What you need to know about taking a solo Royal Caribbean cruise

Table Of Content

• Solo cruises on Royal Caribbean
• It was easier to meet people on the ship than I expected it would be as a solo traveler.
• Cruising solo in a double occupancy world
• But I was shocked that I was mistaken for a child every time I entered or exited the ship.
• Pride of America
• Best Swingers and Lifestyle Cruises 2024

On small ships, you'll see the same people again and again — on tours, in lounges, around the pool and so forth; this increases the odds you'll strike up a conversation and soon become fast friends. On big ships with thousands of passengers, you might go days without seeing the same person twice. Silversea also hosts welcome receptions for solo travelers at the start of every voyage to kick off the mingling process. Cruisers who answered this forum about the average age of solo cruisers on Cruise Critic in 2020 were between 30 and 80 years old. The listed rates for my ship were per person, not per room when I booked my cruise.

Solo cruises on Royal Caribbean

Holland America’s Line goes above and beyond to cater to solo cruisers by offering a Studio Lounge designed for their needs. The Studio Lounge provides a comfortable and inviting space for solo travelers to socialize and meet fellow single cruisers. Assigned seating can be a great option for solo cruisers, allowing them to meet and interact with other passengers. Whether seated at a large table with fellow travelers or at a smaller table with a few other individuals, you can enjoy engaging in conversations and making new friends.

It was easier to meet people on the ship than I expected it would be as a solo traveler.

And after about thirty minutes of waiting, I opted to walk the fifteen minutes back on my own. 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.

Cruising solo in a double occupancy world

This option allows for a more social dining experience, perfect for solo cruisers looking to connect with others. Solo cruisers can expect a vibrant social scene filled with activities and opportunities to bond with fellow passengers and crew members. Whether it’s dining together, exploring the destinations, or partaking in theme cruises, solo travelers can forge new friendships and create unforgettable memories. Regarding pricing, Holland America understands the unique needs of solo cruisers. While single supplements can be as high as 100 percent over the standard per person double-occupancy fare on some cruise lines, Holland America strives to offer competitive pricing for their solo cabins.

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The Oasis Class ships are some of the largest in the world, offering plenty of amenities and activities to keep solo travelers entertained. 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. In recent years, some of the top cruise lines have made a greater effort to cater to solos.

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They help solo cruisers choose the right cruise line and cabin category that caters to their preferences and needs. They also provide valuable information about the activities and amenities available on board to make the most of their cruise vacation. When it comes to cruising solo, Celebrity Cruises should definitely be on your radar.

But I was shocked that I was mistaken for a child every time I entered or exited the ship.

When cruising solo, plenty of activities are available to keep you busy and entertained. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Holland America cater to solo travelers by offering various options to suit every interest. When it comes to dining, the Pride of America excels in providing solo travelers with a wide array of choices.

Just because you are cruising alone does not mean you should skip sit down meals in the fabulous restaurants on your Royal Caribbean cruise. Since we are on the topic of food, one con is when you are eating in the Windjammer, if you get up for seconds the table will be taken by someone else once you return. So the trick here is to load up on the first round or leave a personal item behind. These points help you gain extra perks onboard, such as drinks, coupons etc.  For more information on the Crown & Anchor Program, check out episode 34 of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast.

This has happened to me so many times on Silversea ships that I almost count on it. The bigger Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss all have an 82-cabin solo complex, while two older ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — have solo areas with 59 cabins. Generally, passengers must be 21 or older to travel without a parent or guardian. As someone who is typically shy around new people, I was surprised by how easy it was to talk to other travelers on the ship.

We haven't yet sailed in one of their solo rooms, but based on what we saw when we toured Scarlet Lady, they might just become the coolest digs-for-one around. On Silversea's expedition sailings, you can also share meals with ship naturalists and expedition guides who join passengers in public dining venues. From my experience, they are always amenable to a friendly dining companion and some good conversation. Other Royal Caribbean ships with solo cabins include some of the line's giant Oasis-class vessels, including Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

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. 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. 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. This one truly surprised me, as I made it a plan to only go off with the cruise line due to safety concerns.

Before booking your solo cruise, take the time to research the destinations, activities, and amenities offered by different cruise lines. Consider what you value most in a vacation – relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences – and choose a cruise that aligns with your interests. Additionally, check out the onboard activities and entertainment options to ensure that there will be plenty of opportunities for you to socialize and meet fellow travelers. Cruising is a great way for introverts to explore and experience destinations in a safe and secure environment.

Since I was on the largest cruise ship in the world, I thought that it would be pretty easy to find a single pool chair on the ship at any time. As a frequent traveler, I've traveled long distances solo by plane and train — and now cruise ship, too. If you haven’t vacationed by yourself before, you haven’t experienced the advantages that come with only having one person in your entourage. It’s much easier to find a great seat in the theater or a lounge chair on the pool deck; and you’ll have the whole bathroom and entire closet to yourself in the stateroom.

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. 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. When you embark a cruise ship, you’ll see families in matching t-shirts, eager to kickstart their vacation and spend time together. Six similar-looking Solo Sea View cabins on each vessel measure about 130 square feet and offer windows.

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. 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. 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.