Cruising Solo Tips

Cruising Solo Tips
​By Mike Miller

​Over the past couple of years I have cruised solo several times. Now, some people would say this is crazy, not safe or boring. But I think it depends on the individual. Personally I like it because I am on my own schedule and if I need a deck chair by the pool, I only need one. So below are some tips to make your Solo adventure fun. 

Before you leave on your cruise, search for and join a Facebook Group. I have been a part of a couple and you get to meet some great people. They will usually have some kind of meet up, slot pull or even a cabin crawl. In case you didn’t know like me, a cabin crawl is everyone in the group goes around the ship and tours each others cabins

Go to dinner in the dining room. This is a great way to meet new people. If you have assigned dining, you will probably be assigned a table with other singles but if not, that’s ok. If you are doing my time dining, you can ask for a shared table. The matre de is pretty good at finding you a good table. 

Get out there. Carnival and Princess both have single gatherings throughout the cruise. You will find them listed on the daily activities so check them out. Now, there may not be any ship staff running the event but you might get lucky and have some seasoned solo cruisers there and they will be looking for other singles. ​

Another way to meet people is attending trivia or other games. Often if you are sitting alone at trivia, someone will ask you to join their team. 

For the most part, you will have to pay a single supplement of 200% of the cruise. The cruise lines look at it as missed revenue without the second passenger in the room. But many NCL ships and some Royal Caribbean Ships have solo cabins. They are usually inside and are small but comfortable. NCL even has a lounge for solo travelers on the deck with those cabins. I have never stayed in one but have heard good things from those who have. 

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One thing I have found is people are very open to meeting new people while on a cruise so if you take these tips, you should have a great time. Now of course, you might just want solitude and that’s great. If so, just do that, its your cruise. Enjoy

For all of your cruise needs call or text me at 904-534-4318 or email mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com and don't forget to follow me at the links in the title. 

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