Overview
9 Days
San Juan
San Juan
2,770
1,150
2020
8NSJRW
Itinerary
San Juan's picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Ships will dock at this port.
Top Things to Do in San Juan:
- explore the El Yunque Rainforest
- visit the Bacardi Rum Distillery
- visit Fort Cristobal and the Old Town
- play a round of golf at the Palmes del Mar Golf Resort
- sail in San Juan Bay
Sint Martin, a gem in the Caribbean, is renowned for its dual French and Dutch heritage. This unique blend offers travelers a diverse cultural experience. In the French capital, Marigot, visit the bustling open-air markets and savor gourmet dining, while in Philipsburg on the Dutch side, indulge in duty-free shopping and lively beach bars. Maho Beach, famous for its low-flying planes, is a must-see spectacle.
For nature lovers, the island offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Loterie Farm provides an adventurous escape with zip-lining and hiking trails. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies like conch fritters and guavaberry liqueur, which reflect the island’s rich culinary traditions.
Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten and it's port is conveniently located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from downtown Philipsburg, taking roughly 5 minutes by car or a leisurely 20-minute walk. Visitors can explore the vibrant Front Street, known for its duty-free shopping, colorful boutiques, and lively cafes. Transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and water taxis. Don’t miss a visit to the Great Bay Beach, just steps from the main shopping area, or venture to Maho Beach to watch planes land dramatically close to the shore.
Antigua and Barbuda beckon with their pristine beaches and vibrant history. For beach enthusiasts, Antigua presents a different shore for each day of the year, like the tranquil Half Moon Bay. Adventure seekers can explore the mysterious caves at Two Foot Bay in Barbuda, offering a glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.
History buffs will find Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Antigua, a compelling visit, showcasing the island's rich naval history. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in Barbuda, one of the world’s largest, to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Culinary explorers can delight in the local cuisine, with seafood and Creole dishes highlighting the islands’ cultural melting pot.
St. John's, Antigua’s colorful capital, offers a compact slice of Caribbean charm. Wander the lively Public Market, then climb to Fort Barrington for views over Deep Bay. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, housed in a colonial courthouse, provides insight into the islands’ past. A short ride from port brings you to white-sand beaches like Dickenson Bay, or to Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO-listed naval heritage site surrounded by scenic English Harbour.
The capital of Dominica, Roseau is a small town with plenty of colonial charm. Its surrounds are lush and mountainous, rich rainforest embraces rare bird species, crater lakes, bubbling hot springs and splendid tumbling cascades. Ships will dock at this port.
Top Things to Do in Roseau:
- relax in the hot springs at Bongo Baths
- snorkel Champagne Reef
- swim at Trafalgar Falls
- 4wd through Dominica's rainforests
- visit the Dominica Botanic Garden
- hike to the Emerald Pool
With a festival-like lineup featuring original, first-to-sea productions, extraordinary pop-up acts, and immersive experiences, the entertainment you’ll experience on board is something you’ve never seen before. It’s wild. It’s thought-provoking. It’s a full-on extravaganza. And it couldn’t be anything else. Digging deep into our musical roots, we’ve collaborated with the world’s most-talked-about directors, choreographers, and artists to create the live entertainment only a Virgin brand could.
Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast, the island's arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast.
Top Things to Do in Aruba:
- 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
- explore the islands capital, Oranjestad
- climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
- swim and relax at Eagle Beach
- snorkel or dive the Antilla shipwreck
Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.
Top Things to Do in Oranjestad:
- 4WD through the Aruba Arikok National Park
- visit the National Archeological Museum
- climb the steps to the summit of Hooiberg
- swim and relax at Eagle Beach
- snorkel at De Palm Island
Discover a touch of old Amsterdam transported to an island paradise. The capital of the Caribbean island Curacao, Willemstad is famous for its technicolour UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre. Ships will dock at the port.
