, with Virgin highlighting efforts to reduce waste and support conservation projects.
Ports of call reflected this spirit, too. In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, I participated in the company’s first-ever Impact Tour, planting mangrove saplings in Laguna Cabarete as part of a restoration initiative. It was humbling to connect with nature while contributing to the environment.
Epic Afternoons of Leisure
Afternoons were my time to slow down. Deckside hot tubs on Richard’s Rooftop offered panoramic views of endless waves, the quiet lapping of water my only soundtrack. Occasionally, I explored the ship’s unique offerings, like flipping through vinyl records at the on-board shop or indulging in creamy delights from “Lick Me Till… Ice Cream.”
Another afternoon, I found myself swaying lazily in the hammock on my ocean-facing balcony, the horizon stretching infinitely ahead.
Virgin’s mantra of uncurated adventure means you can do everything or nothing. Bingo games and quirky trivia drew a lively crowd, while others disappeared into cosy nooks with books. As for me? I basked in the beauty of simply being.
Nights on the High Seas
When the sun dipped below the horizon, Valiant Lady came alive. Nights began with sunset champagne at Richard’s Rooftop, where the golden hour painted the deck in hues of pink and orange. Then it was on to dinner parties at eateries like Razzle Dazzle, big on American comfort dishes, or The Test Kitchen, a chef-driven six-course menu complemented by wine and spirit pairings.
The night was still young at 10 p.m., when Virgin’s more playful side emerged. I found myself swept up in the UNTITLED DANCESHOWPARTYTHING, a mash-up of choreography, music and audience interaction. Another night, I danced until dawn at The Manor, the ship’s nightclub that felt like stepping into a retro-glam music video.
But the real showstopper? Scarlet Night, Virgin’s signature party where cruisers paint the ship red (literally and figuratively). Boy George himself was the DJ, spinning tracks under the stars where cruisers let loose in this euphoric, poolside bash of revellers even dancing in the pool. The following afternoon, Boy George joined Sir Richard Branson for a lively interview session, offering insights into his life and career. It was a surreal moment, watching two British icons banter and laugh as old friends.
Ports of Paradise and Moments of Awe
While the ship itself was a destination, the port in Bimini Island was where Branson’s private beach club awaited. Picture powdery white sand, turquoise waters and a chilled-out vibe that invited total relaxation. Whether you lounged in a cabana or swayed to the beat, the day morphed into a luxurious escape.
One of the most unforgettable experiences happened back on the ship in the Red Room. A Vegas-style acrobatic show unfolded in a mind-bending fusion of strength and artistry. Afterward, beneath the stars, Galactic astronauts Jamila and Ron shared stories of their journeys beyond Earth. Their tales of floating in space and seeing our planet from a distance left me in quiet awe.
Creating My Own Adventure
As the ship sailed back to Miami, I found myself on deck, watching the skyline grow closer. Valiant Lady had been more than a cruise—it was a celebration of life, wellness and connection. Whether you’re planting mangroves in the Caribbean, sweating it out in a fitness class, or dancing under the stars with Boy George, there’s a sense of freedom to embrace each moment as it comes.
Stepping off the ship, I felt not just refreshed but transformed, carrying with me a view that echoed throughout the trip: adventure isn’t just something you take—it’s something you create.
And who knows? Maybe I’ll meet Sir Richard again someday.
Travel Planner
For 2025/2026 cruise itineraries and ship details, visit VirginVoyages.com