Ship: Valiant Lady | Port Stop: Key West, FL
Location: 105 Simonton Street
Experience Rating: 5/5
Group: All Adults, All Fun
After months of diaper duty, snack time chaos, and running a thriving daycare full of little giggles and big energy—I finally did it. I took a well-deserved, adults-only cruise vacation aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady. No sippy cups. No timeouts. Just grown-up fun, sea views, and spontaneous adventures.
And one of the most unexpected highlights? Stumbling upon the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery during our stop in—yep, you guessed it—sunny Key West. Although, I don’t drink alcohol myself, it’s a fun educational tour for all adults.
When cruising aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, you expect stunning views, bold experiences, and indulgent moments—but nothing prepared us for the hidden gem we stumbled upon in Key West: the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery.
What began as a casual stroll through the colorful streets of Key West turned into an unforgettable flavor-filled experience. We had no idea that just a few blocks from the port sat a slice of history, creativity, and rum-soaked passion.
A Sweet Welcome (Literally)
🍍 Piña Colada Paradise
The moment we stepped inside, the vibe was electric. Neon signs, aging barrels, and the rich scent of molasses and oak filled the air. But what caught our attention immediately? The homemade Piña Coladas—famous for a reason. Creamy, refreshing, and perfectly tropical, they weren’t just a drink—they were a Key West experience in a cup. Award-winning and handcrafted with love, these Piña Coladas were unlike anything we’ve ever had before. Sorry, I forgot to take a pic this time 🤦🏽♀️ I will next time for sure.
A Tour Like No Other
🥃 Behind the Barrels
Our guide (rocking a vibrant tee and unmistakable island energy) led us through the distillery’s inner workings. From fermentation tanks to copper stills affectionately named Abuela and Bubba, we got a behind-the-scenes look at how rum is crafted with old-school methods and modern-day flair.
The barrels—some marked with personalized notes like “Wounded Warriors Ride” and “Old vs. New”—lined the room like proud storytellers, aging rum with both science and soul. We learned how the distillery uses everything from American oak barrels to unique filtration systems, and how every batch is crafted to be smooth, bold, and rich in character.
Sips, Smiles, and Surprises
✨ Lucky Shots & Laughs
Tastings were offered throughout the experience, and our group of legal-age adults enjoyed every moment of it. From “Bad Bitch Rum” to “Key West Raw,” the samples were as bold and unique as the distillery itself. The staff were funny, knowledgeable, and passionate—it was clear this was more than just rum to them; it was an art form, a legacy.
And just when we thought the fun was winding down, they surprised us with a raffle giveaway! One lucky guest walked away with a miniature bottle of their signature rum—a perfect souvenir and a sweet way to end a flavorful journey.
A Toast to the Unexpected
⚓ Unplanned Perfection
We never planned on touring a rum distillery during our cruise stop, but that’s the beauty of travel—especially with Virgin Voyages. It’s the spontaneous, off-the-beaten-path experiences like this one that make each journey unforgettable.
So if you ever find yourself docked in Key West, do yourself a favor: skip the usual tourist traps and head to 105 Simonton Street. The Key West First Legal Rum Distillery will welcome you with open arms, killer cocktails, and a whole lot of heart.
Until next time, cheers to rum, sunshine, and the sweet surprise of discovering something amazing when you least expect it.
🏝️ Cheers, from the Keys!
Interested in Virgin Voyages Adult’s Only Cruise? Let me know, I’m also a travel advisor. Or you can check it out on Virgin Voyage’s website here.
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