Travelling by yourself can sound like a scary prospect, but going on holiday alone is becoming increasingly popular with travellers of all ages. Our summer survey in 2022 revealed that over 13% of holidaymakers plan to travel by themselves2.
Cruises, in particular, are an excellent option for solo travel. With plenty to do and a shared experience with other travellers, they can be a fantastic way to see exciting destinations and make new friends. Below you can read some of our top tips if you’re planning to cruise solo.
1 – Use activities to break the ice
Meeting new people can be difficult, no matter your age. One of the benefits of being on a cruise ship is the abundance of activities on offer. Checking the daily schedule should be your first port of call. Many cruise ships will have specific meetings and events for solo travellers, especially on the first day. Meeting your fellow cruisers is a great way to make friends fast and find a partner for some of the activities on offer.
2 – Find a cruise that offers solo cabins
Not all cruise lines offer cabins tailored for solo travellers, so it’s worth trying to find one that does. As the one person cabins are smaller, they’re often cheaper than a couples cabin, so finding a cruise line that offers them can save you money.
3 – Choose a smaller ship
Try to choose one of the smaller ships heading to your chosen destination. Making friends is a bit easier on a smaller vessel, as you’re more likely to bump into the same people and have a chat. Once you’ve made friends, it’s also easier to find each other when you want to meet up.
4 – Don’t be afraid to say no
One of the best parts of travelling alone is the freedom it gives you. Don’t feel you have to go to every event just because someone asked you to go. If you’d rather spend the evening in your cabin reading, then do it. Be polite, of course, but don’t feel obliged to participate in everything that comes along.
5 – Make sure you have cruise cover in place
While cruise Travel Insurance is essential on any cruise trip, it’s especially important when travelling solo. Having comprehensive cover in place as soon as you book your trip is a must. When you’re travelling alone, that extra piece of mind that comes with having high-quality cover lets you focus on making new friends and seeing the world. We also offer River Cruise Travel Insurance if you’re enjoying a cruise away from the ocean.
If you decide to explore the oceans or rivers on your own, let us know if you have any extra tips we can share with your fellow solo travellers.
2 – AllClear Summer Survey 2022 – 3,370 responses
