We left the hotel at 9:00 a.m. so we could skip the hotel breakfast, go to Cracker Barrel, and then swing back to pack up the car properly before hitting the road. It just felt like the better plan.
The Rondos did their traditional CVS run before they officially hit the road at 10:00 a.m., heading out ahead of us like seasoned travelers. We pulled out at 10:45.
Somewhere along the drive traffic started stacking up and our GPS asked if we wanted to take a detour. We said yes. It rerouted us to the Turnpike while they stayed on 95 — and somehow we flew right past them. Nothing dramatic, just one of those lucky GPS diversions that worked in our favor. We’ll take the win.
We pulled into Miami around 1:45, handed our bags to the porters, and were directed toward the line. Thankfully, we found a bathroom first — because embarkation day is not when you want to ignore that instinct.
And of course, in every crowded space, there’s always a moment. A woman moved straight to the front of the packed bathroom line. No “excuse me,” no eye contact, no acknowledgment at all. It caught my attention because everyone else had been patient and kind. For a second I thought, I sure hope I don’t see her again this week. Travel days can bring out stress in people. We all regrouped and carried on.
Our boarding window was 2:30, but they waved us in at 2:15. I love when things run efficiently.
Once onboard, we didn’t overthink it. Straight to Draught Haus for that first official vacation drink. That first sip always feels like the exhale. From there we grabbed pizza — just enough for a light lunch snack to hold us over.
When the cabins opened, we headed straight to ours to unpack.
Later we met Craig at On the Rocks. Craig had sailed on this same ship back in January (different itinerary), and he immediately recognized Peter, the bartender there who had taken great care of him on that trip. Same warm smile, same easy energy — and he ultimately took great care of our group all week. It made the ship feel familiar right away.
When it came time for sail away, it ended up being just us with Steve and Debbie. Craig tends to skip things like that, but we like seeing it.
What I love about Virgin’s sail away isn’t just the music or the champagne — it’s the cast. They come out and introduce themselves, sharing what areas they’re in charge of and what you’ll see from them throughout the week. It feels personal, like they’re welcoming you into their world for the next several days. And then they introduce the Diva.
The energy shifts right there. Music up, crowd louder, crew dancing, the whole deck coming alive. It’s playful and polished at the same time. You can feel the moment the ship starts to move — Miami slowly shrinking behind us, engines humming underneath everything.
That’s when it becomes real.
After sail away, we headed back to our room to get ready for dinner. That little reset always feels good — change clothes, step out onto the balcony one more time.
The red hammock got immediate use: feet up, looking out over the water and the Miami skyline. Boats moving below us, sun bouncing off the water. That’s when it really settles in — we’re here.
Rest time up, we all made our way to The Wake where we finally were all together.
Craig explained that The Wake is the ship’s steakhouse. It’s well known and definitely one of the signature restaurants onboard. He said it’s good — and known for a few standout items — but he actually preferred the steaks at some of the other restaurants better. I appreciated the honesty.
The one thing The Wake absolutely has going for it? The view.
Big sweeping windows, ocean stretching endlessly behind you, and the sunset unfolding while we were at the table. It felt elegant without being stuffy. Watching the sky shift from gold to pink to deep blue while we were still finishing dinner made it feel like the right choice for night one.
After dinner, we wandered a bit more and stopped into The Social House. Shelves of games, relaxed vibe — it looked like a place we’d definitely circle back to later in the week.
From there we headed back to On the Rocks for an after-dinner drink and some live music. It was the perfect nightcap — low lighting, good conversation, easy energy.
By that point, though, the early start and full day were catching up with all of us. Embarkation adrenaline only carries you so far. We didn’t try to force it.
We headed in early.
Day one done. Ship explored just enough. Vacation officially underway.
Happiness is Possible 