5 Things To Know About Planning A Solo Cruise Vacation
In this blog post I am going to share five things that you should know about planning your first solo cruise vacation. One thing that I have learned after multiple solo cruises is that planning a cruise for yourself is not easy. You are the only one making the decisions and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Some of the challenges that solo travelers face are the dreaded solo supplement and figuring out which cruise lines are better.
Solo Supplement and Stateroom Prices
One of the biggest hurdles for solo travelers when it comes to planning a cruise is the solo supplement. A solo supplement is the extra amount that a solo traveler has to pay for a stateroom based on double occupancy. Cruise ship staterooms are priced based on at least two people being in the room. For example, let’s say an Inside stateroom costs $1,000pp ($2,000 for two people). The solo traveler would have to pay anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 for the second person depending on the cruise line. You can avoid the solo supplement by looking for solo specific staterooms that are priced for solo travelers on cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, or deals that offer a discount for second passengers.
Choosing The Right Stateroom Is Critical
The second thing that solo travelers need to know about planning a cruise vacation is that choosing the right stateroom is very important. A stateroom isn’t just a place where you go at night to sleep. It is your home base for the cruise. The stateroom decision you make will affect your comfort, price range, and overall cruise experience, so it’s important to pick the right one for you. There are many staterooms to choose from. The most common for solo travelers are Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms. Interiors are great for solo travelers on a budget and light sleepers who enjoy no sunlight. Oceanview staterooms are great for solo travelers looking for a little extra space and wanting to be able to see what's going on outside but don’t want to spring for a balcony. Balcony staterooms are great for solo travelers who want that extra space and a private balcony to enjoy the fresh air and views. Think about how much you really want to spend on a stateroom. Research the different options to see what is the best fit for you.
Some Cruise Lines Are More Solo Friendly Than Others
The third thing that solo travelers should know before planning a solo cruise is that some cruise lines are more friendly towards solo travelers than others. Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages are two great options for solo travelers because they offer fair pricing, solo stateroom options, meetups run by cruise ship staff, and solo traveler dinners. Norwegian Cruise Line has taken solo travel to the next level with the Solo Studio Lounge. This is a special keycard access area for solo travelers who have booked a solo studio cabin. It’s a great spot to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the ship. You can enjoy complimentary drinks such as water and lemonade, light snacks, big-screen TV and more.
The Size Of The Cruise Ship Matters
Size is very important when it comes to selecting a cruise ship for solo travelers. The mega ships today have all the latest and greatest accommodations and amenities from thrilling waterparks to ice skating rinks. A larger ship like this could be very intimidating for a solo traveler new to cruising. These ships are newer and tend to attract more families. They can get really crowded during popular cruising times. The smaller to medium sized ships have a mix of those amenities. However, these ships offer a more laid back cruise experience and can leave from or go to destinations that the larger ones can’t go.
Don’t Forget To Purchase The Extras
The last thing that solo travelers need to know about planning a solo cruise vacation are Add Ons. Add Ons are extra items that you purchase to enhance a cruise vacation. This includes things such as shore excursions, specialty dining and WiFi. Don’t forget to think about these as you are making your budget as these items can add up. If you know what you want, purchase them as soon as possible. Spots for specialty dining and shore excursions will fill up fast. Add Ons will in most cases be cheaper if you purchase them before the cruise.
Tips & Action Items:
Research cruise lines that have staterooms specifically for solo travelers like Norwegian Cruise Line Solo Studios and Virgin Voyages
A solo stateroom isn’t always going to be cheaper than an inside cabin. Make sure to compare the price to see which one is cheaper and determine if it’s the better option for you.
Take some time to review stateroom options on the cruise ship’s website or review tour videos on YouTube and social media channels.
Do some research into the cruise line you are thinking of going on to see what they offer for solo travelers.
Write down three things that are most important to you on your next cruise ship. This could be anything from lots of included food options to a cruise ship that is adult friendly.
Before making the final decision on a cruise ship look at the ships deck plans as well as tour videos on YouTube and other social media platforms to see if it is right for you.
Set a budget for how much you want to spend on Add Ons such as shore excursions and specialty dining.
