Solo travellers unite - individually!

[Celandine]

Good day everyone! 
 

I just booked my second upcoming Solo cruise- and frankly I just needed a place to talk about my cruises and my thoughts, plans and what not. No one else in my life knows yet except my mum (and I think she’s getting sick of me talking about it). 
 

it’s also Waaaaay to early to start and thread review as I am over 1 year away from 1 cruise and almost 2 from the other! 
 

so I figured I’d make a thread topic here to talk about history, planning and documenting my excitement! Of course anyone else is welcome to use this space for the same reason! I will be just as excited for all of you. 

So what do I have booked? 
 

May 27 2025 to Alaska on the Grand Princess 

 

and as of 5 minutes ago 

 

February 1 2026 Oasis of the Seas Western Caribbean (but I’m really just here for the ship)
 

bit of history:

 

These will not be my first solo  cruise- way back in 2011 (Jan 23) I did a solo 17 day cruise around the South China Sea Shanghai to Singapore on the Ocean Princess. 
 

I have cruised on several lines Carnival, RCL, Princess, MSC, Celebrity and Pulmantur- 17 cruises all together, and so far Princess has come out as my favourite. 
 

I have not been on a cruise since summer 2019- I am in serious withdrawal! 
 

Why these cruises?

 

Alaska is my favourite destination, this will be my third time there, second with Princess but first on the Grand! I am coming back to cruising with a solo bang and have a balcony and the plus package ( mostly for fun and I do need internet as I’m back in University part time working to switch careers and will have coursework to do). It is hard for me to imagine Alaska without a balcony, but it might happen in the future! 
 

Oasis of the Seas has been on my to cruise list since it first came out. I booked my desired cabin, interior with Central Park view. I have a lot to catch up on with RCL but I love cruise researching, reading reviews and so far the RCL app! 

 

I look forward to sharing more as I make some plans and do some more research and hope to hear from some of you! Favourite solo trips, tips, any experiences with these ships or lines or anything you want to share!  
 

[jimdee3636]

@Celandine

I can well understand your frustration in dealing with the "non-cruising world," i.e., people like your mother who can't really relate to your enthusiasm. Cruising is one of those things that you either "get" or you don't, and the people who get it really get it---from the very beginning. Recently, I told a friend---someone who travels extensively but never on a cruise ship---that I'm booked on a short solo HAL cruise in late October of this year. She was astounded that I booked a trip so far out! She tends to do everything spontaneously and had no clue that cruise ships often fill up well in advance, or that prices go up, or that you might want to book early to get the exact cabin you want, or simply that you might enjoy the anticipation building up. 

 

Here on this board you'll at least have people who get what you're saying, and who may have useful information and advice for you. With the exception of Princess, I haven't been on any of the lines you mentioned, and I'm not into mega-ships like RCI's Oasis, so there's not much I can tell you other than I think you'll have a great time on the Grand. I've been on three solo cruises with Princess and all have been great. I've also been to Alaska in May (on HAL), and I think that's the best time to go.

 

I'm excited for you and I hope you'll remember to share your experiences with us after your cruises are over.

 

Jim

 

 

 

[Celandine]

@jimdee3636

 

thank you for your comments! 
 

I feel I should clarify about my mum (though she will never read here lol) she also enjoys cruising and is normally my cruise buddy- she took me on my first cruise when I was 15! But she’s not into the minute details and planning that I can be- once I have a cruise book ai like to read reviews, see pictures, menus experiences from any cruise from the same line! 
 

She is actually going solo on a Cunard cruise at the end of summer to Alaska this year- we both enjoy our own company, and decided that right now we would travel separately so I don’t have to board my cat! (Seems odd but we’ve both done solo trips before and enjoy them much more than trying to compromise with other people). 
 

