10 Tips for Sailing Solo on a Singles Cruise

While cruising has a reputation as being reserved for couples, families and groups of friends, it is also a wonderful holiday option for single travellers. On a singles cruise you have the freedom to do what you want, plus it’s also the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and indulge in a little ‘you’ time.

To help get you inspired to take the plunge and book yourself a singles voyage, we’ve compiled this great list of top 10 tips for sailing solo on a singles cruise!

1. Sign up for shore excursions

Getting involved with communal ship activities such as shore excursions is one of the best ways to meet new people! Choosing a destination or activity that you are interested in will help ensure that you meet like-minded travellers who you can then spend more time with when you return to ship.

2. Request larger dining tables

If you want to make your solo cruise a more social occasion, request to be placed at a larger table when making dining reservations. This will greatly increase the number of people you can chat to and ensure you don’t get stuck with a group of loved up couples! Tipping the maître d’hôtel is a great way to ensure that you are placed at the table of your choice every evening.

3. Take advantage of on-board activities

Rather than bury your nose in a book or plug into your iPod by the poolside, why not put yourself out there and get involved with some of the ship’s on-board activities? Whether it’s dance classes, sports games or trivia nights, planned activities are a terrific way to meet other passengers and have a great time.

4. Sign up for a singles cabins

If you’re planning on embarking on a solo cruise, why pay for a double occupancy cabin? An increasing number of liners are beginning to embrace the trend in singles cruising and offer some fantastic accommodation options and singles discounts. Lines such as NCL provide a number of studio rooms while Carnival and Cunard also house a large collection of single occupancy cabins. Seeking out such deals can save you a significant amount of cash!

5. Save with a singles program

If you can’t find a single occupancy deal, lines such as Holland America offer a single share cabin program which allows you to bunk up with a passenger in the same situation. This is another highly effective way to save money and meet a fellow single in the process.

6. Research facilities

Some cruise lines are so singles friendly that they offer specially allocated areas in which solo travellers can mingle. As well as featuring a number of singles cabins, NCL’s the Epic also plays host to an exclusive singles lounge where passengers can socialise with other solo travellers.

7. Choose your line wisely

When booking a solo cruise, it’s definitely a good idea to do your research when it comes to company demographics. Some ships will be full of families, some will be packed with thirty somethings and others are more popular among seniors.  If socialising with people your age is high on your to do list, it pays to book a cabin with the right line.

8. Indulge in some ‘me’ time

While you may feel pressure to constantly meet new people, a solo cruise is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to some much needed alone time. There are a huge range of options available, whether it’s relaxing by the pool, winding down at the day spa or sweating it out at the gym.

9. Go on a themed cruise

Choosing a themed cruise is a fool proof way to surround yourself with passengers with similar interests. From tennis and adventure activities to gourmet cuisine and international culture, there is a themed cruise out there to suit every interest.

10. Have fun!

The number one thing to remember when embarking on a solo cruise is to have fun! At the end of the day, you’re there to enjoy yourself which means doing things that make you happy. If you’re in the mood to meet new people then get out there and sign up for a shore excursion or request a large dining table. If you feel like some alone time, there’s no shame in ordering room service and curling up in your cabin with a good book. Whatever you do, just remember to smile, make the most of your trip and above all have fun!

If you’re on the search for a solo cruise package at a singles friendly price, look no further than the cruising experts at Cruise 1st. Or, if you’d like to talk to a member of the Cruise 1st team, call 0808 2746 777 today.

Image Source

• Woman Enjoying Cruise – Via Steve Douglas (Flickr)