Sailing Solo on Virgin Voyages: Inside the True Crime Halloween Cruise Experience

I sailed on the Virgin Voyages True Crime Cruise aboard the Valiant Lady, a five-day Halloween sailing roundtrip from Miami that visited Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas. This was my fourth time sailing solo with Virgin Voyages, and the moment I stepped on board I could tell it would be something special. The ship was alive with energy, covered in spooky décor, and filled with true crime fans, Virgin Voyages regulars, and first time sailors.

The main events were the live podcast tapings of Buried Bones, Betrayal, and Things They Don’t Want You to Know. Each recording took place in the Red Room and felt surprisingly intimate. The visuals added depth to the storytelling, and Betrayal even featured real life guests who shared their stories on stage. Throughout the sailing, the Halloween theme stayed strong with a costume contest, pumpkin cheesecake desserts, and a Scarlet Night twist where the Happenings Cast wore red, Halloween inspired costumes. The Diva’s Spooky Cabaret added a touch of humor and camp, which perfectly matched Virgin’s fun and fearless entertainment style.

Our time in Puerto Plata was a highlight. Thirteen of us solo sailors booked a private tour to explore the countryside, city, and beaches. It was relaxed, cultural, and full of laughter. In Bimini, we spent the day at Virgin Voyages’ private Beach Club swimming, dancing, and enjoying the incredible food that is all included in your cruise fare. The jerk chicken was my favorite. Virgin continues to prove that you can have both adventure and relaxation on the same trip.

I stayed in a Solo Insider Cabin, which is quiet, dark, and cozy. It is ideal for light sleepers or anyone who prefers a cool, calm retreat after a long day of fun. It is also the most affordable cabin option onboard. I prefer the Solo Sea View Cabin because it has natural light and a little more space, but the Insider is perfect if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship.

What truly made this cruise stand out was the solo traveler community. Virgin Voyages makes it incredibly easy to meet people through pre-sailing Facebook groups, daily meetups, and special dinners. One guest created a WhatsApp group just for solo travelers before embarkation, and by the time we boarded, we already had plans for karaoke, dinners, and excursions. We booked The Groupie, Virgin’s private karaoke room, for a ttwo-hourparty, brought our own wine, and sang our hearts out. By day two, we felt like family. As someone who has sailed solo four times now, I can confidently say that Virgin Voyages is the best cruise line for solo female travelers who want a connection without pressure.

As always, the food and drinks were a highlight. All restaurants are included, so there are no surprise fees for specialty dining. I loved the Halloween cocktails at On the Rocks and my usual favorite, the Espresso Martini from Sip Lounge. Every meal felt fresh and high quality, from the casual breakfast spots to the upscale dinners.

Virgin Voyages is completely adults-only, making it perfect for travelers who enjoy a relaxed and stylish cruise experience. Themed cruises like this one offer an extra layer of excitement while still maintaining Virgin’s signature luxury feel.

If you are sailing solo, make sure to join your cruise’s Facebook group ahead of time to connect with other travelers. Bring two bottles of wine or champagne to enjoy in your cabin, and pack something red for Scarlet Night. Virgin Voyages is the ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends who want modern luxury without the stuffiness.

If this sounds like your kind of vacation, reach out to start planning your own Virgin Voyages experience. I will help you choose the right itinerary, cabin, and extras to make it a perfect fit for your travel style.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommedantions, check out our cruises page.