Thinking about a solo cruise? Here’s why you should go for it

Cruising might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re planning a solo trip, but I’ve found it’s actually one of the easiest – and most enjoyable – ways to travel alone. It’s stress-free, social when you want it to be, and you’ll still get all the freedom of solo travel without the logistics of going it completely alone.

With seemingly almost every cruise line circling the UK in 2021, I decided to test the waters with a short solo cruise. It seemed like the perfect low-risk way to see if I liked cruising by myself, especially as I was curious about how I’d get on in an inside cabin.

That short cruise ended up changing how I travel. In fact, I’ve taken seven solo cruises since!

Solo cruising is far less lonely than you’d think, and it offers a brilliant mix of independence and convenience. So, if you’ve ever thought about cruising on your own, here are five reasons why it’s absolutely worth a go.

Women in a wide brimmed hat looking out to sea on a cruise ship with a cocktail balance on the handrail

At a glance

Its a simple, safe way to travel alone
You’ll make loads of new friends
You can choose the itinerary you want
Your time is your own
It’s great for building confidence

Benefits of Cruising Solo

It’s a Simple, Safe Way to Travel Alone

Although I’ve done a lot of independent travel, this time I just wanted something simple and low-stress as I was recovering from illness. I didn’t have the energy for planning routes or working out where to eat every night. I just wanted a holiday where everything was taken care of. And that’s exactly what a cruise offers.

Everything you need is right there: restaurants, entertainment, activities, medical support if you need it, and a ready-made routine. It feels safe, too. You don’t have to walk home alone at night or feel awkward dining by yourself in a restaurant.

And when you’re in port, cruise line excursions take the stress out of exploring. No need to navigate public transport or worry about getting back in time for sail away. It’s all handled for you.

You’ll make loads of new friends

One of the biggest surprises for me was how easy it was to meet people onboard. On almost all the solo cruises I have done, I came away with new friends. People I met at solo meet-ups, shared tables in the dining room, or just bumped into at the bar or on a shore excursion.

Cruise lines like P&O offer regular solo gatherings, and some, like Norwegian Cruise Line, have solo lounges exclusively for guests in studio cabins. Whether it’s joining a quiz team, attending a deck party, or chatting over breakfast, there are plenty of natural ways to connect without it feeling forced.

You can choose the itinerary you want

One of the best things about solo cruising is not having to compromise. You can pick the ship, itinerary, and excursions that suit you. Want to cruise the Norwegian fjords? Do it. Fancy a few days island-hopping in the Med? Go for it.

When you travel with others, there’s always a bit of negotiation. Everyone will have a different opinion of where to go or what to see. Travelling solo means you are in control. You can visit all those places you’ve always wanted to without having to think about keeping someone else happy too.

White cruise ship entering Malta Harbour with city buildings to right of ship and blue sky with white clouds above.

It’s up to you how you spend your time

The freedom of solo cruising is hard to beat. You get to set your own pace. You can be sociable when you want to be, or spend the day reading by the pool with zero guilt. You can eat early, eat late, skip formal night entirely or dress to the nines. It’s all up to you.

Travelling with friends or family can be fun, but it also comes with a lot of compromise. Cruising solo? No schedule but your own. It’s entirely up to you how you spend your time.

Women holding on hat looking out to sea from a cruise ship deck

It will help you step outside your comfort zone and build confidence

If you’ve never travelled alone before, cruising is a great place to start. You’ve got structure, security which makes solo travel feel much less intimidating. It’s almost like having bit of a safety net.

You might feel out of your comfort zone for a day or two, but trust me, that passes quickly. You’ll be surprised how capable you are. Whether that’s navigating a new city on your own or simply sitting down to dinner solo for the first time. Every bit of independence builds your confidence for the next adventure.

The Last Word

I’ve had a few people tell me I’m brave for cruising alone. But honestly, I don’t think it’s brave at all. It’s just a different way to travel. And once you try it, you’ll probably want to do it again. I know I did. It can be a very fulfilling experience. You’ll return with a sense of achievement and a few more places on your travel wish list ticked off.

Cruise lines are slowly catching on, with more solo cabins, dedicated meet-ups, and solo-friendly pricing. If you’re on the fence, there’s never been a better time to give solo cruising a go. You might just find it becomes your favourite way to travel.

Solo Cruising