Cruises are an increasingly popular vacation choice for solo travelers. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the cruise industry’s trade association, reports that in 2024, 12 percent of all cruise guests traveled solo. That’s double the 6 percent that sailed in 2023.
“So, if a solo cruise interests you, why not speak to a skilled personal travel planner?” asks Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “These experts can chat about your desires, suggest the best products that fit your solo travel needs, and provide details about single occupancy of accommodations.
Here’s a previous Meandering Traveler blog outlining the many benefits of Pavlus’ New Solo Traveler Program. In addition, the Pavlus team is happy to offer these Top Solo Traveler Tips below for those heading out on their own on a cruise vacation.
(Shown above, a cruise guest nestles into a comfortable lounge chair as she reads a book during a Tauck river cruise. Photo by Tauck.)
Top Solo Cruising and Travel Tips
1. Travel Safe with Document Backups
Let’s get the basics out of the way. For solo travelers, it’s always good to share the travel/cruise itinerary with someone at home.
Leave details about airline flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel details and the cruise itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, suggests Tracey, a Pavlus personal travel planner.
Also, provide details of how this person can get in touch with you while you’re on vacation, and vice versa. Exchange emails and cell phone numbers. It’s just a precaution, but a good step to take.
Lauren, another Pavlus personal travel planner, advises her customers to also “make sure they take a picture of their passport and bring that along.”
Taking that a step beyond, “make copies or take digital images of all your important documents,” recommends Pavlus’ Kendahl, another planner.
She says that might include copies of visas, travel/medical insurance cards, other IDs, medication labels, and credit cards.
2. Don’t Overthink: Engage & Experience
But when the big day arrives, and the journey begins, “don’t worry about traveling solo, just travel,” says Donna. That Pavlus personal travel planner adds: “Make new friends and experience new things.”
In other words, don’t overthink it. Just embrace the experiences. “Plan on getting out of your comfort zone,” is another way to put it.
That’s a point made by Melissa, a Pavlus travel planner who tells her clients to “embrace spontaneity and make new friends.”
3. Attend the Ship’s Solo Traveler Meet-Up
On any cruise, one great tip for solo travelers is to check the ship’s daily program on the day of embarkation. Presto, you’ll often see a “solo traveler get-together.”
Look for it right away upon boarding. It’s often set up for embarkation day pre-cocktail hour or dinner. It’s typically an hour or so (but stay as long or short a time as you desire).
Your host might be a member of the cruise director’s staff, a hotel department crew member, an onboard enrichment speaker or an entertainer.
Usually, there’s no formal program. It’s just a chance for solo travelers to say hello and get acquainted.
For instance, earlier this year, Susan, chief blogger for The Meandering Traveler, attended such a session the first day on American Cruise Lines during her Mississippi River cruise.
Don’t Worry about the Numbers
While just two other guests showed up at that ACL solo traveler meet-up, she wasn’t discouraged: “Don’t assess the group size and be disappointed if it’s small,” she stresses.
Her perspective? “It’s enough on embarkation day to just meet even only one or two people. That way, you’ll recognize them to say hello in corridors, enjoy socializing during cocktail hour, or perhaps sit with one of them during an enrichment talk.
She adds: “While I enjoy traveling on my own, it’s always a bonus to find a kindred spirit for some shared experiences.”
4. Take Your Time, Think Third Day
Also, don’t see the first day as the once and done. Many frequent solo cruise guests say it’s great to meet fellow soloists early on the cruise. But many also tell us that it’s good not to immediately latch onto someone as your forever friend.
Instead, see if you feel the same after a few days. Mix and mingle the first few days. Dine in different venues, sit in different spots, and participate in diverse activities.
Take time for yourself too. You might read a book while lounging on a river ship’s outside deck. You might watch a movie on demand in your cabin. Or you might just sit on your private balcony to admire the scenic views.
By the third day of a cruise, most solo travelers begin to sense which fellow guests — not just solo guests but also couples or small groups of friends or family members — that they might like to get to know better.
If that’s the case, perhaps meet up for a shore excursion. For instance, how about a food-and-wine pairing lunch, independent museum hopping, biking excursion or a guided walk through a historic quarter?
It’s also good to know that bonding among cruise travelers of all types is often heightened by the destination itself. Expedition cruises are perfect for this.
During one recent Antarctica cruise, Susan came face-to-face with 100,000 pairs of penguins on an icy landscape. Once back onboard the expedition ship, all guests who’d taken that experience couldn’t stop talking about it.
5. Strike a Good Balance
Find your balance as a solo traveler. If you’re focused on solo exploring ashore and plenty of “me time” without socializing with others onboard, that’s perfectly fine. It’s your vacation.
