I finally got to travel like a rock star.
Usually, clients have to book one of the RockStar Quarters onboard Virgin Voyages to get the corresponding VIP perks of these suites. But as invited media guests onboard Valiant Lady, my party and I had the privilege of trying them out while staying in entry-level accommodations.
Spoiler alert: We’re hooked — and not just by the wristbands that gave us special access.
VIP Embarkation
Upon arriving at Terminal V (yes, even that is Virgin’s cheeky branding) in the port of Miami, we were granted expedited check-in privileges at a special side entrance to the pier facility. Away from the commotion of other passenger queues, we were greeted by friendly staff and a serene vestibule with a handful of stations. The staff then quickly verified our passports and boarding passes and adorned us with "The Band," a stylish, all-black wearable RFID (radio frequency identification) key that signified our VIP status and would give us entry into our staterooms and allow us to make purchases around the ship.
Then, a private elevator ride took us up a level and straight to Valiant Lady without any waiting.
Our “Humble” Accommodations
I received these RockStar perks while occupying a solo inside cabin, but even this entry-level room was anything but bare bones. Although Insider rooms have a small footprint of around 105 to 177 square feet, my cabin offered all the comforts I needed, including a full-size bathroom that is also a staple of the larger Sea Terrace cabins.
Because my wife was sharing a stateroom with her friend Melody, who was cruising for the first time, I was able to enjoy their balcony and its signature hammock (so loved that we have since bought one for our home). Our other friend, Aaron, meanwhile, went all in by reserving one of the aforementioned RockStar Quarters all for himself.
Cheeky Corner Suites are one of the RockStar Quarters suite options.
Credit: 2025 Virgin VoyagesPriority Access
Our friend Melody quickly discovered that our Bands also gave us priority access to shows and events. So, whenever we would ordinarily be waiting outside, we were instead at the front of the line to easily snag prime seats at shows such as “Duel Reality” and “It’s a Ship Show!” — both of which we all thoroughly enjoyed.
I am continually impressed by how well Virgin balances departing from the traditional cruise experience (such as with “Duel Reality,” an acrobatic retelling of “Romeo and Juliet”) and leaning into nostalgia (as it does during the “It’s a Ship Show!” supper club dinner).
Richard’s Rooftop
Hands-down, our favorite RockStar exclusive onboard was Richard’s Rooftop, named after Virgin brand founder Richard Branson. Although my friend Aaron felt Virgin was trying too hard to be sexy, I find the brand to be far less “naughty" than it used to be — I’ve noticed that it has done away with the likes of “sexpert” seminars and similar toy kits for purchase in staterooms. As a result, I find the line to be more broadly accessible now.
Richard’s Rooftop is the star of the ship for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the main pool deck. One of the line’s only shortcomings is the size of its primary pool, which I find too small. But our private deck was shared only with other RockStars, and its sublime shaded and springy daybeds, sun loungers and pair of whirlpools were never crowded. The rooftop area is serviced by its own snack delivery and bar, and one happy hour per day offers complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
At about the halfway point of our voyage — while enjoying a decadent treat, no less — Melody said she felt sad that the cruise would eventually end.
“My first caviar, my first cruise — I’m sold,” she said.
Richard's Retreat
As if all this RockStar treatment wasn’t already enough, when Valiant Lady docked at The Beach Club at Bimini — a private destination experience for Virgin Voyages cruisers — we also had special access to the VIP Richard's Retreat.
RockStars receive golf cart shuttles to and from an exclusive section complete with complimentary full-service, sit-down dining, which was just as delicious as the many specialty-but-included restaurants on the ship. And we adored being able to stroll right into the ocean from our clamshell loungers and bean bags to be further pampered by a soak in the sea.
Priority Disembarkation
Melody told me the thing she most loved about our cruise was not having to think about anything at all. And, it turned out that Virgin had even considered our disembarkation. We were prepared to wait in a relatively short line with our carry-ons to get off the ship, but unbeknownst to us, RockStars don’t even have to do that. Upon seeing our black Bands for the final time, the wonderful staff directed us to bypass the line and go right into the terminal.
Now, we just have to get back onboard for another sailing.
