Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
Ahoy there!
A great idea for some ‘me time’ – it might be just what you need
the lonely solo traveller stereotype has been replaced by freewheeling folk having the time of their life. This is because cruise lines are increasingly catering to solo sailors by waiving the single supplement, hosting special events and designing comfortable cabins for one. Women comprise a significant proportion, and age is also no barrier. Hmm, might a solo cruise be just what you need?
LESS IS MORE
There are two types of solo cruisers: those who want to meet other people and those who want to relax and keep to themselves. If you’re the sociable type, cruising on a small ship is ideal. Ships with fewer than 200 people usually have an intimate, sociable ambience, which is conducive to making new friends. This size limits your options to more expensive luxury lines and river cruises but it’s worthwhile if you can afford it. On bigger ships, it helps to be involved in activities, strike up conversations at the bar and join a group table for dinner.
The best ship for solo cruisers in Australia is Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Vasco da Gama. Based in Adelaide and Fremantle from December this year, it has 40 solo cabins – more than any other local ship. In Europe, Riviera Travel operates singles-only river cruises, where everyone onboard is cruising alone – but probably not for long!
Of course, if you are travelling alone and want to keep it that way, there is no need to mingle. Ships have plenty of spots to sunbathe, read, enjoy a quiet cocktail or be pampered.
A SOCIAL AFFAIR
Many onboard activities are planned specifically for solos. Options may include meet and greets, bar crawls, afternoon teas and singles tournaments in various sports. It is also possible to start connecting with fellow passengers a few weeks before your cruise by signing up to the ‘roll call’ of your specific sailing on Cruise Critic. This is an online chat room where you can arrange to meet for a drink, go on a group tour or just say hello.
Some of the more upscale brands, such as Cunard, Crystal and Silversea, even employ ‘gentleman hosts’ to dance and dine with lone ladies. This service is especially popular for women who love ballroom dancing but don’t have a partner.
At dinner, you can join other friendly diners at large tables – just ask the restaurant manager to make this happen. And the shared experience of sea life lends itself to an easy conversation starter.
With all of these opportunities to make friends, a solo traveller does not stay alone for long.
At the end of the cruise, it’s not uncommon for people to exchange contact details and even plan future cruises together – proof that solo cruising works out just fine!