As I prepare for my third solo cruise, I reflect on the wealth of knowledge I have gained from my previous sailing experiences. Whether I have set sail with family, friends, classmates, or on my own, each journey has taught me invaluable lessons that have enhanced my solo cruising adventures. If you are considering embarking on a solo cruise, I am excited to share my top 8 tips to make your experience unforgettable!
1. Embrace the Freedom of Solo Travel
Solo cruising offers an unparalleled sense of liberation. Without the need to consider anyone else’s preferences, you are free to create an itinerary tailored to your interests. Want to spend the day lounging by the pool or exploring a port of call? The choice is entirely yours!
2. Choose Your Cabin Wisely
Studio cabins designed specifically for solo travelers are a significant change. These rooms are often smaller than traditional cabins but offer fantastic value. Plus, you will avoid paying the annoying single supplement fee that many cruise lines charge.
Solo sailor, coming right up! Next year, I’m trading in my usual balcony (and that pesky single supplement) for a solo ocean-view cabin. It’s my inaugural voyage in a cabin just for one, and I can’t wait! Stay tuned for tales from my solo sailing adventure.
3. Get Ready to Meet New People
Cruising is a social butterfly’s paradise! From singles mixers to shore excursions, there are endless opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Do not be shy – strike up a conversation with your neighbor at dinner or join a roll call for solo cruisers on your ship.
On my solo cruise last year, I made it a point to seek out other solo travelers. I introduced myself to those dining alone and joined in on group activities for solo cruisers. Before I knew it, I was part of a table of 10 solo adventurers, some of whom I had met on a previous cruise in 2022. By putting myself out there and engaging with others, I found myself forming meaningful connections. We spent our days exploring ship activities together and our nights sharing stories over dinner. Those chance encounters blossomed into lasting friendships. Now, we’re already planning a reunion cruise for 2025. My experience is proof that with a little courage to put yourself out there, a solo cruise can be a incredibly rewarding and social experience.
4. Stay Connected (or do not) – It is Up to You
In today’s digital age, it is easy to stay in touch with loved ones back home. Yet, part of the solo cruise appeal is the chance to unplug. Set boundaries that feel right for you – a daily text to check in, or a complete device detox. Your cruise, your rules!
Staying connected with loved ones is a must for me, even on vacation. That’s why I always purchase an internet package. However, I’ve discovered a fun alternative for communicating with fellow passengers. The Royal Caribbean app has a handy chat feature that lets you connect with others on the ship without using your internet. This was a lifesaver for our solo traveler group last year. We could coordinate meetups, share highlights from our day, and even make spontaneous plans – all without worrying about data. It added a new level of fun to the experience, feeling like we had our little community at sea. So, don’t be afraid to get chatting with other solo cruisers. You never know the memories you’ll make! Oh, and we did make a lot of memories.
5. Budget Like a Pro
When cruising solo, it is essential to factor in the single supplement. Look for cruise lines that waive this fee or offer special deals for solo travelers. Also, consider setting aside a little extra for those impromptu spa treatments or cocktails by the pool.
The world of cruising just got a whole lot more solo-traveler-friendly! Many lines now offer cabins designed specifically for singles. Here’s a list of cruise lines that off solo cabins you aboard:
- AmaWaterways
- American Cruise Lines
- American Queen Voyages
- Celebrity Cruises
- Costa Cruises
- Cunard Line
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Holland America
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- P&O Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- UnCruise Adventures
But don’t worry if your dream cruise doesn’t have solo cabins – you can always book a double and pay the single supplement. Keep your eyes peeled for those amazing deals where the solo supplement is waived. Crystal Cruise line is known to offer this perk, so solo luxury sailors, take note!
Solo cabins are hot tickets, so don’t wait to book. I’ve already snagged my solo ocean-view balcony cabin for the holidays next year and I can’t wait to experience the views and extra space. It’s going to be a holiday season like no other!
The days of solo travelers being penalized are fading fast. Now’s the time to set sail on your own and enjoy every bit of your adventure. Happy cruising!
6. Safety First
As with any type of travel, take common-sense precautions to stay safe. Make sure someone knows your itinerary and arrange for a reputable service to manage any pre- or post-cruise travel.
The countdown begins! Thirty days before takeoff, I dive into my pre-travel prep, and I’m excited to share my process with you. It all starts with a carefully curated to-do list, designed to ensure a stress-free adventure. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on my agenda:
- Share the journey with loved ones: I send a detailed email to my family, keeping them in the loop with my travel plans. This includes:
- Flight details: Numbers, departure/arrival airports, and times
- Cruise itinerary: Ports of call, dates, and cabin information
- Hotel stays: Addresses, check-in/check-out times, and booking numbers
- Excursions: Schedules, tour operators, and meeting points
- Transportation: Info on how I’m getting to/from airports, hotels, and cruise terminals
- Supplier details: I include the name, phone number, email, and website for each supplier. This way, my family can reach out if needed.
