Everything You Need To Know Before Going On A Solo Cruise
Cruises are a great way to unwind, disconnect, and relax, all while enjoying great food, activities, and excursions. But a unique thing about cruises is they are often a vacation that people take solo. According to Cruise Critic, a solo cruise is simply a cruise someone goes on alone and is not to be confused with a singles cruise, which is designed for singles hoping to find a partner during their journey.
There are many reasons someone may choose to cruise solo. Celebrity Cruises notes that people often go solo because they may not have anyone who is able to travel with them, whether due to work, children, or financial strains, or they simply desire an independent vacation while still enjoying the luxuries a cruise vacation can offer. If not sharing a stateroom and doing whatever you please without a travel buddy sounds appealing to you, you may want to consider taking your next cruise solo. Before you do, here's what you need to know.
Be sure to plan ahead
While you may think that cruising solo will save you money, most cruise lines plan their staterooms and packages with more than one person in mind. This means that if you are booking a stateroom for one person, you are likely going to pay more than you would if you were sharing that room, per Cruise Maven. In fact, they say that solo cruisers should expect to pay 200% of the base cruise fare along with the taxes and fees. This is because cruises often list their prices per person rather than per room. According to Cruise Critic, some newer ships now have single staterooms, but even with this option, you should expect to pay a pretty penny to stay alone.
The success of your trip also depends on which type of cruise you choose. If you are looking to spend a week alone, free from socializing, you may want to consider a larger cruise. These offer more flexibility in terms of single occupancy options, plus you can easily blend in with the big crowds and avoid running into the same person twice. If you are hoping to meet new people while onboard, a smaller cruise ship is best (via Cruise Critic). You will likely see the same groups of people at meals and excursions, making it easier to meet and mingle with others.
Make sure you have the right expectations
If you have never traveled alone before, it's best to go into your solo cruise with an open mind. While it may seem like you are the only one cruising alone, as Cruise Critic explains, solo cruises have actually gotten a lot more popular as of late and there may be more single people on board than you think. One big thing about cruises is the dining options. When you go for a meal, you are often seated with your group, but if you are alone this can look different. According to Insider, you will likely have the option to dine solo or with a group of people and you can make that choice depending on what kind of meal you are hoping to have.
When it comes to excursions off the boat and port stops, Cruise Maven recommends staying alert: write down all the pertinent information about your boat and pay attention to your surroundings. Cruising alone can be a wonderful experience as long as you are prepared. Cruise Maven, who has taken many solo cruises, suggests starting small with a 4-5 day cruise and ensures that after you do one solo cruise, you will be hooked for a lifetime.