Cruising Solo

“Traveling solo does not always mean you’re alone. Most often, you meet marvelous people along the way and make connections that last a lifetime.” ~ Jacqueline Boone

Solo Cruising: Your Ticket to Freedom

Picture this: you, on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, the wind in your hair, a fruity cocktail in your hand, and the turquoise ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see. Sound good? It gets even better! Imagine experiencing all of this … on your own terms. No coordinating with friends, no compromising on the itinerary—just you, the sea, and the thrill of adventure.

Now, are you thinking, “But I have mobility issues, can I cruise solo?” Absolutely! Cruising is one of the most accessible ways to travel, and with some basic planning, you can have the solo adventure of a lifetime. I know, because I’ve done it!

My Solo Cruising Journey

In 2022, I embarked on my first solo cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s brand-new mega-ship, Wonder of the Seas. Seven nights in the Mediterranean, departing from Rome – it was a dream come true. And the best part? I extended my trip to visit friends in Italy. It took some planning, but the biggest hurdle was convincing myself I could do it. Spoiler alert: I totally could!

Since then, I’ve tackled a 14-day Transatlantic cruise and a 6-night Caribbean cruise, both solo. And let me tell you, once you get a taste of that solo cruising freedom, you’ll be hooked!

Planning Your Solo Cruise: It’s Easier Than You Think

The hardest part of solo cruising is deciding to book that cabin. But once you’ve taken the plunge, the fun begins!

• Choose Your Itinerary: I’m obsessed with Italy, so that was a no-brainer for me. Royal Caribbean has tons of Italian ports, so I was in luck.
• Research, Research, Research: If you have mobility issues, you need to know that your cruise line has your back. All major US lines must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but some lines offer way more accommodations than others. I sailed to Alaska in 2023 and had an amazing, accessible cabin with plenty of room for my scooter.
• Book That Cabin: Don’t be afraid to get picky! I always go for deck 8 on Oasis-class ships so I’m right near Central Park. If this is your first cruise, picking the right cabin is important. Stay away from rooms that are under the pool decks or any clubs. If you are a light sleeper, stay away from rooms close to the elevator. To ensure the quietest room, find a room with rooms all around you. Below, both sides, and above.
• Get Your Accessibility On: Fill out that accessibility form ASAP so the cruise line knows you’re coming with a scooter, or whatever other accommodations you might need.
• Find Your Perfect Excursion: Okay, this can be tricky. Not all excursions are created equal when it comes to accessibility. But don’t let that stop you – I got off the ship in Florence even when there weren’t any adaptive excursions. More on that later in a future post
• Get in Touch: Email the accessibility shore excursion desk with your excursion picks. They’ll do the legwork to make sure you can participate.

Taking Flight

Buying your plane tickets? That’s the scariest part. Once you click purchase, you’re committed (unless you splurged on a refundable ticket, which I did not do!). So, I always wait 24 hours before doing any more planning. After that, it’s go-go-go!

• Sync Up with Friends: If you have friends in your destination country, let them know your plans. They can be a lifesaver.
• Get Your Stay On: I stayed near the port in Civitavecchia for my first solo Italy trip. Research those hotels and B&Bs ahead of time!
• Sort Your Transport: Book your transfers and ferries in advance. Tip: The ferry from Civitavecchia to Sardinia is not scooter-friendly. Trust me on that one.

The More, the Merrier (Sort Of)

• Join the Crew: Facebook groups for solo female travelers or your specific sailing are goldmines. You’ll meet fellow cruisers, get tips, and maybe even find dinner buddies.
• Keep Them Posted: Create an itinerary for your loved ones back home. And for goodness sake, get on WhatsApp; it’s way easier than navigating international phone plans.

And Then, It’s Bon Voyage!

Once everything is booked and confirmed, all that’s left is the packing (which, let’s be real, is the worst part of any trip). But with a little planning and a lot of excitement, you’ll be sipping that deck cocktail in no time. Cruising solo isn’t just possible, it’s empowering. So, what are you waiting for? The world is your oyster, and the cruise ship is your pearl!

Once everything is booked and confirmed, all that’s left is the packing (which, let’s be real, is the worst part of any trip). But with a little planning and a lot of excitement, you’ll be sipping that deck cocktail in no time. Cruising solo isn’t just possible; it’s empowering. So, what are you waiting for? The world is your oyster, and the cruise ship is your pearl!