Splash Of Pride: NY to Bermuda

Our inaugural Splash Of Pride voyage brought together an incredible group of LGBTQ+ travelers and allies for five unforgettable nights aboard Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady. This was the trip that started it all — the very first BestMates Travel group cruise, sailing from New York to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda. Hosted by Omar, Peter, and Randy, Splash Of Pride set the standard for everything BestMates group travel would become: joyful, inclusive, and absolutely unforgettable.

Your Hosts

Omar (he/him) — Community builder, vibe curator, and the heart behind every BestMates gathering.

Peter (he/him) — Detail-oriented planner who made sure every moment ran smoothly from embarkation to farewell.

Randy (he/him) — The travel nerd who brought the group rates, cabin upgrades, and insider knowledge of all things Virgin Voyages.

Itinerary

Day 1 — September 5 (Friday) | Set Sail from New York

Embarkation at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, NJ. Settle into your cabin, explore the ship, and join us on the pool deck for our Welcome Aboard Mixer as Brilliant Lady sets sail past the Statue of Liberty and out into the Atlantic.

Day 2 — September 6 (Saturday) | Sea Day

A full day at sea to enjoy everything Brilliant Lady has to offer. Lounge by the pool, hit the gym, indulge at the spa, or explore all 20+ dining options. BestMates hosted a poolside party and trivia night to keep the energy high.

Day 3 — September 7 (Sunday) | Bermuda — Royal Naval Dockyard

Wake up to turquoise waters as we dock at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. Explore the historic dockyard, shop the Clocktower Mall, or join the BestMates shore excursion meetup for a group adventure on the island.

Day 4 — September 8 (Monday) | Bermuda — Royal Naval Dockyard

A second full day in Bermuda. Take a ferry to Hamilton or St. George’s, hit Horseshoe Bay Beach, snorkel the reefs, or simply soak in the island vibes. The ship stayed docked overnight so there was no rush.

Day 5 — September 9 (Tuesday) | Sea Day

Our final sea day and a chance to soak in the last moments aboard. BestMates hosted a farewell dinner at one of Brilliant Lady’s signature restaurants — a proper send-off for an incredible voyage.

Day 6 — September 10 (Wednesday) | Return to New York

Arrive back at Cape Liberty. Disembark with new friends, incredible memories, and plans already forming for the next Splash Of Pride.

What Was Included

Cabin aboard Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady
All dining across 20+ restaurants, eateries, and food halls (no main dining room — Virgin Voyages does it differently)
All group events and themed parties
Basic beverages (water, coffee, tea, juices, sodas)
Wi-Fi
Exclusive BestMates merch package
Tips and gratuities (included in Virgin Voyages fares)
Access to the gym, outdoor workout areas, and group fitness classes

Group Events

Welcome Aboard Mixer — Drinks on the pool deck as we sailed past the Statue of Liberty
BestMates Pool Party — DJ, drinks, and good vibes on the main pool deck
Trivia Night — BestMates-themed trivia with prizes
Shore Excursion Meetup — Group adventure day in Bermuda
Farewell Dinner — A seated dinner at one of Brilliant Lady’s signature restaurants to close out the voyage

Pricing

Four cabin tiers were available:

The Essentials — $1,375 per person | Sea Terrace cabin (balcony), perfect for travelers who want comfort and a view
The Luxe — $2,100 per person | XL Sea Terrace cabin with extra space and premium location
The Suite Life — $3,200 per person | Gorgeous Suite with separate living area, premium bar setup, and priority boarding
The Rockstar — $5,500 per person | The Rockstar Quarters experience — mega suite, in-room hot tub, dedicated agent, access to Richard’s Rooftop, and all the VIP treatment Virgin Voyages is known for

All pricing was per person based on double occupancy.

This Trip Has Sailed

Splash Of Pride: NY to Bermuda was our first-ever group cruise, and it set the tone for everything BestMates Travel has become. If you missed this one, don’t worry — more Splash Of Pride voyages are on the horizon. Keep an eye on our upcoming trips page for the next chance to sail with us.