After going on almost a dozen Royal Caribbean cruises alone, I've learned a thing or two about solo travel.

It can feel daunting to go on a cruise without friends or family because you're worried you'll feel lonely, bored, or simply regret the trip.

By preparing for the trip ahead of time and coming in with the right mindset, I think my trips have been successful and allowed me to fully enjoy them.

Here's what I wish I knew about traveling alone before my first solo cruise.

Cruising alone for the first time can feel intimidating, but that shouldn't stop you.

I took my first cruise alone after many sailings with family, and the truth is it's more liberating than scary.

I think it makes it worse when you tell friends that you're going alone, and they fuel any doubts you may have because it's definitely not the usual approach to a cruise.

Ultimately, I thought to myself how bad could it be going on a cruise ship for a few days? If all I did was eat, sleep, and watch a few shows, that still sounds better than being at home.

Of course there's the potential for an awkward moment or strange feeling when you miss having someone to chat with, but I think part of enjoying life is pushing boundaries a bit.

I chatted with crew members, met people around the ship, and got to see bucket-list destinations.

Plan out more of your days to ensure smooth logistics

I always advocate planning your cruise out, but it's even more important when cruising solo.

One of the methods I found for combatting the sense of loneliness is keeping yourself busy. Cruise ships are great for this, because there are activities and things to do pretty much all day long.

I start out with picking shore excursions, because these tours take up a majority of your day. Plus, you're surrounded by others in your group and that contributes to making you feel more connected, rather than alone.

Not only do I pick out ship tours to try, but I will lean towards activities that my kids likely wouldn't be interested in. It's all part of the solo travel mantra of embracing what you want.

I'll also look at what the ship offers and pick out things to try onboard. 

You probably won't feel alone as you think

There's something about a cruise that feels more communal than other travel.

When I'm on an airplane or staying in a hotel, I never want to talk to other travelers. Not only does it never occur to me to strike up a conversation, but it's practically an annoyance when it occurs.

On a cruise, it's a totally different situation.

Many cruisers are happy to start chatting, and the crew members will chat you up too. I think it's a combination of the fact everyone is "living" there for a few days that contributes to making it feel more open for it, plus the cocktails and beer too.

If you sit down at a bar, attend trivia, or go on a shore excursion, I think it's really easy to meet other cruisers. Not everyone is going to be the life of the party, but I've found most people openly engage in talk while onboard.

Dining is the most daunting part, but embrace it

I bet if you're going alone on a cruise ship, eating by yourself seems like the worst part.

Dining solo conjures up fears of feeling ostracized. You imagine being at a table by yourself and others gawking at you.  Or potentially worse, being seated with strangers.

The truth is I've eaten alone at every single restaurant, from the Main Dining Room to the buffet. It's not nearly as bad you might think, and I actually enjoy it.

When I tried the Main Dining Room alone, I quickly realized a truth: no one cares what you do. 

After sitting down to a table alone, it became clear others around me were oblivious to it.  Or at the very least, no one asked or bothered me.

Plus, eating alone means you get in and out quicker. In seated restaurants, it feels like I get faster service. I think that may be because they sense I am ready sooner.

In casual restaurants, I can get in and out of the buffet as fast as I can chew. 

I avoided specialty restaurants for a while, until I just decided to go with it. Table for one meant I could get almost any reservation I wanted. Plus, Izumi is fantastic for solo cruisers because I'm either sitting at the sushi bar or hibachi table in a communal setting. 

Just like jumping into a cold pool, getting it over is the way to go, as you'll realize it's not so bad.

The freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want is a luxury

Want to know why I love traveling on a cruise ship solo? The liberating feeling it provides.

When I cruise solo, I get to do what I want, when I want. That's an incredible feeling and it changes the dynamic of how I cruise.

While I'll always prefer to cruise with my family, a part of me also really likes to embrace the selfish side of travel.  I go to the activities I want, book the tours I like, and eat when I want.  

This might sound very self-centered, but if you're going to go on a ship alone, I think you really ought to double down on it. 

While I love to cruise with my family, if I'm solo, I'll take full advantage of doing what I want, when I want to do it.

Book more group shore excursions instead of on your own touring

My wife knows that I dislike group excursions because of their slow pace, but if I'm solo, I've started to embrace them.

One trick for not feeling as alone is to go on tours while in port.  Because you're with a large group, conversations inevitably occur and it's nice to meet people and converse.

When I sailed in Europe alone, I booked group excursions in each port.  I even tried a "free" shore excursion, where it was a small group.  In both cases, I got an opportunity to be more social.

Just like going to events around the ship, going on group tours opens up the opportunity to talk with others. 

You need to learn to adapt to moments of discomfort on solo trips

You need to be flexible while traveling, regardless of how many people you're with.

It may seem like solo cruising is fantastic, but there are times when it's not so great too. You may find the plans you laid out didn't work out as well as you liked, and it can feel more problematic without someone with you to confide in.

I think there needs to be a certain level of self-reliance to bounce back from these moments. I've learned to let more of what happens slide off your back and move onto the next (and probably better) thing.

Buying an internet package is must

If there's one thing you pay extra for on a solo cruise, it should be a Royal Caribbean internet package.

Having access to the internet is a godsend when I cruise by myself because it's a portal for communication.

I can call, text, and video chat with friends and family when I have the internet, and I truly cannot imagine not having that option when I'm cruising alone.

Plus, an internet package allows me to pass the time more easily when I'm at a restaurant, bar, or relaxing somewhere on the ship. I could watch a movie, check social media, or do some work.

I'm all for immersing yourself in the places you visit, but a solo cruise needs internet access far more than group travel.

Traveling solo can be addicting, and you may even prefer it in certain situations

I never thought I'd cruise solo as much as I do now.

In fact, there are certain cruises where I tell my wife it would probably be better if I went alone, because of the nature of the trip.  Specifically, when a new ship comes out and I'm running around trying to capture everything.

I would welcome my family to sail with me, but the truth is on a cruise where I need to do more work for this blog than usual, it's an advantage to be able to quickly dip in and out of places so I can get more done.

Assuming you don't run a blog, cruising solo can be addicting as a methodology to get what your family wants out of cruising. 

