If you book a Caribbean itinerary with Virgin Voyages out of PortMiami, your voyage will almost certainly feature a stop at The Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas.
Rather than a standard, commercialized cruise port overrun with waterslides and straw markets, Virgin partnered with Resorts World Bimini to create a 4.5-acre private beach club. The property acts as a seamless land-based extension of the ship. The environment seamlessly blends a luxury, design-forward resort aesthetic with high-energy daytime pool parties.
Because the island is reserved exclusively for Virgin sailors on port days, the adult-only vibe remains entirely intact. Here is exactly what the experience looks like and what comes included in your cruise ticket.
1. What is Included at the Beach Club?
True to Virgin’s transparent pricing model, you can walk off the ship, spend the entire day at the club, eat a multi-course lunch, and never spend an extra dime.
Seamless Island Transportation
Your ship docks directly at the Bimini pier. From there, complimentary open-air trams run back and forth every few minutes, taking you on a quick, scenic 10-minute ride straight to the entrance plaza of the Beach Club.
Pristine Beach & Pool Infrastructure
- Two Massive Lagoon Pools: The center of the club features a sprawling 13,000+ square foot pool footprint divided into two distinct zones (one high-energy near the DJ booth, and one slightly quieter layout).
- Sun Loungers & Umbrellas: All standard beach loungers, clamshell shade structures, pool umbrellas, and hammocks are entirely free to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Club Conveniences: Fresh pool towels, clean restrooms, lockers, and outdoor beach showers are fully provided.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: The ship’s internet signal extends across the entire beach property, meaning you don’t lose connection while lounging on the sand.
Included Beachside Dining (“Beach Eats”)
Instead of standard burgers and hot dogs, two open-air dining pavilions serve up an entirely free, freshly made, Bahamian-inspired menu. You can walk up and order as many small plates as you like.
- Popular Mains: Red snapper and mango ceviche, slow-roasted mojo-marinated pork (Lechón Asado), Caribbean chicken and coconut curry, and West Indian pumpkin curry.
- Popular Sides: Crispy cassava with spicy mustard, grilled corn on the cob with jerk mayo and toasted coconut, and rum cake with guava sauce.
- Free Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Water, iced teas, and fountain sodas are completely free at self-serve beverage stations.
Onboard Programming on Land
The ship’s active hosts (The Happenings Cast) travel to the island with you. They lead complimentary morning yoga and guided meditation right on the sand, host beach volleyball matches, and run lighthearted, summer-camp-style games in the afternoon.
2. What Costs Extra?
While the essentials are covered, individual premium upgrades and beverages operate exactly like they do back on the vessel.
- Alcoholic Beverages: The club features six full-service bars serving specialty frozen cocktails, local beers, and fresh coconuts spiked with rum. You do not need cash or credit cards; you scan your wearable Sea Band to pay, and yes, it fully pulls directly from your onboard Bar Tab.
- Private Cabanas: For a luxury splurge, you can rent private poolside or beachside cabanas starting at around $350 to $650+ for the day. These private spaces accommodate up to four guests, feature premium daybeds, personal coolers stocked with drinks, and include a fixed beverage credit.
- “Shore Things” Excursions: If you want to leave the club property to explore Bimini, you can book guided excursions through the Virgin app. Popular activities include renting a jet ski, taking a golf cart cultural tour of the island, or booking a boat tour to snorkel the famous SS Sapona shipwreck alongside local nurse sharks.
3. The Daily Evolution of the Vibe
The Beach Club is cleverly engineered to change its atmosphere as the hours pass.
The day starts out like a quiet wellness retreat. Around midday, the central pool deck transitions into an upscale party atmosphere. A resident DJ spins tracks from a central booth, and floaties fill the water.
The absolute highlight for many travelers happens right before departure: the crew lights massive beachside fire pits as the sun dips below the horizon, shifting the music back to acoustic lounge tracks for an incredibly memorable final golden hour toast.
Insider Advisor Tips for Bimini
The “RockStar” Privilege Hidden Spot:
If you booked a RockStar or Mega RockStar Suite cabin tier, do not sit in the main pool area. Head straight to the back of the property to Richard’s Retreat. This is a strictly restricted, highly exclusive beach sanctuary featuring its own dedicated bar, a private DJ, plush clamshell loungers, and attentive waitstaff who will deliver your lunch directly to your beach chair so you never have to stand in line.
- Use up your Bar Tab here: Bimini is almost always the final port stop of a Virgin Voyages cruise itinerary. Remember that Virgin’s promotional Bar Tab is a “use-it-or-lose-it” credit that does not roll over or cash out. Treat your pool group to a round of premium cocktails or a bottle of champagne to zero-out your balance before heading back to Miami.
- Stake out a base camp on the left side: When facing the ocean, the pool area to the far left tends to be slightly more shaded and features floating wicker basket chairs hanging over the water. It is the perfect strategic spot if you want to be close to a bar and water station while escaping the intense direct midday sun.
Summary
The Beach Club at Bimini perfectly encapsulates why Virgin Voyages has disrupted the cruise landscape. By including excellent, Bahamian-inspired dining, free tram transit, complimentary beach infrastructure, and ship-wide Wi-Fi, it provides a highly luxurious private island experience with zero out-of-pocket friction. Whether you want to start with beachside meditation, dance at a massive pool party, or sip a rum cocktail next to a sunset fire pit, it acts as a flawless, adult-only escape.
