Thinking about taking a holiday on your own? A cruise could be the perfect way to see the world, without feeling like you’re travelling completely alone.
For some people, the idea of a solo holiday is exciting. For others, it can feel a little daunting. Who will you talk to? Where will you eat? What happens when you arrive somewhere you’ve never been before?
This is where cruising can make a real difference.
You have your own cabin and the freedom to spend your days exactly as you wish, while the ship provides plenty of opportunities to meet people, join activities and enjoy some company when you want it.
And, of course, there’s the added bonus of waking up somewhere different without having to pack your suitcase again.
Your holiday, your way
One of the joys of travelling alone is that you don’t have to compromise.
Fancy a quiet morning with a coffee and a good book? Go for it. Want to join a quiz, listen to live music or head ashore to explore? That’s your choice too.
On a cruise, there’s usually plenty happening throughout the day, so you can decide when you’d like company and when you’d rather have some time to yourself.
Your cabin gives you somewhere peaceful to retreat to, while the rest of the ship provides plenty of opportunities to chat, meet people and enjoy yourself.
You don’t have to be alone
Perhaps one of the biggest worries about travelling solo is feeling lonely.
Cruising can make meeting people much easier because you’re sharing the experience with other travellers. You might find yourself chatting over breakfast, joining a table for dinner, taking part in a quiz or meeting fellow guests on a shore excursion.
Many cruise lines also arrange get-togethers or activities specifically for solo travellers.
There’s no pressure to join in with everything — but if you’d like some company, it’s there.
And you may be surprised by how quickly you get to know people when you’re all enjoying the same journey.
Unpack once and let someone else do the driving
For solo travellers, there’s another big advantage to cruising: convenience.
Rather than arranging several hotels, transfers and journeys between destinations, you unpack once and your ship becomes your base.
You can wake up in a new destination, spend the day exploring and then return to the ship for dinner, entertainment or simply a relaxing evening.
It takes away much of the logistical side of travelling, leaving you with more time to enjoy the holiday.
There’s always something to do
You don’t need to plan every minute of your cruise.
Depending on the ship, you could start the day with breakfast overlooking the sea, join a talk or activity, spend some time by the pool, enjoy lunch and then head ashore to explore.
In the evening, there might be live music, entertainment or simply the chance to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset.
Or you can do absolutely none of it.
That’s the beauty of a cruise — there are choices, but no obligation.
Exploring can feel easier
For some solo travellers, arriving in an unfamiliar destination alone can be one of the biggest concerns.
Cruise excursions can make this much easier.
You can join an organised tour with other guests, often with transport and a knowledgeable guide included, or choose to explore independently if you’d prefer.
And at the end of the day, you know exactly where you’re heading back to.
Don’t overlook single cabins and solo offers
If you’re considering a solo cruise, it’s worth looking at the cabin options carefully.
Some ships have cabins designed specifically for solo travellers, while others offer reduced or even no single supplements on selected sailings.
These offers can vary considerably, so it pays to check what is available rather than assuming that travelling alone means paying for a double cabin.
This is also where speaking to a cruise specialist can be particularly useful. We can check the different options and help you find a cruise that works for you and your budget.
What about river cruising?
If a large ocean-going ship doesn’t immediately appeal, river cruising is another option worth considering.
River ships tend to be smaller and more intimate, with destinations often close to the riverbank. They’re particularly appealing if you enjoy sightseeing, history, food and discovering new places at a relaxed pace.
And, just like ocean cruising, you have the reassurance of unpacking once while your journey takes you from one destination to the next.
Is solo cruising for you?
If you’ve been putting off a holiday because you don’t have someone to travel with, don’t assume that means you have to stay at home.
A cruise can give you the freedom of travelling independently, with the reassurance that you’re never far from other people, things to do or help if you need it.
You can spend an afternoon chatting with fellow passengers and an evening enjoying your own company. You can join an excursion or explore on your own. You can be sociable when you feel like it and have some quiet time when you don’t.
In other words, you can travel alone without having to do everything alone.
Thinking about your first solo cruise?
Our Personal Travel Advisors can help you find a cruise that’s right for you, from the ship and itinerary to the cabin, dining arrangements and options for solo travellers.
We have first-hand cruise experience and can talk through the choices with you, so you can book with confidence.
Get in touch with Silver Travel Advisor to start planning your next cruise.