I just could talk cruises 24/7 and I don’t want to bore her to tears! Lol

 

but very happy to have like minded cruises here and I will most definitely share my experiences! 🙂 

[stinkyharriet]

My sister took me on my first cruise in August 2022, less than two years ago.  I was instantly hooked!  In 2023 we went on two cruises together.  She then said something about how since she had just retired early she would have to really watch her spending for the next two years. Then she said she was going to visit her friend in Florida in January (last month) and her friend had a free Carnival cruise they were going on.  I didn’t think that was fair so I booked a 5 day cruise for myself (that also happened last month) just to see if I’d like solo cruising.  I was on the NCL Getaway and I had a great time.  The day I got home I booked another for May.  My sister & I do have one booked for October.  I prefer sailing with my sister but I had a great time solo, too.  It’s great to have options and to know you don’t have to try to coordinate with anyone else if you want to go solo.

[Celandine]

@stinkyharriet

 

Yes! That is exactly the case! I will be alone but not lonely - I love travelling with my mum and I lucked out that my BFF is 99% the same as me so travelling with him is super easy (though he is not likely to travel with my anytime soon, mostly his partner lol no worries there) but other than those 2 people my worst trips have involved “others”. 
 

I am looking forward to my solo Alaska cruise to spend time with good food, plentiful drink and sitting on my balcony looking for whales 🐳 🐋! None of that requires anyone else (unless you count whales). 
 

I like doing as much or as little as I please! 

[TTEllis]

I cruised on the Grand Princess solo 14 days Eastern and Southern Caribbean back in 2012. 2-7 day cruises back to back. Other than the crummy passenger list and my first experience with a crew that was angry and hostile, everything else was great. Not a bad ship undergone extensive renovations over the year's. Grand Princess to Alaska you can't lose it's going to be nice. 

[OzSail]

I have always travelled solo due to some horrendous experiences with friends.  I caught the cruise bug with Royal Caribbean in 2017.  I started with the South Pacific and New Zealand.  And I loved it!  It is a safe way for me to travel, and I can choose to be in the company of as many or no people depending on my mood.

I have another South Pacific cruise booked in Jan 2025 and then will book a Transpacific in October 2025.

 

Looking at the Western Caribbean and Italy in 2026.  Potentially New England and Halifax maybe as I am keen to visit Canada and see the Maritime museums.  

 

[Celandine]

@TTEllis yeah the people factor is actually why I have hesitated to return to Carnival, I enjoyed many cruises with them and they have introduced things that I am interested in but all of my negative people encounters happened with them, and most on my last cruise with them because the crew were part of it. 
 

having been away from all cruises for 6 years I expect things are different, but I quite agree Alaska on Princess, I can’t lose! 

[Celandine]

@OzSail I agree completely that it feels a safe way to travel and that cruising bug is easy to catch! 
 

your upcoming trips sound amazing! 

[New2SoloCruising]

Hello Solo Cruisers, 

 

I have just booked my first Solo cruise on Liberty of the Seas (RCL) for this September. It is a 9-Night cruise out of NJ to New England & Canada. I am celebrating my 35th birthday, which is earlier in September, and decided to treat myself to the cruise! I am super exited, but a little bit nervous for my first solo cruise. I consider myself an introverted extrovert...so once I get the confidence to meet new people, I end up doing a great job at making new friends and having a good time. It is just that initial it that is nerve-racking. I have cruised before, twice, but always with friends and family. 

 

I have been planning/talking my friends and families ear off with everything cruise related! This is definitely a good forum to continue the discussion, without driving my friends insane. 

 

I would love any tips/tricks/etc. for making the most of a Solo cruise. I am hoping that I end up really enjoying it, and planning many more solo cruises in the future! 

 

~Nathan

[Celandine]

On 3/6/2024 at 2:19 PM, New2SoloCruising said:

Hello Solo Cruisers, 

 

I have just booked my first Solo cruise on Liberty of the Seas (RCL) for this September. It is a 9-Night cruise out of NJ to New England & Canada. I am celebrating my 35th birthday, which is earlier in September, and decided to treat myself to the cruise! I am super exited, but a little bit nervous for my first solo cruise. I consider myself an introverted extrovert...so once I get the confidence to meet new people, I end up doing a great job at making new friends and having a good time. It is just that initial it that is nerve-racking. I have cruised before, twice, but always with friends and family. 