For example, you could go alone in order to earn more Crown and Anchor points so that your entire family gets to benefit from a higher tier status. Not exactly "falling on your sword" in terms of great sacrifices, but it's definitely a good strategy when other family obligations prevent your spouse or kids from traveling with you.

No two cruises are the same. Even if you are sailing on a similar ship, such as Royal Caribbean's Navigator and Mariner of the Seas, factors like the crew, itinerary, and weather conditions all foster new experiences. 

Within the past year, Jenny Reineck embarked on two solo cruises aboard Mariner and Enchantment of the Seas. Her sailing on Mariner departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, and called at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel, Mexico, whereas her cruise on Enchantment sailed from Tampa to the Western Caribbean. 

"I had a great time on both of the cruises, but there were some similarities and some differences," Reineck says. 

Similarities

Great service

She begins by talking about the service. From the servers in the Main Dining Room to her cabin steward and the bartenders, "...the crew on [Royal Caribbean was] fantastic, and they [went] above and beyond to make [my] cruise vacation fun."

Those aren't the only crew you'll meet while onboard. Everyone from the Cruise Director to the Casino Host, Loyalty Ambassador, and the Youth Program Director plays a vital role in shaping your cruise experience. 

Speaking of Cruise Directors, "...the passion, excitement, and energy brought by the Cruise Director on both ships was phenomenal." They are often considered the "face of the ship," helping to coordinate onboard events and activities that keep passengers entertained throughout their sailing.

Read more: 7 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship

Complimentary pizza

Whether you're grabbing pizza from Cafe Promenade, Park Cafe, or Sorrento's, indulging in at least one slice of included pizza is a rite of passage on Royal Caribbean cruises. 

When sailing on Mariner, Reineck ventured to Cafe Promenade for pizza, while on Enchantment, she found herself at the Park Cafe in the Solarium. 

"Regardless of where I got it, the pizza tasted the same and was delicious! In fact, the quality of the food in general was very similar across both ships," she remarks. 

Read more: Sorrento's pizza on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

Main Dining Room

Reineck explains how the service, menu options, and food quality were similar in the Main Dining Rooms on Mariner and Enchantment. 

In early 2023, Royal Caribbean introduced new dining room menus to speed up the dinner service. Each night focuses on a certain cuisine, from Italian to Mexican and British. While the rotation of the menus may vary based on the length of your cruise (i.e., a 4-night cruise won't have as many options as longer sailings), the standardized dining experience ensures that guests can expect consistent quality and service no matter which ship they’re on.

That said, Reineck says the main difference between the Main Dining Rooms was her seat: "In both cases, they sat me at a two-person table by myself, but that is where the similarities ended."

"On Mariner, my table was against a wall at the end of a row of tables. It felt more private, but I didn't have a great view. On Enchantment, my table was sandwiched between a bunch of other two-person tables, but I could sit facing the window. While it felt less private, the view was much better," she adds. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Menus 2024

Onboard activities

The onboard activities and entertainment often drive passengers to book a Royal Caribbean cruise compared to competing lines. While older ships lack Broadway-style musicals, the essence of the daily schedule is the same.

"Whether it was trivia in Schooner Bar, a theater show, or the infamous Crazy Quest, ...I noticed that many of the onboard activities that I had enjoyed on Mariner were also going to be happening on Enchantment," she says. 

"This was great because I already knew which activities I wanted to [attend], including the belly flop contest, the world's sexiest man contest, and other fun activities throughout the ship." 

Read more: What's included in a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Stateroom

Whether you want to save money and book the cheapest interior cabin or are in the mood to splurge on a lavish suite, cruise ships have staterooms to meet various needs and preferences. 

On both Mariner and Enchantment, Reineck booked an interior cabin. However, her room on Mariner was different in that it overlooked the Royal Promenade. There was no window, even an interior-facing one, on Enchantment.

"Other than that, the rooms were very similar in size, storage space, bathroom, etc.," Reineck explains. 

"As a solo traveler in a double occupancy room, an inside cabin [had] more than enough space for all of my things, and in both cabins, there were at least two other places to sit down other than the bed." 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabin guide

Differences

Ship layout

Enchantment of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's oldest ships in service. Part of the Vision Class, she debuted in 1997. Not only is she one of the oldest ships in the fleet, but she's also one of the smallest, measuring just shy of 83,000 gross registered tons. In comparison, Icon of the Seas is over 245,000! 

Mariner of the Seas is a little newer, having launched in 2003. As such, she's part of the line's Voyager Class, which was the first to feature the Royal Promenade, a thoroughfare filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Since both vessels belong to different classes, their layouts are different. Different doesn't equal bad or disappointing, though. 

"While I thought I might miss the Royal Promenade, I actually enjoyed some of the ship activities [more] on Enchantment due to the layout of the Centrum," Reineck says. 

"Particularly for things like the balloon drop and the Parade of Nations, the Centrum gives off a 'round the campfire' vibe where we [could] all gather and celebrate together, whereas the Royal Promenade [felt] more like we were all in a long hallway looking at a stage."

She adds that she also enjoyed watching sail away from Mariner's helipad, which was absent on Enchantment. 

Read more: After 12 sailings on Mariner of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer

Ship amenities

Since Mariner is larger and part of a newer class, she features more onboard amenities compared to Enchantment, including water slides, a FlowRider surf simulator, an ice skating rink, and an escape room. 

Not only that but Mariner also had a working television screen on the pool deck, which played holiday movies during Reineck's December 2023 sailing. 

"Unfortunately, while I was on Enchamtnent [in April 2024] the big screen on the pool deck was not working, and I missed out on pool deck movies." 

Dining options

While on Mariner, Reineck decided to try Royal Caribbean's Izumi Hibachi. In addition to the interactive Teppanyaki meal, she found that Mariner had more options, such as the hot dog stand on the pool deck. She said she'd have to brave the crowds at Windjammer if she wanted a quick bite to eat on a sea day while on Enchantment. 

However, both ships had a specialty coffee shop where she could fuel up with a cold brew each morning: "...On Mariner, I headed down to Cafe Promenade...whereas on Enchantment, I got it from Cafe Latte-tudes."

