I've sailed alone on 8 cruise ships. Here are my top 5 tips for taking a solo cruise.

Brittany ChangSep 14, 2024, 03:33 IST

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

I've traveled solo on eight cruise ships during my time as a travel reporter with Business Insider.
Taking a cruise alone can be 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 solo. You should own this sense of independence: Going alone means you won't have to compromise your itinerary.

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

The majority of my cruises have been inaugural sailings or trips exclusive to media and booking agents.

Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's second largest ship.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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

A pool area on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is the small cruise company's first ship.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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

A rooftop garden and running track on Celebrity Apex.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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

Icon of the Seas has seven pools, including one that Royal Caribbean says is the largest at sea.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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

Silver Ray launched in 2024.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

3. Book your onboard dining as early as possible.

Silver Ray's Kaiseki is only complimentary for lunch.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

This tip applies to shows as well.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas has the cruise line's signature water-based theater.Brittany Chang/Brittany Insider

4. Make sure the cruise line fits you.

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur debuted in 2023.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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

Celebrity Cruises targets Gen-Xers.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

5. Check for single-supplement fees.

An ocean-view balcony cabin on Icon of the Seas.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Look for solo cabins instead.

A balcony stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.Brittany Chang/Business 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/Brittany Insider

I visited 'the Hamptons of the South'. My vacation in this Florida hidden gem wasn't as expensive as I expected.

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