virgin voyages bimini resort

Virgin Voyages’ Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas: The ultimate guide

Virgin Voyages likes to do things a little differently than other cruise lines. It does not operate a private island , like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line. Instead, it invites guests to an exclusive beach club on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas, where cruisers can enjoy sand, sun and sea without paying for an excursion.

Virgin Voyages ' Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas is a staple on all of the cruise line's Bahamas and Caribbean sailings. Here's our guide to everything you need to know about the island and the beach club to plan your perfect day.

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What is the Beach Club at Bimini?

The Beach Club at Bimini is a stretch of beach plus facilities (pool, food pavilions, bars and water sports) that are reserved for the exclusive use of Virgin Voyages passengers when one of the line's ships docks at Bimini. It's akin to a European beach club or Caribbean private beach resort where you pay an entry fee for access to a private shoreside complex — except that entry is included in your Virgin Voyages' cruise fare.

The facility is technically owned by Resorts World Bimini, but it was designed by Virgin Voyages. Resort guests and travelers on other cruise ships may purchase day passes to the beach club when a Virgin Voyages ship is not in port.

Where is the Beach Club at Bimini?

Virgin Voyages' Bimini Beach Club is on North Bimini Island, one of three islands that make up Bimini in the Bahamas. The beach is not far from Alice Town, the main settlement.

Bimini is roughly 50 miles from the Florida coast. (For reference, a ferry can make the journey in two hours.)

The beach club is near the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini and has condo-style vacation rentals.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Which cruise ships go there?

Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady are the main cruise ships that visit Bimini and use the beach club.

However, other cruise ships do call on Bimini, including ships from Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises and Holland America . The cruise lines may sell excursions to Virgin Voyages' Beach Club at Bimini or to the beach at Beach 360 or Resorts World Bimini.

How do you get to and around Bimini?

A complimentary open-air tram takes cruisers from the end of the pier to key stops on Bimini. The first stop is the Fisherman's Village Marina, where you can rent a golf cart to independently explore the island, book a golf cart tour or do a little shopping. If you just want to go to the beach club, stay on the tram. The next stop is Virgin Voyages' Beach Club.

If you arrive on a ship that isn't affiliated with Virgin, the tram will also take you to the public area of the beach past the club, where a couple of food trucks or water sports vendors may set up shop.

What are the best things to do in Bimini?

Bimini is a tiny island and its biggest attraction is the beach. Most Virgin Voyages cruisers will spend the entire day at the beach club.

The first thing you will see when you enter the club are the side-by-side lagoon pools. They are flanked with lounge chairs and cabanas, and cater to folks who want to get wet but don't want to brave the ocean waves. The coveted lounge chairs by the pools fill up quickly, so disembark early if you want to nab one.

Midday, Virgin Voyages crew members bring out an array of fun pool floats for your lounging (and photo-taking) pleasure.

Adjacent to the pool on the left, as you face the ocean, is the also-popular Lagoon Bar. If you see an empty swing chair, grab it quickly. Then sway lazily in the sun with your toes in the water as you sip your frozen cocktail.

Most everyone ends up on the beach, where rows of complimentary lounge chairs with shade umbrellas wait for eager sun worshippers. Note that the farthest row of chairs from the beach does not have umbrellas, nor can you rent them.

Cabanas are available for rent here as well. Early birds can claim the padded day beds and circular clamshell loungers scattered around the beach.

Activities on the beach may include stand-up paddleboard yoga and the "We Run This Beach" summer camp-style competition.

Back toward the club's entrance, the Hideaway is a palm tree forest of hammocks, so you won't miss your balcony too much while you're in port. Adjacent to the Main House is the open-air-but-roofed Lounge if you want to escape the sun but keep the ocean view.

On the opposite side of the Main House, Belvedere Beach is a shady space offering volleyball and bocce ball courts, plus corn hole. It's sponsored by the cruise line's beverage partner, Belvedere Vodka.

If you're looking for water sports, Virgin Voyages does offer SUP yoga, but the Bimini Beach Club does not offer any other rentals. You can book a water sports tour or rent equipment independently from Kayak Beach (directly outside the port's gates) or at the water sports shack beyond the northern perimeter of the Beach Club.

Do suite guests get special treatment on Bimini?

Passengers booked in suites and other VIPs get access to the RockStar Retreat at the far end of the beach club.

The open-air, covered pavilion houses a bar, private bathrooms and patio-like seating areas. It's much nicer to order a drink here than fight the crowds at the Lagoon Bar. The patio is also lovely for folks who want to enjoy the sun without getting sandy.

Come lunchtime, find a seat on the patio and a waiter will come and take your lunch order. The menu is the same as at the main lunch venues. However, instead of waiting in line and carrying your food to a picnic table, you can order from a comfortable seat, and a server will bring your meal.

Down on the sand, lounge chairs, cabanas and day beds await VIP sun worshippers. The ship's rockstars don't have to fight for seating with the regular Joes, and prime seating does not fill up as quickly as on the rest of the beach.

What are the Beach Club at Bimini excursions?

There's no reason to spend money on a tour on Bimini because you're treated to a beach day already. However, if you're the type who can't lie on the beach for hours, Virgin Voyages does offer the following tours. (Pricing and availability may vary by sail date.)

• Bimini Heritage and Cultural Tour (tram tour of the island), from $85.
• Fishing charter, from $250.
• Guided two-tank scuba dive, from $150.
• Jet ski tour for two, from $250.
• Kayak tour for two, from $150.
• Paint by the Bay: Bimini Art Workshop, from $85.
• Sapona Shipwreck and Shark Snorkeling, from $140.
• Sapona Shipwreck Swim and Snorkel, from $85.
• Swim with stingrays, from $115.
• Midafternoon pontoon boat cruise, from $100.
• Wild dolphin safari, from $175.

Related: Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

Can you rent cabanas on Bimini Beach?

Yes! Virgin Voyages' Bimini Beach Club offers four kinds of cabanas for rent, with the differences mainly based on location within the club area.

The rustic structures conjure up deserted island vibes with their thatched-wood roof and walls. The fourth side is open and the wooden floor extends into a kind of patio. Under the roof is an adjustable day bed, side table and striped beanbag chairs; outside are two lounge chairs and a coffee table. A drink cooler is provided.

Dedicated crew members will attend to your needs and bring you food and drinks so you don't have to wait in line with everyone else. They will also surprise you with treats, but Virgin Voyages is coy about what those might be.

Prices are listed per cabana, not per person; cabanas can accommodate up to six. Pricing also includes a $100 drink credit to use on bottle service, pitchers of mai tais and other beachy beverages, spiked coconuts or whatever you're thirsty for.

Bimini Beach Cabanas

Four clusters of beach cabanas flank the north, central and south ends of the beach club's strip of sand. The 14 cabanas are between the complimentary lounge chairs and the pools.

Prices start from $500 per cabana.

Bimini Grove Cabanas

The Grove cabanas are identical to the beach cabanas but are located farthest from the water, near The Lounge and the hammock grove. These are best if you're looking for a quiet escape and don't intend to get wet.

Because of their location, Bimini Grove Cabanas are the cheapest cabana option, with prices starting from $400 per cabana.

Bimini Lagoon Cabanas

The four Bimini Lagoon Cabanas are poolside, between the righthand (or north) pool and Beach Eats North. These are best for cruisers who prefer calm, chlorinated water to ocean waves.

Bimini RockStar Cabanas

RockStar cabanas are exclusive to passengers staying in RockStar suites or other VIPs with Richard's Rooftop access on board. However, if any of the nine cabanas don't sell, Virgin may open them up to regular sailors – earning them the full rockstar treatment for their time at the beach club.

Related: Ultimate guide to cruise ship cabanas

What is the beach club's food menu, and is it free?

Virgin Voyages does not offer self-serve, buffet dining on its ships or on its private beach. If you're expecting a buffet-style beach barbecue as you'd find on another's line private island, you're in for a pleasant surprise.

