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.