First-time solo travelers or someone who has just lost a spouse or partner, may prefer less “me time.” That individual, accustomed to vacations with a friend or family member, might not want to spend so much time alone.
But there’s no right or wrong approach to solo cruising. Socialize, dine, enjoy activities and tour in the way that works for you.
6. Tips for Onboard Dining
Just Me: Solo Cruise Dining
Are you a solo diner who prefers no companions when dining aboard a ship? What’s great is that cruise ships offer casual cafes, outdoor grill eateries, coffee shops, pizza parlors, and robust buffet restaurants.
Even small ships typically have multiple dining venues, some casual. Those casual eateries are often conducive for people to dine alone or grab and go. It’s an ‘easy peasy’ way to relax and enjoy a good meal.
As for a ship’s main dining room, many lines can accommodate a solo traveler who prefers to dine alone. But check with the maitre d’ about options.
For specialty restaurants, start as early as possible to make a reservation. Be sure to explain that you’re traveling solo and wish to dine at a table by yourself.
Solo Traveler: But the More the Merrier
In contrast, if your philosophy as a solo traveler is “the more the merrier” when it comes to dining companions, there are many options. Again, make the maître d’ aware of your preferences.
Some dining rooms have a table or two for guests who wish to join others for dinner; it’s typically a mix of soloists, couples or adult family members. That’s a fabulous way to socialize and get acquainted with fellow guests over dinner.
Many solo travelers also recommend going to the pre-dinner cocktail hour in a lounge. It’s a opportunity for socializing and you may discover others who’d enjoy dining with you.
Also, harkening back to the embarkation day get-acquainted session is this tale. “Twice I was seated alone at a table for four in the main dining room,” Pavlus’ blogger Susan stresses. “Presto, one of these people I met in the get-acquainted session walked through the entrance, immediately spotted me, and asked to join me for dinner.”
The result was a fabulous dinner with engaging conversation. Separately, later in the same cruise, she walked alone into the dining room, spotted both guests that she’d met that first day, and joined them for a meal. Another solo traveler also joined, adding someone new to the mix.
Another tip? Look for Chef’s Table options, conducive to conversing about unique “shared experiences.” For example, Silversea‘s S.A.L.T. Lab on Silver Nova and Silver Ray hosts a Chef’s Table, a tasting course dinner at an added charge.
Diners often sit at the venue’s bar-like surface with high-top seats. That’s a great perch for watching the culinary action in the open galley and chef’s preparation area.
The incredible tasting menu is a great conversation starter. As the tasting dishes are presented, the “oohs” and “aahs” start and conversation flows easily.
A solo traveler can go to Chef’s Table on his or her own, with a reservation, and feel very comfortable with fellow guests in this convivial environment.
7. Be Smart, Avoid Being Flashy
While ashore, it’s certainly nice to connect and chat with local residents. That said, be friendly but keep conversations superficial at the start.
Pavlus’ Tracey always advises her solo clients to not immediately overshare information about their solo status.
Recognize a Red Flag
And if you’re out exploring ashore and approached by people you don’t know – visitors or locals — asking if you’re by yourself, that’s a potential red flag.
Tip? A little white lie may help keep you safe. That’s particularly good advice for female solo travelers.
For example, while visiting a port of call, a woman traveling solo who is asked that question might keep walking and respond, “No, in fact, my husband should be here momentarily.”
Or alternatively, she might simply say, “Oh wow, I need to get moving as I’m meeting several friends traveling with me, and I’m a bit late already.”
Finally, “it’s important for all travelers to blend in when touring ashore,” says Pavlus’ Kendahl. “Avoid any loud clothing, flashy jewelry or anything that screams ‘tourist.'”
8. Meet the Locals, Learn about Cultures
That said, it’s also highly rewarding to meet the locals. Definitely chat with them in safe, public spots. Ask questions. Learn more about their culture, heritage, cuisine and lifestyle. That’s what often makes a cruise vacation so special.
Fortunately, cruise lines are increasingly developing curated shore excursions that immerse guests deeply into local cultures. Solo travelers might join an excursion to sip, taste and savor food-and-wine pairings from a local restauranteur.
How about a stroll with the ship’s chef through a local fresh produce market? Ultra-luxury Seabourn recently added many more of those options in Asia, including some night market visits.
Other fun cultural elements that solo travelers often love? In the South Pacific, soloists might join other guests for a lesson in tribal dances.
Or in Alaska, how about hopping into a dog sled atop a glacier for a fun ride, and afterward, learn more about local mushing heritage?
