Solo cruising thoughts/advice

[happycruiser7]

I’m considering taking my first voyage solo and while I’m close to booking I’m feeling discouraged about going on a cruise alone. I’ve been on quite a few cruises with my family so this isn’t my first time overall or with the line in question. 
 

My parents and I generally all cram into a single cabin and they think I’ll have a better time with another person.
 

I’m 30 years old and on the one hand I want their approval so I can go without feeling guilty. I have some visual issues but nothing that would hinder my ability to cruise alone. My dad thinks I should go solo while on the same trip as them first so I’m somewhat on my own but not completely alone and have the option to have people to talk to during the day or at meals. 

 

On the other hand I don’t think I want to go with someone else. Company would be nice but I’ve spent so many trips feeling like I’m on top of someone else, fighting over storage for clothes or electronics, arguing over the bathroom, or having to worry about not waking someone else up when I come back from going out at night. It would be nice to have a cabin to myself, go where I want to go on the ship/in port and do things on my own timing.
 

I spend most of the time doing onboard activities or other things when I travel with my family and we end up arguing because I want to do something and they want to stay in the cabin or are on deck somewhere. 
 

I found a trip I can afford/works with my work schedule and I’m torn between wanting to go and having doubts or just not wanting to. My dad thinks I can handle it mentally if I did and seemed somewhat supportive where as my mother I don’t think wants me to go. I did invite them to come if it works with their schedules as it was the trip I wanted. 
 

I don’t want to spend the money and either be miserable/guilty and not enjoy it or not get a chance at a vacation because of work. At this point I’m so upset and frustrated that I don’t even want to go anymore. 

Does anyone have any experience with solo cruising or have any advice?

Edited January 27 by happycruiser7

[crystalspin]

45 minutes ago, happycruiser7 said:

I found a trip I can afford/works with my work schedule and I’m torn between wanting to go and having doubts or just not wanting to. My dad thinks I can handle it mentally if I did and seemed somewhat supportive where as my mother I don’t think wants me to go. I did invite them to come if it works with their schedules as it was the trip I wanted. 

Whew, a lot of family dynamics here!

 

I think you've handled it well. You left them (or her) an option to do what they say they want -- to be along in a separate cabin. Only on your terms too -- you having chosen the cruise. If she wants to choose the cruise for your halfway solo, just say no, thanks.

 

What is the cruiseline? Most if not all have solo get-togethers, and will sit you with others (either all solos or mixed and different each night). Some have special solo cabins perhaps with a solo lounge area.

 

Also, you can join your Roll Call on Cruise Critic and probably "meet" other solos before you even leave home, arranging to actually meet at the Meet&Mingle gathering.

[happycruiser7]

43 minutes ago, crystalspin said:

Whew, a lot of family dynamics here!

 

I think you've handled it well. You left them (or her) an option to do what they say they want -- to be along in a separate cabin. Only on your terms too -- you having chosen the cruise. If she wants to choose the cruise for your halfway solo, just say no, thanks.

 

What is the cruiseline? Most if not all have solo get-togethers, and will sit you with others (either all solos or mixed and different each night). Some have special solo cabins perhaps with a solo lounge area.

 

Also, you can join your Roll Call on Cruise Critic and probably "meet" other solos before you even leave home, arranging to actually meet at the Meet&Mingle gathering.

the cruise line is Princess. It’s an older ship so it doesn’t have a solo cabins.
 

 My family is very close. Im not against a halfway solo cruise with my family I just don’t know when that would be. my mom can’t make any commitments to a trip in advance with her job so when I have the opportunity for that I don’t know. With how hectic her schedule is going to be this year it could be in 6 months or more and by the time that happens I could not be able to get the time off. I don’t really want to wait to take a vacation this year and the price for a single passenger isn’t too bad. The further info season the more expensive it gets. 
 

If I take a vacation fairly early in the year and my family decides to take a trip later on I could still go but I can’t take all the time in the world off. I just want a trip for me this time around. 

