Updated June 22, 2024
In this guide, we’ll explore some solo cruise tips for women. Everything you need to know about solo cruising, from choosing the right cruise line to staying safe and making the most of your journey.
Solo cruising is becoming an increasingly popular travel option for women who want to explore the world by themselves.
With the freedom to create your own schedule, immerse yourself in new experiences, and meet like-minded travelers, solo cruising offers an easy and fun way to see the world.
Solo cruise tips for women: Is it a good idea to go on a cruise alone?
Going on a cruise alone can be a fantastic idea for many reasons. Solo cruising allows you to set your own pace, indulge in activities that interest you, and enjoy some much-needed “me time.”
You can plan your day exactly as you like, without needing to accommodate anyone else’s schedule or preferences. Exploring new destinations on your own terms, making spontaneous decisions and discoveries.
Solo travel, including cruising, can boost your confidence and self-reliance, offering opportunities to challenge yourself in new environments.
How to choose which cruise line is best for solo adults?
Cruises can be a good place where you can meet new people and make friends from around the world. It might seem daunting at first, but many solo travelers find cruising to be a safe and enjoyable way to see the world.
Choose a cruise line that cater to solo travelers, such as Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean. These lines often offer solo cabins and exclusive lounges, providing a secure and social environment for it’s guests.
Some cruise lines are more geared towards solo cruisers than others. Look for cruise lines that offer studio cabins, or cabins designed for one person.
These cabins are usually smaller and more affordable than traditional cabins, and they can be a great way to save money on your cruise. You can also look for cruise lines that offer singles social events or activities. Most cruise lines offer these activities now because solo cruising is more popular than ever.
These events can be a great way to meet other solo cruisers. Select itineraries that visit destinations known for their safety and solo traveler-friendly atmosphere. Research the ports of call to understand local customs and safety tips.
Solo travelers often face a single supplement, an additional fee charged to solo cruisers who don’t have someone to share their cabin with. However, many cruise lines offer deals and discounts on solo cabins, especially if you book your cruise early.
Choosing the right cruise line is crucial for a successful solo cruise. Here are some of the top cruise lines that cater well to single adults.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL is known for its Studio Cabins designed specifically for solo travelers. These cabins come with access to a private Studio Lounge, a social space where solo travelers can meet and mingle.
Royal Caribbean
Offers single occupancy staterooms on several of its ships and a wide range of activities that are great for meeting other travelers.
Holland America Line
Known for its Single Partner Program, which matches solo travelers with a same-sex roommate to avoid the single supplement fee. They also host mixers and social events for solo travelers.
Cunard Line
Offers a luxurious experience, Cunard offers single staterooms and elegant events, such as afternoon tea and ballroom dancing, providing ample opportunities to socialize.
When choosing a cruise line, consider your personal preferences and what kind of experience you’re looking for, whether it’s a lively party atmosphere or a more relaxed environment.
Solo cruise tips for women: Benefits of solo cruising
Solo cruising comes with a lot of benefits that make it an appealing option for many solo women travelers. Enjoy the freedom to choose excursions and activities that interest you without needing to compromise.
Take advantage of the opportunity to relax and recharge without the demands of traveling with others. Cruises allow you to be more social, offering many opportunities to meet and connect with fellow travelers.
They provide a secure and controlled environment, making it easier to explore new places with peace of mind.
Many cruise lines offer events and programs specifically for solo travelers, such as cocktail parties, dining groups, and social meet-ups.
Solo cruising can be incredibly empowering, while offering a blend of adventure and relaxation.
What to pack for a solo cruise
Packing for a solo cruise requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Essential travel documents include your passport, visa, cruise documents, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. There’s not a lot of space in a studio cabin, but there is.more if you book an inside cabin instead, so be sure to pack light.
Bring versatile clothing that you can mix and match, and be sure to pack for both formal nights and casual days. Bring clothing suitable for various activities and climates.
Don’t forget essentials like a good pair of walking shoes, a small backpack, and any necessary medications.
Pack casual outfits for daytime, swimwear, activewear, formal attire for at least one evening, smart casual wear.
Make sure not to forget your toiletries and personal care items like toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, haircare products, makeup, and any necessary medications.
A cruise tip I have for solo women travelers is, cruise lines have their own shampoo/ conditioner and body wash in the showers already. You can bring your own if you like, but I would suggest using the extra room for something else you might need instead.
Don’t forget your phone, charger, portable power bank, camera, e-reader or books, and headphones.
Miscellaneous items such as a reusable water bottle, Ziploc bags, travel umbrella, binoculars, and laundry supplies can also be very useful. They have laundry services you can pay for, but they can be expensive. Check your cruise ship for prices and times.
By remembering these items, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable solo cruise experience.
Benefits of dining solo on your cruise
Dining solo on a cruise allows you to enjoy a peaceful, personalized dining experience. You can choose when and where to eat without coordinating with others, making it easy to fit meals into your schedule of activities and excursions.
This freedom allows you to savor your meals at your own pace, whether you prefer a leisurely breakfast while watching the sunrise or a quiet dinner after a busy day of exploring.
Dining solo also provides an excellent opportunity for self-reflection and relaxation, giving you time to unwind, enjoy the spectacular views, and perhaps indulge in a good book or people-watching.
Solo dining also encourages you to be more adventurous with your food choices, as you have the freedom to experiment with different dishes without needing to consider others preferences.
