Cruising solo is one of the most rewarding ways to travel — yet for many first-timers, it can also feel intimidating. From worrying about dining alone to paying dreaded single supplements, the idea of boarding a ship without a travel companion raises plenty of valid questions. The good news? You’re far from alone — and today’s cruise industry is more solo-friendly than ever.
Whether you’re dreaming of an ocean voyage, a river journey through Europe, or a polar expedition, this guide reveals the top 10 fears of cruising solo and real-world tips from travelers who’ve conquered them.
👉 Watch our full-length video here to see the complete countdown and get additional solo travel advice from our community. Every view supports our mission — all proceeds from our YouTube channel are donated to charity, so your engagement truly makes a difference.
Before we dive into those fears and fixes, let’s start with why solo cruising is growing so quickly — and why it might just be your best travel decision yet.Why More Travelers Are Cruising Solo
Can you relate to this statement? “Just because I’m cruising solo doesn’t mean I’m cruising single.”
That’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there. For many, solo cruising is about freedom and timing — maybe your partner can’t take time off, your friends aren’t into cruising, or you just decided life’s too short to wait.
And once you take that first leap, you realize how freeing it is. You can do what you want, when you want. No guilt, no compromise.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), about 12% of all cruisers now sail solo, nearly double what it was just a few years ago. Cruise lines have noticed, too — adding solo cabins, meetups, and flexible dining that make it easier than ever to connect or enjoy your own space.
Still, some travelers hesitate. So, we asked our followers what they feared most about cruising solo — and their answers might surprise you.
 |
| courtesy of Cruising.org |
Top 10 Fears of Cruising Solo
10. The Dreaded Single Supplement
That extra cost solo travelers pay for their cabin feels unfair, but many cruise lines are finally getting creative. Look for promotions that reduce or waive the supplement, or use search tools like vacationstogo.com and cruiseplum.com to find solo deals.
9. Being “Adopted” by a Chatty Couple
It’s common to meet overly friendly duos who take you under their wing. Be kind but honest if you need downtime — or bring a book, phone, or tablet to create a natural boundary.
8. Feeling Out of Place Among Couples and Families
It can seem like everyone’s already paired up. The fix? Join activities early — trivia, mixology classes, or solo meetups — to connect naturally.
7. Dining with Strangers
Talk to the restaurant manager or maître d’ right after boarding. Let them know if you’d like to sit with other solos, a friendly group, or have a quiet table to yourself. Ocean and expedition cruises offer flexibility, while river cruises tend to have communal dining.
6. Making Every Decision Alone
For some, it’s freeing. For others, it’s overwhelming. That’s one reason we love river and expedition cruises — they provide structure, so your day is mostly mapped out and stress-free.
5. Personal Security
Cruise ships are generally very safe, but basic precautions matter. Lock your door, keep valuables secure, and avoid sharing your cabin number. In port, use an anti-theft bag like the Travelon Classic Messenger — lightweight, crossbody, and secure.
👉🏼 Travelon Classic Messenger Bag
 |
| Travelon Classic Messenger Bag and Knirps Umbrella |
4. Dining Alone
This fear topped many polls. Bring a book or tablet, go at quieter times, and remember — most people are focused on their own meal, not on who’s sitting solo. Confidence and eye contact often spark natural conversation.
3. Being Judged or Pitied
Worried people will wonder why you’re alone? Don’t be. Cruising solo is increasingly common — and most people admire your independence.
2. Feeling Lonely
It can sneak up on you. Try solo meetups, group excursions, or classes to connect with others. Stay in touch with a friend at home — it helps emotionally and adds a safety layer.
1. Missing Shared Experiences
The most common fear of all — that moment when you wish someone else were there to share the experience. Take photos and videos to share later, or join group excursions to create new memories with fellow travelers. Those moments often become the most meaningful of all.
8 Solo Cruising Tips from Experienced Travelers
These are real suggestions from our followers who cruise solo across river, ocean, and expedition lines — plus a few of our own!
1. Book a Pre-Cruise Extension
It helps you adjust to time zones, ease travel stress, and meet other travelers in a smaller setting before boarding.
2. Speak with the Dining Manager
Once you’re on board, let the dining team know your preferences — solo, shared, or flexible. It helps remove anxiety before that first meal.
3. Pack Light
Even if transfers are included, you’ll handle your bags sometimes. We travel with one rolling checked bag (or carry-on) and one backpack. Our favorite is Duravo luggage — ultra-light and durable.
 |
| Duravo Luggage |
4. Choose the Right Personal Bag
Smart packing includes your daily essentials. The Travelon Classic Messenger is one of our go-tos for safety and organization.
👉🏼 Travelon Classic Messenger Bag
5. Bring a Selfie Stick or Tripod
Don’t miss capturing memories. The DJI Osmo Mobile Gimbal offers stabilized video and gesture-controlled photos, while a simple phone tripod works great for quick shots.
👉🏼 DJI Osmo Gimbal
👉🏼 Our Favorite Phone Tripod
 |
| DJI Osmo Gimbal |
 |
| Our Favorite iPhone Tripod from Lamicall |
6. Look for Solo-Friendly Deals
Our followers say the best solo cruise offers often appear on Norwegian, Celebrity, Virgin Voyages, Uniworld, Tauck, and Atlas Ocean Voyages. Work with a solo-cruise-savvy travel advisor or use vacationstogo.com and cruiseplum.com to find reduced supplements.
7. Have a Backup Plan
Even with cruise-line excursions, things can go wrong. Always have a plan B — know how to call a taxi, keep local cash, and save important addresses.
8. Stay Connected
Budget for cell coverage. It’s not just convenience — it’s safety. Keep one AirPod in for discreet walking directions and share your location with a trusted contact.
Final Thoughts
Solo cruising isn’t about being alone — it’s about traveling on your own terms. Whether you’re exploring rivers, oceans, or polar regions, it’s a chance to meet incredible people, rediscover yourself, and embrace freedom at sea.
If you found this helpful, please share it and watch our full video on the Luxury Travel Docs YouTube channel.
Your engagement helps us keep creating honest, meaningful travel content — and remember, all profits are donated to charity.
