Embarking on a solo cruise adventure can present a unique set of challenges. Discover practical strategies for overcoming them so you can have an enjoyable cruise.
Solo cruising is becoming increasingly popular and it’s not hard to see why.
It is a great way to travel as a solo traveller. You get the thrill of waking up in a different destination every day while the logistics of travel are largely taken care of. Leaving you to enjoy a fabulous holiday.
For the solo traveller, it makes for an easy, convenient and stress free way to travel.
However, it is not without its challenges. It can be expensive, lonely and there will might be times you won’t feel comfortable.
I’ve been travelling solo for almost 30 years and taking solo cruises for the last three years so I’ve encountered more than a few issues over that time.
It is worth being aware of some of these challenges so you can think if any of them may affect you and if they do what you can do limit the impact and not spoil your cruise.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges you may face on a solo cruise.
It can be expensive
There is no getting around this one. Cruising solo is often expensive.
Cruise cabins are generally sold at double occupancy. So if you are booking as a solo you will often be charged the dreaded solo supplement to cover cruise lines’ loss of revenue.
However, there are some ways you can reduce this cost.
Many cruise lines now have solo cabins which are charged at a single fares. These may still be slightly more expensive than what two people would each pay in a double occupancy cabin but is usually less than a cabin with a solo supplement.
Alternatively, look out for no solo supplement deals. These could be special promotions or offers to attract solo cruisers. Cruise lines also sometimes offer these deals when the cruise is not full and they have cabins to sell.
I’ve managed to book a few cruises with no solo supplement including one on a cruise line I would probably not have been able to cruise with given their usual solo pricing. So, it is worth keeping your eye out for any of these deals. You might grab a bargain.
Read more | Solo cabin reviews on P&O Cruises Britannia and Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady.
It can be lonely at times
Even if you are a person that is happy in their own company you might find it can get lonely at times.
You might be surrounded by families or large groups of friends which can bring into sharp focus that you are on your own.
It can also be hard to meet people on a cruise sometimes. I once went almost a week on a cruise without speaking to anyone other than the crew. All of whom were lovely and friendly but they are obviously working and not exactly able to sit down for a long chat.
There are ways to avoid this though.
Look out for any solo meet-ups. Many cruise lines now offer these meet ups and it is a great way to break the ice with fellow solo cruisers.
I’ve been to a few and they can be a bit hit and miss. Some I’ve attended no one has turned up. Yet others have had a great group of people that I ended up meeting up with throughout the cruise. I’m friends with some of those now and have done a few cruises with them since.
It is well worth going along to any solo meetings that might be held on your cruise. There is no obligation to go back or even meet up with any other solo cruisers but it does give you a time and place where you can (hopefully) meet people.
I met a few ladies towards the end of a cruise on a shore excursion. They were cruising solo but hadn’t gone to any of the solo meet-ups as they were too nervous. They had spent the week up until that point alone.
While they were enjoying the cruise it was a shame they hadn’t had any company at times. I managed to persuade them to come along to some informal meet-ups that the solo cruisers had agreed to each day and they really enjoyed meeting everyone.
You may have to explain why you are cruising solo
I’ve only had this happen a couple of times but don’t be surprised if you occasionally have to explain why you are cruising on your own.
Yes really…
I guess for some people, particularly if they are used to travelling with a partner, their families, or friends, cruising alone could seem a bit strange.
Remember, it is up to you how much or how little you share.
I usually say cruising alone is better than not cruising at all. And who wants to be stuck at home all the time?
Not me and hopefully not you either.
It can be hard to find or hold a seat in the buffet, bar or entertainment venue
Being solo can sometimes make it bit of a challenge when it comes to the dining and entertainment venues onboard a cruise ship.
Particularly in busy areas like the buffet or theatre. You get your food or drink, find somewhere to sit and then decide you want to go up for more or to get another drink.
Or with some cruise lines removing trays from their buffets you may have to make multiple trips if you can’t carry your plate (or plates!) and any drink you have.
Even if you are gone just a few minutes, there is always the fear of returning and finding someone else sitting in your spot or your plate cleared away and the table empty.