[cr8tiv1]

You are still a young (age/experience) cruiser.  I have done a couple of solo cruises (several around 40 and recently/older).  Comfort level will depend on how outgoing you are. how you deal with being by yourself, and how willing you are to start conversations with random passengers.

 

I have enjoyed each of my solo cruises.  Sometimes, it is just nice not having to coordinate activities with someone.  Having the cabin to yourself is also a nice perk.  

 

Join your roll call.  Don't be afraid to meet people on the ship.  Do be a little more cautious when in an unfamiliar port.  I remember once taking a bus to the center of a town in Costa Rica (I think it was San Jose).  Got off the bus, walked around the block, felt really uncomfortable.  Good thing the bus was still there...and I hopped on it.  Stick with ship tours (another story about going out on my own is too long and scary).  Get out of your cabin and roam.  

[Elaine5715]

I cruise solo most of the time.  Not only is it very relaxing, it is very freeing...no negotiating on what to do, where to eat, etc.  Cruisers are pretty chatty people so striking up a conversation is easy.  I never feel out of place or alone.  I will sit at the bar or a table with the best view with a cocktail in front of me and a book in hand.   

[happycruiser7]

1 hour ago, cr8tiv1 said:

You are still a young (age/experience) cruiser.  I have done a couple of solo cruises (several around 40 and recently/older).  Comfort level will depend on how outgoing you are. how you deal with being by yourself, and how willing you are to start conversations with random passengers.

 

I have enjoyed each of my solo cruises.  Sometimes, it is just nice not having to coordinate activities with someone.  Having the cabin to yourself is also a nice perk.  

 

Join your roll call.  Don't be afraid to meet people on the ship.  Do be a little more cautious when in an unfamiliar port.  I remember once taking a bus to the center of a town in Costa Rica (I think it was San Jose).  Got off the bus, walked around the block, felt really uncomfortable.  Good thing the bus was still there...and I hopped on it.  Stick with ship tours (another story about going out on my own is too long and scary).  Get out of your cabin and roam.  

I generally meet people at the bars or activities on the ships and even went to the solo and single traveler meets on my last one. I’m not too afraid to meet people. I just want to feel independent. 

 

I know I have to be extra careful especially in ports I’m not familiar with. I wouldn’t venture outside of the port area or extremely far unless I was on a ship excursion with a creditable tour group. 

[clo]

5 hours ago, happycruiser7 said:

I’m considering taking my first voyage solo and while I’m close to booking I’m feeling discouraged about going on a cruise alone. I’ve been on quite a few cruises with my family so this isn’t my first time overall or with the line in question. 
 

My parents and I generally all cram into a single cabin and they think I’ll have a better time with another person.
 

I’m 30 years old and on the one hand I want their approval so I can go without feeling guilty. I have some visual issues but nothing that would hinder my ability to cruise alone. My dad thinks I should go solo while on the same trip as them first so I’m somewhat on my own but not completely alone and have the option to have people to talk to during the day or at meals. 

 

On the other hand I don’t think I want to go with someone else. Company would be nice but I’ve spent so many trips feeling like I’m on top of someone else, fighting over storage for clothes or electronics, arguing over the bathroom, or having to worry about not waking someone else up when I come back from going out at night. It would be nice to have a cabin to myself, go where I want to go on the ship/in port and do things on my own timing.
 

I spend most of the time doing onboard activities or other things when I travel with my family and we end up arguing because I want to do something and they want to stay in the cabin or are on deck somewhere. 
 

I found a trip I can afford/works with my work schedule and I’m torn between wanting to go and having doubts or just not wanting to. My dad thinks I can handle it mentally if I did and seemed somewhat supportive where as my mother I don’t think wants me to go. I did invite them to come if it works with their schedules as it was the trip I wanted. 
 

I don’t want to spend the money and either be miserable/guilty and not enjoy it or not get a chance at a vacation because of work. At this point I’m so upset and frustrated that I don’t even want to go anymore. 

Does anyone have any experience with solo cruising or have any advice?

