5 Solo Cruising Myths Debunked!
Updated September 2019
Solo cruising may seem like a daunting holiday experience at first. With so many common misconceptions out there, we’re here to debunk the top myths when it comes to solo cruising, and why a solo cruise should be your next holiday! Read on to find out more.
1. Myth: "Cruising solo will mean I will pay more than everyone else."
Reality: Many cruise lines have recognised the demand for single cruising holidays and offer fantastic deals and cabins tailored specifically for single travellers.
While some cruise lines still charge a steeper price for solo travellers, many have embraced the demand for single cabins and no single supplements. Individuals can avoid the charge by voyaging with a cruise line which caters for and recognises that some of us don’t mind holidaying alone. Some of our favourites are Fred. Olsen, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Silversea Cruises.
2. Myth: “My single cabin will be too small and uncomfortable.”
Reality: Single cabins have been carefully designed to offer the style and comfort that you would expect of any double cabin, just on a slightly more intimate scale.
As previously mentioned, cruise lines have recognised the huge increase in solo travellers and as such, have blown expectations out the water in terms of single cabin design. Norwegian Cruise Line have a wide range of single occupancy studio cabins, with Norwegian Epic offering 128 of them. They even offer a Studio Complex and Studio Lounge making it easy to meet fellow single neighbours in the corridors or over a drink. Fred. Olsen has had single cabins ever since the line started in 1988, and is able to offer single cabins across all four ships in the fleet. Newer cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages also offer contemporary solo cabins, designed and priced for solo travellers, making them both luxurious and budget-friendly.
3. Myth: “I’ll eat dinner alone every night.”
Reality: Solo cruising gives you the upmost freedom, allowing you the chance to dine in privacy or be seated with other single passengers and make likeminded friends.
If you opt for traditional dining then you are guaranteed to see some familiar faces each night, as you’ll be assigned a table and dining companions. It’s recommended that you dine a little later in the evenings, as families with young children tend to dine early. Another option is to ask to be seated with other single passengers, and you’ll find that the maître d’ will be more than happy to oblige if possible. However you’re feeling that night, whether you’d like to exchange stories of your time in port or would like to relax in peace and quiet, the staff will do their very best to accommodate you.
4. Myth: “I’ll be bored by myself on the ship.”
Reality: Cruises lines offer full programmes for the entirety of the cruise, ensuring you’ll have plenty to do whether you are solo cruising or not.
From hands-on workshops to exciting lectures, as well as poker tournaments and singles dancing programmes, there is never a shortage of activities when onboard. Cruise directors will be happy to offer recommendations for their solo guests to help you meet other travellers, or advise you on activities perfect for individuals. Some cruise lines even offer activities hand-crafted with their solo guests in mind! If you’re eager to mingle with other likeminded guests, try Holland America Line’s Singles Partners Program, which offers cocktail mixers, games and dancing with hosts.
5. Myth: “Excursions won’t be as exciting if I’m alone.”
Reality: Excursions are actually a great way to meet other solo travellers, or simply explore your bucket-list destinations at your own leisure.
Getting involved onshore is just as important as getting involved onboard. A great way to meet others during a cruise is to enjoy excursions in the ports on your itinerary, and of course you can book these as a solo guest. You’ll definitely end up spending a day with other people, and be given the perfect chance to bond whether you’re partnering up to share a map with someone on a tour, or doing something slightly wackier like zip-lining! Cruise lines such as Silversea Cruises are experts at offering shore excursions for single travellers, and will even offer a shore excursion escort if you really do not want to be alone.
A solo cruise holiday can be the most liberating experience you’ll ever embark upon. No matter whether you enjoy your own company, love to mingle with newfound friends or prefer a good balance of both, cruise lines are going above and beyond to ensure their solo guests are catered for (check out our blog for the top cruise lines for solo cruises). Don’t let the fear of going it alone put you off- we’re certain that travellers of all ages will adore the thrill of solo cruising!