RockStar Life Hits Different
I just wrapped my fourth sailing with Virgin Voyages, this time on the Brilliant Lady out of Long
Beach. And I’ll say it again, this is one of the easiest, most fun ways to travel right now.
Getting There: Learn From My Mistake
Quick reality check for West Coast people. We flew… and regretted it.
By the time you factor in airport parking, baggage fees, seat selection, check-in, and delays
(especially on the way back), flying turned into a longer and more expensive headache.
Door-to-door, driving is about four hours.
Flying is easily closer to six or more when it’s all said and done.
Next time, we’re driving. Park for $25 a day and you’re on the ship with a cocktail while
everyone else is still waiting for their luggage.
Cabo San Lucas: Go Beyond the Marina
Cabo is great, but don’t just stay in Cabo unless you’re planning to hit Sammy Hagar’s Cabo
Wabo Cantina for the sixth time.
We took a tour about an hour outside of town to Todos Santos, and it ended up being one of the
highlights of the trip. The drive alone is worth it. Desert on one side, ocean views on the other, with those iconic Baja
cacti lining the road. It feels like a completely different destination.
Todos Santos itself is laid-back, artsy, and full of personality. Boutique shops, great restaurants,
and a slower, creative energy. We stopped at Viñedo Las Tinajas for tapas and a wine tasting, which was a surprise in the best
way. A French winemaker in Baja was not on my bingo card. The wines were very good, especially the whites and rosé, which were perfect for the climate.
It’s an easy half-day escape that makes Cabo feel like two destinations in one.
Mazatlán: Underrated and Worth Your Time
Mazatlán surprised me.
It’s a beautiful, very livable city with a mix of modern development and historic charm. You dock
right in port, which makes it easy to explore without overthinking it.
Old Town was our favorite. Gorgeous 100-year-old buildings, colorful streets, and a vibe that felt
like a mix of Old San Juan and New Orleans. Around the main square, you’ll find everything from casual local spots to higher-end Italian and
French restaurants tucked into courtyards. It’s an interesting mix, and it works.
We skipped formal excursions and hired one of the city’s iconic open-air taxis, called a
pulmonía.For about $40 per person, we had a private driver for three hours who took us all over the city,
shared history, and let us stop wherever we wanted.
Easy, flexible, no schedule.
We wandered through Old Town, had fresh oysters, and watched the cliff divers, which you
should not skip. It’s wild. Also worth noting, Mazatlán sometimes makes people hesitant, but we felt completely safe the
entire time.
Sea Days: The Part People Underestimate
We had three sea days, which for me is where this kind of trip really shines.
No rushing. No schedules. Just settling into a rhythm.
We made the spa part of our daily routine and I would absolutely do it again.
Salt room, steam room, dry sauna, hydrotherapy. It became less of a treatment and more of a
reset.
Morning movement, time in the spa, then ease into the day, whether that meant the pool, a long
lunch, or doing absolutely nothing.
They also offer yoga, wellness classes, and fresh juices, so if you want to lean into a
wellness-focused trip, it’s very easy to do here.
RockStar Perks: The Extras That Actually Matter
Your RockStar Agent
You have a dedicated RockStar agent, and it’s less about formality and more about everything
just being handled.
Your fridge is always stocked, fresh ice shows up daily, lemons are ready for cocktails, and your
in-room bar can be customized however you like.
One of my favorite touches was the record player in the room, with vinyl waiting for you. You can
request your favorite artists ahead of time. I had David Bowie queued up, so I was all set.
Richard’s Rooftop
This is where RockStar really feels different.
Private deck, two large hot tubs, a dedicated bar, and daybeds and cabanas included.
While everyone else is hunting for chairs or paying extra for space, you can settle in here for the
entire day without thinking twice.
More space, less crowd, better energy.
Happy Hour
Every day from 5 to 6 at Richard’s Rooftop.
Unlimited Moët champagne, plus a full selection of cocktails, including a few created just for
RockStar guests.
Not small pours, not watered down. Real drinks.
It’s one of the easiest, most natural social moments on the ship.
Priority Access
This is where RockStar quietly proves its value.
Priority embarkation, disembarkation, and tender access.
In Cabo, we came back to a line hundreds deep. They saw the band, walked us straight
through, and we were on the boat in minutes.
That alone saves you time and frustration.
The Extras
Complimentary laundry, private cocktail events, and access to experiences you can’t book.
We were invited to a private party with about 15 people, featuring a magician and mentalist
doing an intimate show.
Not advertised. Not available to the general ship. Just one of those moments where you realize
you’re having a completely different experience.
There’s also a hidden speakeasy onboard. Not easy to get into unless you know someone,
which is kind of the point.
Bottom Line
RockStar isn’t about showing off. It’s about access.
If You’re Thinking About It
This kind of trip works best when you build it around something.
Milestone birthdays, small group getaways, wine-focused trips, wellness experiences, even
pickleball groups.
I’m starting to design hosted sailings around this, built the way I travel. Good wine, great food,
movement when you want it, and zero hassle.
If it’s even remotely on your radar, check availability early. These suites don’t sit around.
Thanks for stopping by and following along on our Virgin Voyages adventure.
Scan the QR code below to explore upcoming cruise options, and feel free to reach out — I may have a few extra perks and value-adds waiting for you.
