Do you want to know if a solo cruise is for you? Our cruise expert Roger Mallock has some helpful hints to give you the best possible trip, even if you are travelling alone.
“I have been fortunate enough to have escorted groups of holiday makers and to have worked at sea for one of the top household names in cruising. Among my many responsibilities was helping solo travellers get the best from their cruise experience. There are two types of traveller, the more independent ones and those perhaps less confident who value the first hand-knowledge and may find escorted cruising to their liking, such companies as Saga Holidays and Titan holidays deserve a mention” said Roger.
In an age when we live longer, look to enjoy the finer things in life for as long as we can, the travel experience is certainly one of the best ways to do so.
Recent statistics show that there are around 8 million single people living in the United Kingdom which is a growing sector of the travel and cruise market and is increasingly being catered for. If you have recently been widowed or have no partner, then cruising can be one of the most enjoyable and social ways to explore the world and to meet fellow travellers from every continent.
A big concern for solo travellers in general is security and safety whilst abroad, given the cultural and language differences. But this is where the cruise experience really comes into its own as guests can enjoy the very best of the locations visited within a secure environment and in the company of others. Cruising is also an excellent choice for guests with special medical and mobility needs as you can see the world and sail from country to country every day.
Solo cruising explained
The cabin
The cruise experience for solo travellers works like this: Guests will either be assigned a single cabin or there may be the opportunity to have a larger cabin for sole occupancy at a reasonable price. You will need to consider how long you would like to go away for and decide which cabin type will best suit your needs. Interior cabins will always offer the lowest prices as they have no natural daylight but can be a cost-effective way of enjoying more cruise holidays across the year.
Meeting new people
Cruise lines seem to be very adept at matching up like minded travellers for the set dining meals in the restaurant.
They also usually lay on a singles cocktail party early on during the cruise which is a ideal opportunity to meet others solo cruisers. Usually these parties are attended by some of the ship’s management and with the drinks flowing this creates a very sociable atmosphere.
Levels of service
The single biggest reason that single guests give for taking a cruise is always the service which cruise lines have down to a fine art. From the moment you board and throughout the cruise, the level of service and crew friendliness on board is wonderful and really makes guests feel right at home. No more impersonal hotel staff to worry about. On the ocean your questions will be met with a wide smile and helpful attitude by qualified crew whose role it is to ensure the finest holiday experience for their guests.
A cruise holiday includes so much within the price both by day and by night so there will never be a dull moment onboard or on land. On sea days, you can make the most of the entertainment programme laid on, including games, learning and educational opportunities, the ever-popular dance classes, and the high quality fascinating speakers that help to enrich your experience. Sea days also give you the opportunity to sunbathe, swim and generally relax, perhaps a buffet lunch as opposed to a formal midday sit down. You do not want to miss an opportunity to purchase some quality tax free goods when at sea as you can get some fabulous bargains! By night make the most of the varied evening entertainment which may include the show band of the ship, cabarets, magicians, comedians and solo acts. Your chance to enjoy and listen to music throughout the ages which you will soon recognise.
Guests can be as active or as passive as they wish, and sea days are always very enjoyable as they give you a chance to relax and rest after a full day of excursions. Port days, where a wide variety of alternative excursions are offered can be very jam-packed and they are the perfect way to experience the best highlights of the locations visited. Some cruise lines actively enable solo travellers to meet fellow solo travellers and to travel with them on excursion which is an excellent way to have likeminded company through your cruise itinerary.
You may wish to consider…
- If you will departure from the UK or would be open to fly cruises
- The type of cruise line you should choose. Many solo travellers head for ‘Fred. Olsen Cruises’, ‘Cunard’, ‘Cruise & Maritime’ and ‘Voyages to Antiquity’. P&O Cruises is always a favourite in the British market.
- Choice of destinations visited: Guests may wish to enjoy the Mediterranean, often newcomers are attracted to cultural and historical places such as the Baltic.
- Length of cruise: Cruise durations can range from overnight in port all the way through to a round the world cruise.
- Fly-cruise within Europe or further afield if you are an adventurous traveller
- Saving money when possible: It could be worthwhile purchasing drinks packages ahead often at a reduction to the onboard price, although when booking during the peak season there are some excellent drinks inclusive or discounted drinks packages included within the price. Look for low deposits too.
For the solo traveller today, a cruise holiday ticks many of those boxes and will undoubtedly provide some incredible memories.
If you are looking to book a cruise, then we will be delighted to assist you. We can book absolutely everything for you from taxis to drink packages. Plus, you will receive free travel insurance (up to the value of 10% of your trip) if you book through holidays.payingtoomuch.com.
