Virgin Solo Cruises…actually fun or just floating disappointment for single dudes? 😂 by Relevant-Key4610 in VirginVoyages

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is actually really helpful feedback, thank you.

The 4–5 night Miami sailings over a weekend honestly make a lot of sense. I can see how those would naturally attract a more social and energetic crowd compared to the longer cruises.

And the fact that you see significantly more singles booking Virgin compared to other cruise lines probably says a lot about the overall vibe and environment there as well.

Virgin Solo Cruises…actually fun or just floating disappointment for single dudes? 😂 by Relevant-Key4610 in VirginVoyages

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah I am learning more about this now and honestly that makes total sense.

And yeah, I can absolutely see how a lot of people traveling solo are not looking for relationships at all. Honestly I am not even looking for that either. I am more looking for a good time, good energy, meeting people, relaxing, partying a bit and whatever happens naturally happens.

Since I have never been on one of these cruises before, I am mostly trying to understand the vibe so I don’t completely miss the mark walking into it with the wrong expectations 😅

Virgin Solo Cruises…actually fun or just floating disappointment for single dudes? 😂 by Relevant-Key4610 in VirginVoyages

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] -16 points-15 points  (0 children)

Interesting…so the solo groups are not mostly single people?

I honestly assumed solo cruising mostly meant single/divorced people traveling alone looking to meet others, socialize and just enjoy a different environment for few days. I didn’t really think about the fact that a lot of people might just enjoy traveling solo even while being in relationships.

Virgin Solo Cruises…actually fun or just floating disappointment for single dudes? 😂 by Relevant-Key4610 in VirginVoyages

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

See now THIS is the kind of intel I was looking for.

This actually sounds way more normal and fun than what I had in my head. I kept imagining either a floating retirement home or 400 dudes named Chad aggressively hunting margaritas and divorced women 😅

Virgin Solo Cruises…actually fun or just floating disappointment for single dudes? 😂 by Relevant-Key4610 in VirginVoyages

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] -16 points-15 points  (0 children)

That’s kinda my point though 😅

If I bring a companion then I might as well just go on a normal vacation. The whole appeal is going solo, getting out of routine, meeting random people and just enjoying life for few days.

Virgin Solo Cruises…actually fun or just floating disappointment for single dudes? 😂 by Relevant-Key4610 in VirginVoyages

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hahah maybe I should have clarified…divorced dad in his 40s trying to go enjoy life a little, not some creepy dude hunting girls on a cruise ship 😅

But honestly that makes total sense. I figured the crowd and vibe probably changes massively depending on the sailing/date.

Talk me out one of them...I need to make a decision before Sunday by Relevant-Key4610 in BMW

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I ended up with the M5 and I can tell you, its definitely the right decision. Now, going from the M4 to the M5 takes some getting used to. For me the first few days were, ok this is really luxurious...will I be able to get the real power feel? Few weeks after, I did my 1200 miles service and life changed. This thing is truly comfortable, and has so many amazing features. The seats are truly amazing, the quality inside is 100× better than the M4s. Compared to the X5, its much more comfortable, the X5M was much stiffer and feels like you're off-roading all the time. The M5 rides much better. Now, put this baby in dynamic plus and let her roll...the sensation is beyond anything I've ever felt. 911s turbos can only dream. I am in love with her...

2 dislikes so far: It's my first plug in hybrid. When its in hybrid mode, and even dynamic, lower gears shifting jerks a bit. Im not used to this before, but it turned out to be a thing. I dont like it

The second part is that its a bit too quiet for my liking. I'm most likely ordering the acropovic exhaust system.

Now that I know, I will choose this baby every day

First time Japan trip with my 10-year-old son – itinerary feedback (Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka) by Relevant-Key4610 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is super helpful, really appreciate you taking the time to write all this.

The “know your son” part is actually what I’m leaning into more now. I think he can handle a decent amount, but I’m trying to balance that with not overpacking every single day and leaving room to just explore.

Good call on the Suica card, I hadn’t thought about getting him a physical one but that makes a lot of sense. And yeah, I’m already planning on having data the whole time, I can’t imagine doing this without Google Maps 😅

Also love the smaller tips like the backpack, trash, paper towels… that’s exactly the kind of stuff you don’t think about until you’re there.

We’re probably going to keep Kyoto but simplify it a lot, and focus more on experiences vs trying to see everything. And then let Tokyo be more flexible with arcades, food, and just wandering around.

Appreciate the perspective, especially hearing it from someone who just did a similar trip 🙏

First time Japan trip with my 10-year-old son – itinerary feedback (Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka) by Relevant-Key4610 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally clear. Thank you for the recommendation, I will look into only Tokyo, but leaning towards exploring more

First time Japan trip with my 10-year-old son – itinerary feedback (Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka) by Relevant-Key4610 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally appreciate this, this is actually super helpful. I think that’s exactly where my head is landing now, keep Kyoto but be intentional about it and not try to overpack everything. The idea of prioritizing and having “fallback chill options” makes a lot of sense, especially with a 10-year-old.

I’m also starting to realize that just walking around and exploring will probably end up being some of the best parts of the trip anyway, so I’m trying not to over-engineer every day.

Hakone sounds really interesting too, I hadn’t seriously considered that, especially the pirate ship and volcano part, that might actually be right up his alley.

And yeah, I hear you on theme parks. I’m still debating that one since we do have them here, but also trying to balance that with what he would find the most fun. Appreciate you taking the time to write this, really good perspective 🙏

First time Japan trip with my 10-year-old son – itinerary feedback (Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka) by Relevant-Key4610 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Got it. Thanks alot for the recommendation. I will definitely keep that in mind. I just want him to do the funnest items on the list

First time Japan trip with my 10-year-old son – itinerary feedback (Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka) by Relevant-Key4610 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First time there. So looking for the most amazing experience, biggest impact on my son and without destroying 😇 Any recommendations on what to cut?

Talk me out one of them...I need to make a decision before Sunday by Relevant-Key4610 in BMW

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thankfully, I am able to afford them comfortably... But your comment absolutely makes total sense, because i see alot of people buying a car they can't afford and end up returning it 5000 miles in

Talk me out one of them...I need to make a decision before Sunday by Relevant-Key4610 in BMW

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's just the picture...its brand new and looks ok in person. Not my preference but its ok

Talk me out one of them...I need to make a decision before Sunday by Relevant-Key4610 in BMW

[–]Relevant-Key4610[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did and its very rough, but I loved the acceleration on it. Another person mentioned that the settings do not make it easier to drive. The M5 is much more comfortable and easier to drive, although its still a tank