I've never cruised solo but I would highly recommend it for a first time solo traveler. You can have as much or as little interaction with others as you choose. Go for coffee - at a non busy time. The library. Sit alone at a meal. Or join others...or let them join you...if they ask politely. (I don't know you're gender but I'll say) You go, girl 🙂

[Gwendy]

I often cruise with either of my adult children BUT I have  over 200 days of solo cruising as well.  It is the best, do what YOU want when you want, join in activities and you will be surprised how friendly other passengers are.  If you are comfortable on your own and don’t need someone around all the time you will enjoy it.

As the saying goes Just do it.  You will be fine.  Take ship excursions if you don’t feel comfortable doing your own thing at ports.  
I hope you go it alone and have the best time.

[ldubs]

Sounds like you want to go on your own.  If that is what you want, then go for it.  

[stinkyharriet]

I did three cruises with my sister, the first in August 2022, so I’m still pretty new to cruising but I love it.  After out last cruise in October I decided to book a solo cruise.  I chose a 5 day cruise to someplace I’ve already been so that if I hated cruising solo I wouldn’t be miserable for an entire week, and going somewhere familiar was less stressful.  I ended up having a great time.  I sailed with NCL and they do the most for solo cruisers.  I went to the solo meetup on the first day and met many great people.  I went to dinner at a specialty restaurant that first night with three of them, ate in the MDR other nights (the solo host arranged for tables for the group) and did another specialty dining with some solos on the last night.

 

I never felt lonely.  I never had to think about what anyone else wanted to do or where they wanted to eat.  I enjoyed the cruise so much I booked another solo trip the day I got home.

[happycruiser7]

2 hours ago, clo said:

I've never cruised solo but I would highly recommend it for a first time solo traveler. You can have as much or as little interaction with others as you choose. Go for coffee - at a non busy time. The library. Sit alone at a meal. Or join others...or let them join you...if they ask politely. (I don't know you're gender but I'll say) You go, girl 🙂

You’re actually correct to assume I’m a female. Thank you. I think I’m going to try and give it a shot. I just need to tell my parents and just book it already. 

[clo]

2 minutes ago, happycruiser7 said:

You’re actually correct to assume I’m a female. Thank you. I think I’m going to try and give it a shot. I just need to tell my parents and just book it already. 

Maybe book it and THEN tell your parents. BTW I'm 76. Go for it. And report back Please. 

[happycruiser7]

25 minutes ago, stinkyharriet said:

I did three cruises with my sister, the first in August 2022, so I’m still pretty new to cruising but I love it.  After out last cruise in October I decided to book a solo cruise.  I chose a 5 day cruise to someplace I’ve already been so that if I hated cruising solo I wouldn’t be miserable for an entire week, and going somewhere familiar was less stressful.  I ended up having a great time.  I sailed with NCL and they do the most for solo cruisers.  I went to the solo meetup on the first day and met many great people.  I went to dinner at a specialty restaurant that first night with three of them, ate in the MDR other nights (the solo host arranged for tables for the group) and did another specialty dining with some solos on the last night.

 

I never felt lonely.  I never had to think about what anyone else wanted to do or where they wanted to eat.  I enjoyed the cruise so much I booked another solo trip the day I got home.

Thank you. I’m looking at Princess and I think the trip I’m looking at is a 10 dayer but if I can’t find a shorter one with a similar price point I may consider that one instead. 

[happycruiser7]

1 minute ago, clo said:

Maybe book it and THEN tell your parents. BTW I'm 76. Go for it. And report back Please. 

I definitely will report back. They know I’m looking to book and that I found one. I’m the kind of person who needs their approval for things otherwise I won’t do something because I’ll feel guilty or bad the whole time. That’s kind of the reason I’m having trouble pulling the trigger and just doing it. I don’t rebel but I’m starting to feel like I need to do some things on my own.
 

I invited them to come if they wanted to but with work my mom can’t make any commitments too far in advance. The invitation is open though. They just think I’d be happier with someone or trying a half solo trip first. 