First of all, lunch is complimentary at the beach club and served from late morning well into the afternoon. There are two Beach Eats pavilions with food service and seating, and RockStars can order from the pavilion area of the VIP Retreat.

No matter where you choose to dine, you'll order off a menu, and your food will be brought to you.

Here's Virgin Voyages' Bimini Beach Club food menu (order as much or as little as you like):

• Lechon asado.
• Caribbean chicken and coconut curry.
• West Indian pumpkin curry.
• Banana leaf steamed red snapper.
• Bahamian mango and macadamia nut salad.
• Watermelon and jicama salad.
• Crispy cassava.
• Grilled corn on the cob.
• Tropical fruit salad.
• Rum cake with guava sauce.

Do not miss the curries or the delicious grilled corn on the cob with jerk mayo and toasted coconut. The rum cake is a Bimini Beach Club specialty, so save room for dessert.

Does my Sailor Loot or Bar Tab work at the Bimini Beach Club bars?

You do not need cash at the Bimini Beach Club, just the RFID bracelet you use on board. Your drinks will be charged to your onboard account, so you can use any credit from a Virgin Voyages' Bar Tab package or Sailor Loot to fund your beachside fun.

Does the beach club have Wi-Fi?

Virgin Voyages' onboard Wi-Fi extends to the beach club. You might have to reconnect your phone or other device, but you will have internet access on Bimini.

What's the typical Bimini Bahamas weather?

The weather is lovely in Bimini year-round, with average high temperatures ranging from the low-70s in winter to the mid-80s in summer. The summer months are the rainiest, with September typically getting the most rainfall. (That month is also the peak of hurricane season in the Atlantic and Caribbean.)

Be prepared that the beach can be windy and that winds can pick up or calm down throughout the day. If the surf is up when you visit, water sports might get canceled. The pool area is more protected, so head to the lagoon if sand is flying down on the beach.

Can I see a Beach Club at Bimini map?

You can find a map of the beach club in The Main House, to the left as you enter the club.

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Cruising to our Beach Club at Bimini is like cruising into your own exclusive beach paradise.

Bimini is the crown jewel of our caribbean voyages., get to know the beach club at bimini, our exclusive tropical experience in the bahamas.

Bimini, a little island on the western edge of the Bahamas, has been the island chain’s best kept secret for years. Now, thanks to Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini, the secret’s out – and we’re okay with it. Home to some of the cleanest white-sand beaches and turquoise waters in the Caribbean, not to mention our lively beach club, Bimini Bahamas is the tropical cruise destination that’ll quickly leap to the top of your list the second you set foot on its shores. The Bahamas is known for all-inclusive resort luxury, and we’ve certainly got that in spades at our rocking beach club, complete with cabanas and loungers. But there are also ample opportunities for adventure, from getting closer than you ever imagined to stingrays (and even swimming with them!) to scuba diving through coral reefs and snorkeling under a shipwreck. So whether you’re posting up with a book for the afternoon on the best white sand beach on the island, or spending a more active afternoon chasing marine wildlife, here’s what you need to know about The Beach Club at Bimini on your Bahamas cruise from Miami .  

What to Expect at The Beach Club at Bimini

There are over 700 islands in the Bahamas. So what makes Bimini special? Well, call us biased, but our Beach Club at Bimini has a lot to do with it. Our beach club is an exclusive escape designed to take the typical beach day to the next level. You could easily spend the entire day at the club, either lounging in a private cabana, on the beach, or by the lagoon-style pool. Food groves at the club’s edges offer free afternoon bites from a menu of local favorites, and six bars are scattered throughout with all manner of tropical drinks on tap. Enjoy your food and drinks in one of our hanging wicker chairs, hammocks, comfy couches, terrace seating, or in the pool itself – all while vibing to the upbeat sounds of our resident DJ. But this isn't like a Vegas pool party. Relaxation and rejuvenation is the name of the game here. So kick back and enjoy Bimini Beach Club however you want – whether that means tanning, napping, floating on a inflatable pool, or all three!  

All roads lead to Bimini, Bahamas

On Virgin Voyages’ Caribbean cruises, all roads truly do lead through Bimini. Well, almost all. We offer 16 epic cruise itineraries throughout the Caribbean, and the vast majority stop in Bimini. It’s the perfect anchor to any Caribbean vacation, whether you’re exploring the Eastern Caribbean in San Juan and St. Croix, or skirting the coast of Mexico at Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Bimini is a staple of our shorter itineraries, like Fire & Sunset Soirées , which sails from Miami to Key West and Bimini, and Dominican Daze , which visits Bimini and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

Whatever voyage you pick, you won’t just be signing up for a relaxing day on the Bimini beach (though that alone would certainly be worth it), you’ll have the chance to thoroughly explore Bimini through one of our Shore Things . Whether it’s taking a cultural tour of the island, hitting the water via jet ski, going on a hammerhead shark safari, or posting up in your own VIP cabana like a rockstar, it’s no wonder the adventurous author Ernest Hemingway spent so much time on the island.  

Join us in Bimini and see for yourself!

If visiting the Beach Club at Bimini is like getting the invite to an exclusive private party, well, consider this your invite. However you choose to enjoy it – whether it’s simply relaxing in a cabana or scuba diving – our island is your island, and we can’t wait to welcome you. You can keep daydreaming about the experience, or browse our Caribbean voyages to start getting excited. 

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Virgin voyages presents the beach club at bimini, bahamas, cruise to the bahamas, from miami, and turn that fantasy beach vacation into a reality., discover why cruises from miami are so popular..

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11 Things To Do at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini

Virgin Voyages may be a small cruise line compared to the major players like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, but there is no doubt that it is making a splash.

Since opening for booking in February — and even before — the industry has been abuzz with all the ways that Virgin is taking a different approach to cruising . From being adults-only (no one under 18 is allowed) to the look and feel of the ships to the fact that wi-fi and gratuities are included in the price of your cruise — instead of being additional costs.

And it’s not just on the ship where Virgin Voyages is making updates to the normal cruise experience. As many other cruise lines have done, Virgin is planning its own private space in the Bahamas, where cruise passengers can spend the day enjoying the sun and beach.

What’s different is… well, just about everything.

Known as The Beach Club at Bimini , the island is located about 55 miles from the Port of Miami where Virgin’s first ship will sail from. Already all itineraries announced so far for the cruise line’s first ship — Scarlet Lady — are set to have a stop at The Beach Club. One major difference in this port call? The schedule calls for lengthy, all-day stays instead of just a few hours . In some cases arriving at 8 a.m. and leaving at 6:30 p.m. and on other cruises arriving at 9 a.m. and departing at 10 p.m.

So what exactly can you plan to do while at The Beach Club all day? Here’s a list of things already mentioned by the cruise line to take up your day in port.

Hang out in (or by) the resort-style pool

According to Virgin, the pool at The Beach Club is the “central anchor” of the area. And judging by the renderings, it will definitely be the place to be. By day the sweeping pool surrounded by loungers will be a great place to cool off and hang out with the friends you brought or made on board. By night, the pool’s lighting accents — and nearby DJ booth — will make it an awesome place to hang out under the stars.

Start the day with yoga and meditation

Virgin is putting a big focus on your entire well-being on a cruise, not just having a good time and getting some sun. They call it “Vitamin Sea.” At The Beach Club, it includes morning yoga and meditation, with the sounds of the ocean as the backdrop. Given everything we’ve heard about Virgin, we’re not sure people will be up early in the morning, but those who are have a relaxing way to ease into their day on shore.

Be a part of the DJ-led party

While Vitamin Sea sounds great, let’s be honest. If you’re at a beautiful private resort in the middle of paradise, then you likely want to let loose a little. Virgin plans “DJ-led pool and flotilla parties will be the center of the action” during the afternoon. Grab yourself a drink and stake out a spot by the pool to have a day you won’t forget anytime soon.

