I’ve identified taking a cruise as a desired vacation for a while now. Like, who wouldn’t want to spend a solid week at a floating all-you-can-eat buffet?? Around 2021, I began thinking fairly seriously about it. But still getting out of the pandemic, large crowds and small spaces wasn’t really top of the list. With a little bit of free time available for a vacation and it still being a little chilly, it seemed like the perfect time for a getaway to the Caribbean. I started looking at cruises that optimized for solo travelers. My research pointed toward Norwegian and Virgin Voyages as the gold standards for going it alone. Ultimately, Virgin won me over. The “no kids” policy was a massive selling point, and the ships just looked newer and more modern than the competition.
Life on the Scarlet Lady
The Food: I should note that Virgin Voyages does not actually have a buffet. That said, the dining was consistently good. The restaurants were enjoyable, though not quite “great.” The biggest headache was the reservation system; popular spots booked up almost immediately when they became available weeks before the trip. To grab a seat at Extra Virgin (the Italian spot), I waited two hours just to sit at the bar. Fortunately, “The Galley” was a fantastic alternative— a great variety of grab-and-go tasy food.
The Entertainment: This was a major highlight. Most of the entertainment is included in the fare, and the quality was top-tier. As a long-time fan, seeing Rondell Sheridan perform live was a treat. I also caught Booked!, a show featuring their unofficial celebrity, Lola, and the choreography was genuinely impressive.
The Accommodations: The cabin was surprisingly spacious for a cruise ship and featured a strong shower—something I always appreciate. But the real star was the balcony. It had the signature red hammock. It’s a cliche, but the relaxing swaying with a direct view of the water was as good as advertised. The sunsets from that vantage point were some of the best I’ve ever seen.
Shore Things
I’m not really a “hot weather person,” so I didn’t go overboard with the paid excursions (Shore Things). However, I did attend the Lucha Libre show in Cozumel, and it was a blast. The acrobatics and the ring antics took me right back to being a kid watching WWE. As for the scenery, the water in both Cozumel and Bimini was some of the most stunning blue I’ve ever encountered. In Bimini, the private beach club was a chill—multiple pools, a DJ, and a solid bar setup.
The Solo Scene
The solo traveler community on the ship was excellent. Everyone was incredibly welcoming. The solo sailors started a WhatsApp group to coordinate. There was never a moment where I felt like I didn’t have someone to hang out with if I wanted the company.
Final Thoughts
I’m sold on cruising and I’m already considering another cruise. Though I’d recommend Virgin Voyages, I’ll likely explore Norwegian for my next outing. While Virgin was adults-only, there were moments where it felt a bit “young.” It made me wonder if Norwegian might offer a slightly more “grown and sexy” atmosphere. I’ll do the competitive analysis before deciding which to rack up the loyalty rewards with.