Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini: What to Expect + Is It Worth It?

When I booked my first sailing with Virgin Voyages, I kept hearing people talk about “Bimini day” like it was the highlight of the entire trip. A private beach club? Included? Adults-only? With turquoise Bahamian water and an actual DJ pool party?

Was it going to be too good to be true?!

WELL, it turned out to be the PERFECT port day for busy professionals (hi, 9-5ers 👋) who don’t want to over-plan every second of vacation (which was our only goal when we booked a cruise). In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, what’s included, whether a cabana is worth it, and how to make the most of your day at Bimini Beach Club on a Virgin Voyage.

---

---

What is the Bimini Beach Club?

The Beach Club at Bimini is Virgin Voyages’ private, adults-only beach club located on the island of Bimini (in the Bahamas) AND it’s exclusively for sailors on your cruise.

Unlike traditional cruise ports, where you step into a busy town and choose from dozens of third-party excursions, Bimini is designed to feel effortless. Virgin created a curated beach day experience that blends a laid-back Caribbean setting with a modern, slightly Miami-inspired vibe.

Here’s what makes it different:

• Private access — only Virgin Voyages guests are allowed (and yes, this means no local vendors on the beach)
• Adults-only — no kids, no family beach chaos
• Included in your fare — access + a full beachside BBQ lunch
• Two distinct vibes — party energy or peaceful relaxation

The club itself features two lagoon-style pools, a stretch of soft white sand beach, complimentary loungers, multiple bars, and optional cabanas for rent. It’s organized enough that you never feel lost, but open enough that you can truly relax.

If you’re a first-time cruiser (especially one who doesn’t love the idea of crowded tourist traps), this stop feels refreshingly simple. You dock, hop on a quick shuttle, and within minutes you’re settled into vacation mode.

In other words: no planning spreadsheets required.

---

Getting There: What to Expect on Bimini Day

Unlike some cruise ports where you have to tender in on small boats (which can take forever), your Virgin Voyages ship docks directly in Bimini. That means you simply walk off the ship when you’re ready…no complicated logistics.

Seriously. It took us less than 5 minutes to exit the boat.

Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Disembark at your leisure: There’s no rush unless you want prime pool/beach seating. Most sailors head down mid-morning after breakfast.
• Step 2: Hop on the complimentary tram: A free open-air shuttle runs continuously between the ship and the Beach Club. The ride takes about 5–7 minutes.
• Step 3: Arrive and pick your vibe: You’ll check in with your wearable band (no tickets needed), grab a lounger, and settle in.

If you prefer to walk, it’s about a 15–20 minute flat walk from the pier to the Beach Club, doable, but most people opt for the tram in the Bahamian heat.

Timing Tip!

If you want:

• Front-row lagoon pool chairs
• Umbrella shade
• A prime beach lounger

Arrive earlier (within a half hour of the boat docking). We got off around 9:30ish (after a 9:00 am docking) and found plenty of seats (with umbrellas) still available. However, by 11:00 am, all the umbrella seats were completely full.

If you’re more go-with-the-flow and don’t mind hanging back, you can easily sleep in and head over closer to lunchtime.

---

The Layout

One thing I loved about the Beach Club at Bimini is that it doesn’t force you into one type of experience. The space is intentionally designed with two very different energy levels, so you can choose your own adventure for the day.

1. The Lagoon Party Pool

This is the iconic Bimini energy you’ve probably seen on Instagram.

• Live DJ starting late morning
• Swim-up dancing by early afternoon
• High-energy crowd
• Floaties + social atmosphere

By lunchtime, this area turns into a full-on beach club vibe. Think: Miami meets the Bahamas. It’s fun, upbeat, and very social.

2. The “Relaxation” Pool

Just a short walk away, the energy slightly shifts.

• Quieter atmosphere
• More space between loungers
• Lower music volume
• Easygoing, chill vibe
• Volleyball Net

This area feels more like a boutique resort pool. You’ll see people reading, napping, sipping cocktails slowly, and actually talking without shouting over bass.

3. The Beach Area

Beyond the pools, you’ll find soft white sand and calm turquoise water along the shoreline of Bimini. This is where I spent the entire day. Because who wants to be in a pool when the ocean is THAT BLUE?! (Okay…a lot of people do, but not me).

• Complimentary loungers
• Swimmable, clear water
• Plenty of photo ops
• Less chaotic than the main pool

4. Other Areas:

Throughout the resort, you’ll also find picnic tables for lunch, a large space in the back with yard games (horseshoe, bocce ball, etc), bathrooms, multiple bars, changing rooms, and the main house if more shade is needed.

---

Food & Drinks: What’s Included at Bimini?

One of the biggest questions first-time sailors ask about Bimini is: Do I need to budget extra for food?

The short answer? Nope. At the Beach Club in Bimini, your lunch is included as part of your sailing with Virgin Voyages.

And this isn’t a sad hot dog situation. It’s a full-on elevated beach BBQ.

What’s Typically Included

The menu can rotate slightly, but expect things like:

• Grilled fish and seafood
• BBQ chicken
• Steak or pork options
• Fresh salads
• Roasted vegetables
• Caribbean-inspired sides
• Plant-based/vegetarian options
• Dessert

It’s served midday in a structured window (usually a few hours), so you’ll want to plan around that if you’re bouncing between beach and pool. We of course tried one of everything, and it was delish (as with all the food throughout the cruise).

What About Drinks?

