Solo sailing for women on Virgin Voyages: mix, mingle, and meet new friends

Solo travel is a contentious subject among travelers. Some readily embrace the freedom and the opportunity to explore alone. Others are more intimidated by the prospect of going anywhere alone, concerned about boredom and even safety. That’s especially true for women, who often have valid safety concerns when traveling to a foreign country solo. Well, whether you’re single, married, an empty nester, or just looking for a wellness break from your kids (and everyone else’s kids), a Virgin Voyages cruise is the perfect opportunity for solo travel for women.

Indeed, solo female travel searches have trended up on Google for the last two years. 86% of women have traveled alone in the last 12 months, though unsurprisingly, personal safety was their #1 concern. Despite valid concerns about venturing to another country alone, here’s why a cruise is actually the ideal way to take that first solo vacation.

Solo Cruises – one of the safest ways for women to travel

Cruises are actually one of the safest types of vacations you can choose for traveling alone. Sure, you might not have the safety net of friends to fall back on, but that only increases your incentive to meet new people. And on a cruise ship, you can feel reassured knowing you’re traveling in an environment specifically designed for safety and inclusivity.

Compared to flying to a different country, booking your own hotel, and taking your chances with local tours and experiences, cruising is a highly regulated mode of travel with rigorous safety standards. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is dedicated to ensuring safety and security at sea, implementing measures to make cruising exponentially safer than any land-based vacation. These include highly trained security personnel, an extensive prohibited items list, transparent crime reporting, and exhaustive security protocols upon boarding.

Best destinations for solo trips for women

One of the benefits of solo travel is also one of the drawbacks: the choices are all yours. No one to lean on for advice, and no one to blame if you make a poor decision. When it comes to picking a destination for your solo cruise, there are plenty of options that won’t leave you with any regrets. You probably want to visit ports brimming with cultural attractions, delicious local cuisine, and beautiful scenery, and don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. These are our top 10 destinations perfect for solo travel for women. 

1. Bimini, Bahamas

Our exclusive Beach Club at Bimini offers all the comfort of an all-inclusive resort while also giving you the freedom to explore the island on one of our Shore Things. Relax on the beach and finish that book you’ve been meaning to get to, indulge in complimentary apps by the pool, or meet fellow Sailors on an excursion swimming with stingrays. 

2. Santorini, Greece

Not just for honeymooners, Santorini is actually one of the best islands in Greece for solo travelers. From its beautiful whitewashed Cycladic architecture to beaches perfect for catching rays, you can spend your day exploring the city streets or just relaxing and doing some much-needed self-reflection.

3. Ibiza, Spain

Famous for its party atmosphere, Ibiza is the perfect place for solo travelers to meet new people in a loose environment. You can also spend some time exploring the island’s Old Town, simply strolling the medieval streets and having a peaceful day of solo adventure.

4. Cannes, France

You don’t have to be a movie star to grace the beaches of the French Riviera. Cannes is the ideal setting for your own personal French holiday. Stroll the Boulevard de la Croisette, or treat yourself to some shopping (or just window shopping) in the ritzy boutiques.

5. Costa Maya, Mexico

The beaches of Mexico are some of the most picturesque in the world. In Costa Maya, you can have the perfect beach vacation, or a solo adrenaline rush zip lining through the treetops or ATV’ing through the jungle.

6. Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Salt ponds, windmills, lighthouses, and white sand beaches. This is what a day in Grand Turk can look like, if you take advantage of all the island has to offer. You might not be traveling with a group of friends, but you certainly won’t be bored.

7. Cozumel (Playa del Carmen), Mexico

From exploring ancient temples to snorkeling through colorful reefs, and checking out underwater sculptures, Cozumel has it all. So even if you’re traveling solo, you’ll never be starved for entertainment here.

8. San Juan, Puerto Rico

The safe city of San Juan is perfect for the solo traveler looking for a dose of culture, architecture, and history. Stroll the colorful streets of Old San Juan, admiring the centuries old Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and indulging in local delicacies like mofongo. If you’re feeling extra spicy, you can even check out a salsa bar.

9. Oranjestad, Aruba

It’s called “One Happy Island” for a reason. Friendliness and hospitality are simply part of Aruba’s culture. Whether you’re sampling fresh seafood at a local restaurant, or shopping in Oranjestad, you’ll immediately feel welcome and at home here.

10. Transatlantic/Reposition Cruise

Solo trips don’t have to be confined to long weekends. The seasoned solo traveler might choose to take a longer voyage across the Atlantic on a journey that lasts over 10 nights. These kinds of voyages really give you a chance to meet new people, feel like the crew is family, and truly get some much-needed alone time for relaxation and reflection.

Mingle & meet new people

Meeting new people isn’t just for the singles out there, but single travelers will especially appreciate how easy it is to mix and mingle with new friends on a cruise. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert – adult-only solo cruises are perfect for connecting with other like-minded Sailors. With events like a PJ Party, Scarlet Night, and tons of single Sailor meetup events, there are plenty of opportunities to break the ice. Take those friendships to new (and embarrassing) heights in our bookable karaoke rooms, bond over shared misfortune in the Casino, or throw back shots together at Gunbae, our Korean BBQ restaurant with communal dining and drinking games. These experiences and more make Virgin Voyages the ideal vacation for single women.

Plan & book a solo cruise

Traveling alone might feel intimidating at first, but once you step aboard one of our cruises, you’ll feel immediately at ease and filled with excitement for meeting new friends. While traveling solo might not be a lifestyle you pursue for years to come, it can be an empowering choice and a growing experience, giving you the time and space you need for self-care and rejuvenation. And though you might be traveling alone, you won’t be completely alone in the process. Our Sailor Services team is here to help you at all stages of the booking process, to ensure you have the best solo or singles cruise possible.