Take in the beach bonfire

With the ship staying so much later at Bimini than most other ships stay at their ports of call, there is the opportunity to do some unique things you won’t experience anywhere else. In this case, Virgin plans to have a beach bonfire during the evening, along with acoustical music. When the sun is setting and things are cooling off, we can think of no better way to take in the evening.

Party with Mark Ronson as DJ

Now we’ve already mentioned the DJ-led parties by the pool, but if you’re really a music aficionado, then you’ll want to check your calendar. Mark Ronson (perhaps most famous for collaborating with Bruno Mars for Uptown Funk) will have four performances at The Beach Club during 2020. This is the only opportunity we know of to have a blast partying on the beach with a 7-time Grammy-Award-winner, who also just won his first Oscar.

Eat like a local

One of the big drawbacks of many cruises is that they can remove the culture of a place to appeal to the widest audience. For example, most private islands from the cruise lines will serve up hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. Virgin plans to offer Bahamian favorites instead, specifically mentioning “conch and mango salad, banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, Bahamian rum cake and more.” If you want something else, there’s always the eateries on the ship, which are free of charge.

Have a drink (or six)

No cruise is a cruise without having something tasty to drink. And while the new cruise line is changing a lot of things, it’s not changing that. The resort on Bimini will have six bars for you to choose from. And since you are there all day you can each try to do the “Bimini bar crawl” — get a drink from each bar at the club before you make it back to the ship.

Just hang out in a hammock

There’s not much that’s better than hanging out at the beach in a hammock. That’s going to be easy to do at The Beach Club. There are hammock spots in multiple places, including under a grove a palm trees and even some out over the water. It’s the perfect place to relax and share a quiet moment, catch a nap, or take in the evening breeze.

Rent a poolside cabana

As we mentioned, the pool is the focus area of Virgin’s exclusive area. And around that pool are loungers, but what if you want your own dedicated space? There are poolside cabanas to rent. And if you want to hang out by the beach? There are also beach-side cabanas to rent as well. No word yet on the cost, but we’ve seen cabanas at other cruise lines run around $250 for the day. That may seem high but realize that you can usually fit multiple people in a cabana.

Play on the beach

If you want to play while enjoying the beach, you’re in luck. Virgin Voyages has said that the club will have “active areas for watersports and beach play.” There are no official details yet on what that means, but we’d guess there will be active beach sports like volleyball and soccer to keep you entertained on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Explore the Island of Bimini

Most cruise lines purchase an entire island, making it entirely their own. Virgin Voyages has instead carved out its spot on a larger island of Bimini. That means you can head out and explore the island if you like. There’s a number of things to do and see, from simple sightseeing to diving, snorkeling, eating, fishing, spas, and just simple sightseeing while you drive around a golf cart.

For more on sailing Virgin Voyages, read how the cruise line will be different here .

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7 Insider Tips to Enjoy Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini

Virgin Voyages’ brand-new Bimini Beach Club is a breathtaking pristine Caribbean beach club located on Bimini Island in the Bahamas.

Before my first Virgin Voyages cruise , I researched and tried to learn everything I could about each cruise port ahead of time. Despite my attempts to prepare for a day at the Beach Club at Bimini, I missed quite a few things and wished I’d known before my day at the club.

In this article, I’m detailing seven insider tips to help you maximize your special time at the Bimini Beach Club. If you have any more questions about the Beach Club at Bimini or general questions about sailing with Virgin Voyages, let me know, and I’ll be happy to share my two cents.

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How to Make the Most of Your Day at Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini

The Beach Club at Bimini is a beautifully-designed private beach club available exclusively to Virgin Voyages sailors. Located just a few minutes from the Bimini cruise port, the Bimini Beach Club is a little slice of paradise, with a white sandy beach and glistening blue water.

The beach is lined with hundreds of comfy lounge chairs, and the club features two large pools and several bars. Lunch is always served, featuring Caribbean-inspired flavors. For sailors who prefer to relax, there are plenty of waterfront loungers, hammocks, and even private cabanas (for an extra fee). For sailors looking for the party, they will find it by the pools.

To make the most of your time at the Bimini Beach Club, follow my seven insider tips below!

Before you read on, make sure to bookmark my other Virgin Voyages guides to prep for your sailing .

Note : This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through these links, at no cost to you. But don’t worry, I only share products I’d truly recommend to a friend.

1. Leave the ship early to secure the best spot on the beach

This first tip is undoubtedly the most important.

Ensure you get plenty of rest the night before and wake up early to snag the perfect spot at Bimini Beach Club. I recommend getting off the ship within the first 30 minutes if your cruise is close to capacity or within the first hour if your cruise has less passengers.

After disembarking, you can take a cute tram directly from the port to the beach club. The ride takes about ten minutes, with one stop in between. Ensure you get off at the right stop (it’ll be obvious, but you could miss it if you don’t pay attention).

Once at the Bimini Beach Club, scope out the area and secure your spot right away.

2. Eat breakfast ahead of time

On my first visit to the Beach Club at Bimini, I mistakenly skipped breakfast, thinking that there would be food right away at the club. Sadly, I was wrong (and hungry)!

Lunch is the only meal served at the Bimini Beach Club, and it isn’t served until 11:30 or so (depending on the day). There also isn’t any coffee, tea, juice, or other breakfast drinks available at the beach club. However, there are plenty of alcoholic drinks available (with your Virgin Voyages bar tab ), even first thing in the morning. And there are a few non-alcoholic drink options like soda and coconut water.

With this in mind, make sure you fill your belly and get your coffee (or tea) fix before disembarking the ship. Since getting to the beach club early is important as well, this means you’ll want to wake up early with plenty of time to get ready, eat, and get to the Bimini Beach Club before the crowds.

3. Skip Shore Things on your first visit to Bimini with Virgin Voyages

You might consider booking a Shore Thing (Virgin Voyages’ name for a day trip, tour, or shore excursion) during your time on Bimini. If it’s your first visit to Bimini with Virgin, I recommend skipping the Shore Things and just enjoying all the beach club has to offer.

Besides alcoholic drinks and premium cabana reservations, everything at the Bimini Beach Club is included in the price of your cruise. Unless you hate the beach, you won’t get bored during your day at the Beach Club at Bimini.

You can do your own thing and relax by the water, reading a book and wading in the crystal-clear Caribbean ocean. You can lay in a hammock or rent a private cabana. You can sit by the pool and participate in the party. You can walk along the beach or swim in the water. You can participate in the scheduled activities, which can include things like paddle board yoga and “adult summer camp games” (basically Survivor-style games).

Several shades of blue in the gorgeous Caribbean ocean on Bimini, Bahamas

4. Pick your spot at the beach club strategically

The reason to get to the beach early is to pick your spot strategically. Depending on your preference, you may want to snag a spot where the party will be happening, or get the quietest sun lounger in the club. Here is an outline of the best areas of the Beach Club at Bimini, depending on what you’re looking for:

Quietest beachfront sun loungers : To the left when facing the beach, bordering the Rock Star Suite areas.

Chill hammocks : In the back of the Bimini Beach Club, near the second kitchen (on the left side, when facing the water).

Hidden spot with hammocks : In the back right corner of the beach club (when facing the water).

High energy party atmosphere and music : The pool to the right (as you enter the Bimini Beach Club).

5. Avoid rock star suite areas at the Bimini Beach Club (unless you’re in the suite)

The Rock Star Suite-only areas of the Beach Club at Bimini are not clearly marked unless you look at a map of the club. They’re located on the left end of the beach (when facing the water). Unless you’re staying in a suite and wearing a black wristband, avoid this area.

One of the two pools at Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini

6. Don’t miss out on activities

On my first visit to the Beach Club at Bimini, I made the mistake of not signing up for any activities. Not every activity is for everyone, but the moment I saw sailors participating in Survivor-style games, I knew I was missing out. Even though I didn’t join in time, it was fun to watch!

