5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Planning A Solo Cruise Vacation
Sunset in Bermuda
Most solo travelers don’t realize how overwhelming it can be to plan a solo cruise vacation. There is a lot to consider from deciding on what cruise line to go on to what time of year to go. Every decision falls on you. A lot of times people will just go to cruise line websites to start researching before even knowing what they are looking for. The first step should be determining the cruise experience you want. Take some time to ask yourself a series of questions to get you thinking about your dream cruise vacation. Doing this will save you time and frustration when you decide to start exploring options.
Here are five questions to start with:
Where do you want to travel to? The first step in planning a cruise is deciding where you want to go. This question is important for solo travelers because it is where you are going to be spending time when you are not on a ship, and the last thing you want while cruising solo is to be going to places that you are not interested in. You want to be able to get off at ports and do things you are interested in, whether it’s relaxing on a beach or hiking. It will also help you narrow down the time of year to travel. Let’s say you want to go to Bermuda. Bermuda is a popular destination, however, most cruise lines typically only go to the island for part of the year. Knowing where you want to go first will help narrow down some of the other decisions you will have to make.
How far are you willing to travel to get to the cruise ship? Most people think about where they want to sail to, however, where you want to leave from is just as important. It’s best practice that if you are flying to a cruise port such as Miami you should always plan to arrive at least one day early. This means added travel expenses such as hotels, flights, trains, and transportation to the cruise port. So if you live close to a cruise port it might make more sense to go on a cruise from a port that is closer to you. I live in Western Pennsylvania so I love to cruise out of Baltimore because it’s a short drive for me. The down side to this is there might not be year round sailing or a lot of itineraries to choose from. If you don’t want to travel far, look to see what options are closer to you.
What three amenities are you looking for when it comes to a cruise ship? Next up is a question to get you thinking about what’s important to you on a cruise ship. There are hundreds of cruise ships to choose from. Each one is unique and has their own vibe. The newer, larger ones have all the latest amenities such as roller coasters, water parks, specialty dining options, and entertainment. The smaller ones tend to be a little bit older and have a mix of these amenities, however, they are much more laid back and can leave from/go to destinations that the larger ones can’t. Thinking about the top amenities will help you narrow down your choices.
What type of stateroom are you looking for? Choosing your stateroom is one of the most important decisions you can make. This is going to be your home base for the cruise, and it’s important to have a space where you feel comfortable. There are many types to choose from with the most common being Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony. Interior staterooms are smaller and great for solo cruisers because they are budget friendly. Some cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages have special solo studio staterooms for solo travelers. Oceanview staterooms are similar in size to interiors, cost more, and have a window to offer ocean views. Balconies are a bit larger and offer terraces for those cruisers looking for fresh air and unforgettable views from a private space. The type of stateroom you choose really depends on your preferences and needs.
How long do you want to go on this cruise? There are thousands of itineraries to choose from. The length you choose should depend on your budget, how much time you have available, and the experience you want. Shorter itineraries range from two to five nights and are great for new cruisers who want to try it out first, cruisers on a budget, and those looking for a quick getaway. The sweet spot for most cruisers is six to eight nights because they offer time to relax, explore, and a great balance of sea days and port days. Longer cruises can last from 10 nights to over 180 nights for world cruises. These are great for cruisers who have lots of time available and want more time to explore destinations.