Drinks are not included, but they’re easy. You don’t need cash. Everything charges directly to your onboard account using your wearable band, just like on the ship.

If you purchased a bar tab before sailing, it works here, too. (Frozen drinks cost between 14 and 15 dollars each).

Browse all Virgin Cruises with a Bimini Stop!

---

Cabanas & Upgrades: Are They Worth It?

If you’ve scrolled through photos of Bimini, you’ve probably seen the private cabanas lining the beach and pool areas. They look luxurious, but are they actually worth the extra cost?

Let’s break it down.

What You Get With a Cabana

Cabanas at the Beach Club in Bimini are an optional add-on through Virgin Voyages and typically include:

• Guaranteed shaded seating
• Dedicated lounge space for your group
• More privacy
• Attendant service for drinks
• Prime location near pool or beach

Pricing varies by sailing and location (poolside vs. beachfront), but they are definitely a splurge item ($300+).

When a Cabana Is Worth It

✔ You’re traveling with a group and can split the cost
✔ You want guaranteed shade all day
✔ You plan to stay from morning until late afternoon
✔ You like having a “home base” spot

If you’re celebrating something (birthday, anniversary, bachelorette), this can elevate the day.

When You Don’t Need One

✘ You’re just two people
✘ You don’t mind arriving early for loungers
✘ You’ll bounce between beach and pool
✘ You’re fine with umbrella shade instead of full coverage

There are plenty of complimentary loungers throughout the club, especially if you arrive before 10:00 am!

Honest Take

For most first-time cruisers, a cabana is a nice-to-have, not a must-have.

Bimini is designed well enough that you can have an incredible day without spending anything extra. But if you’re someone who values comfort, shade, and a little VIP energy? It can absolutely feel worth it.

It really comes down to this: Are you going “luxury beach club” or “easygoing island day”? Either way, Bimini delivers.

We were perfectly content with the complimentary sun loungers overlooking the beach!

---

What to Pack for Bimini Beach Day

Bimini is one of the easiest cruise ports you’ll ever visit, but bringing the right things makes your day so much smoother.

Because you’re visiting the private Beach Club in Bimini through Virgin Voyages, you don’t need much. Think: simple beach day, not full-on excursion prep.

The Essentials

• Your towels (provided by the ship, but you just have to bring them to the beach)
• Swimsuit (wear it off the ship to save time)
• Cover-up or light outfit
• Flip flops or sandals
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Small beach bag
• Reusable waterbottle
• Kindle or book
• Waterproof phone pouch

IMPORTANT NOTE! Towels are provided by the ship, so no need to pack your own from home. BUT, make sure to bring them off and back on the ship so you aren’t charged for missing towels.

What You Don’t Need

• Cash (everything charges to your wearable band)

---

Common Questions About Bimini Beach Club

Before sailing with Virgin Voyages, most first-timers have a few lingering questions about the Beach Club stop in Bimini. Let’s clear them up!

1. Is Bimini just a wild party scene?

It definitely can be, but only if you choose that area.

The main lagoon pool turns into a DJ-driven beach party by early afternoon. But there’s also a quieter relaxation pool and a calm stretch of beach where you can completely avoid the party vibe.

You control your experience. We swam in the ocean and hung out on our beach loungers all day long.

2. Is the Beach Club included in your Cruise Fare?

Yes. Access to the Beach Club and the full BBQ lunch are included in your cruise fare.

You only pay extra for:

• Alcohol
• Specialty drinks
• Cabanas

Everything charges to your wearable band.

3. Do you need a passport?

Technically, you should always travel with one when cruising internationally. However, for the Beach Club stop specifically, you remain within a cruise-controlled area, so you won’t go through traditional immigration when visiting the club itself.

(Still, don’t cruise without proper documentation.) It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and I always carry mine with me when getting off the boat.

4. Can you explore the island instead?

Yes. You’re not required to go to the Beach Club.

You can:

• Stay on the ship
• Book a third-party excursion
• Explore parts of Bimini independently

That said, most Virgin sailors opt for the Beach Club because it’s seamless and included.

5. Is there shade?

There are umbrellas and some shaded areas, but they are limited. If shade is important to you:

• Arrive early
• Or reserve a cabana

6. Is this stop good for introverts?

Surprisingly, yes.

If you avoid the party pool and head to the beach or relaxation area, it feels more like a boutique resort day than a spring break scene

Book Your Cruise with a Bimini Stop!

---

Is Bimini Worth It? + Final Thoughts for First-Time Cruisers

By the time Bimini rolls around on your sailing with Virgin Voyages, you’ve likely settled into cruise life. And then suddenly, you’re stepping off the ship into bright turquoise water in Bimini, wondering:

Is this stop actually worth getting off for?

For most sailors, YES. Absolutely.

But let’s break it down honestly.

Who Bimini Is Perfect For

✔ Adults who want an easy beach day
✔ Couples who like a little energy without full chaos
✔ Friend groups
✔ First-time cruisers nervous about complicated port logistics
✔ Busy 9–5ers who don’t want to over-plan vacation

Bimini works because it removes friction. There’s no researching restaurants. No coordinating taxis. No worrying about getting back to the ship on time. It’s structured, but still feels free.

Who It Might Not Be For

✘ Travelers looking for deep cultural exploration
✘ History buffs
✘ Adventure-focused excursion lovers
✘ Anyone who truly dislikes music or social energy

While there are quieter areas, this is still a curated beach club experience, not a secluded, untouched island.