Sailing Solo: Top Tips for an Amazing Solo Cruise Experience
Embarking on a solo cruise can be an incredibly liberating and enriching experience, but it can be intimidating if you’re new to solo travel. I remember the first time I considered a solo trip. I was really nervous about many things: safety, feeling awkward, possibly being bored, and worrying about being alone if something went wrong. I realized that cruising would be the easiest foray into solo travel, so that’s how I chose to take my first-ever solo trip—a cruise on Royal Caribbean.
Once I had that sailing under my belt, I felt confident and emboldened to take other solo trips, not just cruises. My boldest adventure was a solo jaunt to Paris and then a flight over to Milan. it was a phenomenal experience and one I’ll never forget. I generally prefer traveling with others because I’m a social person, and to me, it’s just more fun that way, but I’m never afraid now to embark on a solo trip.
Based on what I’ve learned and remembering the anxiety I had around certain factors of traveling solo, here are my top tips for cruising solo:
Choose the Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers
Choosing the right cruise line is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable solo cruise. Unfortunately, many cruise lines charge a “single supplement,” which can significantly increase solo travelers’ costs. Basically, with the supplement, solo cruisers pay for two people (but port fees and taxes for one). However, some cruise lines, like Norwegian, offer single cabins without these extra charges, so choosing the right cruise line for your needs as a solo traveler could result in significant cost savings.
Norwegian’s studio cabins are designed specifically for solo travelers and provide access to a private lounge area exclusively for solo cruisers. This creates a comfortable and social environment where you can meet other solo travelers. Research different cruise lines and find one that caters to solo travelers, offering amenities and activities that suit your preferences.
Join Online Cruise Communities Before You Set Sail
Connecting with other travelers before your cruise can enhance your experience. Websites like Cruise Critic and Facebook groups for solo cruisers are excellent platforms to meet fellow travelers, ask questions, and share experiences. Joining these communities allows you to gain valuable insights, make friends, and even find a buddy for excursions.
Having familiar faces onboard can make your solo cruise more enjoyable and less lonely. These groups often organize pre-cruise meetups, allowing you to get to know people before setting sail. If you feel comfortable doing so, I recommend posting a photo of yourself and an introduction in the group and asking other solo cruisers to comment. You can then potentially link up once on the ship.
Don’t Miss Solo Cruise Meetups on Board
Most cruise lines host meetups for solo cruisers on the first day of the cruise. These meetups are fantastic opportunities to meet other solo cruisers, make new friends, and plan activities together. While these meetups can sometimes be hit or miss, and I’ve personally always found them to be duds, they are worth attending.
You might find a great group of people to hang out with during your cruise. Don’t be shy – introduce yourself and see where the conversation takes you. These meetups can set the tone for a fun and social cruise experience.
It’s tricky because sometimes cruise lines sponsor single cruiser meetups, not necessarily solo cruiser gatherings, which can be frustrating because solo travelers aren’t always single. There’s nothing wrong with traveling solo, even if you have a spouse or partner!
Be Smart About Safety
Safety is paramount, especially when cruising solo. Always stay aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure. Store important documents in the ship’s safe and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
When exploring alone on port days, stick to well-populated and touristy areas and avoid going out late at night by yourself. Let someone know your plans for the day, even if it’s family back home, and check in regularly. Being cautious and prepared can ensure a safe and enjoyable solo cruise experience. Check out my cruise port safety tips guide in this post for more safety strategies.
While I ordinarily prefer independent excursions or just wandering around cruise ports on my own rather than booking a cruise line excursion, traveling solo is the situation (the other being first-time cruisers) where I recommend booking the cruise line one. Why? Because you’ll be together in a group with other cruisers from your ship (giving you a chance to make new friends on your sailing!), it’s a safer option versus wandering around alone.
Related: Learn about the pros and cons of independent versus cruise line excursions.
I normally try to save money and limit my Wi-Fi and international phone use expenses, but when you’re traveling solo, this isn’t really an area I recommend skimping. Being connected is important when you’re traveling by yourself.
Share Your Dining
Dining alone can concern solo cruisers, but it doesn’t have to be. Many cruise lines offer communal dining tables where you can meet fellow travelers. Requesting to be seated at a shared table in the MDR (Main Dining Room) is a great way to meet new people and make friends. Alternatively, you can dine at the buffet, order room service, or choose specialty restaurants that offer bar seating.
Interestingly, shared tables were standard in the “olden days” of cruising. It’s only recently that individual seating has become more common.
Related: Learn about MDR dining times to determine which is best for you.
If you prefer dining alone, bring a good book, use this time to plan your next day’s activities, or just browse the internet (assuming you bought the Wi-Fi package). I personally bring my laptop and use dinner as a chance to catch up on writing this blog! Embrace the dining experience as an opportunity to socialize or enjoy some peaceful time alone.
Make the Most of Solo Time
One of the best parts about cruising solo is that you get to do exactly what you want, whenever you want. Take this time to pamper yourself at the spa, take a yoga class, read a book by the pool, or explore the ship’s amenities. Enjoy the freedom to choose your activities and create your perfect vacation.
Whether it’s indulging in a luxurious spa treatment, attending a cooking class, or simply relaxing with a cocktail on deck, this is your time to enjoy your own company and do what makes you happy. Sleep in if you want, stay on the ship on a port day if that’s your thing… you have nobody to answer to other than yourself!
Participate in On-Board Activities
Cruise ships are packed with activities and events designed to bring people together. Participating in these activities is a great way to meet new people and have fun. Whether it’s a dance class, trivia night, or a cooking demonstration, getting involved can enhance your cruise experience.
These activities are enjoyable and provide opportunities to bond with other passengers. Don’t hesitate to join in – you never know who you might meet or what fun experiences await.
Leverage Casino Offers
Cruising can sometimes be expensive for solo travelers due to the single supplement. However, if you learn how to take advantage of casino offers, you might be able to cruise without paying the extra fee or even for free (mostly). Many cruise lines offer casino promotions and rewards that can offset the cost of your cruise. If you enjoy gambling, this can be a fun and rewarding way to maximize your solo cruise experience.
I personally do this, and with casino offers, I not only avoid a single supplement, but I don’t even have to pay for my own cruise fare—just port fees and taxes! Just be careful not to spend more in the casino than you would have spent buying the cruise in the first place.