"Both cafes had the same food options though, with small items such as ham and cheese sandwiches, chocolate donuts, and cookies." 

Read more: One food item you need to order from each restaurant onboard Enchantment of the Seas

Itinerary and port schedule

With one ship departing from Port Canaveral and the other from Tampa, both had different itineraries. While both visited Cozumel, her sailing on Enchantment also took her to Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico. In addition to Cozumel, her cruise on Mariner from Port Canaveral only visited one other port of call: Perfect Day at CocoCay.

On Mariner, her schedule included a sea day followed by a port day, another sea day, and another port day. In contrast, her itinerary on Enchantment had a sea day followed by four consecutive port days, then another sea day.

"While I loved all of the ports that we stopped at on Enchantment, four port days in a row can be pretty exhausting, especially when you've been out [on] an all-day excursion," explains Reineck. 

"I enjoyed the schedule I had on Mariner better because the sea days gave me time to recover from my excursions."

Weather

"This may seem obvious, but the weather in December is different than the weather in April," Reineck says, "In fact, on my December cruise on Mariner, my excursion in Cozumel ended up getting canceled because it was too windy, and while I enjoyed my day at CocoCay, there were many moments where I was quite cold."

In comparison, when traveling on Enchantment in April, Reineck expresses how each port was hot and humid. That said, the sun was shining, and she didn't have any excursions canceled due to inclement weather. 

Reineck's experience on Mariner in December proves that cruise ships can be impacted by weather throughout the year, not just during hurricane season. Though her port stop wasn't canceled, the weather conditions shaped her experience. 

Read more: What experienced cruisers do differently during hurricane season

It might sound crazy, but booking a cruise ship cabin for two people if you're sailing alone is actually a good idea.

The cruise industry's sales model assumes double occupancy and it's been that way for decades.

Cruising is by nature, a social form of travel, but solo cruises are rising in popularity.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 8 to 13% of cruisers are traveling solo in 2024. Plus, millennials and Gen Z are more likely to travel solo than other generations.

As they continue to age and earn more money, they're likely to travel solo more and more.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships, for instance, boast over 10 studio balcony cabins and more than 10 studio interior cabins (not available on Odyssey of the Seas) onboard.

However, the availability of solo cabins doesn't mean you should book them straight away.

It's a better idea to book a cabin for two, even if you know you'll be traveling alone—here's why.

How to avoid the single supplement fee

Cruising who travel alone in a double-occupancy cabin are subject to a single supplement fee.

Royal Caribbean's website states that the typical fee is 200% of the category rate.

"All rates posted on this website are based on double occupancy. A single guest who wishes to have a stateroom to themselves will be expected to pay 200% of the category rate, unless otherwise noted in the pricing."

Essentially, you'll pay the same price as two travelers.

For example, on a May 2025 7-night Anthem of the Seas Alaska Experience Cruise, oceanview balcony cabins are marked at $1430 per person for two people in a room.

If you select the same room, for only one person, the price goes up to $2,515.

Because of this, it's actually cheaper to book your cruise with two people in a cabin.

Plus, by booking a bigger, double-occupied cabin, you'll have more space all to yourself!

Royal Caribbean's studio staterooms range from 101 to 199 square feet, while typical two-person cabins measure 150 square feet and above.

Solo cabins may not be available on your desired cruise ship

Studio cabins allow you to cruise alone without paying the single supplement fee, but they're not on every cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's current largest ship, does not have any studio cabins onboard. This is likely an indication that the rest of the Icon Class won't feature many single cabin options.

Utopia of the Seas, the latest iteration in the Oasis Class, also not does feature any studio staterooms.

And the ships that do have studio cabins have a limited inventory.

If you prefer a certain cabin location to prevent seasickness or avoid noise, it's unlikely you'll be able to book a studio cabin in that location.

Plus, popular sailings or cruises during peak times might be completely sold out.

On the Anthem of the Seas May 2025, oceanview balcony studios (listed at $2,030) are already sold out, and there are only 8 interior studios still available (which cost $1,222).

Booking a studio cabin severely limits your choices.

Read more: I took my first solo cruise on Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ships. After 7 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone

Booking a cabin for two is cheaper

Even if you're planning to cruise solo, booking a second person on your reservation gives you a cheaper price.

You can put in the name and information for any one of your friends or family members without actually bringing them on the cruise.

That person can skip checking in and turn out to be a "no-show" on embarkation day.

I've had no problem doing this on my solo cruises. 

When I arrive at the cruise terminal, I say that my travel buddy couldn't make it and that I'll be sailing alone.

The only disadvantage to booking a second person on your reservation is that seat assignments (done for traditional dining) at the Main Dining Room are usually already assigned, based on your travel party.

I've often showed up to a cruise by myself at a traditional, assigned dining time, and found that I was seated at a table for two or more.

If you find dining alone (especially at a bigger table) awkward, you can ask for a different table or skip traditional dining times altogether.

Read more: I tried eating alone in the Main Dining Room on my cruise. I was worried it would feel awkward, but I liked it a lot more than I expected

Is it worth it to cruise by yourself?

There are pros and cons to cruising solo, the most obvious con being the potential for loneliness.

But that doesn't mean you should pass up on a cruise just because you might have to sail alone.

Besides the fact that you get to experience a fantastic vacation, cruising solo allows you to sail at your own pace.

If you prefer wandering art museums, but your partner is an active beach-goer, a solo cruise is the perfect chance to indulge in your preferences.

Read more: 5 things that surprised me about going on my first solo cruise, from enjoying my own stateroom to conversing with others

A solo cruise also pushes you to make conversations and meet new people, rather than relying on the friends you bring with you.

If you're up for the adventure, it's the perfect chance to make the most of your experience and get out of your comfort zone.

What is it like to cruise solo on one of Royal Caribbean's mega-ships?

While I have cruised alone before, this month was my first time sailing on an Oasis Class ship by myself.

I took a 7-day Mediterranean cruise on Oasis of the Seas, spending my time alone exploring exciting ports like Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Italy.

The Oasis Class is such a uniquely large and thrilling type of cruise ship that I was curious about what to expect onboard.

Would I feel more lonely in the wide expanse of the vessel?