Each sailing has different activities, so be sure to review the lineup ahead of time and join in for any that sound fun to you. You typically can’t book Bimini Beach Club activities ahead of time, but you can reserve a spot with the crew at the beach club.

7. Take a walk along the beach

It’s easy to stay inside the confines of the idyllic Virgin Voyages beach club without leaving. But I highly encourage you to take a long walk down the beach, either by yourself or with a companion. The scenery is stunning, and the white sand is soft on your feet.

Walking along the beach near the Virgin Voyages beach club in Bimini, Bahamas

Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini FAQs

Can i use my bar tab at the bimini beach club.

Yes, you can use your Virgin Voyages drinks package (bar tab) while visiting the Bimini Beach Club. The drink prices are comparable to drinks on board, with some fun unique drinks, and even coconut water straight from coconuts.

Curious to learn more about the Virgin Voyages bar tab and drink prices? Read my full guide on the subject .

Coconut water at Virgin Voyages’ Bimini Beach Club

Is the food at the Bimini Beach Club included in the cost of the cruise?

Yes! Lunch at Bimini Beach Club is all-inclusive, and included in the cost of your cruise.

What is on the menu at the Bimini Beach Club?

The Beach Club at Bimini menu can vary slightly, but in general, it includes locally-inspired dishes like curry (meat and vegan version), grilled corn, rice and beans, fruit salad, salad, cassava, and more. If you’re curious about vegan options at Virgin Voyages’ Bahamas beach club, read my article on  Virgin Voyages Vegan Options  for a full overview.

Delicious vegan menu at Bimini Beach Club

What time is the Beach Club at Bimini open?

The opening time varies based on the cruise. During my cruise, the club opened from 8am-7pm.

How often do the shuttles between the ship and Virgin Voyages beach club run?

The tram shuttles on Bimini run every few minutes between the Bimini cruise port and Virgin Voyages beach club.

Riding the tram to the beach club from the Bimini cruise terminal

Do I need to go on a Virgin Voyages cruise to visit the Beach Club at Bimini?

Yes. The Beach Club at Bimini is only available for sailors on Virgin Voyages cruises. There is no Bimini Beach Club day pass.

Which Virgin Voyages cruises stop at the Beach Club at Bimini?

The Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady stop at the Bimini Beach Club on Caribbean Cruises , including the following Virgin Voyages itineraries:

★ Fire & Sunset Soirées 4-night cruise ★ Mayan Sol 5-night cruise ★ Dominican Daze 5-night cruise ★ Riviera Maya 5-night cruise ★ Western Caribbean Charm 6-night cruise ★ Dominican & Puerto Rican Daze 7-night cruise ★  Eastern Caribbean Antilles 8-night cruise

In general, Brilliant Lady and Resilient Lady cruises do not stop at the Bimini Beach Club.

Unreal shades of blue at the beach in Bimini, Bahamas

Final Thoughts: Virgin Bimini Beach Club

Before I took my first cruise on the Valiant Lady, I had no idea what to expect from the Beach Club at Bimini. I’d never taken a cruise before and had spent very little time at beach clubs despite my background as an avid traveler to beach destinations around the world.

When I travel, I typically try to adventure outside typical tourist spots to immerse myself in local culture and life. Going on a cruise with Virgin Voyages pushed me to try a new type of travel that focuses on relaxation and escape from the busyness of life.

My time with Virgin Voyages taught me that even though adventure-packed, culturally-explorative travel is my go-to, there is a time and place for relaxation-focused vacations. I want to explore the world as much as I can, supporting small businesses and building relationships with locals, but an all-inclusive cruise is a way I can recover and refresh while still traveling.

I would definitely visit the Beach Club at Bimini in the future. There is nothing like being able to fully relax by the turquoise blue ocean with all of the amenities Virgin Voyages offers right at your fingertips.

Whatever you do in Bimini, make sure you get off the cruise ship and enjoy the picturesque white-sandy beaches and gorgeous blue Caribbean water. The Bimini Beach Club is truly the perfect place to enjoy Bimini’s stunning natural beauty while being pampered in the same way you would be on the Virgin Voyages ship.

Preparing for an upcoming Virgin Voyages cruise? Be sure to check out my other  Virgin Voyages travel guides . If you have any more questions about the Bimini Beach Club, leave a comment on this article and I’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

Happy travels!

PS: If you’re leaving for your cruise in a few weeks (or days), here are a few things I recommend ordering online for your sailing:

Something Red

Scarlet Night is one of the most iconic events on board. Make sure you have something red packed!

There is a pajama party on the first night of every Virgin cruise. Pack some cute pajamas !

Get an extra pair (or two) of sunglasses—you’ll thank me later! I love SOJOS sunglasses .

You’ll need something to carry your things around the ship—and on cruise port days!

GoPro Camera

If you have any water adventures planned during port days, order a GoPro to capture those memories!

A Kindle can be a gamechanger for reading on vacation. They’re fairly affordable and easy to travel with.

About Annie

Annie is the founder of Your Friend the Nomad and an expert in the digital nomad lifestyle and vegan travel. She's lived abroad in Mexico, Italy, and Palestine, and traveled extensively in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

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March 23, 2024 at 3:43 pm

Thank you for your synopsis of the Valiant Lady cruise: my wife and I are traveling in July 2024 and your tips are amazing! This is our 2nd cruise and 1st Virgin experience and look forward to visiting Bimini!

March 29, 2024 at 2:33 pm

Thanks for your kind words, Bob. And lucky you! Enjoy Bimini, it is gorgeous and the perfect place to relax.

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Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini: What to Expect

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Virgin Voyages’ private island resort, The Beach Club at Bimini, is where tranquility meets exhilaration. The Caribbean paradise features lavish offerings, including pools, hammocks, lounge chairs, bars, private cabanas, live DJs, and more.

Thrill seekers can zoom around a jet ski and swim with sharks, while luxury lovers can spend a day lounging in the pool and sipping cocktails. 

When a Virgin Voyages cruise ship is in port, sailors have exclusive access to the private beach club. 

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Virgin Voyages’ private resort. From its location to the available activities, you’ll find everything you need to know about this gorgeous private resort below!

Table of Contents

What Is the Beach Club at Bimini?

The Beach Club at Bimini is a private resort on North Bimini Island, about 50 miles east of Miami or 60 miles off Florida’s coast. It’s managed in partnership between  Resort World Bimini , a Caribbean beachfront resort and casino, and Virgin Voyages, a luxury adult-only cruise line . 

The resort covers approximately 4.5 acres of land and is exclusively open to select guests. The Beach Club features a range of amenities for maximum relaxation and enjoyment, including pools, bars, food pavilions, and water sports. 

The Beach Club operates like your regular Caribbean private or European beach resort. There’s no fee, as your Resort World package or Virgin Voyages cruise fare includes entry to the private resort. 

The resort isn’t connected or located on Resort World’s property, so hotel guests must take a shuttle to the club.

When a Virgin Voyages cruise ship is in port, sailors (as the cruise line calls its passengers) have exclusive access to visit the beach club.

On days when Virgin Voyages isn’t in port, other cruise lines, Resorts World guests, and private events have access to the club.

Where Is the Beach Club Located? 

Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini is  located on North Bimini Island , one of three islands that make up Bimini in the Bahamas. It’s just a short distance from the island’s main settlement, Alice Town. 

Upon disembarking the cruise, visitors can ride a complimentary open-air vehicle (think Disney World tram) to get to the Beach Club.

The club is quite a ways ahead, so while technically possible to walk there on foot, it’s best to take the tram to save yourself the hassle. 

How Do You Get Around the Island?

A complimentary tram takes cruisers to several key stops on the island of Bimini, including a stop at Resorts World Hotel, Fisherman’s Village Marina, and The Beach Club.

It takes 15 to 20 minutes from the port to the Beach Club.  

