How to Plan And Enjoy a Cruise As a Solo Traveler
Recently, I interviewed Carrie Madison, an avid solo traveler, on my podcast. In the interview, she shared with me her experience taking a cruise on the Celebrity cruise line, how she planned it, traveling as a solo cruiser, and lots of great tips to make a trip memorable.
More and more travelers are trying solo cruising. If you have ever considered taking a cruise as a solo traveler, you are not alone, and there are many who are in the ‘same boat’! (haha)
Planning Your First Solo Cruise
Thinking about planning a cruise may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many resources available to you when planning your first cruise as a solo traveler.
Picking a Destination
Several factors can help you decide which cruise and destination are right for you as a solo traveler.
Here are a few steps to get you started:
- Decide where you would like to go and for how long
- Research the destination
- Research the cruise lines that go to the destination
- Check how they accommodate solo cruisers
- Align the cruise dates for your chosen destination with your availability
You can also reverse engineer this process. Sometimes, I know when I want to take a trip and start there.
Cruise Lines That Cater To Solo Travelers
While solo cruising was not very popular in the past, it is becoming a thing to do more and more. Travelers who don’t have a partner, spouse, friends, or family with whom they could match up their vacation time have decided to take the trip independently. Some solo travelers love the idea of going alone on a cruise!
So, if you’re considering cruising solo, you’re not alone—some cruise lines make it easier and more comfortable to sail on your own.
Norwegian Cruise Line stands out with its studio cabins, which are designed specifically for solo travelers, and they have a private lounge just for guests staying in those rooms. Virgin Voyages also has a super social vibe, with no kids onboard and many opportunities to meet other travelers. They also have inside cabins specifically for solo travlers.
Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean sometimes offer solo promotions or events that make it easier to connect with others if you want to. It’s always a good idea to check ahead—some cruise lines occasionally reduce or waive the solo supplement!
A solo supplement is an extra fee a cruise line often charges when one person books a room meant for two. Since most cabins are priced for double occupancy, solo travelers usually have to pay a little more to cover the cost of that empty second spot. The good news? Some cruise lines offer solo-friendly rooms or promotions where the solo supplement is reduced or waived—so it’s always worth checking before you book!
Preparing for a Trip As a Solo Traveler
There is no big difference between preparing for a solo trip and any other trip, other than it may be simpler because you are only concerned with your luggage, your travel information, and no other family members. This makes it a much simpler process and easier trip preparation.
Packing For a Solo Cruise
⚓ Focus on ease and efficiency
Packing for a solo cruise is all about keeping it simple and stress-free. With no one to share luggage space with, every item must count. I like to stick with a carry-on as much as possible and use packing cubes to stay organized. A few mix-and-match outfits, comfortable shoes, and cruise must-haves go a long way!
⚓ Focus on confidence and independence
Smart packing can make you feel more confident and prepared when cruising solo. I recommend planning outfits in advance, packing light with versatile clothing, and bringing anything that helps you feel comfortable, whether it’s a favorite book, journal, or even your own coffee tumbler. The less you have to fuss with, the more you can enjoy the adventure.
Your Travel Information
Print and prepare any information you’ll need for your upcoming cruise. This advice is helpful for any solo trip as well. While most cruise lines offer apps where you can access your boarding pass and itinerary, I prefer not to rely on them since Wi-Fi or cell service may not always be available.
I like to print out my tickets, hotel confirmations, emergency contacts, and a copy of my passport, just in case. Keep all these documents safe; do not pack them in your luggage, but keep them on you while traveling.
Safety is particularly important when cruising solo or on any solo trip. I also leave a copy of my itinerary with a friend or family member to ensure they know how to reach me. Having a folder to keep everything printed and organized gives me peace of mind and reduces stress when I’m on vacation.
Enjoying the Cruise
If this is your first solo cruise, it will feel different, but it can be very enjoyable. Solo cruise travelers talk about how they like the options: Be alone or join others. Eat the way they choose or join others for dinner plans. Meet up with other solo travelers at a scheduled meet-up, or curl up in a corner with a good book from the library. Lots of options!
Will It Feel Awkward To Be Alone On The Ship?
That first-day feeling of “Will this be awkward?” is totally normal. From what Carrie shared, that awkwardness usually fades fast once you start exploring, joining onboard activities, or simply enjoying the peace of doing things your way.
