If you’re looking for a short adults-only Caribbean cruise from Miami, the Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunset Soirées itinerary is one of the most fun and relaxing options out there.

This 4-night cruise on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady sails from Miami to Key West, Florida and Bimini, Bahamas, blending incredible food, unique entertainment, and plenty of time to relax by the water.

Here’s a full recap of our Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunset Soirées cruise, including embarkation, restaurants, shore excursions, and what the Bimini Beach Club experience is really like.

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Day 0: Flying into Fort Lauderdale Before Our Miami Cruise

One of the best cruise travel tips is to fly in the night before your cruise departs.

We flew into Fort Lauderdale the evening before embarkation and stayed at the Westin Fort Lauderdale. Not only did it eliminate any stress about flight delays, but it also helped us avoid the unpredictable traffic between Fort Lauderdale and the Port of Miami on cruise day.

Starting vacation rested and relaxed always makes embarkation day so much better.

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Day 1: Embarkation Day in Miami

Breakfast at Amy’s French Bakery

Before heading to the port, we started the morning at Amy’s French Bakery, which quickly became one of our favorite discoveries of the trip.

Between the fresh pastries, incredible breakfast options, and strong coffee, it was the perfect way to ease into vacation mode.

Exploring Bayside Marketplace

Instead of heading straight to the cruise terminal, we spent the afternoon at Bayside Marketplace, a lively waterfront shopping and dining area near the Port of Miami.

We browsed shops, enjoyed the marina views, and made a stop at Coco Market, where we ordered a fresh coconut shake and coconut ice cream (both incredibly refreshing in the Miami heat).

Lunch came from a mix of vendors around Bayside, which made it easy to try a few different things before embarkation.

Virgin Voyages Embarkation Process

When it was time to board, we headed to the Port of Miami for embarkation.

Virgin Voyages uses assigned boarding times, and thanks to our pre-selected slot, the embarkation process was smooth and efficient.

Our cabin was already ready when we boarded, which was a great start to the cruise.

After completing the mandatory safety check in the Virgin Voyages app, we booked a few onboard activities that only become available once you’re on the ship, including some fitness classes.

Relaxing at The Dock

One of the first places we headed was The Dock, a beautiful outdoor lounge space at the back of the ship.

We grabbed a comfy lounger, ordered a Limoncello Spritz, and enjoyed a few Mediterranean small bites while watching the harbor activity.

It was the perfect start to the cruise.

Sail Away Party

Soon it was time for the Virgin Voyages Sail Away Party, where the energy on deck was high and the champagne was flowing.

Watching the Miami skyline fade away as the ship headed out to sea is always a special moment.

Dinner at Pink Agave

Our first dinner onboard was at Pink Agave, Virgin Voyages’ upscale Mexican restaurant.

Everything was fantastic, but if there’s one dish you absolutely shouldn’t miss, it’s the guacamole.

After dinner we caught a show in the Red Room Theater, Virgin Voyages’ main performance space, before calling it a night.

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Day 2: Sea Day on Scarlet Lady

Sea days on Virgin Voyages cruises can be as relaxing or as active as you want them to be.

Oceanview Spin Class

We started the morning with a spin class overlooking the ocean, one of many complimentary fitness classes offered onboard.

Virgin Voyages really stands out here — the instructors and studio-quality classes feel more like a high-end boutique gym than a cruise ship fitness center.

Breakfast at The Galley

After our workout we headed to The Galley, Virgin’s modern food hall concept that replaces the traditional cruise buffet.

Everything is made to order, and the variety of options makes it easy to find something fresh and delicious.

Pool Time

Since we had already worked out, we had zero guilt about spending the rest of the morning relaxing by the pool.

Sushi Lunch & Redemption Spa

For lunch we grabbed fresh sushi from Bento Baby in The Galley before heading to Redemption Spa.

The Redemption Spa thermal suite is easily one of the best spa experiences I’ve seen on a cruise ship.

The spa features:

• Hydrotherapy pools

• Steam rooms

• Saunas

• A salt room

• Heated marble loungers

It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.

Scarlet Night

That evening was Scarlet Night, Virgin Voyages’ signature onboard party.

Everyone dresses in red and the entire ship transforms into a giant celebration.

We started the evening with a game show in The Manor nightclub, followed by dinner at Lucky Lotus, where the creative Asian cuisine was outstanding.

Dessert came from Lick Me Till… Ice Cream, a must-visit spot on the ship.

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Day 3: Key West Port Day

Our Key West cruise port day started the only proper way: with coffee from Cuban Coffee Queen.

Kayaking the Key West Mangroves

Next we headed to Cow Key Marina for a kayak tour through the mangroves with Kayak Kings.

The tour was an incredible experience, paddling through quiet mangrove tunnels and learning about the ecosystem around Key West.

Although we were hoping to see manatees, the peaceful scenery alone made the excursion worthwhile.

Exploring Downtown Key West

Back in downtown Key West, we made a stop at the Southernmost Point for the classic photo.

From there we strolled down Whitehead Street, passing the Ernest Hemingway House and the historic Key West Lighthouse.

Lunch at Blue Heaven

Lunch was at Blue Heaven, one of the most famous restaurants in Key West.

Their key lime pie topped with towering meringue absolutely lived up to the hype.

Duval Street & Kermit’s Key Lime Pie

After lunch we walked to Mile Marker Zero before cutting over to Duval Street to explore the shops and bars.

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped at Kermit’s Key Lime Shop for their famous chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick.

Yes… two slices of key lime pie in one day. Totally worth it.

Dinner at The Wake

That evening we had dinner at The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ steakhouse.

It was easily our best meal of the cruise.

The filet mignon, warm fresh bread, and incredible desserts made it a perfect ending to the day.

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Day 4: Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club

Our final port day was spent at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini, one of the highlights of the itinerary.

The Bimini Beach Club is an exclusive beach experience only for Virgin Voyages passengers.

The beach club includes:

• A stunning white sand beach

• Two lagoon-style pools

• Complimentary beach club dining

• DJ music and pool parties

• Daybeds and lounge chairs

• Private cabanas available to rent

We grabbed breakfast in The Galley and headed off the ship early to secure loungers on the beach.

The water in Bimini is unbelievably clear and turquoise, easily some of the prettiest water in the Bahamas.

By early afternoon the beach club filled up, so we decided to head back to the ship and it turned out to be the perfect move.

With most passengers still ashore, the ship felt almost empty.

We grabbed a late lunch and had our pick of seats by the pool, enjoying a quiet afternoon before the final night.

Dinner at Extra Virgin

Dinner that night was at Extra Virgin, the ship’s Italian restaurant.

The fresh pasta dishes were fantastic, and the gelato was the perfect sweet ending to our final evening onboard.

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Day 5: Disembarkation in Miami

Our last morning started with one final breakfast in The Galley before disembarking.

A quick Uber ride later we were at the airport, heading home after an amazing few days at sea.

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Final Thoughts: Is the Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunset Soirées Cruise Worth It?

If you’re looking for a short Caribbean cruise from Miami, the Virgin Voyages Fire & Sunset Soirées itinerary is an excellent choice.

Between the incredible dining, adults-only atmosphere, unique entertainment, and beautiful stops in Key West and Bimini, it feels like a full vacation packed into just four nights.

For travelers wanting something a little different from traditional cruises, Virgin Voyages delivers a modern, relaxed experience that feels fresh and fun.

And for a quick adults-only escape, it’s hard to beaat.