I've sailed alone on 4 different cruise lines. Here are my top 5 tips for taking a solo cruise.

Brittany ChangAug 2, 2023, 16:03 IST

Before booking your first solo cruise trip, be sure to look out for "single supplement" fees and incompatible cruise lines.Brittany Chang/Insider

I've traveled solo on four new cruise ships during my time as a travel reporter with Insider.
Taking a cruise alone can be both freeing and convenient — if you know how to do it right.

Traveling alone on a cruise ship can be liberating, convenient, and cheap — so long as you know how to do it right.

If you're reading this, you're likely already interested in traveling by yourself. You should own this sense of independence: Going alone means you won't have to compromise your itinerary.

But if you're unsure of how to approach a solo cruise trip, you've come to the right place. As a pretty well-practiced solo traveler, these are my top five tips for people interested in doing just that.

To preface this, all of my cruises have either been inaugural sailings or trips exclusive to media and booking agents.

Brittany Chang/Insider

Because these are work trips, my schedule is often packed from morning to night.

Brittany Chang/Insider

1. It should go without saying — embrace being alone. Don't be afraid to chat with new people.

Brittany Chang/Insider

But if there's anything my years of traveling alone have taught me, it's that nobody's actually judging you.

The Rooftop Garden and track.Brittany Chang/Insider

2. If you prefer some quiet time, stay on the ship during port days.

Brittany Chang/Insider

Because almost everyone leaves the ship during port days, you should have no problem securing a highly coveted pool chair.

Brittany Chang/Insider

3. Book your onboard dining as early as possible.

Le Petit Chef and Family.Brittany Chang/Insider

This tip applies to shows as well.

Brittany Chang/Insider

4. Make sure the cruise line fits you.

Brittany Chang/Insider

For example, if you're looking for a quiet, peaceful children-free retreat, consider avoiding a Disney cruise.

The Mickey Mouse Pool is one of the options available for water activities on the pool deck of the Disney Dream cruise ship.Marjie Lambert/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

5. Check for single supplement fees.

Brittany Chang/Insider

Look for solo cabins instead.

Brittany Chang/Insider

But no matter the room, dining, or itinerary you decide to pick, just remember to relax and enjoy your solo time.

The Infinite Veranda stateroom on the Celebrity Apex.Brittany Chang/Insider

I was terrified of planes for years. 7 things helped me get over my fear and become a frequent flyer.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I've sailed alone on 4 different cruise lines. Here are my top 5 tips for taking a solo cruise.

To preface this, all of my cruises have either been inaugural sailings or trips exclusive to media and booking agents.

Because these are work trips, my schedule is often packed from morning to night.

1. It should go without saying — embrace being alone. Don't be afraid to chat with new people.

But if there's anything my years of traveling alone have taught me, it's that nobody's actually judging you.

2. If you prefer some quiet time, stay on the ship during port days.

Because almost everyone leaves the ship during port days, you should have no problem securing a highly coveted pool chair.

3. Book your onboard dining as early as possible.

This tip applies to shows as well.

4. Make sure the cruise line fits you.

For example, if you're looking for a quiet, peaceful children-free retreat, consider avoiding a Disney cruise.

5. Check for single supplement fees.

Look for solo cabins instead.

But no matter the room, dining, or itinerary you decide to pick, just remember to relax and enjoy your solo time.