 

I have been planning/talking my friends and families ear off with everything cruise related! This is definitely a good forum to continue the discussion, without driving my friends insane. 

 

I would love any tips/tricks/etc. for making the most of a Solo cruise. I am hoping that I end up really enjoying it, and planning many more solo cruises in the future! 

 

~Nathan

Welcome! Thank you for sharing! 
 

I have seen a lot of good information in threads here, I haven’t sailed solo since 2010/2011 but can’t wait for my next two! 
 

please feel free to come in here and post/talk away to your hearts content! I love cruising, I am currently obsessively reading reviews. A few solo cruisers around the boards post quite a lot and cruise quite a lot! 
 

may your seas remain calm and your glass be full! 

[crdtrnr]

My DH can't cruise anymore, due to health restrictions, but he let's me go.  The problem is, that he really doesn't want to hear me talk about it, or my plans of what I am going to do, where I am staying, etc...since he can't go.  I do give him the details, in writing, before I go, and I am able to slip in stuff while talking occasionally...but I don't usually have anyone to sound off of, or talk with about the trip...

I LOVE going solo...it is my time to relax and rejuvenate from my hectic, stressful life.  I usually just chill and read, drink, and eat, and not necessarily socialize.  No one else that I know does this, so I am a lone duck.

Joining the FB group helps, but I still tend to watch and lurk on the outer fringes.

 

But I would never give it up willingly..

[rrraydon]

I'm cruising for the first time solo next week...also on a cruise line I've never sailed before, MSC. I'm sailing on the Magnifica out of Miami.

 

I've sailed on over 40 cruises between Carnival (Platinum) and Royal (Diamond+). I usually sail with either my youngest daughter or one of my cruise buddy girlfriends. I've read so many wonderful solo reviews lately it's prompted me to want to start sailing solo myself.....no longer having to check with another regarding ships, cabins, ports, dinner times, excursions, etc...sounds great! I'm super excited to start this new way of cruising. 🙂 

 

I started a new job about 8 months ago that is perfect for my plan of taking short cruises once per month. I work 7p to 7a Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Yep, you guessed it...I plan on getting off of work on Monday morning, driving straight to the airport, flying to whatever my next destination is and climbing onboard ship! I suspect some of my cruises I may run into flight problems, but it'll be what it'll be. Hopefully I make it back on time to get to work on Friday evenings by 7p! lol

 

Next week, since it's my first booking cruising this way, I took off Sunday night (the night before the cruise) to get the gist everything. My flight leaves Monday morning at 8a to Miami, I should get there a bit after 11a. I plan to Uber to the Port of Miami, my check in isn't until 1:30p. (fingers crossed) 😆 All of the solos I've booked thus far over the last few weeks are under these same circumstances.

 

Here they are: 

March: MSC Magnifica (4 night)

April: Liberty of the Seas (4 night)

May: Celebrity reflection (4 night)

June: Liberty of the Seas (4 night)

 

Here, I had to take a break because I've had this Med cruise planned for over a year and I need to replenish funds.

 

September: Voyager of the Seas (7 nights Greece plus 9 days of visiting other countries while I'm there)

 

 October: I just made Prime last week in RC casino and I will get a free cruise certificate next month and I plan to use it here.

 

November: Oasis of the Seas (6 night...not a solo..cruising with my daughter)

January 2025: Celebrity Reflection (4 night)

February 2025: Rhapsody of the Seas 10 nights--not a solo-- (when I made Prime last week on RC I got a free 10 night)

September 2025: Symphony of the Seas 7 night with my son

 

I'm not going to start filling in the spots for next year until I see how I like all of the solo sailing and to see if I'm not too exhausted to cruise anymore!!! 😆 

 

 

 

Edited March 10 by rrraydon

[PG_traveller]

I just completed my first solo cruise, a seven night on Regal Princess out of Galveston and I loved it! As soon as I got home I started researching cruises for next year. My hubby and I used to cruise a lot, but this was my first time going by myself. What was great was that I could be around people if I wanted, and alone if I wanted. I spent a lot of time reading both on my balcony, and around the ship. I often got into interesting conversations with strangers. It was nice being pampered for a week, and nothing beats that first cup of coffee delivered by room service in the morning on your balcony in your jammies. 

