A New Year at Sea: Ringing in 2026 Aboard Valiant Lady with Virgin Voyages
From December 27, 2025 through January 3, 2026, Carrie Sergio, one of STM Travel Design’s Gold Top Producing Advisors, sailed aboard Valiant Lady with Virgin Voyages to celebrate the New Year, experiencing firsthand what makes this adults-only cruise line such a standout for couples and friends.
This sailing was designed as a relaxing, exploratory, adults-only New Year’s getaway, and it delivered exactly that. Starting and ending in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the itinerary introduced an entirely new set of destinations, including St. Maarten, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Barbados, and St. Croix; a perfect mix of culture, scenery, and laid-back Caribbean rhythm.
Carrie’s take?
“One of the most memorable moments of the trip was a catamaran sailing to the Pitons in St. Lucia, a bucket-list experience for us that offered dramatic views and time on the water. In St. Maarten, my husband and I participated in a hands-on Caribbean cooking class with a local chef, a “Shore Thing” experience we booked in advance that combined food, culture, and connection in a way that felt deeply connected and immersive rather than touristy.”
Onboard, Carrie noted that dining was a consistent highlight of the cruise. With no main dining room or set meal times, Virgin Voyages allows guests to dine when—and how—they want. (Two of her favorites from this sailing were Pink Agave and Extra Virgin, where Carrie highly recommends the pork dish at Pink Agave and the pappardelle at Extra Virgin: simple, elevated meals done exceptionally well.)
What made this itinerary especially unique for Carrie and her husband was its timing. Sailing over New Year’s Eve created a festive, celebratory energy onboard while still allowing plenty of space to slow down and unwind. For couples in particular, the adults-only environment meant no schedules, no distractions, and no responsibilities, just time to enjoy the experience together.
As with any real travel experience, not everything went according to plan. On the day of her disembarkation, an unexpected airspace closure prevented them from flying home as scheduled. Because Carrie is a professional Travel Advisor (and had travel insurance in place!), she was able to secure hotel accommodations and rework flights quickly while navigating the situation calmly and efficiently. It was a real-world reminder of the value of expert planning and protection when travel plans change unexpectedly.
Carrie’s biggest takeaway? Virgin Voyages strikes a rare balance between relaxation and adventure. It’s an ideal choice for couples and friend groups who want immersive destinations, excellent food, stylish ships, and a vacation that truly feels like a break.
Insider tips from Carrie for this sailing:
The Pitons in St. Lucia are a must-see—don’t skip this stop.
If Virgin Voyages offers a cooking class on shore, book it!
Onboard dining tip: order the pork at Pink Agave and the pappardelle at Extra Virgin— you won’t regret it.
If you’re curious whether a Virgin Voyages cruise is the right fit for your next getaway, working with an advisor who has sailed it firsthand makes all the difference. At STM Travel Design, our advisors bring real experience to every itinerary we design. Contact us now, to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your review, Carrie! We can’t wait to get on board our next Virgin Voyages sailing.