Two cruises. One suitcase. Zero regrets.
Last month I did something I didn’t know I needed: I sailed solo on back-to-back Virgin Voyages cruises from Miami — a 3-night Ultimate First Mate Appreciation Voyage followed immediately by a 5-night Riviera Maya itinerary. And spoiler alert: I didn’t eat a single dinner alone, laughed out loud daily, and made new friends I still talk to.
This wasn’t my first rodeo — or my first solo cruise. But it was my third and fourth Virgin Voyages sailing (Blue Extra status unlocked, thank you very much 🧼🌀) and my very first time sailing out of Miami. I came onboard looking to relax, recharge, and maybe catch a tan. What I got? So much more.
Round One: The Ultimate First Mate Appreciation Voyage
This sailing was a little different — it was packed with travel advisors and even Virgin Voyages’ CEO and head of marketing. When I say the vibe was high, I mean we were dancing with execs at Scarlet Night level high.
We had Q&A sessions, insider panels, previews of the new Brilliant Lady, and the rundown on Bimini Beach Club (my first time there — more on that later). I even got to tour the Rockstar and Mega Rockstar suites and start planning my inevitable upgrade. One day.
At night, we went full throttle: karaoke at The Groupie, shaking for champagne, and the kind of bingo where double jackpots and belly laughs are guaranteed. By the end of it, I had a crew of new travel advisor besties and a sore throat from all the cackling.
A Solo Cabin with Serious Style
My digs for this short sailing? A Solo Sea View cabin. Cozy, clever, and flooded with sunlight each morning. I loved waking up with the port in view and curling up in my bed nook — which, by the way, has a built-in TV right above your toes. Peak solo traveler comfort.
(Yes, these cabin pics are stock photos because I keep my own cabin a mess. 🙈)
After a quick hop off to re-check in, I was right back onboard — this time with a Sea Terrace cabin and even more room to sprawl. That hammock on the balcony? Heaven.
Virgin Voyages has a Solo Sailors program, and let me tell you — the group on this voyage was magic. We met at the Athletic Club on day one and something just clicked. We ate together, danced at The Manor, played bingo, watched shows, and yes, kept in touch after. (Group chat is alive and thriving.)
This was hands down my favorite cruise ever. Not just for the destinations — but because of the people.
Virgin Voyages is low-key a food-lovers cruise. My go-to restaurants?
Extra Virgin: The housemade pastas, meatballs, and charcuterie are always a hit. (New steak? Meh. Sorry, not sorry.)
Gunbae: It’s part dinner, part party. Go for the seafood pancake, stay for the communal vibes and gojujang chicken.
The Wake: Classic steakhouse vibes. Don’t miss the filet mignon or lemon cheesecake.
Pink Agave: That duck dish? Divine. Pair it with their guac and you’re golden.
Razzle Dazzle: The lamb and Maui mahi are underrated stars.
For snacks, the Galley never disappoints (bagel bar for breakfast, seafood rice for lunch). And The Dock House? Perfect for skewers and happy hour at Opa Hour. The lamb and shrimp skewers are musts.
Hot tip: Order paid items on Ship Eats worth $10+ and the delivery fee disappears. Also, if you're a soda can person (you know who you are), stock up — it’s the only place with cans!
I finally got to see the entertainment lineup on Valiant Lady and WOW. My top picks:
Ship Show: Variety, music, comedy, acrobatics, audience chaos — in the best way. Watching a new friend compete onstage was a hilarious highlight.
Miss Behave Show: My absolute fave. A spicy, irreverent game show where points don’t matter and sass reigns supreme. Bring your boldest energy.
The Magnets: An acapella group that made me rethink what five human voices can actually do. Goosebumps.
And of course, I showed up (in red, thank you) for Scarlet Night — where the pool party turns into a splashy, spontaneous dance fest. And yes, I joined the PJ party both weeks. Solo cruising = twice the themed parties.
In Cozumel, I did a Shore Thing that included a real-deal Lucha Libre match. As a Puerto Rican kid who grew up watching it on Saturday mornings, this felt personal. I yelled like I was 10 again. And the tacos? Chef’s kiss.
In Bimini, I got two visits:
Round One: Lounging with a new friend, coconut in hand, eating jerk chicken and yuca fries before dancing poolside.
Round Two: Dolphin-searching boat ride with clear skies and unlimited rum punch. No dolphins, but plenty of joy.
Every time I sail solo, I’m reminded why it’s one of the best gifts I give myself.
I nap when I want. I rally when I want. I say yes to karaoke or no to late nights — it’s all on my terms. I never feel lonely (unless I want to be alone — and that’s the beauty of it). There’s something freeing about not having to coordinate every move with someone else, and instead moving through your vacation guided by curiosity and vibe alone.
What makes it even better? Virgin Voyages gets solo travel. Their ships feel like safe, inclusive spaces built for connection — especially for solo women, queer and trans travelers, and anyone looking to make meaningful, low-pressure friendships along the way.
One of my favorite features is the Solo Sailors Program. I always make sure to hit up the Solo Sailors Meetup on embarkation day — usually held at the Athletic Club. It’s not a cheesy mixer. It’s a relaxed and friendly intro circle where you meet fellow solo cruisers and start planting the seeds for potential cruise friendships. The vibe is very "no pressure, just possibilities."
And that’s what I love — it doesn’t mean you’re now glued to a group for the next five days. It just means you’ll have people to grab dinner with, cheer with at bingo, or hit the dance floor at The Manor if you’re in the mood. It gives you options, which truly shape your experience onboard.
Whether you lean into connection or lean back into solitude — you get to decide. And Virgin Voyages gives you the space to do both, seamlessly.
1. Be open. Say hi. Join that dinner table. Sign up for trivia or Lotería. You never know where a five-minute conversation will lead.
2. Loosen up. No one knows you here. Wear the bold outfit, sing badly at karaoke, dance under the stars. There’s no better time to be your fullest self.
3. Use the app like a pro. Check in early, snag dining reservations 45 days out, and book through a First Mate (hello, that’s me 👋) to score priority boarding and early access to all the good stuff.
Whether it’s your first cruise or your fourth, I’d love to help you set sail like a pro. Let’s chat about itineraries, solo-friendly cabins, and the best ways to meet new people at sea.
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