[TTEllis]

On 2/26/2024 at 8:15 PM, Celandine said:

@TTEllis yeah the people factor is actually why I have hesitated to return to Carnival, I enjoyed many cruises with them and they have introduced things that I am interested in but all of my negative people encounters happened with them, and most on my last cruise with them because the crew were part of it. 
 

having been away from all cruises for 6 years I expect things are different, but I quite agree Alaska on Princess, I can’t lose! 

I loved the Carnival Fantasy Class Ships back in the 90's True "Fun Ships". I sailed twice on the Sensation it was a blast. Got on the Destiny in 1997 Inaugural last Carnival Cruise. 

Jumped to Princess on the advice of a good travel agent and have never looked back.

 

I was on the Carnival Destiny 4th of July 1997, it was a nightmare. Knew I could find another level of cruising and did with Princess. It's just like anything else you get what you pay for. Have fun sailing Princess solo. 

 

Alaska on Princess solo you need to forget about everything else and go have a time on your Alaska Cruise. 🤜🤛🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

 

[Celandine]

On 3/9/2024 at 11:32 PM, rrraydon said:

I'm cruising for the first time solo next week...also on a cruise line I've never sailed before, MSC. I'm sailing on the Magnifica out of Miami.

 

I've sailed on over 40 cruises between Carnival (Platinum) and Royal (Diamond+). I usually sail with either my youngest daughter or one of my cruise buddy girlfriends. I've read so many wonderful solo reviews lately it's prompted me to want to start sailing solo myself.....no longer having to check with another regarding ships, cabins, ports, dinner times, excursions, etc...sounds great! I'm super excited to start this new way of cruising. 🙂 

 

I started a new job about 8 months ago that is perfect for my plan of taking short cruises once per month. I work 7p to 7a Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Yep, you guessed it...I plan on getting off of work on Monday morning, driving straight to the airport, flying to whatever my next destination is and climbing onboard ship! I suspect some of my cruises I may run into flight problems, but it'll be what it'll be. Hopefully I make it back on time to get to work on Friday evenings by 7p! lol

 

Next week, since it's my first booking cruising this way, I took off Sunday night (the night before the cruise) to get the gist everything. My flight leaves Monday morning at 8a to Miami, I should get there a bit after 11a. I plan to Uber to the Port of Miami, my check in isn't until 1:30p. (fingers crossed) 😆 All of the solos I've booked thus far over the last few weeks are under these same circumstances.

 

Here they are: 

March: MSC Magnifica (4 night)

April: Liberty of the Seas (4 night)

May: Celebrity reflection (4 night)

June: Liberty of the Seas (4 night)

 

Here, I had to take a break because I've had this Med cruise planned for over a year and I need to replenish funds.

 

September: Voyager of the Seas (7 nights Greece plus 9 days of visiting other countries while I'm there)

 

 October: I just made Prime last week in RC casino and I will get a free cruise certificate next month and I plan to use it here.

 

November: Oasis of the Seas (6 night...not a solo..cruising with my daughter)

January 2025: Celebrity Reflection (4 night)

February 2025: Rhapsody of the Seas 10 nights--not a solo-- (when I made Prime last week on RC I got a free 10 night)

September 2025: Symphony of the Seas 7 night with my son

 

I'm not going to start filling in the spots for next year until I see how I like all of the solo sailing and to see if I'm not too exhausted to cruise anymore!!! 😆 

 

 

 

I have done 3 MSC cruises (none solo) but I have loved my time with that line! 
 

love your schedule and am envious of your ability to cruise more! Keep sharing! 

[rrraydon]

On 3/11/2024 at 9:35 PM, Celandine said:

I have done 3 MSC cruises (none solo) but I have loved my time with that line! 
 

love your schedule and am envious of your ability to cruise more! Keep sharing! 