- Ship contact: The cruise ship’s phone number makes it easy for them to contact me at sea.
By sharing this information, I enjoy my travels knowing my loved ones have all the details. It’s a win-win for peace of mind and adventure!
Tips:
- Consider creating a shared document with travel plans and update it as bookings are finalized.
- Leave a copy of your passport and travel insurance documents with your emergency contact.
- If traveling internationally, include information on how to reach you abroad.
Stay tuned for more pre-travel prep tips. Happy planning!
7. Pack Smart
You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating: pack light! With no one to share with, you will appreciate the extra space in your cabin. Check your cruise line’s website for specific packing recommendations, and do not forget to leave room for souvenirs.
Confession time: I’m a self-proclaimed packing pro, but “packing light” isn’t in my vocabulary. This trip is no exception, and I’m thrilled to share my unconventional must-haves. Sure, I don’t bring an outfit for every day, but I make room for items that add a touch of personality to my adventure. Here’s a peek inside my suitcase:
- Quacky fun: Rubber ducks are sneaking onto the ship for a fun hide-and-seek game with fellow passengers.
- Earring gifts: A little bling for the crew members who make my journey extra special.
- Magnet mania: These are a cruise must-have! I bring magnets to put on my stateroom door. And I bring magnet hooks to hang my lanyard, clothes, and other things. The walls in the room are magnetic.
- Communication station: A whiteboard for the cabin door so other passengers can leave notes for me. It’s old school, but it works wonders!
Packing smart:
- Shoe game strong: I’ve mastered limiting myself to one pair of sneakers and one pair of dress shoes. Baby steps towards packing light!
- Bagging it: When flying internationally, that free checked bag is a blessing. But if it tips the scales over 50 pounds, that $200 fee hurts. Math tip: An extra bag is only $100, so pack smart! Check the airlines for baggage fees.
- List lover: I swear by my detailed packing list, noting what’s in each suitcase. No more digging through every bag to find one item.
Pro tip: Lost luggage happens, even to the best of us. Always pack essentials like hygiene products, undergarments, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. You never know!
Stay tuned for more packing secrets from a self-proclaimed over packer. Happy travels!
8. Above All, Relax and Enjoy the Ride!
Your solo cruise is the ultimate opportunity to unwind and recharge. Do not stress if you do not see everything on your bucket list – the joy of cruising lies in the journey, not the destination. Soak up the sun, indulge in delicious dining, and let the ocean breeze melt your worries away.
As a solo cruiser, I’ve mastered the art of finding the perfect balance between activity and relaxation. I don’t feel the need to pack every minute with something, instead, I curate my days with the activities that excite me the most. The daily schedule is my guide, and I cherry-pick the experiences that make my heart skip a beat.
Balcony bliss: One of my absolute favorites is savoring breakfast or lunch on my private balcony. The soundtrack of the ocean gently lapping against the ship’s hull is pure serenity. And on sea days (I’m lucky to have eight in a row on this trip!), a balcony nap is non-negotiable.
RCCL favorites: Royal Caribbean is renowned for its spectacular Broadway productions, and I always make time for these incredible shows. But the fun doesn’t stop there. I’m a trivia buff, a silent disco diva, and a sail-away party animal! The midnight balloon drop, vibrant parades, and dance parties get me moving. And let’s not forget the hilarious gameshows – Love and Marriage, Battle of the Sexes, Crazy Quest, and Majority Rules always leave me in stitches.
Recharge and refresh: While I love to play, I know when to take a time-out. A 2:00 pm power nap is my secret weapon to tackle those late nights. And my haven on the ship? Central Park. Imagine delicious eats, soothing tunes, and an oasis of tranquility – it’s the perfect recipe for a day well spent.
Stay tuned for more insights into my solo cruise adventures. It’s all about finding your rhythm on the high seas!
BONUS TIP: Connect with Fellow Solo Cruisers Before You Sail
Joining a Facebook group or online forum for solo cruisers is a fantastic way to connect with like-minded travelers before your trip. These communities are a wealth of information, and you may even find fellow passengers to meet up with onboard. A simple search for “solo cruisers” or “solo travel” should bring up several active groups.
With these tips in your back pocket, you are ready to set sail on the solo cruise of a lifetime. Happy travels, and I will see you on the high seas!
Stay tuned for more insights from my solo sailing adventures. From pre-travel prep to onboard antics, I’m excited to share my journey with you. And who knows? Maybe our paths will cross on the high seas!
No Limit Travel Agency 