Solo Cruising in Europe: Why Virgin Voyages Works for First Timers

Is Virgin Voyages a good first cruise if you're going solo? Short answer: yes, and the pre-trip nerves burn off faster than you'd think. Here's the cheat code of cruising solo: you unpack once. One cabin, one bed, zero hotel check-ins between cities, so the "logistics" part of a six-city trip basically disappears. Onboard, the social stuff isn't left to chance either. There are meetup mixers built for people sailing solo, plus nightlife that's exclusively adult across spots like the Red Room and the pool deck, so a good conversation doesn't have a curfew. And if you are the keep-to-yourself type, there are plenty of quiet yet vibey cozy corners throughout the ship to enjoy ocean viewing (and people watching). Every fare includes free group fitness classes, and the Athletic Club and running track are there when you want to sweat it out, or treat yourself to a massage in Redemption Spa when you'd rather not. Dining's included too, no specialty upcharge in sight. Frequently Asked Questions Do solo travelers get charged extra on Virgin Voyages? Solo pricing varies by cruise line and can shift by sailing, so it's worth checking current fares for the specific one you're eyeing. Virgin Voyages leans heavily into adult, independent travel, solo Sailors included, so it's a fare structure worth pulling up directly on the website before you compare it to anything else. What's the easiest way to meet people on a cruise if you're going alone? Shared meals, group workouts, and evening entertainment are the low-stakes entry points, since they put people in the same room without anyone having to make the first move. On Virgin Voyages, Gunbae Korean Barbeque turns strangers into dinner friends over a hot grill, the Grog Walk is a pub crawl with games that get you to meet other Sailors, and there are dedicated Solo Sailor meet-ups throughout the itinerary to help you meet others who are also sailing by themselves. Can you see a lot of cities on a cruise without a ton of planning? Yes, because the ship is doing the heavy lifting: it's your transportation, your hotel, and your home base, rolled into one moving building. For example, a 12-day Virgin Voyages sailing through Europe can hit six cities without you ever booking a flight or checking into a hotel in between. But there are many itinerary types, lengths, and destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, transatlantic, and more. Curious what a solo, exclusively adult sailing actually feels like day to day? Explore current itineraries, from Europe to the Caribbean to Alaska, on the Virgin Voyages website. #VirginVoyages #SoloCruise #FirstTimeCruiser 🎥 : Jodi Collins