 

I'm happy to hear your positive feedback regarding MSC. I can't wait...two more days! 🙂

 

[billslowsky]

On 3/6/2024 at 2:19 PM, New2SoloCruising said:

I would love any tips/tricks/etc. for making the most of a Solo cruise.

(a) Don't overshare.

(b) Some solo travelers prefer to listen, not share their own personal info.  Doesn't mean they aren't enjoying your company.

 

[rrraydon]

One more day folks and I'm on my first solo cruise!! 😁

 

I plan to head out at 2:00am Monday morning from Delaware for my 3 hour ride to NJ (EWR), my flight leaves at 8am for Miami. I picked 12:30pm for boarding time but I have until 4pm, that's one hour before we're scheduled to leave port. 

 

Who else is leaving soon for a solo? When? What ship?

[dappledumpling]

I just went on my first solo cruise in January (allure of the seas)  Had a great time so I jumped on Independence end of Febuary.  Wasnt sure how I would do as I had always sailed with my wife, but she lost her battle to cancer. Miss sharing times with her but love the solitude and solace that comes on the sea.

Next solo trip in 21 days mariner of the seas....

 

I set a goal of 10 sailings this year  Plan on doing one a month (taking june and july off) I have 4 cruise ports within 4.5 hours which makes short sailing work well.  

 

 

[nancy1031]

Of the 26 cruises i have taken since 1982, 14 have been solo- I had alot of fun both traveling solo and also with friends-my next cruise is in oct with a friend- My 1st cruise was on the Festivale- we had a blast!!!!! Traveling solo has it's benefits- my schedule is my own- it also has it's drawbacks- no one to laugh with about some of the crazy things that have happened on a particular cruise-

[rrraydon]

I returned from my first solo cruise this past Friday. I sailed MSC Magnifica. It was also my first time sailing MSC. 
 

I had such a great time…so relaxing! It was a great ship too. I did a live review on this site. 
 

My next solo is on Liberty of the Seas next month, on the 22nd. I can’t wait!!

Edited March 24 by rrraydon

[rrraydon]

On 3/17/2024 at 8:34 PM, dappledumpling said:

I just went on my first solo cruise in January (allure of the seas)  Had a great time so I jumped on Independence end of Febuary.  Wasnt sure how I would do as I had always sailed with my wife, but she lost her battle to cancer. Miss sharing times with her but love the solitude and solace that comes on the sea.

Next solo trip in 21 days mariner of the seas....

 

I set a goal of 10 sailings this year  Plan on doing one a month (taking june and july off) I have 4 cruise ports within 4.5 hours which makes short sailing work well.  

 

 

That’s a wonderful way to heal. Enjoy your cruises and your healing time. 

[Celandine]

On 3/24/2024 at 5:21 PM, rrraydon said:

I returned from my first solo cruise this past Friday. I sailed MSC Magnifica. It was also my first time sailing MSC. 
 

I had such a great time…so relaxing! It was a great ship too. I did a live review on this site. 
 

My next solo is on Liberty of the Seas next month, on the 22nd. I can’t wait!!

I am so glad you enjoyed yourself! I am going to go check out your review! 

Edited March 27 by Celandine

[HBE4]

On 3/24/2024 at 5:21 PM, rrraydon said:

I returned from my first solo cruise this past Friday. I sailed MSC Magnifica. It was also my first time sailing MSC. 
 

I had such a great time…so relaxing! It was a great ship too. I did a live review on this site. 
 

My next solo is on Liberty of the Seas next month, on the 22nd. I can’t wait!!

 

I just finished reading and enjoying your review of MSC Magnifica. Thank you for taking the time to do that.

 

Will you be doing a review of your Liberty sailing?  I'm contemplating doing my first solo cruise. Not necessarily on Liberty but she is a sentimental favorite of mine as she was both my first cruise as well as my last cruise. Just curious to see her thru the eyes of a solo cruiser.