Solo travel is booming as Brits who want to see the world head out alone on foreign adventures. But it can be worrying for some who don’t feel safe being abroad totally on their own.
It can feel especially unsafe if you love to party, head to clubs and explore exciting nightlife destinations like Ibiza. But, I think that cruising with Virgin Voyages could be the answer for any would-be solo partiers. You can get stuck into island hopping and dance the night away while feeling safe thanks to the crew and medical facilities on board each voyage – and let yourself get totally wild at the same time.
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In July, I hesitantly headed solo for a cruise on its second ship, Valiant Lady, where I discovered that this cruise is a world away from traditional sailings.
Many cruises attract quieter older generations but this kitschy, hedonistic voyage is geared right at the young-at-heart party crowd. You don't need to be a twenty-something, but you should be willing to get a bit rowdy.
We stopped at Toulon, Marina Di Carrara, Ajaccio, Cagliari, Ibiza and Barcelona – meaning travellers can spend a week heading through sunny France, Italy, Sardinia and Spain. A heavenly combination.
There’s something for every type of cruiser when on board – including a resident drag queen, topless areas, plenty of lounging space, a pool party, dramatic shows, secret invite-only parties and even club nights that go on until 6am.
Plus, when you’re on a ship you’re bound to make friends for the duration of your holiday (which is perfect for lone-rangers like me). Check out what’s on offer below – and what surprises may await you.
For the party animal
You can get stuck into champagne, cocktails – my favourite is the frozen Pina Lite from Gym & Tonic – and top shelf drinks as soon as you arrive with the opening celebration of the cruise where DJs blast tunes across the deck.
From the beginning of this cruise to the end, there’s almost always something going on – from the Diva’s hilarious drag show to Never Sleep Alone; an interactive sex show that divides opinions.
There’s also Untitled Danceshowpartything that rams together dancing, lights, costumes and singing in a somewhat bizarre but electric show that runs through the audience. And, Duel Reality has dramatic acrobatics and aerial movements.
The on-board nightclub – The Manor – has a glittering entrance that is every sailor’s favourite social media snap and goes on until late in the evening alongside parties in The Red Room.
To save money, I'd recommend splurging on a bottle of your favourite spirit for your cabin as soft drink mixers are free all over the ship while booze is pricy. Or, make friends with a Rockstar Room resident as they have free alcohol in their incredible rooms.
During the day time, I was a big fan of bingo with the Diva – the resident drag queen recharged the traditional cruise game with singing, dancing, insults and party games.
The grand prize was also a massive $640 (£520). Just don’t accidentally yell bingo as Martina will, in fact, humiliate you soundly. She also throws a drag brunch which is quite difficult to get a spot at!
You can get stuck into karaoke later on – and yes, everyone actually tries on this ship apparently – or head out to some of Ibiza’s biggest clubs as the ship stays open right through the evening after it docks at the party island.
The night I attended both Calvin Harris and David Guetta were in attendance on shore so make sure you check the line-up. There's even a make up artist who will cover you in glittering make up before you head out.
Arguably the biggest and best party on the Valiant Lady starts mid-voyage – Scarlet Night.
At around 9.30pm every overhead light on the ship turns a vivid red and the crew begin to turn out in costumes. Everywhere you walk on Scarlet Night has been transformed with enormous tentacles, UV props, floating lights and decorations.
Then the show begins… take your time walking around the ship and you’ll spot entertainment in almost every corner from acrobatics, to singing and juggling.
Later on, the big event kicks in as the dancers grace the sides of the pool with an electrifying, energetic R&B style show. A powerful ballad is sung by the resident songstress before dancers jump into the pool… and so do all of the sailors.
Scarlet night is a hedonistic festival of dancing, music, lights and booze. And, if you head up to "the Perch" you’ll also likely see some guests shrug off their clothing as this area permits toplessness – though pop your outfit back on when you go downstairs.
The revelling goes on until 6am with a pyjama party, drinks in the Manor and even secret parties which are invite-only. (Make friends with the crew and you may get a spot on the list!).
To me, Valiant Lady is the perfect ship for those who never want the party to stop – just remember to line your stomach at the 24 hour diner after your night out and you should be OK to dive back into the pool in the morning.
Those with a headache can use the Virgin App to order water, ice and food (I recommend the meatballs) or head down to the medical centre where Virgin offers IV drips.
It's not all about the partying
It’s not all about partying on board Valiant Lady.
