Sunrise, Sea Days & A Caribbean Sailing
Caribbean days and a slower pace.
By Sea & City Series
📍 Caribbean | 📅 March 12-21, 2026
🚢 Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages)
This sailing felt a little different from my previous trips.
It fell right around my birthday, which gave the trip a subtle sense of celebration without me really planning it that way. Instead of traveling solo, I was joined by one of my close friends from college, Meagan. It was her first time sailing with Virgin Voyages. I also spent time with a few of my “cruise friends” I’ve met on previous sailings, which made the trip feel both familiar and new.
The itinerary took us through the Caribbean, with a mix of port days and sea days, and I found myself settling into a steady rhythm from the start.
Day 1: Miami Arrival
Meagan and I flew into Miami the day before embarkation and eased into the trip with dinner at Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine, a classic Cuban spot that lived up to the hype. It was a relaxed start with good food and a quiet evening before everything picked up the next day.
Day 2: Embarkation
Before boarding, we spent some time at Bayside Marketplace, walking along the water, grabbing lunch, and easing into vacation mode.
Once on board, everything picked up quickly. The Sail Away Party rolled into dinner at Rojo, and by the end of the night, we were at the PJ Party. Music, dancing, and that signature Virgin Voyages energy.
Day 3: At Sea
The first sea day was slow in the best way.
I had brunch at The Wake solo, then spent time walking the track and easing into the day. It felt like a quiet reset after travel. That night, we went to Test Kitchen for dinner, followed by Electric, their neon-themed party.
Day 4: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Our first port was Puerto Plata, where we did a tasting tour excursion through the city.
We visited three local restaurants, La Skina, Casita Azul, and Mares, trying traditional Dominican dishes along the way. Each stop offered something different, and it felt like a meaningful way to experience the city beyond just sightseeing.
Afterward, we spent time around Plaza Independencia, taking in the atmosphere. Colorful buildings, music, and the rhythm of the city.
The tour ended at the Macorix House of Rum, where we learned about the rum-making process and sampled a few varieties. It was a well-paced excursion that blended culture, history, and food without feeling rushed.
Day 5: At Sea
This sea day started early.
I attended Radiance, a sunrise wellness session on deck with breathwork, light movement, and music. At one point, it started raining lightly, and then a double rainbow appeared as the sun came up. Afterwards, I stayed active, walking the track, playing a little basketball, and heading to breakfast. One of my favorite mornings of the trip.
Day 6: St. John’s, Antigua
This was a more relaxed port day.
We had lunch at a local restaurant, conch fritters and a mojito, then spent time walking around the area near the port. Later, we took a water taxi to the beach. Clear water, soft sand, and no real schedule. Just an easy day.
Day 7: St. Kitts & Nevis
This day ended up being one of the more memorable ones.
We started with brunch on the ship for St. Patrick’s Day, then met up with someone Meagan knew who was from St. Kitts. She and her sister took us around the island, giving us a more local perspective.
We drove through different areas and made our way to Brimstone Hill Fortress, where the views stretched across the coastline. It felt less like a structured tour and more like being shown around by someone who knows the island.
That night, we saw Murder in the Manor, then got ready for Scarlet Night.
Day 8: At Sea
This sea day was a mix of everything. I played Lotería Gigante with Meagan, Terri, and Karina. Then Meagan and I had dinner at Gunbae, and we stopped by Disco Circus later that night.
Day 9: At Sea
Another full sea day, a little more structured.
I started with Zumba, then used the birthday massage discount Virgin Voyages had gifted me. It was a nice reset in the middle of the trip.
Later, I went to Opa Hour before ending the night at their dinner show called Up With A Twist.
Day 10: At Sea
We were supposed to dock at the Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas, but the waters were too rough.
Instead, it turned into another sea day. I spent time in the arcade, did karaoke in a private room, and had my final dinner at Pink Agave with Meagan.
Earlier that day, I saw Richard Branson on board, and that night, Nile Rodgers & Chic performed, which made for a nice way to close out the trip.
Day 11: Disembarkation
Back in Miami, we spent a little more time exploring, walking through Brickell and Wynwood, and grabbing lunch at
Mayu before heading to the airport. A simple, easy close to the trip.
✨ Reflections
This trip felt steady. A mix of movement and rest, time with a friend, and moments to myself. Not everything needed to be packed or planned, and that worked out lovely.
Thanks for reading! You can find more moments, memories, and adventure over on Instagram: @_GracefullyWandering
