Solo Cruising: Your Questions Answered

I’ve never travelled alone before. Will I feel out of place?
Far from it! Solo travellers are one of the fastest-growing communities at sea. Ships are designed to be social hubs; from the moment you board, you’ll find solo coffee mornings, hosted dinners, and themed mixers. Because the ship is a community, you’ll find that both crew and fellow passengers are naturally social and welcoming.

Will I have to eat dinner by myself every night?
Only if you want to! Most ships offer “Anytime Dining,” where the Maître D’ can seat you at a table with other solo travellers or social groups. Many of our clients prefer “Traditional Dining,” where we can request you be placed at a larger table with the same group of friendly faces each night, or even a dedicated table filled with other solo guests, allowing you to build real friendships over the course of the week.

What exactly is a ‘Single Supplement’ and can I avoid it?
A single supplement is a percentage fee of the total cabin cost that cruise lines use to bridge the gap when only one person occupies a double room. At Ocean World Travel, we track down Solo Cabins (purpose-built for one) and No-Supplement Deals, where the cruise line agrees to waive that extra cost entirely so you only pay for your own share.

Why does it feel more expensive to cruise alone?
It comes down to how cabins are priced. The cruise cost is for the cabin space. Cruise lines have a cost for the cabin, but they usually display that cost as per person, based on two people sharing. If two or more people share a cabin, they split that cost and it feels more like a bargain. When you are solo, you are simply paying for that room yourself. Because there isn’t a second or third person to share the bill, it can feel like you’re being charged more, when you are actually just covering the cost of the cabin.

Is it safe to explore the ports on my own?
Cruising is arguably the safest way to travel solo. For total peace of mind, we recommend the ship’s organised shore excursions. You’ll travel in a group with professional guides, and the ship will always wait for the group to return. If you do want to wander independently, our team can provide local knowledge tips for your specific route.

Do I have to join in on all the socialising?
The best part of solo cruising is that you are the captain of your own schedule. If you want to join the trivia team and the late-night karaoke, the community is there. If you’d rather spend the afternoon with a book on a quiet deck, nobody will bother you. It is independence, with a social safety net.