Ken and I love to meet new people on cruises. Friends enrich the experience beyond the daily sites and activities and elevate it to another level. Our most recent cruise offered up a treasure trove of fascinating friendly people that shared excursions, dinners and more than a few drinks while at sea. We agreed to keep in touch so we could experience future travels vicariously, and if we are truly lucky, share another adventure together some time soon.
On our first night we met Carla when she approached us to join our trivia team. It was the first of many competitive trivia games and the start of an ongoing friendship. Carla was travelling alone on this cruise and agreed to share her solo cruising experiences with At Our Age Travel.
Carla, how often do you sail solo compared to when you cruise with others?
My spouse isn’t interested in traveling long distances or internationally, so I travel solo (mostly cruising) two to three times a year. In the retirement stage, I typically venture out for two to three weeks at a time. Most of my remaining bucket list destinations are at least eight hours flight time from the USA East Coast.
Did you attend the Solo Travelers meetings and activities scheduled on the ship? How did you make friends? Is this comfortable for you or do you have to go outside your comfort zone?
Since I’m a married solo traveler, I don’t typically attend the solo passenger meetings. Occasionally, I’ll participate in an activity of interest sponsored by the group which I find easy to engage in.
Alternatively, my activity of choice on board is Trivia. If it’s offered and I’m not off ship or otherwise engaged, I’m usually there for the games. There are always couples or a few solos looking to join in a larger group. Once I find the connection, usually within the first day or so, the group stays together.
Other activities I personally enjoy are a couple of the sports competitions, wine tasting, art auctions (don’t have to purchase but it s enjoyable) and other group games. Once I start chatting with someone, the comfort level grows.
What about port excursions? As a solo traveler do you book private excursions or do you stick with ship excursions? Did you ever get off at a port and wander alone?
As a solo, I mostly commit to the organized excursions offered by the cruise line or by another reputable shore excursion company. I’ve rarely done a private tour but will do small group tours which are perhaps five people. If I’m familiar with a port and/or it’s known to be visitor friendly, I will walk the nearby town to explore. I enjoy visiting the local shops and restaurants for a taste of local culture and cuisine. I find there is always someone nearby if needed.
I am sure safety is of the utmost importance as a solo traveler. What precautions do you take? What kind of situations would you avoid?
The general approach I take as a woman solo traveler is to stay alert.
I dress conservatively while out and about and keep my necessary ID, cash, cards, etc disguised and close to me at all times. Whether on a land tour, at a resort or traveling by sea, for me the same mindset and precautions apply. I would mostly avoid wondering after dark by myself. It’s generally easy to find others to do this with if so desired.
Could you tell me some of the advantages of cruising solo. What are some of the disadvantages?
While it a nice to share an adventure with a spouse, friend or relative, I truly enjoy the flexibility and independence that is inherent to traveling solo. I have my own accommodations as well as activities and schedule to meet my preferences. If I partner up to travel, I make sure we both (or the small group of us) feel comfortable with being independent when that route is chosen by one or all.
Do you have any other advise you would like to pass along?
As we age, health issues become more of a concern. When you are with someone on a journey, there is a built in support person if needed.
As a solo, I like to make sure at least another person I meet and feel safe with knows where I am located on the ship. Your cabin attendant is also a person that can be on alert for you and note an unusual pattern in your schedule.
Photos courtesy of Carla Usinger Pelfrey with our thanks!!