Thinking about a solo cruise but clueless

[Kxidwn]

Partner hates holidays and I want one to escape and unwind. I'm considering a solo cruise. Not sure where to start or which cruise lines.
Would prefer Mediterranean or canary islands itinerary, and a medium sized ship rather than massive one. Only other criteria is that I want to have a balcony cabin as I will probably spend a lot of time on the balcony chilling with a good book. I know a balcony room is expensive for a solo but the thought of an inside room makes me feel claustrophobic.
Any pointers on cruise lines, ships, what kind of things to keep in mind when booking? I am not a party person.
Thanks in advance

Have cruised solo on celebrity cruises and although the pricing for solo travellers is shocking (you pay the equivalent of almost two fares) I loved having a cabin with a balcony for the very reasons you outlined. I find celebrity to be fab for me - I’m not a party person and appreciate that there is always somewhere quiet on the ship to sit. Food was great and if you want to meet with other solo cruisers you can… or not if it’s not your thing. I really appreciated being asked if I wanted to sit by myself in the main dining rooms or to be seated with other travellers. I’ve done both and for me it depends on how full (or empty!) my social battery is that day! Or, if I preferred I could eat in the buffet, grab a
nice window seat and take my kindle with me
for company.

Would highly recommend. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Pop into a travel agent.

Thank you. Do any of the Celebrity cruises go from the UK? And which ship did you go on?

@Blondeissimo That sounds fabulous

We don't have a good independent travel agent locally.

Yes, a few Celebrity ships go-out of Sot’n. I think the Silhouette is one of them.

Yes, they sail from Southampton in the UK. Have sailed on Silhouette and Apex and shall
be on Ascent later this year.

take a look at the ROL cruises site - lots of lines on there and it who I book through. Their service has always been excellent and they’re easy to contact should you have pre or post booking questions.

Celebrity do have solo cabins but they sell super fast, are quite small and frankly if I’m spending that much I want space and luxury.

My friend uses a solo cruise company. She seems to always have a balcony cabin at very reasonable prices and goes all over the world.

Passion For Cruises

www.passionforcruises.co.uk/
029 2061 9961

Another vote for Passion For Cruises. They are a travel agency in Cardiff specialising in solo cruises and get some really great deals.

Check out their Facebook site or give them a call

Doesn’t it!? I’m jealous!

It is pretty ace, I love it.

Go through an agency. They have better prices and more clout if anything goes wrong.

NCL ( Norwegian Cruise Line) is considered one if the best for solo cruisers. It has a mostly tiny inside cabins but these are in their own section with a great lounge area ( with all the snack and drink options). They also have balconies but those will be at greater cost. They have crew designated to help solos - they can organise sitting with fellow solos at dinner and there are proper meet ups Obviously no compulsion to do either. Up to you

I like MSC. Ships are beautiful and prices are much clearer and cheaper compared to US lines like Celebrity and NCL. You don't have to pay port charges for example as they are included. MSC goes from Southampton ( mostly the Vertuosia). They will have solo meet ups but more time and place suggestion and they aren't overseen by crew. Itineraries are good and they pick up people at ports on the way so in Europe you get to travel with Europeans which is more holiday like I feel.

Which agencies would you recommend?