Why I Cruise Solo & How Cruising Meets My Needs
| Why I Cruise Solo | How Cruising Meets My Needs |
|---|---|
| Personal Fitness | Cruise ships typically come equipped with well-maintained fitness centers, jogging tracks, and wellness programs. I will go the gym if the gym is right there. On board fitness centres make it easy to maintain my fitness routine even while traveling. |
| Flexibility in Schedule | I get to choose how to spend my time without having to coordinate with others. Today I might join a shore excursion, walk around the port on my own to see something only of interest to me, or simply relax or work on board. |
| Meeting New People (or not) | Cruises offer organized social opportunities specifically for solo and LGBTQ+ travelers. If my extrovert self feels like it, there’s other people who want to meet up for group activities. And if my introvert self is having a moment, there’s no pressure to do so. |
| Trying New Things | Every day, there’s a long list of on board activities, from cultural talks to crafts to sudoku club! I can pick and choose what suits my interests and try out something new. |
| Convenience and All-Inclusive Options | The all-inclusive nature of cruises takes a lot of the pain out of the travel experience. Everything is organized for me, from meals to transportation, so I sit back and relax with no logistical drama. Sometimes I love to run my own logistics, so that’s why I don’t live on a cruise ship. |
| Chances to learn | I’m endlessly curious about history, politics and culture. There might be occasional talks on board your cruise, or at least a guided tour ashore (e.g., a free walking tour with a local tour guide is great). The chance to learn deepens the cruise experience for me. |
| Safety and Security | I don’t think I should overlook safety, even if I am a guy traveling solo. Cruise ships offer a secure environment, and excursions generally let you experience something of a place but in a controlled way. There’s a lot to be said for that. |
| Affordable Solo Cruise Deals | I know I moan on this site and YouTube channel about single supplements on cruise ships, and rightly so! However, if you know where to look, some cruise lines DO offer deals for solo travelers and if you can find one of those, it makes cruising a very cost-effective way to visit multiple destinations. |
I want to explain my rationale for solo cruising, with the intention of helping others who, like me, dithered for years!
Cruising solo might be one of the best ways to take a solo trip. Certainly it’s the kind of experience that fits my solo travel style almost perfectly.
I’ve been travelling solo for over 20 years but only started taking solo cruises in 2023, including a bucket list trip to Alaska with Royal Caribbean.
I think I had a prejudice or two about cruising; the lifestyle and how costs multiply for single travelers.
However, each trip has shown me has shown me why a cruise suits those who, like me, look for independence and flexibility, but at the same time, like the opportunity to dive into new places and experiences.
The Obvious Answer
I don’t want to leave out the obvious answer as to why I cruise solo. It’s because I’m single and don’t expect family and friends to always join me. Yes, I’ve cruised with friends and look forward to more, but I don’t feel held back in wanting to explore more of the world by ship.
Final Thoughts
Taking a cruise on my own gives me the benefit of being alone, but in a group if I want to be around people or have a conversation, with lots of chances to retreat when I’ve had enough “peopling”!
When I got over my concerns about cruising, I got in deep. Alaska with Royal Caribbean, Norway and Iceland with NCL, Croatia with Virgin Voyages, and a transpacific repositioning cruise with Princess Cruises.
I’ve found ways to keep the prices achievable and fit into my lifestyle. If only I could get faster wifi on board, I’d spend even more time on the high seas!