It’s nice to have company when you want it. In my opinion, the best way to keep the right balance of socialising and independence is by going on a cruise.
Most of us aren’t always travelling alone out of choice. I have been widowed, but trying to make the best life for myself. Others are divorced, and some are just very happy doing their own thing and just need a break on their own, away from life stresses.
I have found travel to be a powerful tool for personal healing and growth.
A solo cruiser is different from a single cruiser. Speaking to others, you'll find a single cruiser might be looking for a potential romantic connection, whereas a solo cruiser is looking for casual, friendly connections and visiting different destinations.
If it's your first time going on a cruise solo, or if you are wondering whether you can be brave enough to do this. I have a few ideas to encourage you.
A lot of people, women particularly, are concerned about their safety. Well, on board a ship, you are not going to get lost. You might go down the wrong corridor or the wrong way to the restaurant. Getting your port and starboard mixed up. But everyone is doing the same.
Within the first couple of days, or even by the end of the week, you may still be going the wrong way. By the lifts are maps that tell you where you are. On some very big, modern ships, you can get directions from an interactive board, and there are always staff to ask. Everyone is extremely friendly. Well, why not? We are on holiday!
While cruise ships are generally safe environments, taking precautions for your safety is still advisable.
Use your safe in your cabin; don’t carry cash. You don't need it on board; everything can be charged to your cruise card.
Don’t overindulge in alcohol, it can impair your judgement and make you more vulnerable. Know the emergency procedures. I always pay for an internet package. I can stay in contact with family and friends. You can go online at the ports if you don't get an internet package.
It's important to do your research and select a cruise that suits your preferences, interests, and comfort. Check the reviews for the ship you are interested in. Cruise Critic is quite a comprehensive site.
I have a couple of favourite things to do when going ashore. If you've hooked up with a group of solos, then quite often, you will just get off the ship. You'll be able to share taxis and visit your chosen destination.
I also like the security of booking a cruise shore excursion. You'll be in a group with people who are interested in the same thing. You are guaranteed to get back to the ship before it sails. A cruise ship will always wait for its excursions.
Suppose you don't want to go far and just prefer a small wander. Quite often, there are shops and cafes very close to the ship. You need to do your research.
I'm also a fan of Get Your Guide. They have an extensive list of tours from most cruise ports. I've found them to be reliable, and they always ask about your ship's sailing time.
Another of my favourite things to do when in port is not to go anywhere. It's lovely, and the ship is very quiet. I get my book and a cocktail and sit by the pool. The Spa usually offers great deals if you fancy a treat.
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If you’ve seen a cruise advertised that you would like. Well, firstly, you want to get a good deal. I would start by checking out the cruise company's website; from there on, you can start checking and comparing prices with cruise specialists.
Cruise Critic Compare is a good place to start, allowing you the option to put your preferred date, destination, etc., and then select to view the prices. Find out who has the best deal.
There is also a review tab to see what other cruisers think. If you are a solo traveller wanting your own cabin, it's going to be at a premium. If you are checking online, you need to reset occupancy 2 to occupancy 1.
I find the Cruise118 website very easy to use. The prices will only be a little lower, if at all, for a solo, compared to a cabin with double occupancy. P&O Cruises can be quite good at offering better reductions than some. Also Cunard. This is just through personal experience.
In the UK, a company called Passion for Cruises specialises in cruises for solos. They are very helpful. Click the link to find out more about them.
You may be particularly interested in the Hosted Cruises for first-time solo cruisers. Passion for Cruises staff are also on board. There is a USA equivalent, Passion for Cruises USA.
So, you have booked your first solo cruise, and ideally, you would like to meet other solos on board. The first thing I would do is join an appropriate Facebook group. If you type your cruise code into search, you should come up with matches. Here, I have inserted K406A, it's a screenshot. You’ll see it has come up with three matches of groups to join.
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Join the groups, and from here, you can ask if there are any other solos on the cruise. This is called joining a Roll Call. You can chat with other enthusiastic and usually very knowledgeable people. There are also opportunities to join groups on Cruise Critic.
It's a platform where you can share tips, ask questions, and even arrange meetups or excursions with others before the cruise begins.
If you wish, you can start a WhatsApp group to include your solos and begin planning your visits ashore and your get-togethers for dinner.
If you don't wish to do any of the above but would still like to get to know other solos on board the ship, then below you will see a listing from the daily Horizon paper from the P&O Iona. It shows the solo meet-up time. Attend these get-togethers, and you should meet up with many other solos. In my experience, all cruise companies have meet-ups.
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Some people prefer to stay reasonably independent and do their own thing. If you do, and you like to go to dinner in the main dining room to be waited on. Ask to be put on a table with others. You will make friends and have the opportunity to have meals with different people every evening.
But if you want to dine alone, that's good too. Many do ask for a table for one.
It's not weird, it's very relaxing. The waiters are very intuitive and will know if you need extra help and conversation.
Cruising also offers a fantastic opportunity for solo travellers to enjoy some solitude and relaxation on their own terms.
Some people have come away looking for time on their own without a schedule. You can dine at the buffet when you wish. Maybe sitting quietly on the deck in the sunshine. Reading a book. Going to a show. Watching a film at the cinema.
Exploring ports ashore at your leisure. Going to the casino, the library. Listening to a guest speaker. Working out in the gym. Running or walking on the track. Going to the spa for a relaxing treat. Cruising solo can be a liberating experience, allowing you to set your own pace and make the most of your time at sea. There are also many quiet areas on board most ships.
Whether you're in pursuit of alone time or craving social engagement, the decision rests entirely in your hands. It's a great way to travel.
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WELCOME ABOARD!
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