Splash of Pride: NY to Bermuda

Join us on the Mermaiden Voyage of Virgin Voyages' newest ship, Brilliant Lady.

September 5–10, 2025
New York City & King's Wharf (Bermuda)
Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady

The Vibe

Splash of Pride is the perfect queer take-over for those who find the bigger gay cruises too intimidating and not inclusive, but still want to vacation with a group of queer folks and allies. Splash of Pride brings you on board the most queer-friendly cruise line, Virgin Voyages, and we're welcoming you for one of the most fabulous voyages of the year!

In just a few years, Virgin Voyages has become known to bring together a diverse range of people who seek an elevated yet relaxing cruise getaway.

Featuring

The Itinerary

We’ll be sailing on Virgin's newest ship, Brilliant Lady. From New York, bliss meets luxury (and relaxation) during your day at sea, before arriving at King’s Wharf, Bermuda.

You’ll have two days to immerse yourself in the Bermudian pink sand and dance the night away under a sky of endless stars, before sailing back to NYC.

Day 1

New York City, NY

All aboard!!!!! We'll get on the ship as early as 2pm with priority boarding compliments of booking with Bestmates.

Once on the ship, it's the perfect time to grab a tour of the ship, spa and explore all the decks and get a lay of the land.

We'll have a meetup for our besties to officially welcome you all with drinks and some awesome swag!

The party kicks off and we sail away at 5pm!

Day 2

Day at Sea

Sea days are the ultimate vacation day, yours to enjoy however you want.

Up early ready to take a group fitness class or maybe you just want to pump some iron and kick away any lingering feelings from Friday's pajama party, OR keep the cabin curtains closed and sleep in and head to the pool once you've rested.

Run around chasing the activities from games, performances and dance parties poolside under the sun. There's no wrong way to enjoy your sea day, and the possibilities are endless.

Day 3

King's Wharf, Bermuda

We have a sea-morning, and arrive to Bermuda in the evening at 6pm.

We've been working hard and have an amazing event planned, Kandy Muse: Live in Bermuda! Thats right, Season 13 runner up, All Stars season 8 runner up, insanely talented and hilarious drag queen and entertainer THE Kandy Muse will be putting on a show that will be bananas.

After the show, we'll dance the night away by beats from NYC's very own, DJ Guilty pleasures.

Day 4

King's Wharf, Bermuda

Enjoy the slow morning exploring Bermuda and the beautiful beaches.

You've got 1/2 day left to explore the island before the ship sets sail making the journey back to NYC.

Day 5

Day at Sea

We get to enjoy another Sea Day. Missed that show everyone said was amazing on Saturday? Today's your chance to catch what you missed.

Head to the spa and treat yourself to a relaxing massage and enjoy the co-ed hammam and amenities of the spa, truly a beautiful and relaxing unique experience.

Day 6

New York City, NY

We wake up and are at port back in Hells Kitchen. The ship arrives at 6:30am, but you don't have to be off till 10am.

Maybe you want to get off early and head into the office to save that PTO for another Bestmates trip we have planned, or maybe take the day off and enjoy a short work week.

It's a sad feeling to leave the ship, but the memories and connections made will leave you feeling full of queer-joy!

The Details

We're taking your voyage experience to the next level. Splash of Pride includes everything you'd expect from Virgin Voyages PLUS our own exclusive experiences.

What's Included
  • Welcome Swag Bag
  • $100 Sailor Loot (per cabin)
  • Bestmates events on land and at sea
  • Coordinated group dinners
  • All food and dining (yes, premium dining as well)
  • Entertainment (expect the unexpected)
  • Group fitness (HIIT, yoga, cycling, and even meditation)
  • Essential drinks (no soda package non-sense here)
  • WiFi (for all the content)
  • Tips (no tipping screens to deal with)
  • Private group chat (stay in touch with sailors)
What's Not Included
  • Airfare
  • Hotels (optional add-on)
  • Transfers (optional add-on)
  • Tours & Excursions (optional add-on)
  • Alcoholic beverages

The Pricing

Whether you're a solo traveler looking to meet knew folks or a mega rockstar ready to live it up with your entourage, our Splash of Pride experience has something for everyone.

Starting price per cabin based on double occupancy and including our Splash of Pride pass:

  • The Insider – SOLD OUT
  • The Sea View – SOLD OUT
  • The Sea Terrace – $3,750 (Most Popular)
  • Rockstar Cheeky Corner Suite – $9,500

The FAQs

What is Splash of Pride?

Splash of Pride is a queer-centric group sailing on Virgin Voyage’s Valiant Lady. We’re building upon the best of what Virgin Voyages has to offer, but adding well, a Splash of Pride! Splash of Pride is this the most fabulous sailing of the year!

Who can join Splash of Pride?

Splash of Pride centers around celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride for everyone in the community, and in the spirit of pride, we welcome our allies, including friends and family. Keep in mind that Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, so all sailors must be 18 years and over to join us. If you are an ally, please be mindful that our Splash of Pride events intentionally center around LGBTQ+ folks, and we ask you to be respectful of one another.

Why Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages is an elevated, luxury cruise line strongly committed to inclusivity and diversity. Making sure all sailors feel welcomed aboard and wherever they travel, Virgin Voyages has become the most LGBTQ+-friendly cruise line in the industry.

Will other sailors be on our voyage besides our group?

Yes, this is a group trip and not a charter. Virgin Voyages attracts an extremely diverse array of sailors that are there to have a good time.

Is this a chartered cruise?

Splash of Pride is not a charter. It’s a group sailing on the existing itinerary. You can read more about this itinerary on the Virgin Voyages website.

Is this a circuit party?

While we love a good party, Splash of Pride is not a circuit party or circuit-like festival. We’re offering something different for those who love a good time but are looking for a different vibe. Don't worry if you still want to get your party on. Virgin Voyages is famously known for its parties onboard and this sailing is staying overnight in Bermuda. That means you'll have all night (and morning) to party.

Can I attend your events if I already booked separately?

Yes, even if you booked your voyage separately, you can purchase a ticket for Kandy Muse Live in Bermuda, linked on our page.

Are flights included?

At this time, air travel is not included in the Splash of Pride package. Therefore, each guest is responsible for booking their own flights. We strongly suggest that you arrive at least one day before embarkation day to avoid any unforeseen delays. Bestmates has partners with several area hotels if you'd like to book with us.If you must arrive the same day as embarkation, your flight should arrive by 12p. Disembarkation is from 7a-11a, but book your return flight after 12p to be safe. You must be onboard by 5pm, no exceptions.

What do you mean by Bar Tab & Sailor Loot?

Bar Tab is an onboard credit that can be used for any premium drinks such as alcohol, fresh pressed juices, smoothies, and non-drip coffee. ‍ Sailor Loot is onboard credit for anything (including drinks). You can go shopping, book a spa treatment, take a cooking class, and more.

What is the payment & cancellation policy?

You may choose to pay at least 20% upfront as a deposit, with the remainder due 90 days out from the sailing. Affirm financing is also available. ‍ Cancel or change the booking up to 120 days prior to sailing for a refund, except the deposit which will be a future voyage credit valid up to 1 year. ‍ Cancel or change the booking up to 45 days prior to sailing for a future voyage credit valid up to 1 year. Name changes accepted up to 48 hours prior to sailing. ‍ To avoid missing any deadlines, contact your travel advisor at least 2 days before embarkation or contact Sailor Services directly.

I’m a Travel Agent, can I book my clients on this?

Absolutely, use the chat on this page or email hello@bestmates.travel to learn about how you can enhance your client’s vacations with a Bestmates group trip. And yes, you'll still be able to earn your commission.