Traveling solo is a journey of self-discovery and independence. It’s about embracing the freedom to explore the world on your own terms, without compromising on experiences. And when it comes to solo travel, cruising offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and social interaction.
Cast tired old prejudices overboard and find out why taking a cruise should definitely be on your list of top holiday ideas. Here are the pros and cons of cruising for solos.
Pros of Cruising
Freedom and Flexibility
The idea of travelling or going on any kind of adventure solo can be daunting. For many, going on a cruise is the perfect middle ground and a holiday type with many advantages. You get all the freedom and flexibility with plenty to keep you entertained, but it is also extremely social and incredibly easy to make friends.
You have the freedom to choose how you spend your days – whether it’s lounging by the pool with a good book, soaking up the sun on deck, or joining in on the ship’s entertainment and activities. During port days, you can then explore solo if you wish, or tag along with your new friends for an adventure.
Each day you can do exactly what you want whether that it is a solo activity, a social one or nothing at all – all whilst surrounded by stunning views and fresh sea air. Plus, with plenty of social spaces onboard, it’s easy to strike up conversations and make new friends.
See Amazing Destinations
If you want to see more than one destination but don’t want to arrange the logistics, cruising is an ideal middle ground. One of the biggest perks of cruising solo is the opportunity to visit incredible destinations around the world.
When you compare a cruise holiday to a traditional package holiday, the obvious advantage with cruise travel is knowing you’ll see much more of the world on one trip. On a cruise, you’ll be transported to a new destination as you sleep.
You don’t have to worry about booking multiple accommodation, taking the risk out of finding a hotel you like and removing the hassle of getting from place to place. You’ll be able to visit many destinations during your trip, choosing from hundreds of destinations.
On a Harmony of the Seas cruise for example, you can visit the vibrant cultures of the Caribbean islands, where each port of call offers a new island vibe and places to visit. And with a variety of cruise itineraries to choose from, you can tailor your journey to suit your interests and preferences.
Meet Others
Solo cruising doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Onboard, you’ll find a diverse community of fellow travellers eager to connect and share experiences on your trip. Whether it’s joining a shore excursion with newfound friends or simply striking up a conversation over dinner, solo cruising is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and forge lasting friendships.
No Stress Travel
One of the best things about cruising solo is the hassle-free travel experience. With everything from accommodation to dining taken care of onboard, you can focus on enjoying your holiday without the stress of planning and logistics. Plus, with multiple destinations visited on a single trip, you’ll maximise your travel time and see more of the world in one seamless journey.
You’ll never get bored
Cruise ships are packed with activities and amenities to keep you entertained from morning till night. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for adventure, a foodie eager to sample gourmet cuisine, or a culture enthusiast interested in onboard lectures and workshops, there’s something for everyone onboard a cruise ship.
There are so many things to do on the cruise liner itself that finding yourself at a loose end on your trip simply won’t happen. You’ll meet lots of new people and socialise with a diverse range of fellow travellers. Cruise ships sometimes run events for single travellers, allowing for mixing and mingling and making new friends.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Dining on a cruise ship is a culinary delight, with a wide range of dining options to suit every palate and preference. From gourmet restaurants showcasing world-class cuisine to casual eateries serving up comfort food favourites, you can savour a variety of dishes throughout your journey.
And with bars and lounges offering expertly crafted cocktails and live entertainment, every evening onboard is a celebration of good food, good drinks, and good company.
Things To Do in The Evenings
There are always things to do in the evenings. Everything from singles events, spa treatments, sport facilities, music, dining and entertainment are right at your fingertips. For those who like a little intellectual stimulation to balance their relaxation, many cruises offer art classes, and lessons like wine tasting.
And the best part is, if one thing isn’t your cup of tea, there are always alternatives such as enjoying the evening entertainment of professional musicians and performers at night or socialising in one of the many social areas that you find about cruise ships.
