Tips for Solo Cruisers

Singles cruising is completely different than solo cruising. Singles cruising means you are on the cruise looking for love. Solo cruisers might just enjoy traveling alone and meeting other people, or they might have a significant other who couldn’t make it on the trip.

A solo cruiser is someone who might be with a group and simply want to get away from the multiple sets of couples you are with. You might even meet someone who just broke up with their significant other the night before the cruise and decided to leave anyway. You might have somebody on board who decided to book a trip but didn't have any friends who could afford it.  

Even if you ended up booking your trip because no one else would come, or everyone else bailed at the last minute, who cares? Having a room to yourselves is absolutely worth it. You can leave anything you want out on the vanity, walk around in your underwear, and decide what you want to watch at any time. You have total control. 

So whether you’re making the best of cruising alone or simply enjoy flying solo, you can greatly improve your time if you follow these tips:

1. Try to Book Single Rooms

   If you want some alone time and you want to fly under the radar, find a cruise line that has singles cabins specifically. The reason for this is that without single specific cabins, you will end up paying the price of a double room. Nothing makes a cruise better like a cheaper price.

2. Make Friends with the Staff

   Start off by making friends with all of the staff at the front desk. The front desk will usually be overwhelmed with guests, many of whom are there to make an unreasonable request or complaint. Never underestimate how far a little kindness can go. The front desk is always the first place you should stop if you need any type of special assistance so it certainly makes sense to be polite at the beginning. Show them your appreciation by giving them a box of chocolates or bringing them back a sweet from the bakery at your first port of call. A simple act of kindness can help make the rest of your trip much more bearable.

3. Make Friends with the Bartenders

   Befriend your bartender too. Find a great bar on the ship that has comfortable chairs, Internet, and a bartender who really does love their job. You want to find a place that is your sort of home away from home for the duration of your cruise. This can be your safety zone. The best part about having a place where you can go is that the first time you order a drink, you can tip your bartender 20 bucks and it will most likely start a conversation. Then that place becomes your go-to spot for a drink when you don't want to be bothered by people and you don't want to talk to strangers. Tipping on a cruise can provide you with a better service in many aspects.

   Why you want a good bartender:

   Finding that good bartender friend especially if you are a female traveling on your own, and establishing a good relationship at the beginning will help you have a friend on board who will keep other people away. If you want to get out of your room now and then, sit at the bar, people watch, or simply sit and relax with a drink without any interruption, making friends with the bartender is the best way to do it. They will make sure that no unwanted advances interrupt your peace.

4. Take Onboard Classes

   Take advantage of onboard classes. Onboard classes are great way to meet other passengers. More importantly it's a great way to meet other people while learning a new task. You can take a wine tasting class, try your hand at a computer class, take dance lessons, or engage in a culinary demonstration. No matter what you do, you will have fun and meet other people.

5. Book Some Shore Excursions

   The same is true of shore excursions. Book one of the shore excursions so that you can enjoy your vacation and still be surrounded by other people. Some cruises in particular have excursions that offer private tours so you can go by yourself with a tour guide, or you can go with a small group. Booking these private tours means that the cruise line uses a local tour operator on the ground and these might be a better way for you to meet other people who are on your cruise.

6. Try Solo Activities

   Once you are ready, try some solo activities. There might actually be events on your cruise line specifically for people who are traveling by themselves. You truly have nothing to lose with this. Sometimes they are really awesome ...and sometimes they aren't as awesome. But you never know until you try. You might make friends that you keep in touch with long after the cruise.

7. Don’t be afraid to embarrass yourself

   Finally, embarrassment can truly be the greatest icebreaker, so don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Don't be shy. Volunteer for something on stage, join a class, sing karaoke, and go to a dance club. None of the people on board know who you are, and honestly unless you seek them out after the cruise chances are you will never see them again. So even if you embarrass yourself, the people who saw it will certainly not forget who you are for the rest of the cruise and that can help you make great friends.

And after all that, if you truly want to fly under the radar, you absolutely can. You can book a cruise to escape other people. It is absolutely possible for you to go unnoticed by hiding out in libraries, Internet cafès, or lounges that most people avoid. You can even request dining any time in your room or select a table alone so that you don't have to force conversation with other people. 

Check out these articles for more first time cruise advice: