Updated January 2018
Whether you are single, or simply have different interests to your partner, single cruising can be beneficial to all adults. Here's why...
1. Easier to stick within your budget
When you're in charge of your own travel plans, you can limit your activities to include only things that you want to do. This means that you don’t have to book that expensive excursion to please your travel partner, or be persuaded into going to one fancy restaurant too many. You can be as indulgent or frugal as you like.
2. You can indulge without being judged
You can spend your money on anything you like - without anyone there to offer a judgement on whether or not they think it's worth the price. You can eat whatever you want, and have a go at all kinds of onboard activities that you fancy, however odd it may sound to someone else.
3. There's no drama
One of the best benefits of flying solo is that you can wave goodbye to drama and arguments. Think about a time when you travelled with a partner or friends and you felt like you were in each other’s pockets for too long. Did you start to get frustrated with their annoying habits; did they get frustrated over yours? Cruising solo gives you the option to be free from all of these scenarios.
4. You don't have to wait around for anyone
If you want to get up and go first thing in the morning, you can. Not when your travel partner has woken up and you’ve had to take turns in the bathroom to get ready. Alternatively, if you’re not a morning person, you can lay in bed for hours! The same applies when you want to go somewhere – you can stay for as long or as little as you wish.
5. You meet more people & improve your social skills
When you travel with others you can sometimes find yourself in your own little bubble. You are comfortable with the company you already have, so why would you go out of your way to spend time with new people? Locals love that someone has decided to travel to their home land - especially if they're doing so alone - and you may find that many will make that extra effort to ensure you get the most from your experience. The more you interact with different people from all walks of life, the easier it will be to meet and comfortably converse with others in the future, because of your increased understanding of a range of people and cultures.
6. There is flexibility to be on your own as much as you like
The great thing about cruising is that it affords
flexibility to be as social or anti-social as you want. You can opt in to classes,
excursions, and group dining - or you can opt not to. You can spend time with new
friends one day, and have some 'me time' the next. Small ships are great if you
want to mingle within a smaller community of travellers. River cruises don’t
usually offer assigned seats, and interaction with others is encouraged, while on
ocean cruises, the dining options are very flexible to suit your needs. If
you fancy a bit of peace and quiet, on large ships there are always quiet
areas; libraries for example.
7. You will learn so many new things about yourself
Solo travellers often come back from a trip with newfound
interests and a fresh perspective of who they are and what matters
most to them. Choosing to cruise alone can offer you the perfect opportunity for personal reflection, and is also a great chance to think about any big life decisions that may lie ahead of you. While personal contemplation can be hugely valuable, don't forget to spend time enjoying yourself and explore that adventurous side that lies within; after all, it's in these moments that we often learn the most about ourselves.
8. It boosts your confidence
You will return with vastly enhanced confidence, and a great sense
of accomplishment because you have conquered the world on your own.
Overcoming challenges that come your way will help you have a stronger
mentality, and leave you with faith that you are a capable person. You will
realise that you don’t always need help - and it's likely that you'll have the
much needed push to try other experiences which you were previously
apprehensive about.
9. It gives you the opportunity to take pleasure in the small things in life
With no one else to distract you, you can fully take in your
surroundings and appreciate the small things. This can be from that little
quaint restaurant that you only discovered because you went wandering, or the curious things you notice as you quietly people-watch over a coffee. It's often these little things that resonate with you, and make your holiday truly memorable.
Top tips when travelling solo
