I’ve always sought experiences that offer freedom, adventure, and the chance to meet new people. But until my first Virgin Voyages cruise, I never thought of myself as a cruiser. The idea of being stuck on a ship surrounded by children, eating at buffets, and following rigid schedules never appealed to me. That was until I discovered Virgin Voyages—an adult-only cruise line designed to offer exactly the kind of experience I was looking for.
The Perfect Adults-Only Cruise Experience for Solo Travelers
I booked an 11-day cruise through the Mediterranean on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady and went all in. From Barcelona to Athens, I had the freedom to explore new places, meet new people, and fully immerse myself in the cruise experience. And let me tell you—it was AMAZING!
Virgin Voyages really goes above and beyond for solo travelers like me. It’s a cruise line that feels like a blank canvas. You can mold your trip into whatever you want—whether that’s a relaxing retreat, an action-packed itinerary full of activities, or a party-filled adventure. The vibe on board is vibrant, welcoming, and full of like-minded adults. From day one, I found that I was able to connect with others thanks to the scheduled meetups and dinners Virgin Voyages sets up for solo cruisers. It’s a fantastic way to make friends while traveling.
Smooth Sailing (With a Few Small Hiccups)
Although my check-in experience in Barcelona was a bit messy due to technical issues at the port, having priority boarding (thanks to booking through Fora Travel) made it much less stressful. The terminal was hot, the lines were long, but thanks to this perk, I breezed through check-in and could immediately start enjoying my time on board.
Once aboard, the sailing was smooth and easy. The service was top-notch, and the cruise itself was full of options to tailor your experience to whatever you were in the mood for. Whether it was lounging by the pool, hitting the gym, or exploring all the onboard activities, there was always something to do.
My Solo Sea View Cabin: Cozy and Comfortable
My cabin, a Solo Sea View, was the perfect size for me. It was designed for solo travelers, so everything had its place. I had a double bed, a desk, a large closet with plenty of space for my belongings, and even drawers under the bed. The bathroom was compact but practical, with a cubby under the sink to store my toiletries and keep things neat. The best part? Every morning, I could wake up and look out my window to see a new port in the distance. It made each day feel exciting and fresh.
The Mediterranean Itinerary: Exploring New Destinations
The itinerary was perfect for me—a solo traveler who loves exploring new places. We started in Barcelona, and then sailed through the Mediterranean, visiting places I had never been before: Cannes, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Santorini, Crete (Chania), and Mykonos, before ending in Athens.
Here are my three favorite stops from this sailing:
- Crete, Greece: WOW. The landscape was breathtaking with its olive farms, orchards, and mountains. I took a Shore Thing excursion to a local monastery and distillery, where I tried some raki and local wine. The people were incredibly warm and welcoming—I’m definitely planning to return!
- Corsica, France: I fell in love with the mountains here! On another Shore Thing excursion, I visited a bee farm, tasted local honey, and even learned about essential oils and their health benefits. Corsica is the perfect destination for anyone interested in agrotourism.
- Sardinia, Italy: While I only explored the capital city of Cagliari, the food was unforgettable. After walking around the city and visiting the botanical garden, I had an amazing lunch at Trattoria Lillicu. Sardinia’s crystal-clear beaches are calling me back!
Food, Fun, and New Friends Onboard
Onboard, I had some of the best food I’ve ever had on a cruise. Gunbae and Test Kitchen were my favorites. Gunbae is a Korean BBQ restaurant where the communal dining experience includes a fun drinking game to break the ice with fellow diners. It was the perfect opportunity to meet new people and share a meal in a relaxed setting.
Test Kitchen, on the other hand, offered a challenge for my palate, with three different menus throughout the sailing. I was lucky enough to try two of them, and each dish was more inventive and delicious than the last.
I also joined a sushi class where I made two different rolls—call me Sushi-San from now on! And of course, there was the painting class with unlimited champagne. These extra activities added so much fun to the trip (they’re at an additional cost, but thankfully I had some Sailor Loot thanks to booking through Fora!).
I enjoyed my Virgin Voyages experience so much that I’m already planning my next adventures!
- June 01, 2025 - Riviera Maya - 5 nights - Valiant Lady
- May 28, 2026 - Seattle, Juneau & Canadian Coasts - 7 nights - Brilliant Lady
- September 06, 2026 - Iceland, Greenland, Canada & NYC - 13 nights - Valiant Lady
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing these incredible destinations, why not join me? I’d love to have you aboard! And if you're not sure which Virgin Voyages cruise is the perfect fit for you, don't hesitate to reach out—I can help you find your dream itinerary. Let’s make your next vacation unforgettable!
Looking for the Best Cruises for Solo Travelers?
If you’re considering a Europe cruise or another exotic destination, Virgin Voyages has an array of itineraries that cater to adults seeking something different—something that fits your personal vibe, whether you’re out to explore new destinations or simply to unwind.
Ready to escape? Check out Virgin Voyages’ upcoming cruises and see for yourself why this is one of the best cruises for women and solo travelers alike.
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