[GlitterFemme]

I have my first solo cruise coming up later this year, so I can't speak directly to that yet...but it sounds from your post like you want to go alone, and you can afford to go alone, and you think you could have a good time alone. It sounds (and forgive me if I've misunderstood your post) like the only problem is that your parents don't approve, and the friction from that is leading to your doubts. And frankly, it's not up to them. You're an adult, and if you want to go on vacation alone you get to do that. From what you've said about what vacations with your family are like it sounds like it would be a refreshing change of pace.

I love traveling alone and getting to set my own itinerary, do my own research, make my own decisions about how I spend my time and money, and not have to stop and negotiate any of it with anyone. If that sounds good to you I strongly encourage you to try it, regardless of what your parents think.

It's true that 10 days is a long time to try something, but honestly to me it sounds blissful. As long as there are shipboard activities you enjoy, or you can bring a good book, or whatever you like to do...how bad could it be? And afterwards you'll certainly know whether you like cruising alone and want to do more of it in the future.

Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy it.

[happycruiser7]

3 minutes ago, GlitterFemme said:

I have my first solo cruise coming up later this year, so I can't speak directly to that yet...but it sounds from your post like you want to go alone, and you can afford to go alone, and you think you could have a good time alone. It sounds (and forgive me if I've misunderstood your post) like the only problem is that your parents don't approve, and the friction from that is leading to your doubts. And frankly, it's not up to them. You're an adult, and if you want to go on vacation alone you get to do that. From what you've said about what vacations with your family are like it sounds like it would be a refreshing change of pace.

I love traveling alone and getting to set my own itinerary, do my own research, make my own decisions about how I spend my time and money, and not have to stop and negotiate any of it with anyone. If that sounds good to you I strongly encourage you to try it, regardless of what your parents think.

It's true that 10 days is a long time to try something, but honestly to me it sounds blissful. As long as there are shipboard activities you enjoy, or you can bring a good book, or whatever you like to do...how bad could it be? And afterwards you'll certainly know whether you like cruising alone and want to do more of it in the future.

Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you. 
 

I think the issue is more they think I’m jumping head first into something I’ve never done before instead of easing into it and that I may be happier if I go with someone else. I'm visually impaired (not enough to hinder traveling) and my anxiety also sometimes gets the better of me. So if there’s another person there (or even if my parents are in a different cabin) there’s someone who can enjoy the trip with me and help me if I get anxious. 
 

They’re just worried something will happen and are a little over protective. They’ve always been that way and I’ve always been the kind of person who needs their approval or I feel guilty doing something. My dad thinks I can handle it as does my therapist. 
 

They’ve been invited to come it’s just not a commitment my mom can make with work at the moment. I’m looking to commit when she can’t. 

I tried to plan something with someone last year and they were flaky and put so many restrictions on the trip when they did none of the work and left me to do it all which isn’t a big deal but at that point I just started planning for myself. Something better just came up so I ended up on a different trip. I’m not opposed to having someone come but I kind of want some independence before I bring other people. 

[clo]

1 hour ago, happycruiser7 said:

I definitely will report back. They know I’m looking to book and that I found one. I’m the kind of person who needs their approval for things otherwise I won’t do something because I’ll feel guilty or bad the whole time. That’s kind of the reason I’m having trouble pulling the trigger and just doing it. I don’t rebel but I’m starting to feel like I need to do some things on my own.
 

I invited them to come if they wanted to but with work my mom can’t make any commitments too far in advance. The invitation is open though. They just think I’d be happier with someone or trying a half solo trip first. 

They've given you 'permission.' Don't ask again, sweetie.

[Gwendy]

8 minutes ago, clo said:

They've given you 'permission.' Don't ask again, sweetie.

Bite the bullet and just go,  whatever the outcome it’s in your hands.  

[clo]

1 minute ago, Gwendy said:

Bite the bullet and just go,  whatever the outcome it’s in your hands.  

And the second time will be WAY easier. 

[Lois R]

Hi, I can tell you cruising solo is the only way I sail. I have lived on my own for almost my entire life (I am quite  a bit older than you) and I have no desire to ever share a cabin with anyone again. Hell, I don't even share "the clicker" with anyone here at home LOL.....so sharing my own space in a cabin? Nope, not going to happen.  I have been cruising solo for 20 years and love it😃 I can tell you from my experiences, I love being able to do what I want, or don't want,  I can participate in activities, or not.......all without being concerned about someone else.

