Does the idea of taking a solo cruise find you leaping for joy, or hiding behind your suitcase? Probably you feel a little of both. Fear not, you are not alone as more single people are now choosing cruise holidays. So if you are new to single travelling one of the best ways is to literally ‘dip your toe in the water’ and try the exciting experience of solo cruising.

The biggest obstacle when you choose to cruise alone is the dreaded ‘Single Supplement’. Historically cruise lines have charged up to double for a single occupancy, for many people this has undoubtedly out priced the idea of a solo cruise.

Cruise lines are acutely aware that they have been missing out on a large proportion of the solo traveller marketplace. Up to 35 million adults take solo vacations interestingly only 5% of these have opted for cruises. Cruise lines have realised that to capitalise on this market they have to offer cruise holidays with no single supplements. This has opened the oceans to all single travellers who wish to try a different travel experience. So research the cruise lines that cover the destinations you wish to travel to and find the ones that offer the best deals without being stung for a single supplement.

Another interesting option for the solo cruiser is the innotiave idea of the Cabin Share Programme. This programme matches your needs with those of another single person on the same cruise. Make sure that you specify whether or not you smoke, like a drink or two, and if your an early to bed person. The Cabin Share Programme gets around the dilemma of single occupancy, and even if you don’t gel with your cabin mate, this is only a small part of your overall cruise. Who would want to spend all their time cooped up in a cabin when you have all the wonders of cruise liner to explore.

One of the best ways to meet people on board and make friends is to go on excursions and join in the numerous activities, this way you meet like minded people who enjoy the same things as you do. Be open to meeting people. I had a great time with a lady from Scotland. Like me she was keen to go on as many excursions as possible, whilst her husband was an avid reader and preferred to stay on board. Don’t think that friendships are made with only other single travellers. Think of it as a floating world full of friendships just waiting to be discovered.

It is always wise to be safety conscience when cruising alone, leave a detailed itinerary at home with a family member so that someone knows where you are at all times. If you have brought anything you consider valuable store it in the ships save. Try to travel light, you will visiting some great places and can find some great pieces to add to your wardrobe on the way. When leaving the ship to take excursions take only the money/credit card you need. At all times be aware of you environment especially if you leave the ship. On excursions take the time to research local customs and learn the basics of their language.

There is no need to dine by yourself, which can be a lonely time when you are a solo cruiser. A great way of introducing yourself is to spot the spare chair[s] at a table. Obviously don’t go for the loved up couple sharing spaghetti, pick a table that has a mixture of people, and ask if you may join them. Once people are aware that you are cruising alone they are more than happy to have you dine with them. This way you will probably never have to dine alone again.

Ask for information on how many other people are cruising alone. If the ship you are on does not have any functions for single cruisers, ask if you can put up a notice inviting other single travellers to join you for a sundowner, you will be glad you did.

There are many advantages to solo cruising, a wealth of activities that you can choose to join in with, excursions to beautiful locations and the possibility of making new friends. Cruising alone soon turns in to the very opposite, in fact finding time alone may be only thing you have to worry about.