Or would the increased number of people onboard provide more opportunities for connection?

In the end, I was surprised by just how amazing this cruise turned out to be.

Based on my experience, the pros of a solo cruise far outweigh the cons. 

With proper planning ahead of time, you don't have to feel lonely or bored!

After seven days onboard Oasis of the Seas, here are the top pros and cons of cruising solo.

Read more: 5 things that surprised me about going on my first solo cruise, from enjoying my stateroom to conversing with others

Con: Exploring ports by yourself

One of the biggest downsides to cruising by myself was that I had to explore ports alone.

When you're already visiting a brand-new country with a foreign language and unfamiliar customs, facing all this alone can make the experience even more uncomfortable.

It can be very difficult to have an international flight and travel to a new city all alone.

Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time

It caused me to feel much more aware of my safety and required that I do a lot of research to have a good experience.

I had to find a safe hotel, book it, and check in by myself. I had to carry my own suitcases and find the best tourist sites alone.

Without the support of someone else, the burden fell on me to stay safe and plan my itinerary.

One method I had for combating this responsibility was by booking group tours. 

That way, I had the support of a tour guide and the company of a group of other cruisers.

Pro: Going at your own pace

As someone who loves doing things independently, cruising solo feels extremely freeing.

You have an entire ship to explore, ports to tour, and no one limiting your schedule. 

I love cruising because I get complete control over my itinerary, with no one else comprising my priorities.

I can nap when I choose, visit the museums and historical sites that I want to visit, and eat where I want.

Especially on an Oasis Class ship, with such a wide breadth of activities to choose from, cruising alone made it easier to make time for my favorite things.

Read more: I've only sailed Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships: Will I be disappointed if I try other ships?

Con: Eating alone 

While I have no problem eating alone in my hometown, something about being on a cruise makes it more awkward.

Especially when I dined in the Main Dining Room, people seemed concerned or confused that I was traveling by myself.

Surrounded by big groups and loud families, I felt a little uncomfortable eating at a table alone.

However, being on an Oasis Class ship made this a better experience. 

When I previously cruised solo on Enchantment of the Seas, I felt much more self-conscious.

People even came up to my table and asked me if I was okay.

On Oasis of the Seas, it was easier to blend into the crowd, and I even noticed other cruisers dining alone.

Pro: A room to yourself

One of my favorite aspects of cruising alone was getting a room all to myself.

Especially in those cheaper, smaller interior staterooms, it felt much more spacious with only one person.

Those 149 square feet were all my own.

I could use all the storage in the cabin, hang my clothes using the whole closet, and spread my items out over the room.

Traveling without a partner also meant that I got to shower, nap, and wake up whenever I wanted.

I enjoy ordering room service breakfast, and it can be hard to find space to eat and keep food for 2 in an inside cabin.

By myself, however, I had plenty of room to dine and leave my food on the desk.

Con: Feeling bored

Cruising with a travel buddy means you always have someone to talk to, and a partner to share exciting experiences with.

While sailing alone can be a peaceful experience, it also makes for a slightly boring cruise.

With just me to entertain, I sometimes found myself feeling dull and unsure of what to do next.

However, Oasis of the Seas also made it hard to be completely bored. 

There were always events happening, and more activities than I had the chance to try! 

When I put my mind to it, I could really enjoy the experience alone.

Pro: Meeting new people

Cruising solo forces you to make conversations and attempt to meet new people onboard.

Without bringing a travel buddy of your own, you become inspired to chat with others and make new friends.

When I cruised alone on Enchantment of the Seas, I barely talked to anyone onboard. Families and couples seemed to keep to themselves, not even making conversation in the elevators.

In contrast, Oasis of the Seas almost overwhelmed me with the amount of connections to be made.

People would chat on the elevators, speak to me on group shore excursions, or introduce themselves at the club.

I built relationships with my new buddies in the hot tub and at all the activities onboard.

In the end, I made so many friends that I had to start being intentional about getting time alone!

It hardly felt like a solo cruise at all.

How can you safely explore ports on a solo cruise?

Whether you enjoy traveling alone or have a travel buddy back out at the last minute, solo cruises are a great way to enjoy a peaceful vacation on your own terms.

However, it's normal to feel concerned about your safety.

Traveling to a new place always poses new challenges and requires research to make sure you stay safe while exploring the port. 

Especially if you're a young woman like myself, you may be wondering how to safely exit the cruise ship and tour ports without getting robbed or worse.

While on my second solo cruise, I decided to try group shore excursions.

This month, I traveled to Spain and Italy on a 7-night Oasis of the Seas sailing,

With the chance to see historic cities like Barcelona, Florence, Rome, and Naples, I wanted to ensure that I could explore safely and see all the Mediterranean ports had to offer.

I purchased three Royal Caribbean shore excursions: one in Florence, one in Rome, and the third in Naples, visiting Pompeii.

After taking three different group shore excursions on my own, I discovered they were a great way to enhance my cruise and safely see the world.

1. I didn't have to exit the ship alone

One benefit of purchasing shore excursions through Royal Caribbean was that the tour groups met directly on the ship.

Instead of exiting alone, I just had to walk down a few decks to the Royal Theater.

This was a huge benefit, especially in Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy, which are infamous for pickpockets.

No matter where we walked, I was traveling in a larger group who could look out for each other.

Read more: Where to keep Seapass Card, phone, and cash when on a shore excursion?

2. Tour guides ensured I made it to and from my destination

Solo trips can be dangerous because there's no one else to look out for you.

If I'd explored ports on my own, there would be no one who knew where I was going or what time I planned on being back.

In contrast, shore excursions through Royal Caribbean provide tour guides, whose job is to make sure you get to your destination and back to the ship safely.

One of my guides took her responsibility so seriously that she called herself our "mother" for the trip.

Each guide would take note of every person's name and room number, ensuring that they could easily check if anyone was missing.

Not only that, they also provided emergency numbers to the tour guide and the company. 

If I'd gotten lost or in trouble, I had someone to call.

Even when tours gave us free time to explore, we were assigned a meeting place and time, so they would have noticed if I didn't return.

These measures served to ease my anxiety and free my mind to enjoy the historic cities.

