Solo Story: Boston or Bust?

Booking the Dream: My First Transatlantic Solo Cruise

I was so excited after booking my first solo cruise that I ended up booking another one almost right away. I stumbled across an itinerary that instantly caught my eye—a transatlantic journey from Southampton, UK to Boston, MA on the maiden voyage of a brand-new ship, the Norwegian Aqua. A transatlantic cruise had been on my bucket list for years, and so had experiencing a maiden voyage, so it felt like the perfect match.

Of course, I had no idea whether I’d even enjoy cruising solo, but over the past few years, I’ve really learned to appreciate my own company. Worst case scenario? I figured I’d spend a lot of time on the balcony with a good book—and honestly, that didn’t sound bad at all.

Fortunately, I had such a great time on my first solo cruise that I was even more excited for this transatlantic adventure. I planned to arrive in Southampton two days early to adjust to the time change and explore the city a bit. I would fly from Boston to London and then catch a bus straight from Heathrow to Southampton—super convenient since there’s a terminal right at the airport.

Flying First Class with Virgin Atlantic

A couple of days before departure, I got the exciting news that my upgrade bid had been accepted. It would be my first time flying first class with a lay-flat seat, and I couldn’t wait. Everything was falling into place.

Flying first class on Virgin Atlantic was nothing short of unforgettable. The journey began with a luxurious pre-flight dinner at the exclusive Delta First Class lounge restaurant in Boston. The service was impeccable, and the food rivaled any fine dining experience.

Once onboard, I settled into my spacious lay-flat seat—more like a private suite than an airline seat. It made the overnight flight incredibly restful. After arriving at Heathrow, I visited the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Lounge, where I enjoyed a full breakfast of fresh pastries, made-to-order eggs, and barista-style coffee in a tranquil, elegant setting. From start to finish, the experience felt indulgent, seamless, and elevated.

Settling In: Exploring Southampton

The transition from the airport to the bus terminal was easy and stress-free. Once I arrived, I grabbed an Uber to my hotel—the Holiday Inn near the cruise port. It was in a great location, within walking distance of some historic sites, a shopping mall with plenty of restaurant options, and the Titanic Museum. After checking in, I wandered over to the mall for a bite to eat and then spent the rest of the evening relaxing at the hotel. The next day, I explored Southampton a bit more, taking in the sights and visiting the Titanic Museum—which felt oddly appropriate before setting off on a maiden voyage across the Atlantic!

An Unexpected Twist: Itinerary Change

One of the most important skills you need as a traveler is the ability to roll with the punches. This cruise tested that skill. While I was waiting to board, an announcement came over the speakers: due to severe weather over the Atlantic, our itinerary was changing. We’d now end in New York—three days later than originally scheduled.

Passengers were given the option to cancel, but I didn’t have anywhere urgent to be, and I was too excited to back out. So, what was originally a 7-day cruise with no ports became 10 full days at sea. I had been a little nervous about that many sea days to begin with—plus, my car was parked in Boston! Definitely a “later” problem.

First Impressions: The Norwegian Aqua

I boarded early and immediately set off to explore. There’s something about those first moments onboard that always fills me with excitement and curiosity. And wow, this ship did not disappoint. Not only was it brand new, but it was absolutely stunning—elegantly designed with a fresh, modern vibe that felt both luxurious and welcoming. The decor throughout the ship was thoughtful and stylish, with beautifully curated spaces that made it feel more like a boutique hotel than a cruise ship. I was especially impressed with the new stateroom layouts—they were noticeably more spacious and better organized than any cabin I’d stayed in before. Every corner of the ship had something new to discover, and it was clear that a lot of care went into designing a space that felt special from the moment you stepped onboard.

Meeting People as a Solo Traveler

That evening, I decided to check out the solo traveler meetup. On my first cruise, there were maybe 20 of us. This time? Over 150! It was a bit overwhelming, so I just hung back and observed. I signed up for the group dinner the next night, then headed to the buffet for a relaxed solo meal.

