Solo cruising has become more popular over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. Cruising solo gives you complete freedom to travel on your own schedule, try new things, and enjoy time to yourself without compromise.
That said, your first solo cruise can feel a little intimidating. From booking the right cabin to figuring out how social (or not) you want to be, there are a few things worth thinking through ahead of time.
Based on my own solo cruises and our recent podcast discussion, here are 10 tips to help you feel confident, comfortable, and prepared for your next solo cruise.
1. Choose the Right Stateroom for Your Solo Cruise
When cruising solo, your stateroom matters more than you might expect. While it’s easy to think you won’t spend much time in your cabin, you may find yourself spending a little more time versus sailing with others.
If the price difference is small, upgrading from an interior to an ocean view can be worth it. The extra space, natural light, and seating area make the room feel less cramped when you’re on your own.
Some cruise lines, like Norwegian, also offer dedicated solo cabins with access to private lounges. These can be a great option if you want built-in opportunities to meet other solo travelers.
2. Bring Something That Makes You Approachable
One of the easiest ways to meet people on a solo cruise is to give them a reason to start a conversation.
Wearing something that stands out — like a cruise-themed shirt, a sports team hat, or something fun from your hometown — can be an instant conversation starter. It gives people something familiar to comment on and makes you seem more approachable.
For me it’s my topical shirt with my dogs on it! You’d be surprised how often a simple shirt or accessory leads to conversations you’ll continue throughout the cruise.
3. Attend Solo Meetups Early in the Cruise
Most cruise lines offer solo traveler or singles meetups, usually on the first night. These may be hosted by the cruise line or organized by guests in cruise Facebook groups.
If you plan to attend one, try to go on night one. Many solo cruisers meet people early in the sailing and may not return to later meetups once they’ve found their group.
Even if you only stay for a short time, it can be a great way to put faces to names and feel more comfortable navigating the ship.
4. Check Your Main Dining Room Seating Assignment
Dining can be one of the biggest nerves for first-time solo cruisers. The good news is you usually have options.
Once onboard, check your Main Dining Room table assignment. If you’d prefer to sit with others, let the dining staff know. If you’d rather dine solo, that’s okay too.
On my solo cruises, dining with others — especially fellow solo cruisers — ended up being one of the highlights. Dinner conversations are an easy way to connect and share experiences from the day. Then you have built-in friends you can hang out with around the ship!
5. Sit at the Bar Instead of a Table
If you enjoy having a drink, sitting at the bar is one of the easiest ways to strike up conversations onboard.
Bartenders naturally engage guests, and conversations often expand to others sitting nearby. Piano bars, cocktail lounges, and sports bars are especially great social spaces.
Even if you’re not looking to make close friends, sitting at the bar helps you feel more connected to what’s happening around you.
6. Spend Time Talking With Crew Members
Even if you’re not actively trying to meet other guests, you’re never truly alone on a cruise. One of the most overlooked parts of solo cruising is the built-in interaction you already have with the crew.
Bartenders, wait staff, and your room steward are often some of the easiest people to talk to onboard. They see you multiple times a day, remember your name, and are usually happy to chat when things aren’t busy. Some of my favorite conversations on cruises have been with crew members, learning about their lives on board, where they’re from, and how long they’ve worked in the cruise industry.
If you’re cruising solo, these interactions can go a long way. They add familiarity, make the ship feel more welcoming, and help you feel connected even if you’re keeping to yourself. Plus, having friendly conversations with the crew often leads to better service and a more personalized experience overall.
7. Choose Interactive Shows and Activities
Not all onboard entertainment is created equal when it comes to meeting people.
Game shows, trivia, karaoke, piano bars, and interactive events make it much easier to talk with others. These activities naturally encourage teamwork and conversation.
If you’re cruising solo and want to be social, these events are often better options than traditional theater shows.
8. Book at Least One Group Shore Excursion
Group shore excursions are an underrated way for solo cruisers to meet people.
You already have something in common with the group, and spending several hours together makes it easier to form connections. You’ll often recognize familiar faces back onboard, which makes the ship feel smaller and more welcoming.
If you’re already planning excursions, consider choosing at least one larger-group option.
9. Exchange Contact Info to Stay Connected
If you meet people you enjoy spending time with on your solo cruise, make it easy to stay in touch. One of the best things you can do is exchange contact information early on.
Many cruise lines allow messaging through their onboard app, even without purchasing a Wi-Fi package. Adding each other through the cruise line’s chat feature makes it simple to coordinate plans, meet up for meals, or reconnect later in the cruise.
Another option is exchanging phone numbers and using iMessage. On many cruise lines, iMessage works over the ship’s free onboard network, which allows you to stay in touch without paying for Wi-Fi. Having a way to message each other removes the pressure of hoping you randomly run into the same people again, especially on larger ships.
10. Remember: Solo Cruising Is Braver Than You Think
Many people admire solo cruisers more than you realize. You may even hear comments like, “I wish I could do that.”
If you’re worried about what others think, remember this: you’ll likely never see most of these people again. Cruise ships are judgment-free zones, and everyone is focused on their own vacation.
Solo cruising gives you full control. Sleep in, skip activities, take a long nap, or head back to your room early if you want. The cruise is what you make of it.
Final Thoughts
Solo cruising isn’t about being alone — it’s about freedom. Whether you want to meet new people or simply enjoy time to yourself, cruising solo allows you to do both on your own terms.
If you’re on the fence about booking your first solo cruise, hopefully these tips help you feel more confident taking that step.
🎙️ Want to hear the full discussion?
We dive deeper into these tips in Episode 137 of the Cruise Conversations Podcast: “10 Tips for Solo Cruising.” It’s a great companion to this post if you want more real-world examples and personal experiences.