For sailors who aren’t into the late-night scene there’s still plenty to do. You can go ocean kayaking in Ajaccio alongside other passengers, take a history tour of Ibiza Old Town, try anti-pasti in the Italian countryside of Marina di Carrera or lounge at a beach club on one of the island stops.
On board the ship, luxury lovers can indulge in shopping on the “High Street” which sells goodies from luxury brands like Chanel and Ray Ban, but there’s also plenty of Virgin merch alongside a cool Vinyl record shop for music lovers. As you're on the ocean, you can claim your tax back and shop Duty Free.
The Redemption Spa offers a range of services as well as access to a salt crystal room, body mud masks, sauna, wet room, steam room, hot tubs, heated marble benches and more.
Dr. Carmen – who has a Master's in Aesthetics – even offers injections for wrinkle reduction and skin tightening.
Anyone who's into body modification can go downstairs for a top quality tattoo at Squid Ink where artists from New York's "Inked" studio reside.
There’s plenty of sun lounger space up at the Sun Club bar, the Athletic Club, the Cabanas and in the Rockstar’s only bar known as Richard’s Rooftop. (Top tip: Free Moet is served everyday at Richard’s between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.)
The lounging spots in the main open space sit around the relatively small pool and have a Love Island vibe that’s perfect for chatting away to your fellow sailors or taking Instagram-worthy snaps.
Those who are feeling brave should head to the triple net – a layered net over 16 floors of open space. Spine tingling, but checked every day for safety and great for feeling the wind in your hair.
In terms of exercise there’s a blood-pumping, high energy aerobics VHS workout that makes you feel transported back into the 1980s while you can feel very 2022 strapping into the low-impact bungee class that takes some focus, but is lots of fun.
There’s even a running track that loops in a halo around the ship giving ocean-wide views while on your morning jog. Simply spectacular – and bound to give you that runner’s high even if it’s just from being, well… so high up!
For the foodies
Whether you love to party like a wild cat or prefer to rest and recharge most of us are happy to tuck into delicious food. And, there’s an abundance of options on the Valiant Lady – and almost all of it is included in the cruise price.
The Galley is the hot spot for breakfast where there’s every option under the sun from a Full English, to tacos, noodles, pastries, pancakes and more.
The menu changes at lunch – I’d recommend the tacos al pastor or tonkotsu noodles – but other options include poke bowls on the top deck and an elegant brunch at the Wake.
The Wake is the ship’s most popular eatery which serves incredible steak and fish as well as a raw bar (this costs extra) with seafood galore.
If you’re looking for the best starter on the boat I’d argue the clam chowder will delight you. Never had chowder? This one is a thick soup that tastes like cheesy potatoes, fresh fish and bacon.
Gunbae has clearly been devised with millennials and Gen Z in mind – you’ll sit around a Korean-style BBQ table with a grill in the middle and roast your own meat and seafood while playing fun drinking games.
On the lower decks is the best spot for vegetarians as Razzle Dazzle has plenty of veggie and vegan food to choose from (meat eating friends and family can choose from the "secret menu" where steak and chicken hide, but they have to know to ask).
Forward thinking restauranteurs should opt for the Test Kitchen. This experimental restaurant pushes ingredients to their limit with mushroom foams, bacon soups, blue cheese desserts and splatters of venison jus.
Picky eaters aren’t always fans of this eatery, but if you love it the first time remember to head back later in the week as the menu changes mid-voyage.
If you don't like mushrooms, blue cheese, game or bacon then opt for the safer vegetarian menu or avoid completely. I'd also recommend the paired wine menu rather than the – often herby and not very tasty – cocktail pairings.
Finally, those looking for comfort food can head to Pink Agave – a dimly lit South American restaurant which was my personal favourite.
Always get the guacamole which comes with pico de gallo and nachos, then the tender duck served with tortillas, sweet potato cream and a fruity mole. The tamal de chocolate dessert is also basically a warm, thick brownie covered in fruit and caramel sauce. Top notch nosh.
All in all, the Valiant Lady is a ship that blows traditional cruising away with its almost-anything-goes attitude, hidden secrets and cocktails so good you'll blow your rent money on them. For those who love novelty and fun it's a definite win!
Book the holiday
Virgin Voyages offer a seven night Irresistible Med sailing on Valiant Lady departing from her home port in Barcelona on September 4 calling at Toulon, Marina Di Carrara, Ajaccio and Cagliari, with an overnight stay in Ibiza. Now from £921 per person, cruise only. Find out more at virginvoyages.com.
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