The 25 Solo Cruise Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make!

Cruising solo has become a popular option for many cruisers. When it comes to taking a cruise as a single traveler, there are several things you need to know. We put together this video with 25 cruise tips for singles to help those navigating the waters as a party of 1.

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SOLO CRUISE TIPS
0:00 Introduction
1:12 Pick Your Cruise Line
1:26 Know the Demographics
1:50 Choose the Right Itinerary
2:12 Opt for an Adults-Only Cruise Line
2:40 Select the Right Size Ship
3:28 Look for Meetups
4:10 Right Onboard Activities
4:50 Consider a Theme Cruise
5:15 Beware of the Single Supplement
6:00 Dedicated Solo Cabins
6:48 Book Early
7:24 Look for Sales and Promotions
8:15 Dining Solo
8:33 Speak with Maître D’
9:14 Request a Table Change
9:35 Specialty Dining
10:25 Bar or Counter Seating
11:08 Room Service
12:17 Reach out on Social Media
12:48 Act Responsibly While Onboard
13:25 Live a Little (or a Lot)
13:48 Going Ashore
14:12 Join a Cruise Line Tour
14:54 Tips to Explore on Your Own
15:32 Do Some Homework about Ports
16:15 Hire a Private Driver

SOLO CRUISE TIPS
Traveling alone can sometimes be daunting, but cruising as a single can be a unique and rewarding experience you won't forget. Choosing the right cruise line and ship ensures a memorable cruise. When cruising as a single, be sure to pick a ship that has amenities you will actually use. Some cruise lines cater more to solo cruisers than others, offering meet ups and other events just for single cruisers.

Another cruise tip for singles is to examine the cabin options. Know the overall costs of the cabin and whether there is a single supplement. While most mainstream cruise lines do charge solo travelers that dreaded single supplement, some cruise lines do offer solo cabins, referred to as studio cabins. NCL even features a whole Studio complex with a lounge and other amenities. Other cruise lines, like Virgin Voyages, offer special discounted rates for single cruisers.

Additionally, remember why you decided to take this solo cruise in the first place. Do as little, or as much, as you want. Cruising solo is a fantastic way to just relax or to meet new people. You can join social activities on board, such as dancing classes, trivia games, or cocktail parties. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make new friends and connect with people worldwide on a cruise.

When dining as a solo cruiser, speak with the host on the first night of your cruise. That way, you can get the ideal seating arrangement for you, whether that means a private table or a large table to mingle with others. Also, don't be afraid to inquire about switching your assignment if you don't like your table after the first few nights.

Further, specialty dining is another great option for solo travelers. Sometimes, they offer bar-style seating which is an excellent alternative to dining with others. Remember, there is always room service as well if you need a break from the crowds.

When going ashore, remember to keep your wits. Make sure to have the contact information for the ship with you just in case something happens. While we recommend a cruise line tour if you are venturing off on your own, some solo cruisers may opt for private tours as well. This could be the best way to do and see everything, with the help of an expert guide, even if it will cost you a bit more money.

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[tracyn]

Did my first solo cruise on Viking just to see if I could fly that far alone and cruise that long alone and now I’m 10 cruises booked solo 😂. Love my family and friends but there’s nothing more relaxing 😎 then cruising solo.

[roythousand]

I'm a solo traveler! I love it! I can move and do things at my own pace and timing. Also, you save money by traveling solo.

[kalieneko]

Going on my 4th solo cruise right now! Decided if no one can come with me, i'll go solo!

[atomicrancher]

Please understand that NOBODY on your ship cares if you’re a solo cruiser. Don’t be self-conscious. I’ve met so many great people and made new friends as a solo cruiser. Solo traveling offers great freedom…..enjoy it!

[myk]

I''m going on my 4th solo cruise in Oct. I would rather travel with someone but it has to be the right person. I don't want someone who won't do a thing without me.

[catherine]

Planning my next solo cruise. Loved, loved the way you emphasized safety with socializing…ie watching drinks being made etc. so true. And going out by yourself on excursions. Can’t be said enough…I leave a note in my room when I go including my identity and clothes and where I’m going. I travel for a living and I couldn’t agree more. Traveling solo is awesome. And watching videos like yours are so encouraging. Thank you for your wonderful video.

[leocatcruises]

I've been on 50 cruises solo. No answering to anyone, room and bathroom to yourself. Eat when and with whom or alone.
Pick the room you want, regardless of price. You can savebup.. I tour on my own, walk the port. Never had a safety issue. If I ever felt funny, I came back.

[cruisingforone]

I’m all about cruising for one. Looking at value rather than price is my biggest tip. The solo cabins are not always a good value. I’m so glad you mention that not all solo cruisers want to be social.

[LucyBird]

Good for Virgin for trying to be the most fair with rates. Having solo cruisers practically pay for double occupancy is entirely ridiculous.

[ladonnau]

I’ve done 2 solo cruises over the last six months. Met some good people. Amazing trips! Can’t wait til the next trip!

[atomicrancher]

Virgin Scarlet Lady has solo balcony cabins. I just booked one. Reasonably priced too.

[nikkib]

Good advice about watching your drinks and alcoholic intake while you are solo.

[annettebyrd]

I've been on 9 cruises and 3 of them were solo. My tenth cruise is in November on the Scarlet lady!! I'm going solo, so this will be my 4th solo cruise. I love traveling with family and friends, but there is something so relaxing and liberating about solo cruising 😊 I do hate the single suppliment😢. It is so wrong and unfair, but I don't let it stop me. They need to put more solo cabins on the ships. I've been on Carnival once as a solo and on Royal twice as a solo. I had an amazing time!! I've been on Norwegian, but I wasn't solo. I'm so excited about trying Virgin Voyages for the first time😊😊!!

[doctorlynn]

I am going on my first solo cruise with Norwegian and I am really excited. This was very informative, thank you.

[SCOTTIETHOMPSON]

Thank you so much for this video! While I love to cruise with my best friend, I also enjoy cruising solo - - you've explained things so well that I think people will have a different perspective on traveling alone. Great job! Thanks!!

[williamj.dovejr.]

I've always had wanderlust in my veins...I hate having to compromise on where I want to go and what I want to do.
Plus, in my experience, some people just become so needy traveling. If I am not getting paid to take care of someone, I'm sure as hell not doing it for free.
#Solotraveler4ever!

[Fakeaorta]

Great video. I really want to try solo and this has good info!

[barbarahallowell]

NCL Solo balcony!!! That's why I'm loyal 😊

[andreagriffiths]

I’m cruising solo on Virgin over Christmas. It’ll be my second cruise and I’m really not sure that it’ll be a cruise line for me but it has solo cabins so I’m going. I’m not planning on going ashore as I’ve been to the locations several times. I’ll be tucked somewhere quiet, reading.

[GhettoGirlTravels]

This video might be helpful for people who have recently found themselves single. The rest of us would navigate (the cruise ship) the same way we navigate our travels around the world.