If you arrive on a cruise line that isn’t Virgin Voyages, the tram will take you to the public area of the beach, Beach360. The public beach offers a couple of food trucks, water sports, and some vendors who may set up shops.

Virgin Voyages’ The Beach Club isn’t a private island. So you can explore the rest of Bimini. To explore the island, you can rent golf carts at the Fisherman’s Village Marina.

Once you arrive at the club, you can choose which area to set up for the day.

There are two main pools and a large beachfront with umbrellas and sun loungers. Umbrellas and sun loungers are complimentary, but the cabanas cost around $350 to $500 per cabana. 

What Cruises Visit Bimini and the Beach Club? 

Virgin Voyages cruise ships, Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, are the only cruise ships that offer complimentary access to the Beach Club.

However, you can book other cruise lines—Holland America, Celebrity, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean—to travel to Bimini. If you book with another cruise line, you can pay to visit the resort.

Things to Do at the Beach Club 

Virgin Voyages guests (called sailors by the cruise line) can participate in many activities. You can spend the entire day lounging at the bar or pool or chill at the beach, where you’ll find rows upon rows of comfortable lounge chairs waiting for your arrival.

During the day, the resort is a tropical island getaway perfect for tranquility and relaxation. By night, the Beach Club transforms into a party with dancing, beach bonfires, and live DJs. The parties on Bimini are enough to rival those of Ibiza.

If your itinerary includes a stop in Bimini, you can enjoy the evening party, thanks to a late-night stay. Our sailing arrived at 8 am and stayed until 8 pm. Late enough to enjoy an evening pool party and sunset on the beach. 

Others take the opportunity to partake in water sports or shore excursions. Here are some of the best things to do at the Beach Club: 

Chill at the Lounges and Bars 

For those looking to escape the sun’s glare but keep the ocean view, the club gives visitors access to a roofed, open-air lounge surrounded by palm trees and hammocks. 

The lounge fills up quickly, so you’ll want to nab a spot as soon as you arrive. 

The Beach Club has a total of six bars. The bars feature chic lounge areas with stylish, cushioned booths, shaded hammocks, and wicker swings that dangle over the pool, allowing you to enjoy your drinks in their full glory. 

Take a Dip at the Pool

The pool is one of the club’s most popular spots. The side-by-side lagoon pools are the first thing you see when you enter the club. Lounge chairs, cabanas, shaded huts, and cocktail bars surround the pools.

The loungers around the pool are some of the most coveted spots at Bimini. So get there early if you want to get one.

We got to the club around 11 am, and by that time, the only available loungers were on the beach or near the food groves.

Upon entering the beach club, you’ll find two pools: one on the right and one on the left.

Choose the pool on the right for a better party, with a live DJ booth and dancers at the far end.

Choose the pool on the left if you want a quieter getaway.

When night falls, you get to enjoy a nighttime pool party. Resident DJs host the pool party, but if you’re lucky, you might catch a performance by a celebrity DJ. Songwriter and record producer DJ Mark Ronson who’s a semi-regular guest at the Beach Club.

Those who would rather float around the pool can grab a floatie or two at no extra charge.

Visit The Beach

The beachfront section of the club is a slice of paradise. You’ll find bright blue Caribbean waters and a white sand beach.

There’s no shortage of lounge chairs and umbrellas at the beach, all of which are complimentary. 

You can also catch a nice view of the ship from the beach, making for an excellent photo backdrop.

Partake In Water Sports and Other Beach Activities 

While at the beach, you get to enjoy several water sports and activities. 

The Beach Club doesn’t offer any rentals. But you can rent equipment from Kayak Beach, located directly outside the port entrance. 

Water sports have added costs, including scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and jet skis. 

If your cruise itinerary has a late-night stay, you can watch the sunset from an ocean water hammock or sit around a campfire.

Other non-water activities include painting by the sea (with the equipment provided to you), beach yoga and meditation, nightly bonfire parties, and summer-camp-style competitions.

Rent a Cabana 

If you value privacy and exclusivity, you might be interested in renting a cabana. 

The Beach Club offers four types of cabanas: Bimini Grove Cabanas, Bimini Beach Cabanas, Bimini Lagoon Cabanas, and RockStar Cabanas. 

The Grove Cabanas overlook the hammock groves and the Caribbean Sea, whereas the Beach Cabanas overlook the Bahamian Sea. The Lagoon Cabanas are near the epicenter of the Lagoon pool.

As for RockStar Cabanas, they’re reserved only for those staying in RockStar Suites. These cabanas are in Richard’s Retreat, the club’s VIP area. 

Richard’s Retreat offers special privileges to its guests, such as food delivery, a dedicated DJ, a private bar, and a secluded beach away from the crowd. 

On the rare occasion that RockStar cabanas aren’t fully booked, special guests can snag a spot or two—so long as they’re willing to pay the premium price of $350 per cabana.

All cabanas come with an adjustable double day bed, a first round of drinks in the house (up to $100), drink coolers, and other extras provided by dedicated service teams.  

Indulge in a Bite or Two 

The Beach Club spoils its guests with drinks and food. Two food stations, which the cruise line calls “food groves,” are on opposite sides of the resort. 

Like their ships, the restaurants are not buffet-style.

Virgin Voyagers’ passengers enjoy complimentary lunchtime food served well into the afternoon. The menu includes tropical fruit salad, grilled corn on the cob, Caribbean chicken, banana leaf steamed red snapper, crispy cassava, and rum cake.

I really enjoyed the conch and mango salad.

The drink pricing is the same as on the ship. Water, coffee, tea, and soda are complimentary, but alcoholic beverages cost extra. 

Fortunately, you can use the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab to purchase alcoholic beverages at The Beach Club. 

Relax by the Hideaway

Near the club entrance is a palm tree forest with hammocks known as the Hideaway. It’s a great spot to escape the crowds and the loud music and relax in the shade.

Book a Shore Excursion

You can spend the entire day at Bimini and not spend any money. But several shore excursions are available if you want to explore the island and the sea.

Shore excursions include:

• Bimini Heritage and Cultural Tour (tour of the island)
• Fishing charter
• Guided two-tank scuba dive
• Great Hammerhead Safari and Scuba Dive
• Sapona Shipwreck and Shark Snorkeling
• Sapona Shipwreck Swim and Snorkel
• Swim with stingrays
• Midafternoon pontoon boat cruise
• Wild dolphin safari
• Jet ski tour for two
• Kayak tour for two
• Paint by the Bay: Bimini Art Workshop

You can book excursions (called “Shore Things”) through the app.

Is The Beach Club At Bimini Free?

Virgin Voyage passengers get free access to the Beach Club  and its amenities.

Guests with a booked room at Resort World receive all-inclusive access to Beach Club comes with the package. 

Otherwise, prices vary depending on the cruise line you’re sailing. For example, Carnival’s Beach Club pass costs $39.99 for a standard day pass and $99.99 for an open bar.

Is There Wi-Fi At The Beach Club?

Yes, there’s Wi-Fi throughout the property. The Virgin Voyages Wi-Fi is free for all sailors.

What’s Included In The Virgin Voyages Beach Club Pass?

Virgin Voyages passengers have free access to sun loungers and umbrellas, pool floats, Wi-Fi, beachside games, bonfire parties, and lunchtime food (plus unlimited water and soda). The tram ride to and from the resort is complimentary.

Do You Need Money At The Beach Club?

You don’t need to bring money to The Beach Club, just the same RFID bracelet you use on the ship. All purchases at the private resort are charged to your onboard account. Because purchases are charged through your spending account, you can use your drink package and Sailor Loot to make purchases.

Is The Beach Club Accessible? 

Yes, the Beach Club is accessible! 

The Beach Club is wheelchair accessible, with ramps throughout the resort. Pool lifts are also available upon request, as well as complimentary beach wheelchairs. 

Mobimats extend from the board towards the ocean, allowing those with wheelchairs to access the beach. 

Marcello De Lio

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Sneak peek at Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini

Dreaming of beautiful days spent relaxing in the sun? All of Virgin Voyages ’ Caribbean itineraries make a stop at Bimini, where Sailors can chill out at the private Beach Club. And once you’ve seen the photos of the white sand beaches and beautiful blue sea, we’re sure you’ll be booking your next trip.

Sitting on the westernmost part of the Bahamian Islands, Bimini is the far less-visited port, home to a more intimate and visceral heartbeat.

At the Beach Club at Bimini, Sailors can sit back and watch the waves of the impossibly neon turquoise water lap upon the shore of a seemingly untouched beach.

Or, you can relax with restorative options like beachside yoga classes and lounging by the pool in a private cabana. 

As the day winds down with a beachside bonfire, the night gives way to a vibrant-coloured sunset.

Visit Virgin Voyages to find out more and book now.

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Review of the Beach Club at Bimini

Posted on Published: 06/19/2023

Many of the major cruise lines have their own private islands (e.g.: Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay , Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay ). When Virgin Voyages launched last year, their Caribbean sailings included a stop not at a private island, but at a private, exclusive beach club located on a public island. Virgin Voyages’ The Beach Club at Bimini is a large, private beach club offering pools, beachfront access, and much more.

During my most recent sailing on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady , I was excited to check out the Beach Club at Bimini. Bimini is located off the coast of Miami (about a 2-hour ferry ride away), but our stop there was on the third day of our particular sailing. It does vary by itinerary.

Read more about the Beach Club at Bimini – Virgin Voyages’ private beach club destination. Note that Virgin Voyages is an adult-only cruise line.

We arrived at the cruise port of Bimini early. After breakfast at the Razzle Dazzle on the Scarlet Lady, we packed up a bag with sunscreen, books, a portable charger , and other beach essentials . Although we also packed beach towels, those were not necessary as there were racks of colorful towels available as we exited the ship.

Before you go, check the Virgin Voyages app for specific details on what documentation you’ll need for the day. This can vary depending on your plans in Bimini. We just needed our band, as well as a photo ID. Purchases at the Beach Club at Bimini can be made with the Band, so cash typically isn’t necessary.

Getting There

Once you exit the ship, you’ll be able to walk down a short pier to get to the trams. The island of Bimini isn’t a private island for Virgin Voyages, so there are other things you’ll be able to do at the island beyond the beach club.

The actual Beach Club at Bimini is private just for the cruise (for the day), and is located at Resorts World Bimini. On days where Virgin Voyages is not in port, the Bimini beach club is used by other cruise lines as well as by Resorts World Bimini .

Once you get on the tram, you’ll be driven to the beach club. It isn’t very walkable, so you’ll want to take the tram even if you are someone who enjoys walking. The tram ride isn’t too long, and there’s also a stop for those going on shore excursions.

If you are on the ship, hoping to see the beach club, you’ll be out of luck. It isn’t visible from the ship, unfortunately.

Once you exit the tram, you’ll be at the entrance of the beach club. From there, you can choose which area to set up for the day – there are lots of options.

I’ve been to the Bahamas many times but hadn’t been to Bimini. I was impressed with how beautiful the island is, with gorgeous light blue water and soft sand. I’d love to return in the future.

Excursions at Bimini

During your day at Bimini, you’ll have a number of excursion options, if you choose. Of course, you don’t have to book anything – you could easily just spend the day at the beach or the pool. Sun loungers and umbrellas are complimentary and there seemed to be many available in a variety of spots.

At the actual beach club, you are able to book various types of cabanas, including lagoon, grove, and beach cabanas (as well as private cabanas dedicated to guests staying in Rockstar Suites). These are smallish cabanas, with different amenities like daybeds and some included drinks. I found the prices to be relatively affordable in comparison with other cruise lines, but they are definitely smaller cabanas.

On my second visit to the Beach Club at Bimini, we rented a cabana by the pool and beach. It included $100 of bar credit and had food and drink service. These are popular, so if you see one available on the app, you should book it as soon as possible.

Because Bimini is not a private island, you’ll have more opportunities for excursions beyond the beach club. These include shark snorkeling, dolphin safari, a mid-afternoon cruise, a historical tour of the island, and a scuba dive.

These official Virgin Voyages excursions, called “Shore Things”, can be booked in advance on the Virgin Voyages website or on the app. I’d recommend doing that as early as possible, because availability may be limited. If you have to go through customs, you may need additional documentation, so make sure you check before you leave the ship.

Timing at Bimini

Unlike other cruise ships, Virgin Voyages is docked at their private destination for the entire day into the evening. So, you don’t have to worry about leaving just as you are having fun. Instead, you’ll be able to stay until around sunset. On our voyage, we had to be on board by 7:30 pm, but this varies by ship and itinerary.

Party at the Beach Club at Bimini

Virgin Voyages is known for its amazing signature dance parties, held each day of your cruise . At Bimini, the party is a pool float party, which takes place in the middle of the day. There are also other activities, including morning yoga, as well as a pool DJ playing music throughout the afternoon. In the evening, you can watch as the fireballs and a beach bonfire are lit on the beach.

Beach at Bimini

Speaking of the beach – Bimini has a gorgeous one, with beautiful blue water and a beautiful white sand beach. It is more northern than popular Caribbean islands, so the water can be cooler in the winter months. During our May cruise, I found the water to be a little chilly but not cold at all.

There were plenty of chairs with umbrellas set up along the beach. Whether you want a full sun location or prefer the shade, there were lots of seating options.

Pools at Bimini

While we really did love the beach area, there are also two gorgeous lagoon-style pools overlooking the sea. There is seating along the pool, and the water is nice and warm. We also spent some time sitting in the shallow seats along the pool. You’ll probably want to visit both areas during your day in Bimini.

In addition to the beach and pool areas, there’s also a terrace area as you enter the beach club. This area has different types of seating as well as a bar. There’s also a bar overlooking one of the pools with fun hanging wicker chairs.

Bars and Food

You won’t go hungry or thirsty at the Beach Club at Bimini. There are bars located throughout the resort, and servers also walk by the chairs taking orders. You can charge all of your drinks with your band, so there’s no need for cash or credit cards.

Coconuts are also available if you’d like to try local juice. They are delicious and are also fun for photos. Choose one from the cart, pay, and a server will make a hole in it for you.

Lunch is also included on the island. It includes things like conch and mango salad as well as Bimini snapper. We really enjoyed our lunch – it’s a step above standard BBQ fare.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a Virgin Voyages passenger, it’s free to visit the Beach Club at Bimini. When Virgin’s ships are in port, it is exclusively open to those passengers.

They do, but only when Virgin isn’t using it. You’ll usually have to pay to visit the Beach Club at Bimini when cruising with other lines.

Yes, if you have bar tab money, you can use it at the beach club.

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Unveiling Bimini Beach Club: Virgin Voyages Slice of Paradise

If you’re dreaming of sun-kissed beaches, azure waters, and a luxury experience that resonates with the rhythm of the waves, then let me introduce you to an oasis that’s setting new standards in cruise line destinations: Virgin Voyages’ Bimini Beach Club.

This exquisite beach club, nestled in the heart of the Bahamas, beckons travelers with its laid-back vibes and premium offerings. So, let’s delve deeper into this tropical paradise.

The Allure of Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club

• A Tranquil Retreat: Virgin Voyages has meticulously designed Bimini Beach Club to ensure guests can indulge in unparalleled serenity. From its pristine white sandy shores to the swaying palm trees and gentle ocean breezes, it’s an ambiance that’s both enchanting and relaxing.  Seriously, these are teal oceans and white sands that check all the relaxation and gorgeous vibes on your bucket list. You can’t miss it.

