Can anyone recommend taking a cruise alone?

Question

I am not looking for a singles cruise. I am married, but hubby does not want to go. he is retired coast guard and says he has cruised quite enough. Is it very expensive? Is it worth trying?

Answer 1

You need answers to several questions. First, is it expensive.

A 4 or 5 day cruise, like maybe one from Florida to the Bahamas, Key West and a private island can be as little as $500 a person. A 7-day cruise, like to the Eastern Caribbean (St Thomas, St MArtin, a private island) can cost from about $900. per person on up. Usually cruise lines will advertize the lowest price for a cruise and for that price you get an inside cabin (that means no window or balcony). Then for a few hundred more you can get an outside (window), and maybe another hundred each a balcony. SO if you want to go low end, go inside cabin. If you want to have a better cruise get a balcony cabin. So for a balcony you are looking at about $1200 each for a 7-day cruise. Sometimes you can get a special for a hundred or so less.

Some cruise lines and travel agents will advertize singles cruises. But these are not what you are looking for. First of all, all cruise lines sell all of their cabins DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. This means that even if you go by yourself you have to pay as though two people are going (the single supplement). They do this even on the "singles" cruises. Some singles cruises will pare you with someone to share a cabin. I personally would not want to spend my nights sleeping and changing clothes in a room with a totel stranger. Even though they make two seperate beds for you (and whomever) a 9ft by 12ft room is close quarters.

I suggest instead asking a friend or relative to go; maybe pay a portion of their fair. Or browse the cruise line web sites and find a cruise that you like that's not too expensive and then persuade the husband to go. Wife and I go on a cruise or two every year. Last year we went on three cruises. Here's what you can tell the husband: Cruises are one of THE best vacations you can take. Once you are on ship the staff caters to you, its whatever you want. There is something to do all day every day. When you arrive at the port to check in you (each passenger) will receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy on ship (i.e.,drinks, souvenir) and its also your pass to get on and off ship in each port. When you first board the ship the security personnel will have you insert your key card into a scanner and then will take a photo of you that is included in the magnetic strip on the card. Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). This card allows them to keep an accurate track of all passengers entering and/or leaving the ship.

Each day of your cruise you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of everything happening for you on ship. There are generally activities like demonstrations of ice carvings, napkin folding and towel folding, and cooking demonstrations. Some ships may offer a galley (kitchen) tour or a tour of the bridge. There may be organized games and other activities around the pools. In the evenings there are generally shows, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place in ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free). If you want, you can order breakfast room service.

All ships have a casino with slots and table games. Ships have movie theaters, generally small but nice, and you can also see movies in your room. They have ATM’s and a purser’s desk where you can cash a check or exchange currency if you need to. There is a tour and activities desk so you can schedule land tours and activities.

Ships have free morning exercise programs, stretching and walking, etc, and on some you can pay for other things like Spinning. All cruise ships have gyms so you can go workout, usually any time from 6:00 AM to late at night. There is usually a walking/running track on one of the decks also. Some ships leave the gym open all night. They call the gyms Spa because they do promote getting pampered with things like wraps and massages with aroma therapy. They will also generally have a beauty salon to do hair and nails.

There are always pools. Some ships have more than one and the newer ships generally have an indoor pool as well as outdoor ones and all of these have hot tubs. There is generally a basketball court on the top deck, a place for scuffle board, and a mini-golf course. The newer Royal Caribbean ships have a rock climbing wall and the newest one has a pool for water surfing.

There are places on ships to play cards and board games, and the cards and games are provided. If you want to just sit and read, there’s a library where you can bring your books or select one from the shelf. Ships have internet cafes and some offer WIFI if you bring your prefer to use your computer in your cabin (some ships offer notebooks for rent). There are cocktail lounges that feature a variety of music. Some have a piano bar with jazz. There is usually a disco that starts after 10:00 PM each night and last until everyone leave. On certain days ships will have special activities like a chocolate lovers buffet, or a midnight deck party .

I suggest that you go to the web site for the cruise lines and look at the cabin prices, port stops, the features for the ships and select a cruise that will do what you want to do. Then you may want to talk to an agent and see if they can find what you want. Finally, decide whether you want to book your self or have an agent do it for you.

