Curator’s statement
This Mediterranean cruise was the ultimate test of independent travel, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the history and beauty of three distinct countries: Greece, Croatia, and Montenegro. Virgin Voyages created the perfect adult-focused environment for a solo traveler, making it effortless to connect with fellow sailors while also enjoying private moments of stunning scenic cruising through the Bay of Kotor. This trip wasn't just about visiting iconic ports like Dubrovnik and Mykonos; it was about proving that the greatest travel adventures are often the ones you embark on completely by yourself.
The Fora Difference
Book with Jennifer to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Jennifer to book your trip.
Things to do
Breathtakingly clear waters of Palaiokastritsa
This cruise itinerary offered an exceptional collection of unforgettable Mediterranean experiences.
In Athens, Greece, the essential activity was a guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon, immediately followed by a magical rooftop sunset view over the ancient monuments, which I highly recommend as a pre-cruise ritual.
The voyage then transitioned to the stunning Adriatic, where Kotor, Montenegro, captivated me with its dramatic scenery—a boat trip into Boka Bay to visit the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks was a highlight, perfectly punctuated by indulging in the local crème cake in Perast.
In Dubrovnik, Croatia, while my group relaxed at Copacabana Beach, I always recommend that clients walk the famous historic city walls for the best panoramic views.
We returned to the Greek Isles at Corfu, a lush UNESCO site, where a boat trip to the Blue Eye and Nausika Caves and exploring the Venetian Old Town were must-dos.
Finally, Mykonos offered a high-energy finish, with time spent relaxing at Elia Beach before wandering the town and snapping photos of the iconic windmills.
Places to eat & drink
Jenga potatoes palliason
A crucial part of any great travel experience is finding the best spots to savor local flavors and unwind, and this Mediterranean itinerary offers fantastic options both ashore and at sea.
Onboard favorites (Virgin Voyages)
The cruise ship itself was a culinary destination. I had several must-visit spots: I particularly enjoyed The Wake, the glamorous steakhouse, for its elegant ambiance. For a more unique experience, Pink Agave offered phenomenal, elevated Mexican cuisine. For casual, quick dining, The Galley was perfect, functioning as an innovative food hall with multiple quality options. And for pure fun, the Korean BBQ at Gunbae—where they encourage table games and socializing—is unbeatable.
Shoreside delights
In Athens, Greece, the ultimate place to start or end the voyage is by finding a rooftop pool bar offering panoramic views of the Acropolis; this is where I enjoyed that magical sunset cocktail. Post-cruise, I discovered Mitsis N'U Piraeus Port, which I highly recommend for its satisfying and creative dishes, such as the Jenga potatoes palliason and roasted tomato spaghetti.
Once on the Adriatic side, a stop in Perast, Montenegro, is incomplete without indulging in the local sweets; I found the Trattoria Rosmarino to be the perfect spot for a divine local crème cake and coffee. Moving to Dubrovnik, Croatia, the coastal relaxation at Copacabana Beach is best paired with a cool mojito and fresh fruit bowl from the beach bars.
Finally, in the Greek Isles, the charming seaside cafés scattered throughout Corfu's Venetian Old Town are ideal for pausing with a delicious gelato or refreshing coffee, while finding a great brunch spot in Mykonos is essential before a day of exploring the famous streets and windmills.
Need to know
Onboard experience: Virgin Voyages for solo travelers
Solo cabin advantage: If you book far enough in advance, you can secure a dedicated Solo Cabin! This ensures you have optimal space and value for cruising alone.
Built-in community: The ship is designed for connection. They host official solo traveler meetups—a great way to instantly connect with other independent sailors. They even have special group dining times set up specifically for solo travelers who want to dine together.
Specialty dining: All dining is included, but specialty spots like The Wake and Pink Agave book up fast. Book your dining slots on the app immediately upon boarding (or even slightly before if the window opens) to secure your preferred times.
The ship vibe: Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only atmosphere that’s both high-energy and relaxing. The incredible food and entertainment mean the ship itself is a destination.
Transportation & logistics
Book rides in advance: To save time and stress on busy port days, book private transfers or use a local taxi app to schedule rides ahead of time. This is especially helpful for getting between the Piraeus Port and the Athens airport/hotel.
Kotor transportation: There is potential for traffic congestion ("one road in, one road out") in Montenegro. Pre-booked small tours or organized shore excursions are usually the best way to handle transportation efficiently.
Cabs and currency: While Croatia and Greece use the Euro, in Montenegro, while Euros are accepted, having a small amount of local currency or using a travel card might be necessary for smaller shops or local transportation.
Port & shore excursion strategy
Athens pre-/post-cruise stay: Stay in Athens for one or two nights to fully enjoy a guided Acropolis tour and the magical rooftop sunset without feeling rushed on embarkation day.
Dubrovnik and Corfu beaches: Both ports offer fantastic beach time. For Corfu's natural wonders like Blue Eye Cave and Palaiokastritsa, a local boat trip is the most authentic and memorable way to experience the clear waters.
Mykonos exploration: The best time to experience the iconic windmills and Little Venice is in the early morning or late afternoon/evening, as the narrow streets can become intensely crowded midday.
Travel Advisor
Jennifer Baker
Get in touch with Jennifer
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Jennifer within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.