Cruise Critic® revealed that, if cruising alone, more than two thirds of UK cruisers (72%) would make an effort to meet new people, and only a fraction (14%) prefer to keep to themselves, according to a recent poll.
Adam Coulter, UK editor, Cruise Critic commented: “Attitudes to solo cruising are changing, with many now choosing to cruise alone as a lifestyle choice; no longer is it just for singles. Cruise lines are responding by improving options for solo travelers. For example, Royal Caribbean’s 2015 launch, Anthem of the Seas, will have 28 solo cabins, and Celebrity Cruises will provide single travellers with double loyalty points when paying full single supplement. For anyone planning a solo cruise, simply considering a few basic points about your travel needs before the trip will help to ensure the best experience possible.”
Cruise Critic’s tips for solo sailing success:
— Big ship vs small ship
Cruise Critic recommends:
If you are looking to meet people, the sheer quantity of people on larger ships can make it a challenge, yet, conversely, some of the new large ships specialise in accommodating solo travellers. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic, Getaway and Breakaway offer studio cabins specifically designed and priced for solo cruisers, and offer access to an exclusive lounge where daily gatherings are hosted.
Small ships can make it easy to meet new people thanks to open-seating dinners, smaller excursion numbers and interactive activities, such as game playing and trivia. Research the ship beforehand to ensure it fits your needs.
— I want to avoid solo dining awkwardness
Cruise Critic recommends:
Dining can create a dilemma for solo cruisers. One of the best ways to make friends onboard, according to a Cruise Critic poll*, is dining with other cruisers. Opting for traditional onboard dining, with an assigned time and table, means you’ll spend time with the same people, and can establish friendships. Request seating with other solo cruisers, and if you’re keen to avoid families, dine later. For those preferring to eat alone, ships that offer flexible dining plans give you the choice to dine solo or with company.
— I want to meet new people
Cruise Critic recommends:
Put in groundwork by signing up to a Cruise Critic Roll Call, which enables you to meet people online prior to your cruise. Once on the ship, attend a Cruise Critic “Meet and Mingle” to meet everyone in person.
Don’t restrict yourself to formal “singles” parties, as not all solo travellers attend these. Check the daily programme and participate in activities that float your boat, which is a great way to meet like-minded people.
— I just want to be alone
Cruise Critic recommends:
For those yearning for time alone, there are many places to retreat to such as libraries, internet cafes and lounges. When it comes to meal times, request anytime dining, and also bear in mind that most lines have tables for one on request.
— Help! The solo supplement is out of my budget
Cruise Critic recommends:
The solo supplement charge to reserve a double-occupancy cabin without a roommate can be expensive (up to 200% of the cruise fare). To avoid paying too much, shop around for the lowest supplement, or look for lines which offer solo cabins. Of the ten best cruise lines for solo travellers recommended by Cruise Critic, seven offer single cabins on at least one of their ships (P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen, Costa, Royal Caribbean International, Cunard and Holland America Line), however, there are relatively few of these cabins available, so they sell out quickly.
Look out for solo sales and promotions, which offer price breaks depending on the season and availability. In particular, river cruise lines frequently offer such deals.
Cabin sharing can yield savings too. For example, Holland America Line offers a single partners share programme, and solo guests can buddy up with someone of the same sex and pay only the per person double occupancy rate – even if the line is unable to find a partner.
For more information on the best cruises for solo travellers, visit: http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/articles.cfm?ID=419
* http://www.cruisecritic.com/polls/dailypoll_archive.cfm?ID=2797
SOURCE Cruise Critic