Some people worry about getting sea sick, but the ships being used these days have automated stabilizers which minimize the rocking. The larger ships cut through the water so easy that you don’t even feel like you are moving. When there is bad weather the cruise lines will steer around and away from it, sometimes changing the order of port stops. Also, the ships generally move overnight and dock in the mornings so you don’t feel much movement. Consequently, your chances of getting sea sick are minimal. There is generally less motion than on an airplane. If you do get sick, all ships have a doctor and they will dispense sea sick medicines. If you are prone to motion sickness, just get pills or a patch from your own doctor before you go, or go to a boating store and get a sea sickness bracelet.

Yes, it is worth trying.

Answer 2

Cruising is ideal for singles, and no other form of travel affords as many opportunities to meet people and make friends in a safe environment.

There are lots of organised activities and social events to keep you busy night and day if you wish. Also there are usually quiet places where you can seek tranquility. Many ships organise great singles cocktail parties and will put singles on the same dining tables where ever requested.

The downside of being a lone traveller are the single supplements though some cruise lines give a discounted suppliment. Cabin share can be a welcome option for those on a lower budget.

Cruise lines that accommodate single travellers can be found here:
http://www.idealcruising.co.uk/singles.php

Answer 3

I love cruising, it is fantastic. I've cruised many times a lone, a good majority of the cruises I take are alone. My sister also cruised on her own sometimes.

Cruising will be an amazing experience for you and I definitely think it is worth looking into and trying, it is my favorite way to travel, and I've traveled a lot. There is nothing better than being taken care of, pampered and fed like a king (queen) for your whole vacation, not something you can experience on all vacations.

There are so many options for lines, ships, destinations, price ranges, etc. that just about anyone can find something they will enjoy.

Cruising alone will mean that you are going to pay the same rate as if two adults went a long, for the room, you will only be paying the taxes and fees for yourself. But, if you are able to get someone else to go, that will help average down your cost. I think that something like this is more fun if you have someone to enjoy it with, but I think it is great either way. Maybe you have a friend that would like to go (be sure it is someone you really like, cruise staterooms can be small, ;-) I would still try to get your husband to go. I can see why he would be tired of sailing, but cruising is going to be a lot different for him. He gets to relax in the sun, go to some islands, it would be a great experience for both of you to enjoy together.


I definitely think it would be worth it for you, I find it is worth it for me. But, if you do go alone, be sure to be safe. Some of the islands are not the most particularly safe places to go. If you are cautious, you will be fine, just don't try anything risky.


I hope you decide to go!

Answer 4

Cruises are great fun I have been on two of them,one of them the most elite cruise line,and one of them the most cost friendly,family friendly line.Both were great fun!If you are comfortable traveling alone I think you will have great fun,meet great people,everyone is very friendly with one another,the entertainment aboard ship is THE BEST,especially the dinner time shows.You can get a really good price on a cruise if you book ahead and plan,and of course all your food is included you will want for nothing.I prefer an Italian crew aboard ship,they treat you like gold,and would probably look into a princess cruise line.They are very nice.carnivals the cheapest,its ok but I would prefer to spend a little extra,because if your gonna do it do it right.and it may be fun to plan far enough ahead you could bring a girlfriend along or something.Check out sun trips on line.

Answer 5

I wuold find a girlfriend or something to go with you as cruises by yourself are more exspensive if you go alone, but have fun as cruises are the absolute best thing ever.

Answer 6

i think some cruise lines do have single cruise but you pay for two all reservations are for two so take a friend. a sister .and you have someone to pal around with . its probably fun on your own but its better with a friend . and i do think it will be expensive.

Answer 7

The site Crusingsquid listed is for the UK. If you live in the US, try http://cruises.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=cruises&cdn=travel&tm=23&gps=121_227_774_416&f=10&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.singlestravelintl.com/home.html

They'll even find a cabinmate for you to share the cost, if you prefer. Have fun and have no guilts!

Answer 8

I was told by a number of people whove gone that I should go on one, that without a companion of any kind would be cool as well...but...youre a woman and that would probably make it a lil different...

Answer 9

not really