Last Night at Sea: Why I Cried in the Red Room

I'm sitting on my cabin balcony at 6 AM on our last morning aboard the Valiant Lady, nursing my second coffee and trying not to think about the fact that in eight hours, I'll be walking down the gangway for the last time. The ocean is doing that thing where it's impossible to tell where the water ends and the sky begins—everything just melts into this hazy shade of blue that makes me feel small but oddly comforted. I spent most of this cruise trying to be one of those independent solo travelers who doesn't need anyone, and somehow I ended up making friends I'm genuinely heartbroken to leave. Five days ago, I checked into the Loft cabin next door to where I'm sitting now, completely skeptical about the whole "Virgin Voyages experience." I'd heard about the open deck concept, the no-dress-code vibe, and all the bars—The Red Room, the Riff Raff, Purser's Park. It sounded cool but also intimidating for someone traveling alone. I'm 42, divorced, and I'd booked this cruise partly because my therapist suggested doing something just for me. I figured I'd read books on my balcony, explore islands, and enjoy some peace and quiet. I was not prepared to make friends. I was especially not prep…