Single? Think cruising is just for old married couples? You couldn’t be more wrong.
Whether you’re looking for love or just looking for a way to meet other cruise aficionados, there’s no reason you can’t have a great experience as a solo traveler at sea.
If you’ve never cruised before or if you’re contemplating your first cruise as a single, with a positive attitude and a little knowledge, your experience can be just as rewarding or even more so than sailing as a couple.
Start by doing some research. Unfortunately, most cruise lines charge up to 100 percent of the double occupancy fare for solo cruisers. They are selling cabins, not tickets on an airline. They are not willing to lose money on a cabin that will sell for $1,000 per person double, but only $500 for a single.
There are a few travel agencies that cater to singles and will match up people of the same sex to save that double occupancy rate (www.vacationstogo.com/singles_cruises). Of course, if you don’t get along with your new roommate, you’re stuck with him or her for the duration.
Before you go, sign up for Cruise Critic’s (www.cruisecritic.com), Roll Call. You can meet other people online who are on your sailing and find out if anyone there is traveling alone. Also, check out the cruise line’s website or Facebook page. For instance, Princess Cruises has its own Roll Call on Facebook.
When you are asked what type of dining you’d like, take advantage of the “anytime” dining, rather than a fixed early or late seating. If you choose the latter, you will be seated with the same people every evening. That limits your chances of meeting other singles at dinner.
Be sure to take advantage of singles get togethers hosted by the cruise staff. You may not meet Mr. or Ms. Right, but you’ll have some other singles to hang out with on board and explore the ports of call.
Be brave, but be careful. Women should never go to a man’s cabin alone. Meet in the ship’s public rooms and keep it casual. Wait until you are back home to “take it to the next level.”
Most people traveling alone are adventurous and won’t let their single status keep them from enjoying the joys of cruising. Remember, it's better to go alone than not go at all!
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