CRUISING SOLO? This may seem scary or intimidating to some, but Cruises are great places to vacation alone. I have personally taken several Cruises by myself, and I have made some great friends and great memories over the years. Here are some tips to help with Cruising Solo:
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Expand Your Horizons
When you take a solo Carnival cruise, you step out of your comfort zone and enter a completely new world of possibility. And trust us when we say that stepping out of your comfort zone has never felt so…comfortable! Whether you’re trying new foods, letting yourself wander through unforgettable destinations or kicking back and learning to enjoy your own delightful company, a solo cruise is the perfect way to build your sense of empowerment, confidence and independence, all while having the time of your life.
2. Travel Solo, But Not Alone
This might sound backwards, but just because you’re cruising solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone! From the moment you step onboard a Carnival vacation, you’ll be joined by fellow adventurers from all corners of the world. Don’t let the idea of traveling solo hold you back from meeting new people and making life-long connections. Onboard, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for meeting other travelers, whether you’re striking up a conversation at the RedFrog Rum Bar or teaming up for trivia night. Pro tip: most times, it’s as easy as saying “hello.”
3. Remember: You Control the Pace
When you’re master of your own voyage, you have total freedom to thrive. The itinerary, food, activities—you name it, it’s all up to you. Think less compromising, and more doing whatever strikes your fancy, whenever you want. Follow your own desires and tailor every single moment to your liking— who’s going to stop you? Don’t forget to relax and build some down time into your schedule. Whether you want to chill by the pool or even watch one of our Dive-In Movies at Carnival Seaside Theater™, You won’t want to miss a second of all the sweet relaxation you’re in for!
4. Stay Informed with Plenty of Research
Before you set sail, arm yourself with knowledge about your destination. From local customs to must-visit hotspots, a little research goes a long way in ensuring smooth sailing on your solo adventure! Whether you’re exploring a bustling metropolis or a serene island town, it’s never a bad idea to have a foundational understanding of the traditions, culture, history and etiquette of the place you’re visiting. It’s also a good idea to research your ship’s layout, dining options and entertainment venues before you set off; this will allow you to navigate with ease and get a rough idea of what you want to do, see and experience.
5. Be a Safe & Smart Traveler
Traveling solo means traveling safe and smart! The first step to solo safety is keeping your loved ones in the loop by sharing your itinerary and staying in touch throughout your journey. Provide them with essential details like port and excursion information, and check-in often. Don’t share any sensitive information with strangers and be vigilant about your surroundings! Whether you’re deciding which excursion to join or striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler, don’t forget to trust your instincts and intuition. Your inner compass is there to guide you, and staying in tune with it will allow you to sail on with confidence and peace of mind.
6. Practice Doing Things by Yourself
Cruising alone doesn’t come naturally to all of us, and doing things with just yourself for company can feel a little strange at first. So… why not practice first? Before embarking on your cruise, get used to being by yourself, if you aren’t already an independent adventurer. Treat yourself to a solo spa day, go see a movie, take a cooking class or read in the park; these pre-cruise activities will prepare and empower you for an unforgettable solo trip on the high seas.
7. Make Friends with the Carnival Crew
The friendly faces of Carnival’s staff aren’t just here to make sure you have a great time; they’re also your partners in fun, your guides to the best adventures, and honorary members of every vacation squad. Yes, even yours! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the service desk attendant, or ask your bartender to show you their best dance move. With irresistible charm and insider tips you won’t find anywhere else, our staff is here to turn your journey into an unforgettable occasion.
8. Sign Up for Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are the perfect way for a solo cruiser to explore a new destination, with none of the stress! Every Carnival destination features unique excursions that cater to every interest you could imagine. AKA, you can lean into the things you love, or explore something new! Cultural excursions can introduce you to the flavors, people, history and art of a region, letting you soak in all that delicious local flavor. If you want to get your adrenaline-pumping, adventure excursions are guaranteed to leave you with windswept hair and memories that’ll last a lifetime. Take a helicopter over glaciers in Alaska, zipline through the rainforest in Puerto Vallarta or take a jet ski adventure through the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas, all while meeting thrill seekers from around the world.
9. Explore Group Activities Onboard
A Carnival cruise vacation is the perfect setting to try something new, and our onboard activities have something for every pace and taste! If you’re looking to be entertained, stop by The Punchliner Comedy Club, kick back poolside with Dive-In Movies, soak up the onstage drama with Playlist Productions or experience other fun-filled entertainment options. Ready to get active with your new favorite pastime? Check out Pickleball and square up against some other active cruisers, or bond over BBQ while you learn new cooking skills at the Carnival Kitchen.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST PLACES ON THE SHIPS TO MEET PEOPLE
- Join the Facebook Group for your Sailing – Someone always starts a Facebook Group for every sailing – join and engage with the other members of the group. Lots of events are set up through these groups, like Gift Exchanges, Pub Crawls and Meet and Greets.
- Assigned Dinner Seating – You sit with the same people every night and it’s a great way to meet new people – of course you never know who you’ll be sat with, but I’ve made some wonderful friends over the years just from eating with them every night.
- Sit at a Bar – Alchemy Bar, Red Frog Pub or any of the bars by the pools. You’ll start to see some of the same people, and it’s super easy to strike up a conversation when alcohol is involved.
- Play in the Casino – Whatever your game may be, if you play at the same table every night, you’ll quickly become friends with the people playing alongside you. Also easy to become friends with the Dealers and other Casino Staff. I personally am still friends on Facebook with several Dealers I have met over the past 20+ years.
- Leave Your Cabin Door Open if you are Chilling in There – Super easy to meet the people that are staying in cabins located close to yours.
- Hang out in The Smoking Areas – There are always a lot of people just hanging out here talking for hours at a time.
- Bring Gifts to Give Out – This, of course, depends on your personality. My last Solo Cruise, I had about 200 Koozies made up of all different colors with the name of the Ship and Dates on them. I would give one to anyone I met and even handed them out to random people. Other ideas for gifts include Personalized Cups, Bookmarks, T-Shirts or anything else you can think of.
- Hit the Midnight Buffet – Grab some food, grab a seat, make some friends! At this time of night, a large percentage of the people there have been drinking and are very friendly and happy/looking for fun!
- Excursions – Another great way to meet people, as you will normally be with the same people for 3-6 hours. There are Party Boats, Beach Getaways, Tours and more that are wonderful places to get to know new people.
- Participate in the Onboard Parties – Everyone is in the mood for fun, and parties like the Sail Away Party, 80s Rock and Glow Night or White Party are just another chance to meet people.
- Don’t miss the Events on Board – Piano Bar, Trivia, Karaoke, Bingo and More. You never know if the person next to you could become a lifelong friend.