Later that night, I decided to go to a show at Syd Norman’s Pour House. I was actually pretty proud of myself for getting in line early—even though I was by myself, surrounded by groups of people chatting away. It felt a little awkward at moments, but I kept reminding myself that it only felt that way. I wasn’t doing anything strange—I was just a woman there to enjoy some live music. And I’m so glad I pushed through the nerves because the show was fantastic. Definitely one of those small wins that made the night special.

Given how many people attended the solo meetups, I was surprised by how many solo travelers I met who didn’t go to them at all. One lunch spot I visited often had communal seating, so I ended up chatting with several other solo cruisers. I really enjoy those kinds of spontaneous conversations—talking to people who are traveling alone, not necessarily looking to make friends, just doing their own thing. Everyone has a story, and I love hearing them.

One woman cruises solo every month and works remotely from the ship (dream job!). Another avoids flying, so she cruises to Europe and then travels overland to visit family. Everyone had their own reason for traveling alone. There’s no right way to do it—just your way. That’s the beauty of it.

Finding My Rhythm at Sea

The next day, I treated myself to some time in the thermal spa suite, then headed to the Vibe Beach Club—an adults-only deck that quickly became my favorite hangout. I even found myself in the hot tub a few times, which was another tick in the win column for pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Out of 10 days at sea, only three were too chilly to fully enjoy it, but on some of the cool days, I just bundled up with towels and a good book. Total bliss.

That night, I joined the solo group for dinner again and connected with two other women. One faded out after a day or two, but the other and I hit it off. We found a nice rhythm—doing our own thing by day, then meeting up each evening for dinner, a show, and drinks. A few others joined our orbit now and then. It wasn’t quite the close-knit crew I found on my first cruise, but it was lovely in its own way.

A Meaningful Moment

During this cruise, I celebrated what would have been my husband’s 56th birthday. Traveling alone is still something I’m adjusting to, but he’s always on my mind. I often think, He would’ve loved this or He’d definitely have an opinion about that. Not in a sad way, really—more like a quiet reassurance that he’d be cheering me on, fully supportive of these adventures.

One little ritual that’s I've developed with our kids is toasting him with a shot of Fireball. It wasn’t exactly his favorite drink, but there are a handful of funny stories behind it, and it just kind of stuck. So, on his birthday, I ordered a Fireball shot, recorded a quick video, and toasted him from the middle of the ocean. It wasn’t anything elaborate, but it felt meaningful. Just a small, personal way to honor his memory, acknowledge his absence, and celebrate the life he lived. And honestly, it felt perfect.

A Magical Final Night

On my last night on the ship, a few of us solo ladies decided to meet up at 1 a.m. to watch as we sailed into New York Harbor. We stood together on the balcony, bundled up in the dark, watching in awe as the ship passed under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and glided past the Statue of Liberty. It was quiet, surreal, and probably my favorite moment of the entire trip.

A few short hours later, we disembarked in New York. Since my car was parked at the airport in Boston, I had to fly back from New York (which NCL’s travel insurance covered, thankfully). I took NCL’s airport transfer, which made the whole process seamless. Unfortunately, neither the insurance nor NCL covered the additional parking fees I racked up, but in exchange, I got three extra days of food, entertainment, and memories at no extra cost. Definitely worth it.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this was another unforgettable solo adventure. Exploring Southampton reminded me how peaceful and empowering solo travel can be. England is such a solo-friendly destination—easy to navigate, welcoming, and full of charm. I’d recommend it to anyone, especially first-time solo travelers.

And the cruise? A true highlight. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about 10 straight sea days, but they flew by. I loved the rhythm of each day, and I especially cherished the dinners with my new friend. My first dinner back home felt a little bittersweet—but mostly because I was already dreaming about my next trip, which I booked within a week of returning!

Up Next?

In my next solo story, I’ll reflect on how life’s unpredictable and sometimes disappointing turns shaped what was meant to be a long-anticipated, month-long Alaska–West Coast adventure.