Is taking a cruise alone relaxing, awkward, lonely, or actually one of the best vacations you can take? After three solo cruises, including a back-to-back experience, I've got some thoughts!

Let me start by saying something that might surprise you.

I'm married, I love cruising with my husband, Ant, and I still enjoy taking cruises by myself!

Yes, you read that correctly.

In fact, I've taken three solo cruises, including back-to-back cruises on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. And while I've had some wonderful experiences, I've also encountered a few situations that made me wonder why people act like a woman cruising alone is such an unusual sight.

So, if you've ever thought about taking a solo cruise but worried about being lonely, eating alone, or having people stare at you, this article is for you.

Because I'm going to share what I loved, what I didn't love, and why one cruise line made my solo experience much more comfortable than the other.

Why Did I Decide to Take a Solo Cruise?

Honestly? It started with a great cruise price.

I found a deal that was too good to pass up, and Ant wasn't interested in going.

Now, I could have stayed home and waited until we could travel together. But why?

Sometimes you just need a little break from everyday life.

I wanted a few days where I didn't have to cook, clean, figure out what was for dinner, or worry about everybody else's schedule.

I wanted somebody else to prepare my meals, make my bed, and provide entertainment whenever I felt like being entertained.

And if I wanted to sit around doing absolutely nothing?

Well, I wanted to do that too!

That's the beauty of cruising. Everything is right there.

And I quickly discovered that a cruise ship can be a wonderful place to enjoy some much-needed time to yourself.

The Best Part of Cruising Solo? Doing Whatever I Want!

Listen, I love my husband. We have a wonderful time traveling together.

But there's something special about waking up in a cruise cabin and realizing you don't have to consider anybody else's plans.

Want to sleep late? Sleep late.

Want to get up early and watch the ocean? Go right ahead.

Want to eat breakfast at 9 a.m. and lunch at 11:30? Who's stopping you?

Nobody!

One of my favorite things about cruising solo was having the entire cabin to myself.

No negotiating bathroom time. No working around somebody else's routine. Just me, my cabin, and whatever I felt like doing that day.

And here's another unexpected perk.

Finding one lounge chair or one theater seat is so much easier than finding two!

Seriously!

When you're traveling with someone, you're always looking for seats together. But when you're alone, there's usually a single spot somewhere.

I loved that freedom.

But Can We Talk About How People React to Solo Cruisers?

Now, here's where things got interesting.

Apparently, some people cannot wrap their minds around the idea of a woman taking a cruise by herself.

"You're here ALONE?"

"Where's your husband?"

"You mean nobody came with you?"

And the reactions!

You would have thought I'd announced that I was planning to swim across the ocean.

Some people looked genuinely concerned. Others seemed completely shocked.

And after a while, it became annoying.

I wasn't lost. I wasn't abandoned. I wasn't looking for somebody to rescue me.

I was on vacation!

What bothered me wasn't that people were curious. I understand curiosity.

It was the assumption that something must be wrong because I was traveling without my husband.

Ladies, can we normalize women enjoying their own company?

Being married doesn't mean you have to do every single thing together.

And traveling alone doesn't automatically mean you're lonely.

Sometimes it simply means you wanted to go somewhere, had the opportunity, and decided to enjoy yourself.

Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean: My Solo Cruising Experience

Now, this is where I noticed a difference.

I've cruised solo with both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, and my experiences weren't quite the same.

Solo Cruising on Carnival: Nobody Seemed to Care!

When I checked in for my Carnival cruise, nobody made a big deal about me traveling alone.

Nobody seemed particularly surprised.

I checked in, went through the boarding process, and got on with my vacation.

And I appreciated that!

I wasn't looking for special treatment. I just wanted to board the ship and enjoy myself.

On Carnival Firenze, I enjoyed having my own cabin, exploring the ship, eating when I wanted, and visiting Catalina Island on my own.

I even enjoyed my solo Elegant Night experience.

There was something refreshing about not having to coordinate my plans with anybody.

Carnival's relaxed atmosphere worked well for the kind of getaway I wanted.

Solo Cruising on Royal Caribbean: Why Is Everybody So Interested?

Royal Caribbean was a different experience for me.

For some reason, I received considerably more attention about traveling alone.

People seemed surprised. There were more questions, more reactions, and more moments when I felt like my solo status had become a topic of conversation.

And I didn't particularly enjoy that.

When I compared my back-to-back solo experiences, I actually preferred cruising alone on Carnival.

Not necessarily because Carnival is a better cruise line, but because I felt more comfortable simply being another passenger enjoying a vacation.

Of course, this was my personal experience. It doesn't mean every solo cruiser will have the same experience on either cruise line.

And as I later discovered, even my experience with Royal Caribbean would improve.

How I Made My Next Royal Caribbean Solo Cruise Better

When I sailed solo on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas, I made one change that significantly improved my experience.

I chose specialty dining instead of relying on the buffet.

Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with eating at the buffet alone.

But for me, specialty dining created a different experience.

I could sit down, order my meal, enjoy the restaurant atmosphere, and have a more relaxing dining experience.

I didn't have to navigate a busy buffet while looking for a table for one.

And I didn't feel like my meal was just something I needed to get through.