3. I could strike up conversations and make friends with my tour group

Group tours also provided the opportunity to meet people and make friends, rather than exploring every city alone.

Whether we were taking the bus to Rome or walking around Pompeii, I found that there was always someone I could talk to or relate to.

This made it less lonely to travel by myself, especially because many of the other cruisers were also from the U.S.

Even while solo traveling in a foreign country, a group tour allowed me to find people who spoke my native tongue.

Safety in numbers applied here. The more people I met and talked to, the more could recognize and look out for me.

And vice versa applies: when I saw cruisers I recognized from my tour, I gave them directions and passed on information from our tour guide.

4. Background information was provided about each location

When you're traveling alone, there's only so much information you can teach yourself.

And while I checked out books and read articles about the destinations I planned to visit, you don't know what you don't know.

As a solo traveler, you don't want to be that person standing in the middle of the street Googling where to go, so my tour guides became an invaluable resource.

Each of my guides hailed from the region we were visiting and took the time to tell us about the history and culture.

They taught us words like "thank you" and "good morning," handed out maps of the cities, and pointed out important landmarks.

In Florence, we received some free time to explore on our own. Before we left, our guide even pointed out the restaurants she recommended we visit.

Getting background information from a knowledgeable local was one of the best ways I enhanced my cruise.

5. Some tours provided water and bathroom access

Another benefit of purchasing shore excursions is that it often becomes an all-in-one price.

When you pay for one, you receive transportation, a tour, and sometimes food, water, and bathroom access.

While my Mediterranean cruise took us to exciting destinations, the cruise ports were often pretty far from the most famous cities. For example, it took us three hours to travel from the cruise port, La Spezia, to Florence, Italy. 

Read more: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

Having transportation already taken care of really eased my mind.

Additionally, the tour guides ensured we made bathroom stops and told us where to get food or water.

One culture shock I experienced in Europe is that you have to pay to access public restrooms.

However, our tour guides ensured we wouldn't have to. To prevent us from paying, they took us to rest stops or gave us tickets that would exempt us.

This saved me money and lessened the number of places I would have to find and go to alone.

6. The ship waits to depart if we get delayed

Royal Caribbean shore excursions are also great for solo cruisers because the ship is contracted to wait for you if the tour is delayed.

When we were traveling to Florence, our tour was delayed by an hour because of an accident on the road. We didn't get back to the ship until 7:00 P.M.!

I felt better knowing that the crew would have to wait for us before they sailed to our next port.

As a solo traveler, getting left behind in a foreign country by yourself sounds like my worst nightmare!

Staying with a group for my tours ensured that I wouldn't be left alone, and the ship would wait for us if anything happened.

When it came to taking my first solo cruise, I was definitely nervous and unsure what to expect. 

When first I realized I would have the opportunity to travel to the Mediterranean—but I would have to do it alone—I wasn't sure if that would be a good fit for me.

In the end, I knew that some opportunities are worth taking, even if you have to do it alone.

I packed up and traveled the 18 hours to begin a cruise on Enchantment of the Seas, sailing from Athens, Greece, to Barcelona, Spain.

The 7-night cruise was an amazing experience and a chance to see part of the world I’d never experienced before. 

However, cruising alone was a challenge. Not only did I have to be hyper-aware of safety, but it was also a lonely task to travel alone for such a long period of time.

If you’re planning on taking a cruise alone, don’t fear! I developed 7 strategies to make my solo cruise more fun and less lonely. These tips can help you conquer your nerves and make a solo trip even more worth it.

1. Attend cruise ship activities

Royal Caribbean ships offer a variety of events to help cruisers meet each other and have fun. 

Self-guided groups are available on every Royal Caribbean ship for cruisers with every possible interest to meet up. The most common ones I’ve seen are for singles and solo travelers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, members of Alcoholics Anonymous, and groups for various religions. If you keep an eye on the ship’s schedule, you’ll see there’s something for everyone!

These groups are a great opportunity to people and make friends with common interests as you.

However, I will place a warning here: the self-guided groups are usually more sparsely attended. On my cruise, I attended the groups for solo travelers and members of the LGBTQ community but found that they weren’t always full of other people.

My advice is to go frequently, and if you don’t make friends at first, keep trying! There are many available groups, and often they are offered on multiple days over the cruise. 

2. Purchase WiFi for connectivity

This tip may not be for everyone, but it helped me!

Buying WiFi on a cruise is optional, and it also comes with an extra charge. Personally, I did not end up purchasing WiFi for the entire length of the cruise, so I paid about $30 per day on the days I chose to buy it.

Although having WFi can take your attention away from the natural wonders, the ship’s amenities, and many activities onboard, it helped me stay connected on my solo cruise.

Solo traveling has the potential to make you very lonely, as you’re cruising out alone and in a strange place. Staying connected through technology is a great way to alleviate that loneliness.

I was able to use social media, text friends and family, and make phone calls when I was feeling extra lonely.

When used sparingly, and mostly on sea days, it was a great way to stay in touch with my loved ones.

Additionally, having WiFi helps provide entertainment for the boring moments of traveling alone. 

3. Make conversation with crew members

Royal Caribbean’s crew members are there to ensure you have the best possible experience on board, and their kindness can extend beyond a simple “hello.”

I found so much social fulfillment in making conversation with crew members at the dining venues, pool areas, and events. 

Not only did I get the chance to spark up conversation on board, but the crew members I met hailed from all parts of the world and had different journeys to get to the ship. I even got to practice with Indonesian with some staff!

If you take the time to chat with crew members around you, you’ll find that they have advice, stories, and a fascinating perspective into the cruising world. It’s the perfect way to fend off loneliness and have an enriching conversation with a kind stranger.

Read more: 7 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship

4. Stay busy with activities

Another method I used to keep my mind off my solo status was staying busy and taking advantage of all the activities around me. After all, solo traveling is done for a purpose, and what better way to keep yourself cheerful than reminding yourself why it’s worth it?

Onboard, there are many activities you can attend daily, from trivia games to poolside dance parties, to special casino deals. I would often wander around onboard and find an activity to join in on whenever the need arose.