• Beachside Cabanas (pre-reserved, ask me how) are another great luxury at Bimini Beach Club.  They are offered in various locations with many views, some near the ocean and others in more secluded areas of the club.  You’ll be able to choose from Bimini Beach Cabanas, Bimini Grove Cabanas, Bimini Lagoon Cabanas, and Rock Star Cabanas.  Rock Star Cabanas are located in the private Rock Star area of the Beach Club and can be reserved by Rock Star guests only.
• Culinary Delights by the Ocean: Dining at Bimini Beach Club is included in your cruise fare and available from late morning until early afternoon.   Buffets are not a thing on Virgin Voyages or at the Club as part of their sustainability efforts. Instead, you’ll find two Beach Eats pavilions with food service offered by the crew members and nearby picnic seating. Rock Stars can order from their own private pavilion area keeping them from having to wait in potential lines or walk a distance to get lunch. Yet another reason to sail as a Rock Star on Virgin Voyages.

Immerse in Exclusive Experiences

• Yoga with a View: Greet the sunrise with morning yoga sessions right by the beach. The backdrop of the rising sun and the soothing sound of waves make for a transformative experience, aligning body, mind, and spirit.
• Gorgeous Pools: For those seeking a touch of opulence by the sea, Bimini Beach Club’s large pools with a swim-up bar and lively atmosphere are a treat.  These pools offer an idyllic setting to soak, sip on a cocktail, and watch the world drift by.
• Evenings to Remember: As the sun sets, Bimini Beach Club transforms into a vibrant party hub. From live DJ sessions that get your feet tapping to mesmerizing fire displays that light up the night, every evening here promises unforgettable memories. And don’t forget the bonfires as the sun sets. Note: Not all itineraries and sailing dates stay until sunset, so make sure you check the port departure time before booking your sailing if this is important to you.

Staying Connected & Safe

• Seamless Connectivity: While Bimini Beach Club encourages you to unplug and immerse in nature, Virgin Voyages ensures you’re never too far from the digital world. With high-speed Wi-Fi, those Instagram-worthy shots can be uploaded in real time. AND it doesn’t cost extra! Yep, WIFI is included in your voyage fare!
• Sustainable & Conscious: Virgin Voyages’ commitment to sustainability is reflected even here. From eco-friendly amenities to conservation initiatives, the Beach Club ensures your luxury doesn’t come at the environment’s expense.

The Bimini Magic Awaits at Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club

If there’s one experience you shouldn’t miss aboard Virgin Voyages, it’s a day at Bimini Beach Club. Combining the thrill of adventure with luxurious relaxation, it truly is a destination like no other.  In fact, it might just be my favorite port stop on the Miami sailings.

Are you curious to explore more about Bimini or ready to set sail?

Email your favorite Love of the Magic Vacations Travel Advisor or [email protected], and let’s chart your voyage to this slice of paradise!

Big bonus when you book your next Virgin Voyages Adventure with us – receive up to $600 in additional Sailor Loot, aka onboard credit, for your next adventure. Ask us how.

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First Look: Virgin Voyages’ The Beach Club at Bimini

Official photos from virgin's new adults-only caribbean private enclave.

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Here’s your first look at Virgin Voyages ‘ private destination hub in the Caribbean – The Beach Club at Bimini.

The new beach club is a resort-like experience designed for relaxation and sits on the westernmost part of the Bahamian islands. This photo and video gallery ( click an image to zoom in ) shows the beach club centred around an expansive lagoon-style pool.

Guests on all Virgin Voyages’ Caribbean sailings will visit Bimini on their cruise, arriving at 10am and not departing until midnight.

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Mornings at The Beach Club at Bimini will begin with yoga and meditation as guests enjoy the sounds of the ocean.

The energy at The Beach Club at Bimini will be gradually amplified as the day progresses and turned back down as dusk settles in. The high point of the day will be the afternoon where DJ-led pool and flotilla parties will be centre of the action, concluding with a bonfire on the beach.

The Beach Club at Bimini offers guests – otherwise recognised as “Sailors” by Virgin Voyages – the chance to secure a private cabana right on the beach for up to six people.

Featuring beach chairs, a day bed, drink coolers and other perks. Just a stone’s throw away from the turquoise Bahamian sea, the cabanas include a US$100 drink package to get things started.

Similarly, the Beach Grove Cabanas affords stunning vistas of the Caribbean Sea and the chilled hammock groves of the Beach Club, and accommodate up to six Sailors.

Other cabanas that can be reserved include the Bimini Lagoon Cabana and the Bimini RockStar Cabana, the latter of which is located in a VIP area of the beach called Richard’s Retreat.

Sailors also have a variety of excursions they can participate in from Bimini, including a hop-on, hop-off tour via an open-air tram cart, as well as a Wild Dolphin Safari, a swim with Stingrays safari, guided scuba diving, shipwreck snorkelling, a heritage and cultural tour, and more.

The first arrivals at The Beach Club at Bimini will be aboard Scarlet Lady in September 2021.

All images supplied to LATTE by Virgin Voyages

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Resorts World Bimini

Bahamas Resort & Casino

Virgin Voyages’ Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas: The ultimate guide

Virgin Voyages likes to do things a little differently than other cruise lines. It does not operate on a private island, like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line. Instead, it invites guests to an exclusive beach club on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas, where cruisers can enjoy sand, sun, and sea without paying for an excursion.

Virgin Voyages’ Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas is a staple on all of the cruise line’s Bahamas and Caribbean sailings. Read the entire article here for a guide to everything you need to know about Bimini, Bahamas.

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• Cruise Reviews

Bimini Beach Club Shore Excursion Review

Doug Parker

• March 9, 2022

When Virgin Voyages debuted, it announced that passengers would have access to an exclusive beach club in Bimini that was only for Virgin Voyages guests.

North Bimini Island’s exclusive beach club, a Caribbean paradise, features private cabanas, umbrellas, hammocks, day beds, lounge chairs, and more.

The cruise line teamed up with Resorts World Bimini to build out this area about a mile from the cruise port, which offers powdered sand and turquoise blue water.

However, during the cruise industry shutdown, cruise lines were looking for alternative ports in the Bahamas and started calling at Bimini Island.

The beachfront property, which was first developed for Virgin Voyages, is now accessible to other cruise lines on days when a Virgin ship is not in port. Carnival Horizon was the first ship to call there with passengers in July 2021.

Located 60 miles off the coast of Florida, the port’s location allows ships to stay for a good portion of the day before returning to Miami or Port Everglades in just a few hours.

This article focuses on my experience as a non-Virgin Voyages guest at the Bimini Beach Club. I was sailing on Carnival Cruise Line, and I went to the beach club both times.

Booking the Bimini Beach Club Shore Excursion

If you’re sailing to Bimini Island on Scarlet Lady or another Virgin Voyages ship, you do not need to worry about buying a ticket because everything is included in the price of your cruise.

However, if sailing on another cruise line like Carnival, you’ll have to purchase your ticket before arriving on the island or on the day of.

While keeping in mind that pricing may vary depending on the cruise line you’re sailing, Carnival’s pass was $39.99 for the Bimini Beach Club day pass and $99.99 for the pass with an open bar.

To purchase such an excursion, you must go to your online cruise manager or purchase it on board, either at the shore excursions desk or through the cruise line’s app.

Because the cruise pier can only hold one ship at a time, you don’t have to worry about the resort getting too crowded unless everyone on your ship decides to book the shore excursion. Even then, plenty of areas remain to escape and enjoy your day at the beach.

Towels are provided at the Beach Club, so you don’t have to take a towel to the ship if you don’t want to.

Docking in Bimini

There is a dock here, so there’s no need to tender. When you arrive at the pier, you’ll first notice how blue the water is. While the ship was docking, there was a pod of dolphins close by, and in the distance, you could see sea turtles swimming around.

Upon disembarking, there is a booth on the dock that you’ll check into. One of the staff members will put a bracelet around your wrist based on the package you bought. The difference between the bracelets is that one is for the open bar, while the other is just for the standard day pass.