Explore Everywhere
Cruising solo opens doors to a world of exploration and adventure, with itineraries that take you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re cruising through the icy wilderness of Alaska, lounging on the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean, or cruising along the historic Rhine River, each destination offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and beauty of a brand new destination.
Cons of Cruising
Just imagine… You’ve spent a day swimming in the crystal blue waters of the Western Caribbean, exploring the beautiful landscapes and culture, soaking up the sun. Then you’ve had a world class dining experience, seen some of the best evening entertainment going, had a few cocktails made expertly before your eyes, then to bed in a luxury cabin.
You then wake up to sunshine and a whole new day ahead. As great as cruising is, there are also some cons too…
Safety Concerns: Safety can be a significant concern for solo female travellers on cruise ships, particularly during shore excursions or when exploring ports of call alone. Incidents of theft, harassment, or assault can occur, although cruise lines typically have security measures in place, as a solo traveller you may feel more vulnerable compared to those traveling in groups.
Single Supplement Charges: Many cruise lines charge a single supplement fee for solo travellers, which can significantly increase the cost of the trip. This fee is often imposed because cabins are typically designed for double occupancy, meaning solo travellers have to pay extra to compensate for the unused bed space.
Limited Social Interaction: While cruises offer opportunities to meet new people, there is also the possibility that solo travellers may find it challenging to socialise depending on the type of cruise and demographic of the ship. Especially if the majority of other passengers are couples or groups. This can lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness during the trip.
Dining Alone: Cruise ship dining experiences often revolve around communal tables or assigned seating, which can be uncomfortable for solo travellers who may feel self-conscious or out of place dining alone amidst couples or families. While some cruise lines offer alternative dining options, they may come with additional charges.
Limited Itinerary Choices: Some cruise itineraries may not be as appealing to solo travellers, as they may prioritise destinations or activities that are more suitable for couples or families. This may restrict your options when choosing a cruise that aligns with your interests and hobbies.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Group Activities: Cruise ships often organise group excursions and activities, which can be overwhelming for solo travellers who prefer to explore at their own pace or engage in more solitary experiences. Navigating crowded areas or participating in large group activities may not be the type of holiday that you’re looking for.
Best Places For Cruising
Thought cruising was just for the Mediterranean or the Caribbean? Think again. The cruise lines are now taking passengers off the beaten paths to places of history, culture and diversity, and many are now giving back through green initiatives and charitable donations. Here are some places that you cruise to give you some ideas:
Alaska – With its snow-capped mountains and icy glaciers, Alaska is an awe-inspiring natural wonder and the place to spot bears and whales all from the comfort of your own cabin. Fly to America to start your cruise from a choice of ports.
Caribbean – Relax in the sun on board a Caribbean cruise and sail through turquoise seas to deserted white sand beaches. A Caribbean cruise allows you to explore several islands on just one trip. Cruises start from a week and with so many ports to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Norwegian Fjords – The Norwegian coastline has thousands of enticing islands, many rated as World Heritage Sites. Cruises start from a week and allow you to explore the wonderland of the Norwegian Fjords through an ever-changing backdrop of glaciers and unspoilt wilderness.
The Rhine – Cruise along the picturesque Rhine with more than 40 castles and fortresses. Pass the lush landscape of the Black Forest region in Germany, and visit wine-making villages as you sail along the most romantic Rhine.
Egypt – Enjoy the magic of the River Nile as you cruise past ancient Egyptian temples and tombs. Visit the temples of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the gates of the Aswan Dam whilst tracing the course of Egypt’s history along the way. Fly into Egypt and combine with a week in the Red Sea.
Final thoughts…
Going on a cruise really is an excellent option for those looking to benefit from a solo adventure. There are many top tips for making the most out of a cruise, but it is important to go in with the right attitude and be open and friendly. Although it is likely you will want some alone time, you will also want to socialise and make some new friends.
It may be daunting at first, but the majority of people who go on cruises want to meet new people. Therefore all it takes is friendly smile and an openness. Regardless of the destination, you are sure to have an incredible time and find it to be an empowering experience.