Making the most of all the fun opportunities around you ensures that you’ll feel fulfilled on a solo trip and remind yourself why it’s all worth it.

5. Plan ahead by bringing entertainment

Bringing entertainment along with you is another great way to amuse yourself and stave off loneliness.

Before my cruise, I downloaded movies and TV shows onto my phone, fun games that I could play even off WiFi, and a number of books onto my Kindle. 

That way, I had all my favorites downloaded for days that I chose not to buy WiFi, or needed some extra activity. 

Planning ahead by bringing entertainment meant that I was never bored, even while sitting alone on many occasions. Having familiar forms of media—whether it’s your favorite songs or an old movie—with you can also be a comforting touch to a lonely cruise.

If you’re someone who’s afraid of sitting alone in public, such as at the dinner table, don’t worry!

On my solo cruise, all I had to do was pull out a book or put in some headphones, and the rest of the world would fade away. I could enjoy a meal or pool chair alone, and no one bothered me or looked at me strangely.

6. Take group tours

I was very grateful that I chose to purchase Royal Caribbean shore excursions on my cruise.

These organized group tours got me face time with other cruisers and brought together a community of travelers interested in one common goal.

I’ve always enjoyed getting to know tour guides on my cruises, so a solo cruise is also a great opportunity to have more time with them!

Other than that, I noticed that other cruisers would make conversation with me as we toured and explored. It was a lovely reminder that I was not completely alone and a fun opportunity to share the sights and sounds with others.

Traveling sometimes is better when you have someone to share it with.

7. Embrace the alone time

Most of all, it’s important to remember that a solo cruise is just that: solo. Instead of spending the majority of your trip fighting off feelings of loneliness and distracting yourself, don’t forget to embrace the time alone.

While it was a challenging cruise, I really enjoyed the peace of solo travel. You can move at your own pace, always have a quiet moment, and do whatever you’re in the mood for. Plus, I loved having hotel rooms and cruise staterooms all to myself!

Ultimately, solo travel is a great way to get to know yourself and spend some peaceful time on a vacation in a new location.

Take advantage of the trip, and embrace it! Set personal goals, try to meditate and journal, and relish in doing some challenging but exciting. 

I recently went on my first solo cruise during a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing on the Symphony of the Seas, and it was nothing like I expected it to be.

When you embark a cruise ship, you’ll see families in matching t-shirts, eager to kickstart their vacation and spend time together.

Parents will drag their children to Adventure Ocean to get them properly registered before setting sail, while the teens might be nose first into their phones trying to soak in the last bit of cell service.

For older groups of adults, you might find them hopping from bar to bar to figure out which bartender is their favorite as early on as possible.

Cruises are a great vacation for small and large families alike because there’s something for everyone.

Before my first solo cruise, the extent of my independent travel was limited to airports and planes. I was nervous, excited, and everything in between!

Here are five things that surprised me about going on my first solo cruise.

I enjoyed having a stateroom to myself

Initially, I was nervous to be in an interior cabin alone for one week. Prior to this sailing, I had only ever stayed in balcony cabins, and even then I often slept in and nearly missed breakfast.

However, I found coming back to my own stateroom each evening after being around masses of people to be relaxing.

I never had to ask anyone if they wanted to shower first or share closet space; there was no bumping into or bickering with family members while trying to rush to get ready for dinner.

Having an interior cabin to myself made it feel larger, too. I was able to keep everything pretty neat throughout the week, so it never felt cluttered. While I would’ve enjoyed a balcony, I think it would have almost felt like too much space for one person.

Plus, it forced me to get out and mingle on the top deck, rather than stay secluded on my own private terrace.

I will say that I did keep the television channel with the cruise map on all week, and I think having constant music playing in the background helped the room feel more cozy and less lonely!

I prefer exploring ports on my own, rather than going on cruise line sponsored shore excursions

This one truly surprised me, as I made it a plan to only go off with the cruise line due to safety concerns. I don’t have an international cellular plan, so I didn’t want to be wandering in a relatively unfamiliar place without the ability to contact anyone.

I bought a ticket through Royal Caribbean for the Pelican Peak Zip Line in St. Maarten. I had been zip lining in Jamaica before, and all parties were laughing and cheering on each other by the end of the excursion. I had similar hopes and expectations for this tour. 

My group consisted of one family of four, one couple, a brother and sister duo, and another solo guest. Everyone kept to themselves during the ride to Pelican Peak, and the guide was speaking so much that there weren’t any opportunities for participants to mingle.

At the end of the 1,500 foot zip line, all parties dispersed. I thought people would talk about their experiences while waiting for the shuttle back to the cruse terminal, but I found that I was the only person who waited. And after about thirty minutes of waiting, I opted to walk the fifteen minutes back on my own. 

While docked in St. Thomas, I went off on my own to explore Water Island, a quiet and secluded island off the coast that's the smallest of the four U.S. Virgin Islands.

The plan I thought I had went to shambles pretty quickly, but I enjoyed my day talking with locals and other visitors. It made for a more unique experience, and I know that if I ever return, it won’t be quite the same!

It was easy to strike up conversations with other guests

On my first afternoon onboard, I grabbed a strawberry blonde to take back to my stateroom to work on an article about the first look at Royal Caribbean’s new main dining room menus.

In the elevator on the way there, I was asked about the drink by another couple, and we had a full-blown conversation about our favorite cruise drinks before I got off.

That same evening, I went to the first Hyperlink event of the cruise (the Hyperlink program is for guests between the ages of 18 and 25 and aims to bridge cruise ship activities following the teen club to more common adult offerings).

While I was there, I found everyone to be more social and welcoming than I anticipated, and I met two individuals whose family “adopted” me for the week, allowing me to join them at dinner and other activities, including Perfect Day at CocoCay’s Thrill Waterpark.

It was so great to have a buddy that was willing to tag along to the Hyperlink events with me throughout the rest of the week, especially since a few of them were after 11:00pm. 

Seeing how willing people were to jump into conversations at the Hyperlink event made conversing with others a breeze, like when I met a nice couple in Water Island who offered to give me a ride on their golf cart, and I didn’t feel as lonely as I thought I would the rest of the trip.

