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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To go on a cruise alone?

53 replies

OooYoureHard · 04/06/2023 16:30

Would it look odd? What should I expect? I'm an introvert, I like peace and quiet and prefer my own company to socialising. Is it full of screaming kids? Would like to go somewhere hot where I can get off the ship to explore etc...

OP posts:
Mommasgotabrandnewbag · 04/06/2023 16:31

Book an adults cruise? And no it won't be odd. Nobody will care.

KimberleyClark · 04/06/2023 16:33

Second an adults only cruise.

poetryandwine · 04/06/2023 16:33

It definitely depends what type of cruise you select. As PP said, you can choose one that isn’t focussed on Family Fun. I have only been with family and I think going alone sounds like bliss.

Stratocumulus · 04/06/2023 16:34

Check out Facebook for “Solo Cruising” groups.
There’s loads of people just like you who go solo cruising. Some cruise lines have discounts & cabins set aside just for solo passengers.

DeltaAlphaDelta79 · 04/06/2023 16:35

P and O do adult only ones, but even on a family one you can plenty peace and quiet. They have an adults only spa/pool area for example. They also do meet ups for solo travellers, if you did ever fancy exploring somewhere with company.

Skyblue92 · 04/06/2023 16:35

As others have said go on an adult only cruise, would recommend P&O. I know people who have gone on their own and loved it

stealthninjamum · 04/06/2023 16:37

I would love to go on a cruise on my own. I’ve been on with dc but there was an adult only swimming pool and there are bars and areas of the ship that are less appealing to children, the gym only had my dd who sat quietly next to me, and a library. There was also a program of activities / meet-ups for single travelers.

tsmainsqueeze · 04/06/2023 16:38

My dream ! i am very envious .

ThomasinaLivesHere · 04/06/2023 16:39

Some cruise ships do solo cabins and sometimes have an exclusive area for solo travellers. You just need to do your research to find the best cruise for you.

JudgeRudy · 04/06/2023 16:42

If cruises insterested me its something I'd consider. There are different types of solo experiences. Some encourage singles to mix as a friendship group, others just leave you to do as you wish, like every other holiday maker. The one thing I would certainly think about before I went was how to handle unwanted interaction. You're pretty stuck on a cruise. My nightmare would be someone who wanted to be my new BFF and wanted to plan stuff together. It's a bit funny if you're a couple and you're 'hiding' from Kath and Dave on Costa Del Sol....its another matter having weirdo Karen in the next cabin latching on to you with limited means of escape.

Powerplant · 04/06/2023 16:44

Look at Sail Croatia😊

Olivia199 · 04/06/2023 16:48

I went on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas with family but spent most of it exploring on my own. I absolutely loved it and wouldn't hesitate for a second to go on one on my own. Plenty of books, exploring and good food and drink!!

nottinghamm · 04/06/2023 16:54

My family have been on loads of cruises.

I'm generalising of course but adult only cruises can be full of moaners.

If you go on one of the latest massive ships, they cater for everyone. EG P&O Iona Arvia or Britannia. There are loads of solo travellers. The ships are so huge that you can always find a quiet spot even with kids around. There are also dozens of eating options. They offer solo meet ups if you fancy it. You'd find as well lots of people asking if you want to join them if you'd like company.

My main recommendation is get a balcony, absolute bliss.

Another top tip is that paying the single supplement on an ordinary double cabin is often cheaper than a single cabin which are always in high demand.

If you go through a cruise agent like Bolsover they'll talk you through all the options.

You'll love it 😍

tt9 · 04/06/2023 17:03

OooYoureHard · 04/06/2023 16:30

Would it look odd? What should I expect? I'm an introvert, I like peace and quiet and prefer my own company to socialising. Is it full of screaming kids? Would like to go somewhere hot where I can get off the ship to explore etc...

there is a fb group for solo female travel that I would recommend you join for more indi. a lot of ladies go on solo cruises and have a great time. I go on most of my holidays solo and have a lovely time. I wouldn't worry! if you are finding yourself feeling very anxious, maybe start with solo meals out/cinema trip/ days out before building up to a cruise?

Maddy70 · 04/06/2023 17:28

I've done a few by myself. Book an adults only one. I have only done marella.
They offer a singles meetup on the first day so people can make friends.

It's safe as you aren't walking around at night so can dine and be entertained by yourself but you will find you'll meet people should you wish

AnalLysis · 04/06/2023 17:34

I would do it. But ‘solo cruising’ sounds like a risky Google 😬😂

Babysharkdoodoodood · 04/06/2023 17:35

Passion for Cruises Facebook group. They're ace for sorting out solo travel with no supplements and hosting on board meet ups.

fridaynight1 · 04/06/2023 17:36

I’ve been on a few solo cruises and I wouldn’t book adults only. I usually book Royal Caribbean. Even the biggest ships have quiet adults only spaces. Plus if you want to leave your book and go to a show on the odd evening then a big ship will offer you more to choose from.

Nordicrain · 04/06/2023 17:37

Only thing with cruises is that, I think, you eat on tables with other people quite often. Or so I've heard. Would that bother you?

kafkascastle · 04/06/2023 17:43

I’ve got a friend who goes on her own every year. She socialises when she feels like it but says there are plenty of places you can go if you want a quieter time.

JMSA · 04/06/2023 17:47

Sounds great to me OP!

OooYoureHard · 04/06/2023 17:48

Nordicrain · 04/06/2023 17:37

Only thing with cruises is that, I think, you eat on tables with other people quite often. Or so I've heard. Would that bother you?

Ugh I would HATE that. It would be a deal breaker for me, I eat alone and tend to read or scroll on my phone I don't want forced conversation with some random.

OP posts:
Anklespraying · 04/06/2023 17:49

I went on a Windstar cruise in the Mediterranean alone last year and it was fine, I enjoyed it. I got a bit bored with the dinner malarkey so ordered room service and watched a movie a few times at night, breakfast and lunch on deck were always gorgeous though. Windstar is mostly American guests so it's a real culture change and fun for it.

I'm trying Azamara this year, I'm sticking to the small ships as I think it is nicer and friendlier. Off season you can get cheap single deals.

Nordicrain · 04/06/2023 17:49

OooYoureHard · 04/06/2023 17:48

Ugh I would HATE that. It would be a deal breaker for me, I eat alone and tend to read or scroll on my phone I don't want forced conversation with some random.

Might be worth picking carefully then. My in laws used to go on loads and always talked about being seated at big tables with other people. After covid they had a personal table, but not sure if that was covid related, choice or to do with the set up.

Anklespraying · 04/06/2023 17:50

I always ate alone OP, you can mix if you want but I never did.