After receiving your bracelet, you’ll wait for the open-air vehicle (think Disney World tram) to take you a mile down the road to the entrance of the beach club. (Note: It is not recommended to walk to the resort because there aren’t any sidewalks the entire way, and it gets very hot.)

The short transfer to the club entrance takes about five minutes. The staff will inspect your wristbands before letting you into the resort.

First Impressions of Bimini Beach Club

The resort has a mixed feel between a Las Vegas resort pool and Carnival’s Half Moon Cay beach.

As soon as you get off the tram, you check in and enter the resort according to your wristband. Inside the complex, there’s a bar where you’re served a welcome cocktail (also available without alcohol). This is also the bar you’ll go to if you bought the open bar package.

There were also bathrooms and changing areas that were very clean and constantly being mopped and wiped down.

Everything here is on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you’d like to get your pick of the sun loungers, it’s best to hop on one of the first trams. Our first tram was at 8:30 a.m.

There are cabanas located throughout the property for rent. If you want to purchase one for your visit, you can contact a staff member at the resort. The cabanas are based on availability.

Free Wi-Fi is also available on the property.

Pools at Bimini Beach Club

Just past the bar, there are two expansive lagoon-style pools with swim-up bars and chairs with umbrellas lining each side. You can clearly tell the resort was branded for Virgin with dark red umbrellas around the entire property; otherwise, the bars and chairs were designed with soft earth tones.

The pool on the right side has a DJ booth at the end of the pool, whereas the left pool is a little quieter. The pools are only 20 feet apart, so you’ll be able to hear the music from either one.

However, you won’t find any flotilla parties or beach bonfires — those are strictly reserved for Virgin guests.

During our visit, we opted to hang out in the pool on the left side (without the DJ) because we wouldn’t be right under the speakers.

The music was pretty good; I’m not sure if the tracks were from Grammy award-winning songwriter and record producer Mark Ronson or just what the DJ had available. Virgin teamed up with the artist when launching the beach club.

Both pools had a swim-up bar, and all the cocktails cost $12 each. The poolside bars take cash and credit cards, and gratuity is not included in the check.

It didn’t matter where you were on the property; you were never far from hearing the sounds of the ocean. It’s ultimate relaxation at its best.

Just off the pool area, there are hammocks anyone can use. They were so comfortable that I fell asleep in one of them for about 30 minutes.

MORE: 18 Photos of The Bimini Beach Club & What Cruisers Should Expect

The Oceanfront at Bimini Beach Club

Depending on when you visit the island will depend on how cold the water is. When we were there in July, the ocean was balmy at 84 degrees. In February, it was 76 degrees.

It’s amazing how your body reacts to the drop in temperature in the water because, on land, it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference between 84 and 76 in the humidity.

The water is crystal clear, which is perfect for trying a wide variety of aquatic activities, including seeing marine life, offshore fishing, bonefishing, snorkeling, and reef fishing.

There was a line of chairs oceanside once you walked down to the beach with a mixture of some covered clam shells thrown in there. The clamshells were the first to be taken, followed by areas with umbrellas.

There’s a nice-sized span of beach that butts up against the free beach. The difference between the free public beach and the Bimini Beach Club is that you don’t have access to facilities or beach chairs if you opt for the free beach experience.

In my opinion, it’s better to pay the $39 for the day pass to one of the resorts. Yes, you’ll be dropping money on the excursion, but at least you’ll have access to shade, a towel, a freshwater pool, and bathroom facilities.

Open Bar Package

The drink package from the ship does not work here. Whether the open bar add-on is worth it depends on what type of alcohol you drink. It’s $60 more than the basic package, and if you’re drinking five or more drinks at $12 each, it’s probably worth it.

However, there are a couple of things you should know going in.

There is a dedicated bar that the package includes, and that’s the same bar that you get your welcome drink from. The upgrade does not include anything but good brands. So, if you’re cool with the cheap vodka or rum, it could be worth it. If you’re not, you might want to pay for drinks individually.

Also, you do not get frozen drinks with this package — it is only beverages on the rocks such as vodka and soda, margaritas, rum and coke, and mojitos.

Dining at Bimini Beach Club

Unlike those visiting the island with Virgin Voyages, dining is not complimentary for guests from other cruise lines.

In fact, dining is where things get a little expensive. Chicken sandwiches, burgers, chicken Caesar salad, and chicken tenders with barbecue sauce are available for purchase.

Everything was $15, and the sandwiches and tenders came with a bag of chips. The bottled water was also pricey. Two chicken sandwiches, two chicken tenders baskets, and four bottles of water set us back $80.

The food service was a bit on the slow side, but it was solid and what you’d expect $15 chicken tenders would taste like!

Getting Back to the Cruise Ship

Bimini operates trams every 15 minutes that will take you back to the ship. Depending on the tram you take, you’ll head directly back to the pier or stop at a couple of the Resorts World tram stops to pick up other guests heading back to the ship.

Once you arrive at the pier, you’ll have to pull your ship card out to show it to port security, and then the driver will take you up to the roundabout where you boarded the tram earlier that morning.

DO NOT try to bring shells back onboard the vessel. There was a garbage can full of conch shells, and one guest tried to get back onboard with a box full of them but was quickly shut down.

While it’s not technically illegal to bring shells back to the United States, the cruise lines frown upon it because of the rules set by the Department of Agriculture .

The agency says the shells must be properly cleaned to avoid bringing microorganisms home. The shells also have to be declared and inspected by US Customs upon reentry to the states.

Final Thoughts of Bimini Beach Club

The beach and pool day is awesome and totally worth the $39 pass for all of the amenities and the flexibility to hop between the pools and the beach.

The tram service was efficient, and for someone who isn’t a big fan of cruise line excursions, this is perfect. You are basically doing your own thing after you get the wristband after debarking the ship in the morning.

If we do it again, we will not get the drink package. As much as I tipped to get upgraded to Titos vodka, it would have been cheaper for me to pay a la carte for the two drinks I ordered there.

However, I can’t blame the resort for this; the cruise line should have outlined what was served better.

This wasn’t the first time Carnival has done this. Over the summer, they misled guests to believe that the Blue Lagoon VIP Tour in Nassau was an upgraded experience, but it wasn’t.

Once the cruise guests got to the island, it was a totally different experience than they had been led to believe. Everyone got 50 percent of their money back.

Overall, this was a great way to spend six hours. They did a superb job developing this resort; it is just what cruise guests would expect and want from a beach day.

READ NEXT: Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know

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Ahoy and welcome to an overview of our current offers and promotions designed to #RaiseYourSales as your clients Set Sail the Virgin Way.

Free Sailing Club Bar Tab.

Being in our Sailing Club really has its perks, with members receiving up to $400 in free drinks between April 3-17, 2024 using an Access Key sent via email — on top of up to 80% off their 2nd Sailor. From Caribbean escapes to gorgeous Mediterranean getaways, they’ll unlock (and sail with) our first bundle of perks, Blue Extras, which kick in after their second voyage. Check out our updated Sailing Club page to find out all the latest program updates.

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With a vibrant home port nearby, Florida residents don’t need to travel far for an incredible getaway. Tell your Sailors in the Sunshine State about our exclusive Florida Resident Rate — they’ll score an extra 5% off when they sail to the Caribbean in the next 45 days (or less).

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Virgin Voyages Room Service Menu

Virgin Voyages room service menu is a set menu. You can order whatever you want. All you need to pay is a $5 delivery fee.

Here are all the menus:

Please note prices and items can change so please check with your cruise line when ordering.

Ship Eats No Stomach Left Unturned (Breakfast Menu)

You can order through the SAILOR APP or Dial EXT 604271 or 604272

Ship Eats No Stomach Left Unturned (Food Menu)

11am – 5am

Mini Bar & Retail Menu

Drinks menu.

Morning or eve up to you

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