 

As for your family? I can't help you there.......I don't need nor want anyone's approval for my decisions, especially on my cruising decisions😃.......but I only have a very small family.......my parents are gone and my sister and bil? They love to cruise too LOL

 

Anyway, I would say go for it and have a great time!😃

[JsMom2]

I’ve done many solo cruises, and I’ve gotten quite spoiled having a room all to myself!  I also love setting my own schedule, and never having to consult with someone else about what we’re going to do today!  I’ve done back to backs for 14 total nights, and wouldn’t have minded staying longer.  
 

When the ships first started up after Covid, I had to eat at a table for 1 in the main dining room, and the buffet wasn’t open for dinner.  I thought I’d hate that.  But I even love that now, and usually choose to have my own table.  If you want to meet others at dinner, I’d suggest signing up for late dining, as you’re more likely to be assigned a table with others closer to your age.  
 

But trust your gut.  You know yourself best!

[GlitterFemme]

10 hours ago, happycruiser7 said:

Thank you. 
 

I think the issue is more they think I’m jumping head first into something I’ve never done before instead of easing into it and that I may be happier if I go with someone else. I'm visually impaired (not enough to hinder traveling) and my anxiety also sometimes gets the better of me. So if there’s another person there (or even if my parents are in a different cabin) there’s someone who can enjoy the trip with me and help me if I get anxious. 
 

They’re just worried something will happen and are a little over protective. They’ve always been that way and I’ve always been the kind of person who needs their approval or I feel guilty doing something. My dad thinks I can handle it as does my therapist. 
 

They’ve been invited to come it’s just not a commitment my mom can make with work at the moment. I’m looking to commit when she can’t. 

I tried to plan something with someone last year and they were flaky and put so many restrictions on the trip when they did none of the work and left me to do it all which isn’t a big deal but at that point I just started planning for myself. Something better just came up so I ended up on a different trip. I’m not opposed to having someone come but I kind of want some independence before I bring other people. 

 

That all makes sense! I understand why people who worry about you would want you to ease in--but jumping in is also a valid approach. And it sounds like you know your limits and you're not going to try something that's beyond them when you're on your own for the first time. (And maybe they'll be able to join you after all! But you shouldn't have to wait to book until you know that.)

 

I can only speak for myself here, but I also have anxiety, and I find it's is much better when I travel alone. Not having to negotiate other people's needs or desires, or worry how any travel hitches will affect anyone else and how I can ease the impact on them, really frees me up to have a good time without worrying. But everyone's anxiety is different.

 

Ultimately only you can decide what's best for you. When you're ready to try cruising solo, I hope you love it.

[NSnJW]

In my case, I first took my then 13 year old granddaughter on a cruise.  That was almost like cruising alone.  She only ate a few meals with me and went off reading or with her new friend she met at the teen club.  

It made me realize I could do solo and have a good time.

Everyone has to choose their own path.  I hope you thoroughly enjoy your choice. 

[LRY229]

I say go for it. I just did an 11 night solo on Princess and loved it. Ive done a few solo cruises but most were short cruises. Even when I cruise with family or friends we aren’t together all the time 
 

See if there is a roll call and join it. We had a very active roll call so you can chat ahead of time. We had a meet up the 1st afternoon. It was nice because some of us ate dinner together. I’d run into folks at trivia, shows etc. 

 

You may find you love it. I know I did. I’m tired of waiting for someone to go with me 

[mammajamma2013]

I'm 70. I've never traveled alone, cruise or otherwise. I regret this. You're too young to start building this type of regret. It's unfortunate that we feel we need permission or approval from our parents (even at 70 I long for my mother's approval!) for all of our decisions, but that's the way it is sometimes.

 

I'm another vote to take the solo cruise, be as careful as you can (which you've said you would be) and build memories to nurture later in life. The first step/the first time to do anyting new is always the hardest. You're very brave to consider doing this. Go and have fun!

Edited January 28 by mammajamma2013
misspelling