Dining alone in the Main Dining Room can be a little awkward

When I first moved to New York City, I had immense anxiety about eating alone. Now, I do it at least once per week, albeit in a more fast casual way. Regardless, I had reason to believe that I would have similar experiences solo dining onboard a cruise ship.

In reality, I found it to be much more uncomfortable than I expected, and I felt the loneliest on this trip when I did eat alone.

On the first night, I was tucked into a dark corner seated at a table for two on deck three, and my wait staff was confused at the concept of me sailing alone. I was checked up on at least three or four times asking if anyone was going to be joining me.

Even if I saw other guests hanging out alone during the day, dinner brought travel parties back together.

I’m grateful for the family who let me dine with them each night, as it made my solo cruising experience much more enjoyable!

I’m looking forward to my next solo cruise where I can skip the Main Dining Room, eat in the Windjammer, or dine with others at Izumi’s Teppanyaki!

I didn’t have to prioritize what I wanted to see and do

Since my first solo cruise was also my first work trip, I had to manage experiencing what the ship had to offer, as well as getting all of my assignments done.

That being said, balancing work with cruising felt like a family trip, minus the family.

On those kinds of trips, there’s rarely enough time for everyone to get to do everything that they want to do, so there have to be some compromises made.

The same concept applied to my solo trip, but I got to pick exactly what I wanted to do in my free time, whether that was lounging in the Solarium during the day or watching a show at night.

I didn’t get to zip line, try out the FlowRider, or ride down the Ultimate Abyss, but those are all activities I have done in the past; I was more focused on using my leisure time to relax and enjoy some entertainment!

Overall thoughts on solo cruising

While I enjoyed my trip and am thankful for the new friendships I made, cruising is a whole lot more fun when you're sharing the experience when your loved ones! I often felt myself reminiscing on trips I've taken with my dad and sister and wishing that they were with me. 

In the future, I won't immediately cross a solo cruise off the list, especially now that I know what to expect. To me, a solo cruise equates more with work than for leisure! 

Wondering what it is like to go on a cruise by yourself? I recently had my first solo cruise experience with a 4-night sailing on Independence of the Seas and a 7-night sailing on Harmony of the Seas.

Before my cruises, I was feeling nervous about what it would be like to go on a cruise alone. 

While I have done travel days alone here and there, I had never done a full vacation solo. In the end, though, I had a wonderful experience and came back with a few tips and tricks that can really enhance a solo cruise experience.

Initial Concerns

I am an extrovert and get a lot of energy from being around and experiencing things with other people. Feeling lonely was my main concern going into my solo cruises. Would I not talk to anyone for 7 days? Would I be doing everything alone? Will I dislike not having someone there with whom I could share my experience?

Another concern I had was with dining. I don’t normally eat alone at restaurants at home, so I was not sure what my dining experience would be like onboard. Going into my cruises, I planned to eat most meals at the buffet and spend my days in port or at sea exploring solo.

In the end, my solo cruise experiences could not have been more different than I initially imagined. I ended the two cruises with new friends and memories made throughout the Caribbean. Most importantly, though, I learned a few key lessons that may help alleviate a few concerns if you are planning a solo cruise vacation.

Meeting other passengers is easy

As soon as I boarded Independence of the Seas for my first solo cruise, I quickly realized that you are never truly alone on a cruise ship. There are thousands of passengers and crew members all around you, so it’s never too hard to strike up a conversation.

During my time on Independence of the Seas, I would go to events onboard that skewed more social, such as trivia, and also chat with the bartenders and crew throughout the ship. 

After my cruise on Independence, I felt extra confident as a solo cruiser for my next sailing on Harmony of the Seas. My solo cruise on Harmony ended up not being very “solo” at all!

As soon as I got onboard, I met two guests, Zach and Collin, at the embarkation day lunch with The Key. We ended up spending a lot of time together throughout the cruise, whether at the Windjammer, Aquatheater, or Solarium.

As the week went on, we slowly introduced more people into our “cruise squad”. One place that proved to be a fantastic social environment onboard were the hot tubs! Hanging out in the hot tub always led to interesting conversations with fellow passengers, several of which I connected with throughout the rest of the cruise.

By the end of the week I had a group of five other passengers to hang out with onboard. From evenings in the Promenade to sunny afternoons on the pool deck, it was a blast. I certainly did not expect to meet such a fun group of people so easily as a solo cruiser.

On the last night we shared a dinner at Jamie’s Italian and it was a wonderful way to close out a “solo” cruise experience that ended up being one of my most social cruises yet.

Dining “alone” can be fun!

Dining is one of the biggest concerns for solo cruisers, but on my cruise I learned that dining alone does not have to seem so intimidating. I found that if I was eating alone, crew members would often stop by my table to get to know me. One morning at breakfast in the Main Dining Room, I was seated at a table next to another solo cruiser and we ended up chatting for around an hour! I rarely had a completely “solo” meal.

The best decision I made, though, was booking dinner at Izumi Hibachi on Independence of the Seas. Izumi Hibachi tables seat eight people. If your group is not a party of 8, multiple parties will be seated together at the same table.

My hibachi table had four separate parties and, as usual, the hibachi experience created an environment of conversation and laughter with plenty of mouth-watering food. I think Izumi Hibachi is the best choice for a solo cruiser looking to enjoy a more social dining experience onboard.

Time in port is really flexible when you’re solo

I thoroughly enjoyed my solo days in port, too. One benefit of cruising solo is that you can choose to do whatever you want while in port. You don’t have to plan around anyone else’s preferences, interests, and schedule. 

I spent my days solo exploring Nassau, cycling around St. Maarten, and chilling out at Perfect Day at CocoCay and had an amazing time, even if I did not share the experience with anyone else.

I also learned that booking excursions can also be an easy way to mingle with fellow passengers. In St. Thomas I reserved the Discover Scuba excursion, which took ten guests to an island off the coast of St. Thomas to learn the basics of scuba diving. The exploratory nature of the excursion fostered a social environment for everyone in the group, leading to a fun afternoon of conversation, diving, and snorkeling.

I spent my days relaxing solo at Perfect Day at CocoCay. If you’re looking to meet guests at Cococay, though, I’d say the best spot to meet people there is Oasis Lagoon. This always turns into a big party in the afternoon and can be a fun way to mingle with other guests (or just people watch as the party gets wild!).

