A solo cruise! What a joy they are. Here comes an opportunity to travel your own way, unfettered by the wishes and demands of anyone else around you.
Cruising, in general, is a low-stress way to travel because all you have to do is unpack your bags once and then let the captain usher you from city to city. You don’t have to worry about car rentals, train tables, or local bus routes.
But solo cruising is its own unique world of opportunity. Want to get off the ship at one port of call but stay on another? Your wish is granted! Want to join a group excursion and kayak in Ketchikan with new friends but walk alone in Juneau? Your wish is granted!
Solo cruising is a beautiful opportunity to see the world the way you want to see it, meet people when/if you want to meet them and prove to yourself that you can do anything you set your mind to.
We’re so excited you’re about to do this. Here are 12 thoughts that come to mind; we hope they’ll bolster your trip and make it something you’ll hold onto for the rest of your life.
Be Sure You Love Solo Time
Sometimes, “running away” from it all sounds great. And, oftentimes, a quick getaway is the best way to reset the soul. But, if you’re planning on taking a solo cruise – or any type of solo trip – be sure it’s familiar territory.
Some people are solitary creatures, while others are pack animals – neither one is right nor wrong. But, someone who loves the feeling of family and friends around all the time might find a solo venture terribly lonely – possibly even scary – thus ruining the whole trip.
Find a Ship With Solo Cabins
Did you know some cruise lines have single-person staterooms? For example, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean all make this a priority for their solo travelers. Here’s a more complete list of 15 cruise lines perfect for solo travelers.
While these rooms tend to be smaller interior cabins, they’re a great bang for your buck if you’re more interested in splurging on activities and offshore excursions. It’s also a great way to push you out of your comfort zone and get out on deck to meet new people.
Stay On the Ship During Port Days
If there’s a stop along the way that you’re not terribly interested in disembarking for, stay on the ship during a port day. You’ll find a lot less activity up on the pool deck, at the bars, and anywhere else that’s usually bustling with fellow passengers.
This might be the perfect time to order an umbrella drink, lay out by the pool, and read that novel you never have time to indulge in during the hubbub of everyday life. And, who knows, you may find a fellow introvert who relishes the quiet.
To help you make sure you pack the best novel but don’t forget your sunscreen, here are 15 essential items that every cruiser should bring.
Ask About a Solo Traveler Meetup
You’ll find that the notion of traveling alone isn’t too far out of the ordinary. See if the cruise you’re interested in hosts a solo traveler meetup – typically on the first day of the cruise.
This is a great way to make a connection or two, so you don’t have to go it entirely alone while still pulling back and being able to enjoy solo activities like a poolside reading session on a port day.
Dine Any Way You Like
When it comes to mealtime, you have a few options. If you dread the idea of eating alone, you can order room service or take a dish from the buffet back to your room. Or, you can sit at the bar and enjoy a craft cocktail while you wait for your meal.
As another option, you can also ask the host or hostess at one of the restaurants if they have communal dining tables. You may be surprised to find they do and, again, be presented with a nice opportunity to meet someone just like you.
Lean Into the Spa
One of the least awkward things for a solo traveler to do is book a spa treatment. Spas are generally quiet, anyway, and there’s far less fear of “what will people think of me” when everyone’s simply lounging in a plush robe, waiting to be called into their treatment room.
Enjoy a cool, crisp glass of lemon water, listen to the relaxing sounds, flip through a magazine, and book into a 90-minute massage to wash all your cares away. Don’t be afraid to sink into the sauna when you’re done, either.
Put On Your Research Cap
If you are eager to visit most, if not all, of the ports of call, put on your research cap. You’re not bound to the ship’s excursions – although they’re usually a great opportunity to meet new people.
You can easily disembark and, with a comfy pair of walking shoes, see the city any way you’d like. See how much time you have, how far you can go, and what you’d like to see in the city. Be your own tour guide and design your port days so that they’re something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Consider Their Excursions
And, of course, if the thought of wandering a city alone is scary, then take a close look at all the excursions being offered. Typically, it’s best to book them before you go because there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to join a group the day of.
So, take a look at the ports of call. See which city you might be brave enough to explore on your own vs. which one you might like in the comfort of a crowd. A good mix like this will expose you to all sorts of new opportunities and, inevitably, new friendships!
Pay Attention to Your Spidey Senses
There is the (valid) concern that solo travel can make you a bit of a target for bad actors. But this is where listening to your intuition comes into play. We’re all capable of doubting ourselves from time to time and then kicking ourselves for it in the end.
But that is not an option with solo travel. Trust yourself and place a high value on your own thoughts and opinions – now, more than ever. If you’re enjoying that craft cocktail at the bar while you wait for your scallops but don’t like the couple sitting next to you who’s overdoing it on the margaritas, don’t engage. Or, better yet, move your seat.
If you’re disembarking and want to explore the city alone, say no if someone asks to come along. Of course, if the opposite is true and you don’t want to explore alone, find someone you have a good sense of and ask them what they’re planning to do on their port day.
You get the gist, though. Always trust your intuition. First, it’s your trip – and your hard-earned money – so you get to do what you want when you want. Second, you want to do everything to ensure you feel at ease the entire time.
For more on that, here are 20 safety tips for female solo travelers.
Chat With the Crew
You’ll find that cruise ship crew members really have a knack for making people feel at home. Chat with the bartender who made that delicious cocktail. Strike up a conversation with the service desk attendant. Ask the folks who are gearing up to run a round of trivia or karaoke where the best seat in the house is.
Crew members aren’t there just to fulfill one specific role. Overall, they’re tasked with creating an environment so that everyone feels at home – and wants to come back again for more.
Sign Up for Onboard Activities
Which brings us to more of what those lovely crew members do. Sometimes, it’s amazing to see all the activities ships plan for folks on board. We’re talking classes, lectures, games, trivia, live music, and more.
See if there’s a class coming up on the local culture surrounding the city you’re about to visit. Sign up for a craft cocktail class so you can duplicate the one your favorite bartender made for you at happy hour each night. See what show you might want to reserve a seat for one evening. This is the beauty of solo travel: the world is your oyster, and no one can make you do anything you don’t want to do.
Remember That There Are No Mistakes
With all these questions swirling around in your mind – and so many decisions to make all on your own – it can feel like a bit of pressure. Am I doing the right thing? Did I book the right excursion?
Tell yourself that, at least for this stretch of time, there are no mistakes. Every excursion you planned was the perfect one – and you were right where you were meant to be. Every time you decided to stay on board the ship, it was the perfect decision – look at how much peace and serenity you found.
Trust your gut when it comes to the people and places you’ll find. But, also trust your gut with regard to all the judgment calls you’ll have to make on your own. Each and every time, you were right where you were meant to be, and you made the right call. Period.
The World Is Your Oyster
Whether you’re headed to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, or beyond, this trip is your oyster – and you’re the pearl. There’s nothing that can go wrong as long as you’re fulfilling your dreams, staying smart, and remaining open to new friendships and opportunities.
If this is something that’s been on your mind lately, check out our destination guides. Perhaps we can help you plan one of those port days where you go off on your own. What a sense of accomplishment you’ll feel! Here’s hoping that someday, we meet you along the misty shorelines of Venice’s Maritime Station!