Planning a cruise and curious about the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini? Whether you're heading straight for the pool party or looking to relax on a quiet stretch of sand, here’s how to make the most of your time at this exclusive Bahamian escape.
We hadn’t been on a Virgin Voyages cruise before, but we’d heard the buzz about the Beach Club at Bimini and were super curious to try it out. Was it just a party spot? Was there enough to do if you just wanted to relax? Would it actually feel different from other cruise line beach stops?
So if you’re anything like us and like to know what you’re walking into before you get there, this post is for you. Whether you’re heading straight to the DJ by the pool or looking for a quiet lounge chair with a view, here’s what to expect at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini and how to make the most of your day there.
And please check out our Honest Review of Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady for a full recap of our unforgettable Virgin Voyages experience on board!
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What is the Beach Club at Bimini?
The Beach Club at Bimini is a private resort located on the island of Bimini. While it is not owned by the cruise-line, Virgin Voyages have exclusive access to the resort so only you and your fellow sailors will be enjoying the resort when you are there. The staff are also all Virgin Voyages employees.
How do you get to the resort?
The ship will port in the morning so you can disembark at your leisure. You will find shuttles waiting to drive you on the 5 minute ride up to the resort . They swing by the ship every 10 minutes and there is only one stop so it's pretty easy and there's no chance of you getting lost. We found the whole process of getting to and from the resort to be incredibly easy.
What Should I Bring to the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini?
If you're anything like me, you want to be prepared without lugging your entire suitcase off the ship. Here’s a practical list of what to bring so you can enjoy your time.
1. Swimsuit + Cover-Up
You’ll definitely want to wear your swimsuit off the ship so you can dive right in. A lightweight cover-up is great for walking around, grabbing lunch, or riding the tram back and forth.
2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
The sun is strong and you’ll likely be out in it all day. Make sure to pack a reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the beautiful waters around Bimini.
3. Water Bottle
There are hydration stations around the beach club, so bringing a refillable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated without having to leave your spot.
4. Credit Card or Virgin Band
Your Virgin Voyages Band works like a credit card, so no need to bring cash unless you’re shopping from local vendors. We ended up renting chairs right in front of the beach so cash or even venmo works well for those kind of transactions.
5. Sunglasses + Hat
There is shade, but if you're staking out a sunny lounger or hanging by the pool, bring your sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to keep cool and squint-free.
What’s the vibe at Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini?
The night before we docked in Bimini we had dinner at Gunbae, the communal dining Korean restaurant onboard, where we shared a table with a couple from the Bahamas. We asked them what to expect from Bimini. They described it as a, “Party island.” When you arrive at the Beach Club at Bimini this is exactly what it feels like.
As you enter the resort you will be met with the two swimming pools. Music is playing, everyone is having a good time. The ‘Happenings Cast’ (Who are awesome) keep the energy and party atmosphere flowing with “We Run This Beach” series of games.
However, if you are more like us and are hoping for a more chill and read by the beach kinda day, you are also in luck. The Beach Club at Bimini is nearly 5 acres so it is easy to get away from the party section. In other words, whether you're looking for a chill day at the beach, or something a bit livelier, the Beach Club at Bimini has you covered.
The Beach
As mentioned before the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini resort is exclusive to Virgin sailors. This means there are plenty of sun loungers available. That is not to say that it does not get busy. We noticed a few loungers parked ahead of the main rows of loungers and had a clear view of the ocean. Not surprisingly these cost extra, around $80.00 (Elizabeth, ever the negotiator, managed to knock the price down to $60.00). For what we wanted (relaxing time on the beach) it was worth every penny.
The resort does have shaded cabanas available. These cost $500.00 so possibly a great option if you are sailing within a large group.
The beach itself is sublime. The golden sands are perfection, and in my opinion, it was possibly the best ocean water I’ve ever swam in. The crystal clear water was a beautiful turquoise, and perfect temperature. Tasting the salt water is almost a shock because the water looks so pure and clean.
Dining
For food the resort has two outdoor food pavilions called ‘Beach Eats.’ They offer small plates which are easy to transport to wherever you’re sitting in the resort. There is also plenty of shaded seating. We thought the food on the cruise was generally outstanding and the Beach Club at Bimini was no exception. Here is a list of the current menu:
- Main dishes:
- Lechon Asado with Mojo marinade
- Caribbean Chicken & Coconut Curry
- Banana Leaf Steamed Red Snapper with Veracruz sauce
- West Indian Pumpkin Curry with plantain chips
- Bahamian Mango & Macadamia Nut Salad
- Sides:
- Watermelon and Jicama Salad
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Crispy Cassava
Drinks
For drinks, Beach Club at Bimini has six bars which means we never had to wait in a long line for a drink. They offer a decent selection of beer. The cocktails on offer are fine, fairly typical resort-style drinks. There are more interesting cocktail options on-board. They did sell fresh drinking coconuts which were absolutely delicious.
The resort operates the same as the ship where food is inclusive, alcohol is extra. You can use your bar tab and pay using your wristband.
Shore Things
We chose not to partake in any of the 'Shore Things' excursions. Admittedly some of excursions did look like they would be a lot of fun, but they cost extra (and some are quite pricey), and we honestly felt like the resort itself offered enough for a great relaxing beach day. Click Here for a list of excursions Beach Club at Bimini has to offer.
Beach Club at Bimini FAQs
Nope! Access to the Beach Club at Bimini is included in your cruise fare. Food, beach loungers, and basic non-alcoholic drinks are also included.
It’s honestly both. There’s a lively pool scene with music and games, but also plenty of quieter spaces if you just want to relax by the water. You can tailor the experience to your mood.
No. Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line (18+), so the Beach Club is adults-only too, which is great if you're looking for a grown-up beach day.
Pro Tips
It gets HOT. Our voyage was mid-September and in the middle of the day the sun was beating down hard. Not all the sun loungers have umbrellas which is one reason you might choose to head to the resort early in the day. It is also cooler in the morning. Make sure to bring a hat and shades and don’t forget sunscreen.
Stay late. You might be tempted to get to the beach early and snag a sun lounger in a prime location. Alternatively, you might want to head to the resort later in the day. The resort starts to empty mid-afternoon and early evening. We found the vibes are much calmer and tranquil later in the day, and depending on the time of year those that stay a little later will be treated to a spectacular sunset.