Cruises are full of friendly people, and there are many opportunities to be social when you want to be—and to relax solo when you don’t. It’s about finding your own rhythm on the ship and knowing your goal for your solo vacation.
Activities and Eating Alone
Cruises are packed with fun things to do; if you’re going solo, a little research ahead of time goes a long way. Look over the ship’s daily schedule and plan a few shows or activities you don’t want to miss. You might be surprised how easy it is to meet others at trivia games, themed events, or even on a shore excursion.
When it comes to dining alone, don’t overthink it—bring a book, enjoy the people-watching, or ask to join a shared table if you’re in the mood to chat. One tip I love: choose open seating or specialty dining spots where it’s easier to have a casual conversation if you want company. You’ll feel more confident with each meal and activity, and you’ll start to enjoy doing it all your way.
Taking Excursions As a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler, cruise or no cruise, you should plan excursions and activities in advance. Do excursions that the cruise lines offer is safest, as they have vetted the companies.
If you choose to do your own activity, know the area, have a plan, and know what is safe and what to avoid. Carrie talks about this with her cruise ship stopping at Key West. She stayed in the shop’s area, not far from the ship, and was around other travelers.
FAQS
More solo travelers are deciding to cruise as an option for solo traveling. Cruise lines seem to be accommodating solo travelers more as well, including single rooms and less cost.
Are cruises good for solo travelers?
Cruises can be an excellent option for solo travelers! Carrie shares how relaxing and fun it was to do things on her own schedule. With plenty of activities, entertainment, and excursions to choose from, you’ll never be bored—and it’s easy to meet other travelers if you want to be social. Whether you’re looking to rest, explore, or try something new, cruising solo gives you the freedom to enjoy it your way.
What is the difference between ‘singles’ cruises and ‘solo’ travelers?
A “singles” cruise is typically geared toward people looking to meet others for dating or social events—think mixers, themed parties, and group activities. On the other hand, “solo travel” is about the freedom of traveling alone, whether you’re single or not. It’s more about enjoying your own space, setting your own pace, and doing what you want on your trip—no pressure, just your kind of fun.
Which cruise lines are best for solo travelers?
Several cruise lines have stepped up their game for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers solo studios and a lounge for solo guests. Virgin Voyages is another excellent option with a fun, modern vibe that’s perfect for a bit of adventure and connection without feeling out of place.
Their designated solo rooms are inside cabins. Royal Caribbean and Holland America also have some ships with solo cabins and good solo traveler communities. It comes down to your style—whether you want something more social or a quieter, more relaxed experience.
Can you pay for one person on a cruise?
You can definitely pay for one person on a cruise—but here’s the thing: most cruise cabins are priced for two people, so solo travelers often pay what’s called a “single supplement.” It means you’re covering the cost of the empty spot in the cabin.
Some cruise lines, like Norwegian or Virgin Voyages, offer solo cabins at no extra fee, which is a nice option. Most do not. If you’re cruising solo, it’s worth checking for deals or ships that are more solo-friendly!
In the podcast episode, Carrie mentions that she got a balcony room for her trip because they had a special where the ‘second person’ was 75% off. That may be worth it for you so you aren’t paying full price for ‘two travelers’ in one room.
🔈 Click Here: Podcast Episode #15 – Enjoy A Cruise As A Solo Traveler 🔈
Cruising Solo: What I Loved and Why I’d Do It Again
Carrie Madison – Guest Review and Insights
Though I have chosen to take solo trips for a few years now, I shied away from the thought of doing a cruise alone. I am sure my reasons will resonate with many, such as “I don’t want to be stuck on a ship for many hours!” or “Do I want to be floating in the middle of the ocean for a long time?”
I had taken cruises before with my husband and family members, so I was familiar with cruising and knew I enjoyed it. This made a difference when I decided to “take the plunge” and go alone. If you are intrigued by taking a cruise solo, I hope you find this article informative.
MY PLANNING PROCESS
The first decisions you may make are what length of time you want to be on a cruise and your desired destination. I chose to do a four-night cruise because it was a good length to see if it was for me. Though a cruise lasts four nights, it does not usually leave the port until later in the afternoon on the first day. Then, the day the cruise returns, it is generally in the morning.
After you make these decisions, you can narrow down the cruises to the cruise line options and what ports interest you. Once you figure that out, you are on to the big step- what are the costs for the ones you find intriguing?