Top Things to Do in Willemstad:
- explore Christoffel National Park
- snorkel in Caracas Bay
- ride the trolley train through Willemstad
- relax on Cas Abao Beach
- visit the Hato Caves
- join an underwater tour in a semi-submarine
For the 'do-nothings,' the 'do-somethings' and the 'do-literally-everythings' (you know who you are), we have tons of group fitness classes on board so that you can sea the world and keep your #FitnessGoals going.
From sunrise yoga and outdoor boxing to a cycling studio and bungee workouts - you’ll have full access to classes and state-of-the-art gym equipment for unlimited opportunities to break a sweat. And if you’re not the working out kind, well, the views are nice from the gym?
San Juan's picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Ships will dock at this port.
Top Things to Do in San Juan:
- explore the El Yunque Rainforest
- visit the Bacardi Rum Distillery
- visit Fort Cristobal and the Old Town
- play a round of golf at the Palmes del Mar Golf Resort
- sail in San Juan Bay
Life On Board
Designed for adult only guests, Sailors will enjoy cool interiors and outdoor spaces, chic bars and city styled eateries. Read more
Wellbeing is at the forefront of the onboard experience with a mix of high energy fun balanced with relaxation and rejuvenation. Read more
Original performances, cutting edge, boundary pushing productions and pop up performances make for lively onboard entertainment. Read more
Throw away cruise dining traditions, Scarlet Lady offers more than 20 city styled eateries, all inclusive in your fare. Read more
We’ve partnered with some of the industry's most esteemed mixologists to offer quality drinks without the premium price tag. Read more
We've taken care of all the details — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. Read more
Ship Reviews (2)
From our very first enquiry through read more to departure, Grace was attentive, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in making sure everything was perfect. When we had questions about upgrading our cabin, she explored every option for us. When we queried the price difference and asked about sailor loot credits, she went straight to the Virgin Voyages representative on our behalf — even when the answer wasn't what we hoped for, her honesty and effort were truly appreciated. And when Virgin Voyages updated our disembarkation terminal in Barcelona to Terminal C at the last minute, Grace had already forwarded us the details before we even had a chance to wonder. That kind of proactive communication is what sets a great travel agent apart.
The Scarlet Lady herself was absolutely stunning. The vibe is unlike any cruise we've been on — adult-only, beautifully designed, and with a dining and entertainment experience that genuinely surprised us. The Band (that clever little wearable made from recycled ocean plastic) served as cabin key, wallet and bar tab all in one — such a clever touch that really set the tone for the whole experience.
Now, we'd be fibbing if we said there were zero hiccups. One of the highlights we'd been most looking forward to was our stop in Casablanca, Morocco — so we were genuinely disappointed to learn the port was closed and we wouldn't be making that call. It was the destination we'd been most excited about, and missing it was a real letdown. However, Virgin Voyages handled the situation beautifully. The communication was prompt, clear and empathetic, and in place of Casablanca we were rerouted to the gorgeous Cádiz in southern Spain. What a silver lining! Cádiz turned out to be an absolute gem — one of Europe's oldest cities, full of character, stunning architecture and warm locals. It genuinely softened the blow and left us with memories we wouldn't trade. The seamless way Virgin Voyages managed the change really impressed us and showed the professionalism of their operation.
September was a brilliant time to travel this route. The weather across Portugal and Spain was warm but not overwhelming, and the mix of destinations made for an incredibly rich itinerary. Our fellow sailors were a wonderfully diverse, warm and sociable group, and the kid-free environment meant a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere throughout.
Would we travel with Virgin Voyages again? Absolutely - without hesitation. Would we book through Global Journeys again? Without a doubt. Grace made the entire process smooth, stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. If you're considering a Virgin Voyages cruise, do yourself a favour and reach out to Grace - you won't regret it.
Thank you Grace, and thank you Global Journeys. You helped make a truly unforgettable trip. 🌊⚓
Dates & Pricing
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Virgin Voyages. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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