Some solo travelers also suggest checking out the International Greeters Organization as one way to meet the locals. This nonprofit group operates in many countries.
A single tourist or small group of up to six people will meet up with one of IGO’s local volunteer guides. The guide will lead the solo traveler or small group on a free two-to-three-hour guided walk.
Onboard Cultural Immersion
Cultural enrichment and destination immersion are also a big part of onboard programming. Solo cruise travelers can easily join fellow guests for enrichment talks, arts and crafts, cooking classes and more.
Many lines bring on local residents or topical experts for presentations or demonstrations. These “locals” can be a great resource for learning more about the local culture and lifestyle. After the presentation is over, feel free to ask questions one-on-one.
Delve into Local Culture, Try Something New
Also look for activities rooted in local heritage, culture and tradition. Why not try something you’ve never done before? It’s one way to take a deep dive into the local culture.
For instance, a few years ago, Pavlus‘ blogger Susan sailed solo on a Scenic cruise on Portugal’s Douro River. Well, she admits to being a terrible artist. But she moved beyond her comfort zone by taking an onboard class in blue tile painting.
By way of background, some of Porto’s churches have lovely blue tile exteriors. Plus, a famous local train station sports them on its interior walls. So, she embraced Porto’s culture, hunkered down and took up a brush.
Despite her trepidation, she found it great fun. Susan also met other guests — some solo travelers, some couples. They began to bond a bit over their “common ground” — the blue tile painting.
Each guest’s “masterpieces” were then gathered by the instructor, taken to a local kiln for “firing,” and returned to guests at the cruise’s conclusion.
9. Adapt, Adjust, Reflect
While many vacations afloat and excursions ashore go off without a hitch, sometimes travel quirks happen. So, whether you’re a solo traveler, couple or group of family or friends, take this attitude: Adapt, Adjust, Reflect.
Simply put, go with the flow.
Once onboard the ship, a plus for solo travelers is that they control their vacation pace. Our experts suggest not over-scheduling. Don’t fill every waking moment racing from Point A to Point B.
Instead, create an outline of must-see sites and must-do activities. Yes, accomplish those and relish the memories.
But also allow some free time for spontaneous adventures — either on your own or with fellow guests you’ve met aboard. The beauty of solo travel is that you’re in charge of your daily schedule on a cruise.
Also, take time for moments of reflection. Appreciate the fantastic experiences that you’re having. Take pride in your “explorer accomplishments.”
10. A Plus for Solo Cruise Travelers – Pavlus Travel
Certainly, these are just a few of the many solo traveler tips out there. But we hope they’ve been helpful.
Once you’ve decided to travel solo, then contact Pavlus Travel to ask about the best solo traveler deals currently available. The planner will share details about any cruise line solo promotions, value-added perks, or special amenities.
In addition, the advisor will match you with the right product and discuss the ship’s options for solo accommodations. For example, ultra-luxury Crystal has 14 dedicated solo staterooms on Crystal Serenity, and Atlas Ocean Voyages offers solo suites (see a photo below).
Also, premium line Celebrity Cruises offers solo accommodations on its Edge-class. And if travelers are heading out on a multi-generational family trip and seek a wide array of family-friendly activities including kids’ clubs and water slides, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), for instance, has solo cabins on all ships.
In addition, on certain NCL ships, an exclusive, key-card-only-accessible Studio Lounge also serves solo travelers. That space has a fully stocked bar, daily snacks and light bites, plus special solo traveler activities.
Solo Cruise Travel: Best Deals and Perks
Of course, no one likes the dreaded single supplement. That’s an additional fee a solo traveler will pay for staying in a double-occupancy cabin designed for two people.
“But the good news is that at certain times of year, during cruise line promotions or for select itineraries, cruise lines may reduce or even waive that single supplement,” says Pavlus Travel’s Steudle. “Our personal travel planners will assist you in learning about any appealing solo offers.”
Solo travelers heading to a cruise may also benefit from Pavlus’ contract air program, often helping lower airline travel costs. Plus, contract air customers are served by Pavlus’ dedicated air concierge team.
Parting Thoughts: Solo Cruise Travel
“Our goal is to help our guests enjoy the perfect solo traveler vacation,” says Steudle. “At Pavlus Travel, we’ll create the perfect solo journey that meets your individual style and personal interests.”
Finally, the personal travel planner will adeptly manage your booking. “So, we’ll keep you posted about any upcoming deadlines for payments, details about boarding the cruise, and other important information,” she emphasizes.
That way, a solo traveler can savor the anticipation, just relax, learn more about exploring the ports of call, and await a fabulous cruise.
Important Information from Pavlus Travel
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