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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Unexpectedly single - should I go on a cruise on my own?

81 replies

Leavingbyebye · 13/04/2024 17:29

As above, have had a special trip planned for a couple of years but H and I have split up and I will either lose quite a bit of money or have to rebook for something of greater value

I’m generally happy enough in my own company but with the formality of dinners etc I’m really unsure about going solo and whether I would feel awkward.

I am mid 40s and the trip is for 7 nights, couple of stops but mainly at sea. The weather should be good. I’ve never been on a cruise before but it’s one of the prestige operators who appeal to an older demographic (rather than families etc)

I’m really at a loss as to what to do. Any honest advice or experience?

Thank you
lonesome cruiser

OP posts:
JMSA · 13/04/2024 17:30

Right, give me the dates and I'll let you know if I'm free Grin

JamSandle · 13/04/2024 17:31

I would go :)

mrsbyers · 13/04/2024 17:31

There will probably be loads of other single passengers , they might be elderly but great company

JMSA · 13/04/2024 17:32

Seriously though, I'd do it in a heartbeat if I were you. I'm really sorry about your split, and hope you're ok Flowers

nocoolnamesleft · 13/04/2024 17:32

I've been cruising solo for over 20 years. And would heartily recommend it.

InTheShallowTheShalalalalalalalow · 13/04/2024 17:32

My partners mum goes on a cruise or 2 on her own every year, loads of people do, and she always makes friends really quickly.

I wouldn't hesitate to go alone.

Mrsttcno1 · 13/04/2024 17:32

Could you not find someone else to go with OP and just change the name? If not though I would definitely still go alone!

blackcherryconserve · 13/04/2024 17:33

I would most definitely go! Bon voyage OP.

Wimpeyspread · 13/04/2024 17:33

There will be other single cruisers, and generally they are seated together at dinner. I have found a cruise is a good holiday for singles, as you can either keep to yourself, or mix with other people as you choose

GwinGwyn · 13/04/2024 17:34

Loads of people cruise alone and sounds like you could do with a nice break! Go and enjoy.

IncognitoMam · 13/04/2024 17:35

Absolutely you'll love it. They have solo traveller tables for meals. But you can go on other tables. Plus there's probably casual dining?

There'll be plenty to do whilst at sea. Plus be pool sauna etc

I love cruising.

VickyEadieofThigh · 13/04/2024 17:35

It's not "outing" to tell us which ship/company, OP. I'm an experienced and keen cruiser - tell me and I might be able to increase your confidence with my knowledge of what it's like!

Fairyliz · 13/04/2024 17:35

I’m free op, where are we sailing from?

Seriously what cruise line is it? I’ve sailed with several different cruise lines and they usually have a table for singles so you can eat in the ‘posh’ restaurant with other people if you don’t want to be eat alone.

Go for it.

Kijuity · 13/04/2024 17:37

Take a friend! Just charge them the change of name fee I guess. If a friend offered me this I'd be there in a heartbeat!

Tiddlywinkly · 13/04/2024 17:38

Go for it op! I'm rooting for you 😀 Have a fantastic time

NeverEnoughPants · 13/04/2024 17:38

Definitely do it.

What have you got to lose? It's already paid for. No need to think about cooking or cleaning or work for a week. Take books in case you don't feel like doing anything. There will be entertainment provided. What's not to like?

kinkyredboots · 13/04/2024 17:40

I have not been on a cruise but have done other group holidays as a 'solo traveller'. I have phoned the company and asked about the group demongraphic - whether it is all couples, other solo travellers etc.

Could you phone and ask them to get a feel for what to expect?

p.s. I would go though...

MaybeImbad · 13/04/2024 17:41

I’ll come with you OP!

But failing that, I think you’ll be fine on your own. I’ve not been on a cruise so can’t advise from experience, but I have been looking at doing a solo cruise this year (I’m a similar age to you) and have been encouraged by what I’ve read so far online. I think a week is a good amount of time too.

Have you had a look to see if your line offers any particular meet ups etc? I’m not sure that would be my cup of tea, but might be yours. I plan to take a book/people watch for meals.

I’m sorry about your break up, and hope you have a brilliant time.

Katrinawaves · 13/04/2024 17:43

I must be pretty curmudgeonly as I don’t have a single friend I’d feel comfortable sharing a small cabin and double bed with for a week. If you are the same @Leavingbyebye sounds like a cruise is the perfect holiday for a solo traveller.

poetryandwine · 13/04/2024 17:46

I have women friends who do single cruises all the time. I love the sea, DH does not, and I am hoping to do a solo cruise myself one of these days.

I hope you have a wonderful tome, OP

Densol · 13/04/2024 17:46

To get a decent answer you need to share the cruise line. I cruise 4-5 times a year. Ive cruised all cruise lines and done loads solo and loads now with my partner.

NeverEnoughPants · 13/04/2024 17:47

Katrinawaves · 13/04/2024 17:43

I must be pretty curmudgeonly as I don’t have a single friend I’d feel comfortable sharing a small cabin and double bed with for a week. If you are the same @Leavingbyebye sounds like a cruise is the perfect holiday for a solo traveller.

I was looking at a cruise recently, and the room had a kind size bed that could be split into two singles.

But personally, even if it was two singles I wouldn't want to share with a friend. I would with my daughter, but probably only her.

ExtraOnions · 13/04/2024 17:48

Lots of Cruise Lines have a “Solo Travellers Host” - you can go to the meet ups .. or not, if it’s not your cup of tea

Bluevelvetsofa · 13/04/2024 17:48

You don’t have to do formal dining either, if you don’t want to. There are usually loads of other options, especially with the premier cruise lines.

SingingSands · 13/04/2024 17:48

Solo travel is so liberating! Go for it - enjoy!