Some variables will help you narrow down options. Decide your budget and see people’s experiences on the cruise lines and cruises you are considering. I suggest looking at reviews on websites such as Cruise Critic.
ACCOMODATIONS
Now, it’s time to investigate the accommodations and costs for the cruises you want to consider. When you first look, you will see the pricing is usually per double occupancy, which could make it cost-prohibitive. Here are some suggestions for solo travelers:
Some cruise lines offer specific rooms and pricing for solo travelers. Check the cruise line website to see if the ones you are interested in offer that option. Rooms are often offered with a second guest discount, which is how I found the best rate for me. The price for the cruise I chose had the offer of “2nd guest, 75% off.”
Suppose you narrow in on cruises that appeal in every way except the price. In that case, call the cruise line reservations department directly to see if an agent can help find a better price for you, whether through a special promotion or an unpublished discount.
You can talk to a travel agent or look at websites to book travel. My favorite websites, specifically those that show cruise information or deals, are Vacations To Go and Cruise Plum.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
I ALWAYS buy cruise insurance. The cruise line offers it directly, or you can buy a separate policy (which usually costs less but involves extra legwork). If you choose to investigate an individual policy, Square Mouth is a website I use to find the best deal for what I want. Here, you can compare rates and coverage in the policy and use the plan to cover any flights, hotels, or car expenses to get on your cruise.
CRUISING SOLO TIPS
This is where I ask myself what I want to get out of the cruise. Do you want to meet people or travel in solitude? Do you want to leave the boat and check out the ports or stay on the ship? Planning is beneficial, especially if you have first-time jitters. If you are hoping to be social, find out if your cruise has a meet-up for other solo travelers, a community table to eat at with others, or activities involving meeting people.
I cannot stress this enough– even if the cruise has all these opportunities, ensure you have a mental backup plan for finding enjoyment if there are any glitches. The cruise may offer these options, but you will have no idea how many people may partake in them AND if you enjoy their company!
I went on my cruise with the intention of a personal retreat. I ate at the buffet the first two nights, then the last two, I had a table by myself in the guest dining room. There is usually a good amount of entertainment, whether at the pool or around the ship. I went to a live show in the theatre, watched a few musical performances, and even did a yoga class. I also sat and read my books (plenty of seating options!), relaxed, or people-watched.
At any time, if I wanted to connect with a familiar face, I bought the Wi-Fi package, so I was able to Facetime my family and friends. This led to a perfect mix of connection and solitude.
CELEBRITY CRUISE REVIEW AND EXPERIENCE
I sailed on the Celebrity Silhouette, which can have around 2800 passengers. The ports included Key West and the Bahamas. I booked a balcony room (less expensive rooms available), and the total price, at the time, was $695 for four nights. The booking included my accommodations, food, ship entertainment, taxes, and gratuity.
Additional amenities, such as Wi-Fi packages, drinks, and port excursions, are available that will add to your cost, but those are optional. You can also pick a room that is less expensive than the balcony I chose.
I was very happy with my choice of ship. The ship has been around for 14 years (it debuted in 2011) but was refurbished 5 years ago in 2020. Every staff member I encountered was friendly and helpful. A staff member was cleaning the ship at every corner.
The food was good, and there were a lot of places to sit and relax. I also liked the indoor pool, workout gym, outdoor pool, and deck. The entertainment was also excellent, from the shows to the music to a surprise act of juggling bartenders! I was very happy and would recommend it.
I chose to fly in a night early to avoid any issues with flight delays or cancellations on the day of my cruise. I was lucky because I had family to stay with, but figure your travel and additional accommodations into your budget if needed.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed my solo trip. The solitude, being on the water, and relaxing was a much-needed respite from my daily life, and I will cruise solo again in the future!
Final Thoughts On Planning a Cruise As a Solo Traveler
The more you learn about traveling solo, and how it is a common way for many people to travel, the more confident you will feel to plan your first trip, whether a road trip or on a cruise.
I encourage you to enjoy the entire process—the deciding, the planning, and the vacationing—and then do it all over again. If you want additional support, there are travel planners who can help you with your research and plans.
There are many great options and cruise lines for solo travelers. There is one that is perfect for you. Take small steps, pick a place of interest, and enjoy the journey. Happy travels!
If you would like to connect with my guest, Carrie Madison, you can connect with her at:
- Email: Cmadison65@icloud.com
- Facebook: CarrieLMadison
