Top Tips for Solo Cruises

It can seem a daunting prospect going on a solo cruise.

Some people aren’t sure whether a cruise is for them, let alone a cruise without a companion, and some are worried about committing to a costly holiday which they don’t know if they will even enjoy. Especially when many cruise lines hit you with a single supplement, upping the cost of your cruise holiday considerably.

In fact, cruising is one of the best types of holiday for solo travellers. It’s hassle free, you don’t need to worry about the safety aspect of being alone, there’s no need to worry about the logistics of getting from A to B, and you can meet like-minded solo travellers on board.

With plenty of excursions included, and opportunities on board to socialise, there is no need to be concerned about being alone or outcast from the groups and couples on board. Equally, solo cruises can be really great experiences for those who want some ‘me’ time whilst being surrounded by all-inclusive luxury facilities.

We have found a few of the best cruise lines offering no single supplements and catering to solo cruisers just as equally as couples.

The best solo cruise lines

• Ponant, Silversea & Seabourn offer premium solo discounts rather than solo-specific cabins. For ultra-luxury cruises, check out their discounts at certain times of year for fantastic deals.
• Riviera Travel offers the same level of carefully curated holidays to every traveller. With no single supplements on selected cruises and dates, meaning that on certain cruises there is a larger proportion of solo travellers, Riviera brings the perfect holiday within reach of solo cruisers.
• Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Apex features 24 single staterooms, the most single cabins out of their entire fleet.

Top solo cruise destinations

• The Danube - a river cruise is one of the best cruises you can go on as a solo traveller, as there is so much to do and see to keep you busy in the vibrant cultural cities along this European beauty.
• Mediterranean - perhaps not the first destination which springs to mind for a singles cruise, but why not treat yourself to the delicious cuisine, fine wines, and sunny beaches along the Mediterranean?
• San Francisco - visit California and the west coast of the USA on a solo cruise to mingle with other singles on a relaxing and laidback cruise without the culture shock.
• Southeast Asia - consider a Mekong river cruise or a cultural trip to Vietnam and Cambodia for the ultimate solo cruise adventure. Bond with fellow travellers as you attend Khmer cooking classes and explore temple complexes.
• Australia & New Zealand - tick off one of the best bucket list destinations in the world on an incredible expedition down under. Safe and comfortable, a solo cruise to the Antipodean lands is a great experience for those looking to explore further afield, but still with the familiarity of home comforts.

Top tips

• Mingle as much as you can – from day one, try to strike up conversation with other passengers – especially other solo cruisers – if you are looking for a more sociable experience. You are bound to meet likeminded travellers on group excursions and at mealtimes in communal dining areas. Our top tip is to say yes to as many opportunities as possible and keep an open mind; you are guaranteed to enjoy the new experience!
• Or enjoy the peace and quiet – if you’re looking to enjoy a solo cruise for the benefits of being on your own for a quiet getaway, make the most of the facilities on board. Treat yourself to a spa day, indulge in private room service, and enjoy sightseeing on your own terms without the guided tour.
• Get to know the crew – this can really help solo cruisers feel like they are at home on their cruise ship. Chatting to your bartender and taking the time to talk to your waiters and stewards will not only brighten their day, but yours too; enjoy learning about where they come from and where they have travelled on board the ships. You may even get some insider tips!
• Look at off-peak season cruises as there tend to be more discounts and deals available, as well as more solo cruisers travelling at these times.
• Join online forums – some cruise lines have online forums (Riviera Travel have a great solo forum) and there are groups on Facebook which you can join prior to travelling to chat about solo cruises, make friends, and share advice. In fact, we have our own Panache Cruises Solo Sailors group which you can join by clicking here. 

What are your top tips for cruising solo? Join our Solo Sailors group by visiting www.facebook.com/groups/panachesolosailors

Want to experience this? Give the Panache Cruises team a call on 0161 513 8200 and they'd be happy to help!