Post-cruise thoughts

Cruising solo is not nearly as “scary” as I thought it would be and I actually enjoyed the independence and freedom it gave me to plan my cruise vacation. As an extrovert I did not feel lonely once, although I did enjoy having an internet package so I could still chat with friends and family back home.

Do I prefer cruising solo or with friends and family? I think I still prefer to cruise with friends or family because a huge part of traveling for me is making memories with those close to me. I feel that some things in life, whether discovering a new island or enjoying a fancy dinner, are better shared with friends and family.

However, I would definitely cruise solo again. Making friends onboard proved to be extremely easy and having a group to hang out with certainly enhanced my experience.

It’s also nice, though, that if I did not want to be social, I could have stayed to myself. There is no requirement to go on a solo cruise with the intention of making new friends or always chatting with other guests and crew. I, however, found the way that works best for me and I am already looking forward to my next solo cruise.

Planning a cruise? Check out these articles:

• Solo cruises on Royal Caribbean
• Top 10 tips for going on a Royal Caribbean cruise solo
• What are the different types of cabins on a cruise ship?
• What to expect on your first cruise
• The unwritten rules of going on a cruise
• Royal Caribbean frequently asked questons

Are you thinking of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise solo? It is not as crazy as it may sound, and a lot of people take this sort of vacation every year!

Going on a solo cruise means being able to do what you want, when you want to do it, and it has its own sets of perks (and hurdles). 

Cruising solo in a double occupancy world

There is no denying that cruise ships are traditionally configured for guests who are sailing with at least two people in each stateroom.

The cruise model is based on double occupancy, which means the profitability of a ship assumes two people per room. 

When cruising solo, you will likely become quickly familiar with the term, "single supplement fee", which means you are charged extra for cruising with just one person in a stateroom. The single supplement fee makes up for the lost revenue by not having a second person booked in the same room.

While single supplement fees are common, there are a few ways around this fee.

First and foremost, Royal Caribbean offers solo rooms on select cruise ships. Ten Royal Caribbean ships offer a limited amount of studio staterooms that are designed (and priced) for solo cruisers. These rooms do not come with a single supplement fee associated with the booking.

Another way around the fee is if you have at least 340 or more points in the Crown and Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program).  If you are that high up in the system, the single supplement cruise fare is reduced to 150% from 200%.

One other way to get around the single supplement fee is on some rare sailings, the fee may be waived in order to encourage bookings. This is typically offered on last minute cruises, where the cruise line wants to quickly increase bookings.

Money saving tip: Pretend you are not solo

One of my best tips is to price out a cruise booking as a solo cruiser, as well as making up a second person in the room to see which option is cheaper.

Royal Caribbean's system sometimes penalizes solo cruisers so much with the single supplement fee, that it is not uncommon to find a lower price by paying for a phantom second guest who never actually shows up.

Essentially, you place your name and the name of someone else on the reservation. This could be a family member or friend who has absolutely no intention of sailing. It does not really matter, since this person will not be sailing, and there is no penalty or issue if a guest does not show up for the cruise.

While you will be paying for a second person that is not going on the cruise, in many cases this is still cheaper than a booking that only has one guest on the reservation. 

It should be noted that when you show up for the cruise without that second person, you will be refunded port fees and taxes for the second person, as well as still receive double Crown and Anchor points for cruising solo.

The best part about this tip? You get an even bigger stateroom than if you booked a studio cabin!

Best cruise ships for solo travelers

While there are ten Royal Caribbean ships that offer solo rooms of one kind or another, I think a few stand out for offering the best options for a solo traveler.

The Quantum Class of ships, which include Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas, offer not only standard studio staterooms, but also studio balcony rooms.

These Super Studio Ocean View balcony rooms offer a private balcony that measures 55 square feet, and is a rare commodity for any solo room.

If you want to try one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships, check out Harmony of the Seas for their Studio Interior and Studio Ocean View rooms.  Harmony is the only Oasis Class ship to offer studio rooms, so if you want to cruise on the largest ships in the world, this is the one for you.

Solo cruising tips

Being alone on the cruise does not mean a week-long adventure where you talk to no one. Cruising solo can be a very fun and social adventure, and many readers share how much they enjoy sailing by themselves.

Going solo on Royal Caribbean is a bit easier than on other cruise lines, because of the variety of activities offered. Many activities and events offered throughout the day lend themselves to being friendly to someone cruising alone.

Daily trivia competitions, escape rooms, water slides, FlowRider surf simulator and shows are just as enjoyable for someone on a cruise solo, as it is for couples and groups.

Royal Caribbean also offers cooking classes, drink seminars, and even a Chef's Table experience that are very fun activities to enjoy.

Another good tip if you are alone on a cruise is to actively strike up conversations with the crew. Start up a conversation with your waiter or bartender, seek out and introduce yourself to the Cruise Director, and get to know your stateroom attendant. Not only are the crew friendly and open to conversation, but many of them are equally interested in socializing since their friends and family are not onboard either.

Shore excursions are another great way to meet other people and not feel so alone. Nearly all shore excursions are group excursions, so you will end up with others from your ship.  In fact, you might consider an activity or experience that pits people together (scavenger hunts, demonstrations, rides, etc) as an opportunity to be a part of the team.

Another trick for making the transition of a solo cruiser easier is to book a theme cruise.  There are a ton of groups that organize cruises, and invite anyone with the same interests to join them.  These group sailings are filled with people who do not know each other, and that means many more people than usual who are interested in getting to know their fellow guests.

Lastly, try meeting your fellow cruisers before you even get onboard by connecting on Facebook. It seems like there is a Facebook group organized for each sailing, so just search on Facebook for your ship name and sail date, and see what you find.  You might strike up a conversation with others booked on the same cruise, and end up making friends before you even get onboard.

Your thoughts

Have you done a solo cruise vacation? Any additional tips? Are you thinking of cruising solo on Royal Caribbean Does a solo cruise seem like something you would enjoy, or would you miss being with your friends or family? Hearing from you is half the fun, so if you have other thoughts or questions, please share in the comments!