Ways to avoid having someone inadvertently take your seat include bringing a jacket or cardigan that you can leave on the back of your chair or having a book or magazine you can leave on the table. Anything that says this table is occupied.
You can also ask your table neighbour to let fellow passenger and waiters know you will be returning if they try to sit down or clear the table.
That said, I once did this on a Cunard cruise and was told people don’t take your seat on this type of ship. That told me! Though I’m not really sure if that is the case, if someone needs a table they need a table.
Finding a seat in the entertainment venues can give you similar issues. You might want to go to the bar and get a drink before the show starts or go to the toilet but don’t want to lose your seat.
The obvious answer is to do all that before you go in but that is not always possible.
Again, leave some clothing, like a jacket, scarf or shawl so people can see that the seat is taken. Or ask anyone sitting next to you to hold your seat for you.
It can feel a bit intimidating to walk into some venues onboard
Even if you are one of the most confident people in the world it can still be a bit intimidating to walk into large crowded entertainment venues.
I’ve cruised on some of the larger cruise ships recently where some of the venues seemed to have been super sized up, probably to match the larger capacity of the ship.
Walking into some of these can be a bit nerve-wracking especially when they are busy and full of people looking like they are having a great time. It is very easy to feel a bit self conscious when alone.
Finding a seat or getting served can be difficult and it just makes for a not very pleasant experience.
Some tips on how you can make this easier on yourself include getting to the venue early so it is not as crowded when you arrive. This will make it easier to find a seat and grab a drink.
Or if you have met any other solo’s on the cruise, arranging to meet them there.
You may not feel comfortable dining alone
If you regularly travel solo you are probably used to dining alone.
However, if you are not or if you are taking your first solo cruise you might be a little nervous about dining alone.
It can feel a bit awkward sitting alone at a table in the main dining room or in one of the specialty restaurants.
I once had a meal in one of the specialty restaurants on Celebrity Silhouette, the Tuscan Grill. The meal itself was fabulous but the experience not so much. It was painfully uncomfortable sitting there alone surrounded by couples.
Don’t let this put you off though. Solo cruisers have just as much right to enjoy all the facilities onboard including the fabulous restaurants.
Some of the ways you can make it feel a little less awkward include eating earlier in the evening when the venues are slightly less busy. This can help to make you feel a little less conspicuous
Taking up shared dining in the main dining room. This is where you are given a table with others and is a great way to meet people.
Or eating in the buffet or trying room service. This can take the pressure off dining alone in one of the restaurants every night.
You’ll have to explore ports alone
If you are comfortable travelling alone then this probably won’t be an issue. You’ll be used to exploring new places on your own.
However, you may want a bit of company or just want a hassle-free day.
One way to do this is to take a shore excursion. You’ll have company for the whole trip and all the logistics will be taken care of.
I took a few excursions on a cruise around the Norwegian Fjords and ended up spending two excursions with the same people. It made the day a little more fun and interesting than it might have been if I had been alone.
It can be difficult to take photos of yourself
Perhaps one of the hardest (and most annoying) things about travelling alone is that it can be difficult to take a photo of yourself in all the fabulous destinations you visit.
Obviously, you can ask a passerby to take a photo of you. Although this can be hit and miss. I once asked someone to take a photo of me with Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in the background and they cut the Opera House off.
So you do need a bit of luck on your side when you ask someone.
Thankfully, in the days of almost everyone having a camera phone, there are many more options available.
I’ve recently started to use a tripod for my phone. I used this to take some photos of myself on my cabin balcony at the start of the formal night on a cruise.
Usually I’d just take a selfie and be done with it but it was nice to be able to get some full-length photos while being all dressed up for once.
I’ve not been quite brave enough to try the tripod outside the cabin yet but I’m sure I will eventually.
For the more brave amongst you the Insta 360 is also a great option to have as you can film yourself as you are out and about.
The Last Word
As you can see there are some challenges when taking a solo cruise but none are insurmountable.
Nor should any of them put you off cruising alone. There are many ways to mitigate the challenges.
By knowing what challenges you may face before your cruise allows you to prepare and have ways to handle them so they don’t spoil your cruise.