It became part of the vacation.

That experience taught me something important.

Sometimes the secret to enjoying solo cruising isn't changing cruise lines.

It's figuring out what makes YOU comfortable and planning your cruise around that.

The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Cruising Alone

As much as I enjoyed my solo cruises, there were a few things I didn't love.

1. Handling Everything Yourself

When you travel with somebody, you have another set of hands.

Someone can help with luggage, watch your belongings, or assist when you're trying to manage several things at once.

When you're traveling solo, you're responsible for all of it.

I had moments during luggage pickup and security when I could have used some assistance.

Fortunately, kind strangers stepped in to help.

But it reminded me that traveling alone requires a little more planning, particularly when it comes to luggage.

2. The Solo Cruiser Pricing Problem

Let's talk about money.

One of the biggest frustrations for solo cruisers is the dreaded single supplement.

Many cruise cabins are priced based on two people sharing a room.

So even though you're only one person, you may end up paying considerably more than half the price of a double-occupancy cabin.

And sometimes you're paying close to what two people would pay!

That's why I always recommend comparing the total price, not just the advertised per-person rate.

Some cruise lines offer dedicated solo cabins, reduced single supplements, or occasional promotions that make solo cruising more affordable.

The key is knowing where to look and being flexible when possible.

3. Everybody Doesn't Understand Why You're Alone

This was probably my biggest personal frustration.

I didn't mind being alone.

I minded having to explain why I was alone.

There's a difference!

If I wanted company, I could participate in activities, strike up a conversation, or attend a show.

But if I wanted peace and quiet, I wanted to enjoy that without feeling like I needed to justify it.

Is Solo Cruising Safe?

Safety is a reasonable concern, especially if you've never traveled alone.

Personally, I appreciate that a cruise offers accommodations, restaurants, entertainment, and activities in one place.

But that doesn't mean you should abandon common sense.

Here are a few precautions I recommend:

• Keep your cabin number and personal information private.

• Be mindful about telling strangers you're traveling alone.

• Watch your alcohol consumption and stay aware of your surroundings.

• Book shore excursions with reputable providers.

• Pay attention to the ship's all-aboard time, especially when exploring ports independently.

• Let someone you trust know your travel plans.

And remember, you're never obligated to socialize simply because someone approaches you.

You can be friendly and still have boundaries.

My Advice for Anyone Considering Their First Solo Cruise

If you've been thinking about cruising alone, I would absolutely encourage you to consider it.

But I would approach it strategically.

Start with a shorter cruise. A three- or four-night sailing can be a great introduction without committing to an entire week.

Choose a ship that matches your personality. If you enjoy entertainment, activities, and a lively atmosphere, look for that. If you prefer quiet spaces and relaxation, prioritize those features.

Think about your dining preferences. Whether you enjoy the main dining room, buffet, room service, or specialty restaurants, choose what makes you comfortable.

Look carefully at the total cruise fare. Don't assume a solo cruise is inexpensive simply because only one person is traveling.

And most importantly, stop worrying about what everybody else thinks!

You are paying for your vacation.

Enjoy it your way.

Would I Take Another Solo Cruise?

Absolutely!

In fact, solo cruising has become something I enjoy doing regularly.

Not because I don't enjoy traveling with Ant.

Not because I don't like being around people.

But because sometimes I want a few days where I can disconnect from responsibilities, enjoy the ocean, eat good food, and do exactly what I want.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

My solo cruising experiences have taught me that I don't need someone sitting beside me to enjoy a beautiful destination, a delicious meal, or a relaxing day at sea.

Sometimes my own company is more than enough.

And if Ant doesn't want to go?

Well, you already know what I'm going to do!

I'm going cruising anyway!

Watch My Solo Cruising Adventures!

Want to see what cruising alone actually looks like?

I've documented my solo cruise experiences on Ant & Shira Adventures, including my time aboard Carnival Firenze.

Watch the videos to see the cabins, dining, activities, destinations, and what it's really like to explore a cruise ship without a travel companion.

▶ Watch: I Took a Solo Cruise to Find Out If They're Worth It (Carnival Firenze)

[https://youtu.be/BaZP4tGM_-E?si=TLf4OeGrFTNh3zZm]

And while you're there, subscribe to Ant & Shira Adventures for cruise ship tours, cabin reviews, honest travel experiences, cruise tips, and plenty of adventures with Ant and me!

Thinking About Booking Your Own Solo Cruise?

As both an experienced cruiser and a professional travel advisor, I understand that booking a solo cruise can come with a few extra considerations.

From comparing single supplements to identifying ships with solo-friendly accommodations, I'm happy to help you explore your options.

Through A Finer Travel, I can help you compare cruise lines, cabin categories, itineraries, and available promotions to find a cruise that fits your travel style and budget.

Whether you're planning your very first solo adventure or you're already a seasoned solo traveler, I'd love to help you plan your next getaway.

Visit www.TakeFinerTrips.com to get started.

And tell me something in the comments:

Would you ever take a cruise by yourself, or have you already done it?

I'd love to hear about your experience!

Happy cruising!

Shira Nicole
A Finer Travel | Ant & Shira Adventures

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