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Sailing Solo

Embarking on a solo adventure at sea can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Virgin Voyages, with its laid-back atmosphere and friendly vibe, is an excellent choice for those opting to sail unaccompanied.

Millie from The Happenings Cast hosting Solo Socials, a meetup event for any solo sailors
Millie from The Happenings Cast hosting Solo Socials, a meetup event for any solo sailors © Photo by VV Insider

Embarking as a solo at sea can be an incredibly rewarding but also daunting experience. Virgin Voyages, with its laid-back atmosphere and friendly vibe, is an excellent choice for those opting to sail unaccompanied. This guide is designed to help you make the most of your solo journey on the open waves with Virgin Voyages.

Embracing the Solo Sailor

For solo sailors, the cruise line’s atmosphere is important. Virgin Voyages is known for its friendly and welcoming environment that promotes socializing and self-discovery. Whether you’re a first-time solo cruiser or an experienced sailor, Virgin Voyages provides a space where you can choose to be as social or independent as you like.

Accommodations for the Solo Traveler

  • Solo Cabins: Designed specifically for the solo traveler, Virgin Voyages offer both ’Solo Sea View’ cabins and ‘Solo Insider‘ rooms that cater to your privacy and comfort without compromising on the luxury experience. Keep in mind that solo cabins are very limited with only 4 Sea View’s and 42 Insider’s so book fast as they do sell out!
  • Room for One or More: If you’re looking for more space, you can opt for cabins intended for two or more passengers. Keep in mind that this option typically comes with a single-supplement fee, which can make it a pricier choice however you will only pay half the taxes. Look out for offers from Virgin Voyages as they often sell cabins at a single rate with no additional charge.
An inside cruise ship cabin
Solo Insider cabins offer great value and comfortable accommodations for solo sailors © Photo by Virgin Voyages®

Connecting with Fellow Sailors

Join Groups Before Setting Sail

By joining a Facebook Group linked to your sailing, you can meet fellow travelers in advance. These groups are listed on our website, and if one doesn’t exist yet for your sailing, consider creating one yourself and start the conversation off!

Solo Events And More

Virgin Voyages curates events with the solo cruiser in mind:

Solo Sailor Gatherings:

These events are perfect for meeting other individual travelers and making connections that enhance your voyage. There will typically be a sail away meet up event on the first night at 5:00pm at The Athletic Club.

Virgin Voyages will then hold dinners and additional meetups throughout the voyage hosted by the Happenings Cast.

Recommended Social Activities:

  • Grog Walk: A ship-wide bar crawl, normally held on the first night of the voyage, is a great way to make new friends on board. The Happenings Cast will take the lead and set sailors off on ice-breaker activities.
  • Gunbae: Sailors will always be seated with others at this restaurant, it’s a great way to meet new people as multiple groups will be sat together up to 8 people.
  • Trivia and Puzzles: There are many trivia events on board including Salty Trivia, Risky Quizness & a Speed Puzzle event. Smaller groups of sailors will always be looking for one more person to help them beat other teams so go along and take part.
  • Physical Games and Activities: Normally held in the Sports CourtThe Happenings Cast host a number of physical and fun events that require participation and teamwork. Activities include Dodgeball, Game On (a series of quick-fire team games like shooting hoops and corn hole) and more.
a group of people in fun pyjamas posing in a colourful room
Participating in the larger ship events like the PJ Party is a great way to stand out and meet new people© Photo by Virgin Voyages®

The Heart of the Ship’s Social Scene

The Happenings Cast: On Board Entertainment Team

Forget the traditional Cruise Director; Virgin Voyages introduces the Happenings Cast. A dynamic group of entertainers who are the lifeblood of the ship’s social scene. Getting to know them can be your gateway to an array of activities where other solo sailors will join.

A group of people in dazzling nightwear agains a plush marble background
The Happenings Cast are Virgin Voyages®’ fabulous alternative to a traditional cruise director© Photo by Virgin Voyages®

In Summary

Sailing solo doesn’t mean sailing alone, especially with the solo-friendly cabins, social groups, and tailored events. You’ll find that your solo journey can be as interactive and engaging as you desire. With the Happenings Cast leading the charge and a ship full of potential new friends. Set sail on your own terms, and discover the vibrant solo cruiser community that awaits you aboard Virgin Voyages.

A woman drinking a cocktail sitting on a red chair in the sun
Virgin Voyages makes sailing solo a vacation to remember© Photo by Virgin Voyages®

About the author

Co-Founder and Director. David has a background in web design and development and writes travel content, vacation guides and tips about Virgin Voyages.

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8 Comments

  1. Beatriz del Cueto says:

    Good afternoon!
    My cruise is on March 8th 2025. If you don’t have a board time until 4pm, is it possible to unpack and make it to the first meet up at 5pm? Also at what time does the barcrawl start? Is there a way to board earlier if you are traveling solo.
    Thank you in advance
    Bea

    1. Jodi Jackson says:

      Keep checking back for a new boarding time on the app. You won’t lose your place if you do and don’t find it. It’s so quick, just take back the one you had. I wasn’t supposed to board till 3:30 and got a 2:15. If not, board and put your stuff down in your room, go to your muster drill station, and go to the solo sailor meetup at 5:00. Then the sail away party with other solos, then to a solo dinner at Raze Dazzle.

    2. Rob Sammons says:

      Yes I’d say so, I’d also arrive a little before 4pm, once it hits 3pm they are usually running fast. Grog Walk is at 9pm on the first night https://vvinsider.com/guides-and-faqs/guide/your-first-night-on-board/

  2. Jorge Figueiredo says:

    Virgin voyages has added nightly solo’s table reservations at one of the different restaurants each night

    1. Cassandra Vinsant says:

      How do we find about those?

      1. Jorge Figueiredo says:

        There should be a solo’s letter in you cabin when you embarking
        And I’m sure there be alot more information from the happens cast on first solo’s meet up and dinner

    2. Jodi Jackson says:

      All of them each night! Only a 4 top to most of them though.

  3. MaryGail Py says:

    Great information, thanks!

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