Solo Lowdown: What It’s Like to Cruise Solo
Considering joining the growing number of solo travelers? Curious about what this whole solo cruising thing is like? Unsure if solo sailing is for you? More and more people are cruising solo these days, and (spoiler alert!) they are not all single people. Many people who are in relationships or are married also choose to travel solo, for various reasons. Whatever your reason may be, read on to better understand what solo travel is really like.
The immense sense of freedom and empowerment that comes with being a solo traveler is quite satisfying for many. Traveling solo on a cruise gives you the best of both worlds: you get to choose whether you want to relax in some alone time or to connect with some social interaction. Solo cruising offers the chance to do either…or both!
What It’s REALLY Like to Cruise Solo
Solo cruising is a great way to have exactly the kind of trip you want. You get to tailor the journey to your wants (and your moods!). Unlike traveling with others, solo travel means you are the one who calls the shots. No endless group chats. Just you and the joy of travel!
Do What You Want
The beauty of traveling solo is that you get to do exactly what you want, when you want, and how you want. You don’t need to compromise, negotiate, or coordinate with anyone else. You simply get to build your day your way. Want to chill by the pool with a hot book and a cold Piña Colada? Great! Want to take an excursion on a helicopter to hike on a glacier? Perfect! It’s all up to you.
- Chart your own course as a solo traveler – do as much or as little as you want
- Solo travel means you do not need to worry about anyone else
- Plan your trip ahead of time, or just go with the flow and improvise along the way…it’s all possible as a solo traveler
Connect With Others
People often worry about feeling alone while traveling solo. A cruise is a wonderful option if you are traveling solo but also want to connect with others. Even if you are traveling solo, you can easily connect with others on a cruise if you are looking for some social interaction. It is quite easy to meet others on a cruise ship. To start, cruisers all have at least one thing in common: travel. So, striking up a conversation with the person sitting next to you in the lounge is easy.
Cruises also have many events that help foster a sense of community – from sail-away parties to sea day activities to shared tables in the dining room, there are many chances to mingle with others. Many cruise lines also offer solo meetups during the cruise, which give the solo passengers an opportunity to meet each other. These meetups are typically informal, and the group can decide how much or how little they want to interact with each other throughout the cruise.
- There are many possibilities to meet and interact with others when cruising solo
- Onboard events and shore excursions are a great way to meet others
- Strike up conversations with others – everyone loves to chat about travel!
Enjoy Some Alone Time
As a solo traveler, you will also have plenty of opportunity to enjoy some alone time on a cruise if that’s your vibe. If you are not in the mood to mix and mingle, it’s easy to find a quiet spot on the ship to relax. Whether you want to sit back and people watch or engross yourself in a hobby, quiet time can be very fulfilling on a cruise.
With pre-set dining times and tables going by the wayside, it is also possible to dine on your own if you choose. Read a book, write in your journal, or relive the day’s wonderful adventures by flipping through the photos on your phone…simple things can help fill the time if you do choose to dine alone. Trust me: nobody is judging you! More than likely, they are impressed at your nerve and your ability to travel solo.
- There are plenty of opportunities to soak in the solitude when traveling solo
- Find respite in your cabin, or locate a secluded area in the common areas of the ship
- Bring some things to keep yourself busy – a book, a journal, or a hobby
Solo Pricing
One of the few drawbacks of solo cruising can be the dreaded single supplement. This is an extra fee charged to one traveler who stays in a cabin designated for two people. Single supplements can range from 125% to 200% of the per person fee. So, a solo traveler could potentially pay up to double than the per person rate.
Luckily, there are several ways to avoid or reduce a single supplement. Some cruise lines offer cabins specifically designed for one person – these are often referred to as a studio or a solo cabin. Also, cruise lines may offer low- or no-single-supplement promotions, which can help reduce the cost. Even if a promotion is not specific to single supplements, they may also benefit solo travelers…promotions that offer discounted fares can often help offset the cost of the single supplement. Finally, sometimes booking last-minute may score you a deal on a solo cabin, because sometimes the cruise lines will discount remaining cabins as the sail date approaches.
- Have some flexibility when planning solo travel – deals can often be found if you are not set on a particular date, itinerary, or cruise line
- Confirm the details of any single supplements to ensure you fully understand the pricing
- Check for dedicated solo cabins to reduce or avoid single supplements
Common Questions
Which ocean cruise lines are best for solo travelers?
Celebrity, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages all offer solo cabins and/or lower supplements. Luxury lines like Crystal and Oceania offer solo staterooms; Silversea, Ponant, and Seabourn may offer reduced solo rates.
Which river cruise lines are best for solo travelers?
AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Tauck are great options with reduced or waived single supplements on select sailings and ships. Lines like Uniworld and Emerald also periodically offer reduced or waived single supplements.
What is the best way to navigate all of the options and rates for solo travelers?
Working with a Travel Advisor / Agent (TA) is your best bet. Knowledgeable TAs can help you find the best fit for a solo cruise. Many often monitor solo deals to help keep costs low. Having some flexibility in the timing, destination, and duration of your cruise will help you score some of the best solo travel deals.
Curious about solo travel? Click the button below to contact me for more information:
Even More Travel Ideas
Six Tips for Successful Solo Travel
