Bimini Crickets!

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When Virgin Voyages launched its alternative to traditional cruising during the heart of the Covid-19 shutdowns --- what could have been disastrous without the reputation and deep pockets of Sir Richard Branson, the company's founder --- their private island beach club experience at Bimini intrigued us with an alternative cruise destination close to Florida.

Yes, it is in the Bahamas, already one of the top destinations for sun-seeking cruisers, and private islands have been a staple of Bahamas/Caribbean cruises beginning with NCL's Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, but Virgin Voyages added extra panache in its presentation of their adults only experience.

Adults-only appeals to many cruisers, perhaps more than you would imagine, and it remains a key to Virgin's appeal.

After all, lots of cruisers tend to be empty nesters or couples and singles without children.

In addition, parents with children sometimes enjoy an escape without their kids, something of an extended date night.  Julie and I took a few of those, courtesy of my mother stepping in to take on the responsibility of getting our kids fed and to bed, to school and to various activities while we were away.

Virgin's Bimini approach at first glance seems lightyears away from Royal Caribbean's private island that appeals to families.  But Julie and I found Perfect Day at Coco Cay is very much a place where you can find adult-oriented spaces and activities, too. 

The same can be said for other private islands, including those that still stress the basics of a quiet beach experience with meals and beverages on the sand.

Celebrity takes a page from Virgin with several shorter cruises suitable for date nights that include Bimini, but they are not adults-only.

Carnival visits Bimini on shorter cruises too, and of course they have strong appeal for both singles looking to party and families.  Royal Caribbean is scheduled to include Bimini on some itineraries.

So, will I be hearing from you about cruising to Bimini?

If you're wondering about that alternative approach of Virgin Voyages, Richard and NIcky, who just debarked from a Virgin Voyage in the Greek Isles, have an inciteful summary.

"We liked 90% of the Virgin cruise. It could be a preference in the future. We especially liked the restaurant-included program. Much better. And best onboard staff we have encountered. On the other hand, you get nickeled and dined on beverages. .... And coming to grips with our preferences which change as we learn more. I mean who would have thought we would turn out to be Virgin fans (mostly)?"

90% is still an A, right?