Is singles cruising right for me?
Travelling alone can seem like a daunting experience. What doesn't get talked about enough however are the benefits of solo travel, which include the ability to get out and see the world on your own watch. It pays to be sensible, of course, but those who have experienced solo travel frequently tell tales of self-discovery and the importance of spending some much needed time alone.
Singles cruising has risen in popularity over recent years and is the ideal choice for solo travellers looking for that little extra security. What's more, there are singles cruises out there for just about every type of cruiser – from those hoping to make new friends and form new relationships to those who simply want to bask in solitude.
Making new friends and acquaintances
Unlike most other forms of travel, cruising will see you sticking close to the same group of people throughout your journey. As such, it's the ideal way to get to know some new people with similar interests to yours. Whether that's meeting up with other singles or simply chatting to couples and larger groups in the dining room, on a cruise ship there's absolutely no reason to be alone unless you want to be.
Many cruise ships cater to singles by setting up dedicated 'meet and greets', where you can introduce yourself to fellow solo travellers at the beginning of your journey and keep in contact throughout the voyage if you so choose. Dinner, drinks and dancing are all common singles night activities, but it's possible to get to know new people through some of the more varied on board experiences, too.
Taking on new experiences
There's a whole host of activities to be enjoyed on modern day cruise ships, from miniature spa retreats to skydiving simulators and everything in between. Libraries, games rooms and culinary courses are all common features onboard, so there's ample opportunity to make new friends who are into the same things as you are.
Of course, new experiences are just as magical when they're enjoyed alone. Taking the time to experiment and participate in a little self-enrichment should be savoured on a cruise ship. After all, where else can you round off an afternoon spent learning a new language with an evening watching a Broadway musical just next door?
Time alone
One of the biggest benefits of cruising solo is the opportunity to enjoy some rare 'me-time'. You're free to visit the destinations you want to visit, eat at the restaurants you want to eat at and take part in the activities that appeal most to you. If you've had enough exploring for one day, you're also free to retreat back to your own private cabin without having anybody to answer to.
The vast majority of cruise lines employ specific measures when catering to singles cruisers. If yours has set up singles nights or meet and greets, it's important to remember that these are entirely optional and you're not obliged to socialise any more than you'd like to, although it can certainly be fun to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Have you ever opted for solo travel? What are your thoughts on cruising alone?
Singles cruising has risen in popularity over recent years and is the ideal choice for solo travellers looking for that little extra security. What's more, there are singles cruises out there for just about every type of cruiser – from those hoping to make new friends and form new relationships to those who simply want to bask in solitude.
Making new friends and acquaintances
Unlike most other forms of travel, cruising will see you sticking close to the same group of people throughout your journey. As such, it's the ideal way to get to know some new people with similar interests to yours. Whether that's meeting up with other singles or simply chatting to couples and larger groups in the dining room, on a cruise ship there's absolutely no reason to be alone unless you want to be.
Many cruise ships cater to singles by setting up dedicated 'meet and greets', where you can introduce yourself to fellow solo travellers at the beginning of your journey and keep in contact throughout the voyage if you so choose. Dinner, drinks and dancing are all common singles night activities, but it's possible to get to know new people through some of the more varied on board experiences, too.
Taking on new experiences
There's a whole host of activities to be enjoyed on modern day cruise ships, from miniature spa retreats to skydiving simulators and everything in between. Libraries, games rooms and culinary courses are all common features onboard, so there's ample opportunity to make new friends who are into the same things as you are.
Of course, new experiences are just as magical when they're enjoyed alone. Taking the time to experiment and participate in a little self-enrichment should be savoured on a cruise ship. After all, where else can you round off an afternoon spent learning a new language with an evening watching a Broadway musical just next door?
Time alone
One of the biggest benefits of cruising solo is the opportunity to enjoy some rare 'me-time'. You're free to visit the destinations you want to visit, eat at the restaurants you want to eat at and take part in the activities that appeal most to you. If you've had enough exploring for one day, you're also free to retreat back to your own private cabin without having anybody to answer to.
The vast majority of cruise lines employ specific measures when catering to singles cruisers. If yours has set up singles nights or meet and greets, it's important to remember that these are entirely optional and you're not obliged to socialise any more than you'd like to, although it can certainly be fun to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Have you ever opted for solo travel? What are your thoughts on cruising alone?