There are lots of reasons why people choose to cruise solo—their partners or friends may not have the time to take a cruise with them; they’re independent and simply enjoy their own company; or are happy just to travel alone, to name a few. Whatever the reason, solo travel is very much a thing—and it’s on the rise.
To cater to this trend and type of traveler, Royal Caribbean has added studio staterooms to its newest ships. These cozy spaces are 119 square feet and do not require a single supplement fee; in some rooms, guests also have their own balcony for additional space and envy-inducing views of the ocean and destinations.
Thinking of going solo on a cruise? Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
1. Know Why You’re Going
Are you traveling on your own to meet new people or to recharge? The answer will dictate how and where you spend your time onboard. Cruisers generally are a more sociable bunch. It’s not uncommon for people to strike up a conversation at the bar, on the pool deck or even while waiting for coffee. If you need more alone time, there are plenty of nooks and crannies on the ship, like the Solarium or the Vitality Spa, where you can hole up with a great book or reserve a treatment and sink into total relaxation.
2. Choose Excursions That Entice You
The easiest way to find others who you can identify with is to select shore excursions that match your interests—whether snorkeling, hiking or a walking tour of historic sites, you’ll already have something in common with that group. Shore excursions always make for a fun and simple way to meet and get to know your fellow guests.
3. Enjoy The Perks
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.
4. Try Something New
Small-group fun doesn’t stop with shore excursions—there also are lots of places and ways to participate on board, too. Get in on a cooking class or a dance class, or bravely belt out a tune at karaoke night.
5. Befriend The Maître d’
Thinking about how dining will work? If a low-key table for one is more your style, you can skip the main dining room and stick to the variety of intimate specialty dining venues, or even eat in your stateroom (room service is available). But if you want to eat with other guests, you may be able to be placed with a few other solo travelers if you arrange your meals before you cruise and ask.
6. Feel Free To Indulge
Cruising solo makes it all about you—what time you go to bed at night, what time you get up in the morning, what and when you eat, what you do and don’t do. There is something incredibly freeing about doing everything on your own time when you’re on vacation.
Setting sail as a party of one can be whatever you want it to be: engaging, interactive, a catalyst for new friendships or a quiet retreat where you can relax and recharge. Click here for more information about what to expect on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.