Benefits of dining with others on your solo cruise
On the other hand, dining with others on a solo cruise opens up more chances for social opportunities. Sharing a meal is a great way to connect with fellow travelers. Many cruises offer communal dining options or organized dining groups for solo travelers, making it easy to meet new people in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Dining with others also provides a sense of camaraderie, which can be particularly comforting when traveling alone. Engaging in conversations and exchanging travel stories can enhance your overall cruise experience.
Additionally, dining with others can offer practical benefits, such as discovering new dining spots on the ship or learning about interesting shore excursions and activities from your dining companions.
Both dining solo and dining with others have their unique advantages on a solo cruise. While solo dining offers peace, flexibility, and a chance to focus on your culinary experiences, dining with others fosters social connections, shared experiences, and a sense of community.
Another one of my solo cruise tips for women is to try and balance both, which can provide a well-rounded experience on your solo cruise adventure.
Will I be bored on my solo cruise?
One of the best parts about cruising is the wide variety of activities available on board. Here are some activities you should definitely try.
Fitness Classes
Many cruises offer yoga, pilates, and spin classes. It’s a great way to stay active and meet like minded health-conscious travelers like yourself.
Spa Treatments
Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or other relaxing spa service.
Educational Programs
Attend lectures, workshops, and demonstrations on various topics, from history to wine tasting.
Nightly Entertainment
Enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy acts, and more aboard the ship.
Shore Excursions
Sign up for guided tours, adventurous activities, or cultural experiences at each port of call to get the most out of your short time at the ports.
Engaging in a variety of activities can make your solo cruise experience more enjoyable and provide plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
Is it easy to meet people on a solo cruise?
Meeting new people can be one of the highlights of solo cruising if thats what youre looking to do. Here are some cruise tips for women to help you connect with other solo travelers.
Attend Social Events
Join organized events such as cocktail parties, singles mixers, and game nights.
Participate in Group Activities
Sign up for group excursions and on-board activities to meet others with similar interests.
Dine with Others
Opt for shared dining tables or join communal dining experiences to strike up conversations over meals.
Be Open and Approachable
Smile, make eye contact, and don’t be afraid to start a conversation.
Use Social Media
Many cruise lines have social media groups such as on facebook or apps where you can connect with other passengers before and during the cruise.
Building new friendships can greatly enhance your cruise experience, providing you with life long friends you could travel with in the future.
What should you bring on a cruise?
Packing for a solo cruise requires some careful planning. Here are some essentials you should bring.
Travel Documents
Passport, visa (if required), cruise documents, travel insurance information, and any other necessary paperwork.
Toiletries
Bring your favorite toiletries, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and any medications you need.
Reading Material
Books, magazines, or an e-reader for relaxation.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle.
Day Bag
A small backpack or tote bag for day trips and excursions.
Solo cruise tips for women: How to stay safe when you’re on a solo cruise
Safety is a top priority, especially for solo travelers. Here are some solo cruise tips for women to help you stay safe on your solo cruise.
Avoid Risky Situations
Don’t accept drinks from strangers, and be cautious about going into unfamiliar areas alone, especially at night.
Know Emergency Procedures
Familiarize yourself with the ship’s safety procedures and know where the emergency exits and muster stations are located.
Let someone know your plans
Before you leave on your cruise, let someone know your itinerary and when you expect to be back. You can also give them the contact information for the cruise line.
Be aware of your surroundings
Just like when you’re traveling anywhere else, be sure to be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, don’t be afraid to walk away.
Safety Items
A door stop can be a helpful way to add extra security to your cabin door. A personal alarm, whistle, or other personal safety devices. Being well-prepared can help ensure a more enjoyable cruise experience.
Don’t carry a lot of cash with you
There’s no need to carry a lot of cash with you on board the ship. You can use your cruise card to charge your purchases.
Photocopy your important documents
Make a photocopy of your passport, credit cards, and other important documents before you leave on your cruise. Keep the photocopies in a separate location from your originals.
Stay Connected
Ensure you have a reliable way to stay in touch with family and friends. Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages, and having a local SIM card or international phone plan can be useful during shore excursions.
Use the Safe
Utilize the in-room safe for valuables, such as your passport, extra cash, and jewelry. This provides peace of mind and security.
Trust Your Instincts
Always trust your gut feeling. If something feels off or unsafe, remove yourself from the situation and seek help from cruise staff or local authorities if needed.
Meet the Crew
Get to know the cruise staff and let them know you’re traveling solo. They can offer additional support and keep an eye out for your safety.
Taking these precautions can help you have a safe and enjoyable solo cruise.
Do you have to pay double when booking a solo cruise?
One of the concerns for solo travelers is the single supplement fee, which can sometimes double the cost of a cabin. Many cruise lines offer deals throughout the year to help solo travelers avoid this fee.
Solo Cabins
Look for cruise lines that offer single occupancy staterooms, designed specifically for solo travelers. These cabins are often priced without the single supplement.
Roommate Match Programs
Some cruise lines, such as Holland America offer programs that match solo travelers with a same-sex roommate, allowing you to share a cabin and split the cost.
Special Promotions
Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts for solo travelers. Some cruise lines offer reduced or waived single supplement fees during certain times of the year.
Travel Agents
A knowledgeable travel agent can help you find the best deals and options for solo travelers.
By exploring these options, you can often find ways to make solo cruising more affordable.
Conclusion
Solo cruising for women is a fantastic way to explore the world independently while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a cruise ship.
From choosing the right cruise line to packing the essentials and staying safe, I hope this guide has covered everything you need to know to embark on a successful solo cruise adventure.
With the right preparation, mindset, and my solo cruise tips for women, cruising can be an empowering and unforgettable experience.