Solo Cruising: 12 Tips for the Adventurous Spirit

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.