Welcome back! In part 2 of our Ultimate Guide to Solo Cruising, we will cover essential tips for the solo cruiser. We hope this will help you create the best cruising experience for your next vacation. 

1: Make sure you get the internet package! This is always a good idea to ensure that you can stay in touch with friends and family while you are away, especially if you are out of the country. They will want to know you are safe and also you’ll be able to share some of your cruising experiences with them along the way. 

Having the internet package also allows you the ability to talk to someone anytime you need to. Unless you are extremely extroverted and enjoy making new friends every day, this could be useful for you simply to maintain that sense of connection. Similarly, if you are sitting at dinner alone, this allows you to access the internet on a kindle or ipad for personal reading, internet surfing, etc. to make the experience more enjoyable for you. 

2: To get the best bang for your buck, look for solo supplement sales. This is where it’s great to have a travel agent! While you can book everything on your own, a travel agent can help you find a really great deal as a solo cruiser. 

3: Go at your pace. One of the benefits of being a solo traveler is that you can take as long or a short amount of time as you want doing each thing. Get there early if you want, stay late if you want, savor moments that feel amazing for you, or watch the movie five times if you want to. The point is that it is completely up to you. As a solo cruiser you get to say exactly how your cruise experience is going to go. Take advantage of it!(Photo 1)

4: Make sure your family/friends have the ship’s phone number and your room number. In the event that something happens at home or there is a family emergency, you need to make sure they have the ability to contact you. 

5: Don’t avoid dining alone, embrace it! As a solo cruiser, you have the ability to get a table at any restaurant pretty much anytime without long waits or having to make a reservation. Don’t sweat being by yourself; people will chat with you and you’ll get to create the exact dining experience you want for that meal. (Photo 2)

6: There’s always room for one! As a solo cruiser you will always have an easy time finding tickets for entertainment, making reservations, or booking excursions. Even if you’re running late, often there will be a space for you so always ask! (Photo 3)

7: Be careful while at port. One of the downsides of cruising alone is that you don’t have a built-in travel buddy. If you are going to go on excursions, try to book them with a group. If you are going to go out and explore on your own, know where you’re going, how to get back to the ship, and how to get help if you need it. (Photo 4). 

8: Join the Facebook group before your trip! This is a great way to get tons of tips as well as get connected to special invitations for on-board events. The moment you get on your ship and are leaving for your cruise, leave the group! For whatever reason, as soon as the cruise officially begins, these groups often become a space where people complain and spread negativity, which is definitely not what you need while on your vacation. 

9: The last thing most solo cruises ask: Will I be lonely? That is completely up to you. You know you best, so build in support for yourself if you’re worried about this. Set up a plan for each day or attend events to meet new people. Make sure you have that internet package so you can stay in touch with friends and family at home. Whatever it is, make sure you are setting yourself up for success to have an amazing solo cruising experience. 

Did we miss anything? Have you cruised solo? What was your experience like? Comment below and tune in for the next part of this short series on solo cruising.