Discover what Virgin Voyages Solo Insider cabin is like as I share my experience cruising in this style of cabin.
Virgin Voyages is one of the few cruise lines that has cabins designed just for solo travellers. No sharing, no big solo supplements, just your own private space to retreat to at the end of the day.
I’ve cruised with Virgin twice now, and both times I’ve stayed in a Solo Insider cabin. For me it struck the right balance: stylish, well thought out and affordable, without paying the premium for a balcony. As much as I’d love to hang out in one of Virgin’s famous hammocks, the reality is I spend most of my time out exploring the ship so an inside cabin makes sense.
If you’re considering a Virgin Voyages cruise and want to know what their solo cabins are really like, here’s my honest review based on first-hand experience.
My cabin reviews are designed to give you an idea of what it would be like to stay in this type of cabin should you be considering booking one. Using my experience I take an in-depth look at everything you need to know from the cabin layout to the amenities included and share any useful tips.
At a glance
Not got time to read the whole post? Here’s a quick rundown of Virgin Voyages Solo Insider cabins.
Virgin Voyages ships have a small number of solo cabins. While a handful of these are sea view cabins the majority (almost 30) are inside cabins.
Here’s what you can expect from a Solo Insider:
- The cabins are small, but cleverly designed so they don’t feel cramped.
- Each has a large, very comfortable single bed.
- Lighting, air conditioning and the TV are controlled by an in-room tablet.
- The décor is modern and stylish, with a cosy feel.
Despite the size, the Solo Insider doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Space is used well, and the design makes the cabin feel homely and comfortable. Having stayed in one twice, I was just as impressed the second time around.
My experience in the Solo Insider Cabin
Both of my Virgin cruises were short breaks from Portsmouth, which made an inside cabin an easy choice as I knew I’d spend most of my time exploring the ship
The Solo Insider on Virgin Voyages is designed for independent travellers (and perhaps those that just want a bit of space from their travelling companions)
While the cabins are small, the solo cruiser is not an afterthought here. Everything is designed with one person in mind and space is maximised so the solo traveler has everything they need.
Like all Virgin Voyages cabins they are stylishly designed and hi-tech. Pretty much everything in the cabin, including the mood lighting and TV, is controlled by the in-room tablet. You can also use it to ask for your room to be made up or request extra towels or toiletries.
Cabin layout
At just 105 sq ft the first thing that strikes you when you enter the cabin is how compact it is. Small but perfectly formed is what springs to mind.
The decor is very modern with clean lines. It does feel a little bit like an Ikea showroom if I’m being honest. However, the natural wood and mood lighting add a warm feel to the otherwise stark white room.
There is very little floor space, just a short ‘corridor’ like area in the middle of the room. On one side is a small wardrobe and a glam table (dressing table to you and I) while on the other is the door to the bathroom and a full length mirror.
At the end of this ‘corridor’ like space is a large single bed. It’s somewhere between a single and a double in size. Two pillows and a cushion are provided. It is very comfortable and the cabin feels quite cosy when you are in bed.
On the wall at the end of the bed is a 43″ TV. There are few a channels including BBC World, Fox News, MSNBC and a couple of sports channels. Lots of on demand movies and TV series are also available.
Next to the bed is a handy ledge with plug sockets and USB ports on the wall above. The ledge comfortably holds a drink or in my case allowed me to have my glasses easily to hand while in bed.
Bathroom
If you think the cabin is small, then the bathroom is tiny. Think along the lines of an airplane bathroom and you wouldn’t be far off. There is little room to move around and not much storage space for toiletries. No cupboards, just a shelf under the sink.
That said, the bathrooms are the same size as the other Inside and Sea Terrace cabins so solo travellers are not being short changed here.
The shower almost makes up for the struggle of getting ready in such a small bathroom. It is roomy with a rain shower head and a fixed handset, both with good water pressure.
The only slightly odd design choice is that the towels are stored on the wall behind the toilet, so you have to be careful not to bump your head when reaching for one.
Storage
There is a reasonable amount of storage space in these cabins but I’d recommend packing fairly light.
While there is no wardrobe there is a small hanging space (with 10 hangers) as you enter the room. Next to this is a long unit with shelves and drawers in. Another drawer can be found under the bed. Even if you don’t use it, I’d recommend checking it. On one of my cruises I discovered 2 days in that the previous occupant had left half his wardrobe behind.
While the storage is well incorporated into the design of the room I don’t think there is quite enough.
Obviously, it depends on the destination, length of cruise and what type of packer you are – minimalist or bring the kitchen sink kind of person. However, for me there is just about enough storage for a week or so but I think I’d struggle with the lack of hanging space on a longer one.
Amenities included
As you might expect Virgin have provided everything (and more) that you need for a pleasant stay.
- Large single bed (super comfortable)
- Glam table…ie a dressing/writing table and stool
- Fridge & space next to it with a water carafe (refilled each day)
- Mood lighting
- 43″ 4K TV
- Safe
- Hairdryer
- Body wash, shampoo and conditioner
Location of Solo Insider Cabins
The solo insider cabins are located on decks 5,8,11,12,13,14.
I’ve stayed on decks 12 and 14. Both provided easy access to all the facilities, whether I wanted to be up on deck, trying out the running track, eating in the food court or exploring the bars and restaurants on the lower decks. Everything was within easy reach.
Read more | Bars and restaurants on Virgin Voyages
The last word
After seeing some mixed opinions about Virgin Voyages, and especially about their cabins, I wasn’t sure what to expect before my first sailing.
They have really thought about solo travellers with the Solo Insider. It is small, yes, but cleverly designed so it doesn’t actually feel cramped. The bed is comfortable, the tech is fun to play with, and you have everything you need for a short to medium length cruise.
Price wise, it is a good option for anyone travelling alone. I didn’t feel like I missed out by not having a balcony. Virgin ships have so many great spaces to spend time in, from the Dock House to the Manor, that I barely noticed not having my own outside space.
If you are travelling solo with Virgin, the Solo Insider is well worth considering. It is cosy, good value, and a great way to enjoy the Virgin Voyages experience without blowing the budget.
Find out more about Virgin Voyages.
- Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Cruise Review
- Bar tabs and drink packages on Virgin Voyages
- Where to eat and drink on Virgin Voyages