8 things I learned when I sailed solo on my first cruise, from how to meet people to having to pay a 'single supplement'

In April 2022, I took my first cruise solo on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.
I learned a few key things about solo cruising, such as that it costs extra to travel by yourself.
There are also plenty of ways to meet people, from ship games to excursions and Facebook groups.

Cruising solo is no small feat — especially if you've never been on a cruise before.

In April 2022, I went on my first cruise and traveled alone on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

During my seven-night voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's own private island in the Bahamas.

I learned a few things along the way that I think everyone should know before cruising solo.

I didn't know beforehand that cruise ship cabins typically cost more when you're traveling alone.

the author in a stateroom in the worlds largest cruise ship

Because most cruise ship staterooms are meant to hold at least two people, booking a room by yourself often means still paying higher prices that are equivalent to two people. Some cruise ships offersolo cabinsfor one person, but mine didn't.

The listed rates for my ship were per person, not per room, when I booked my cruise. But when switching between one and two guests in my search, the cost per person doubled when I had just one person selected. This is known as the "single supplement," as it helps the cruise line make up for the revenue that would have come from a second passenger.

For $2,000, I got an ocean-view room to myself. It would have cost about half the price per person if I had brought someone with me.

I was seated alone for dinner, but solo cruisers do have the option to sit with other groups for meals.

The author dines alone (L) people in the main dining room (R)

As part of the price of my cruise, all meals in the main dining room were included, as were many drinks and snacks.

When eating in the ship's main dining room, I was asked if I'd like to sit alone or with other guests. I expected to be added to a group table, but I chose to dine alone in the main dining room. However, I was seated at a table next to another solo cruiser who chatted with me throughout the meal.

It was easier to meet people on the ship than I thought it would be as a solo traveler.

Four people stand at Wipe Out Bar onboard Wonder of the Seas cruise ship

As someone who is typically shy around new people, I was surprised to find that it was really easy to talk to other travelers on the ship.

Couples, families, and other solo cruisers seemed open to chatting and sharing their experiences with me around the pool decks and at various eateries and common spaces.

Cruise ships often have a daily schedule packed with activities such as fitness classes, karaoke parties, and singles meet-ups. Take advantage of them.

People participate in mini golf tournament onboard Wonder of the Seas with clear blue skies in the baackground

From mini-golf tournaments to escape rooms, Wonder of the Seas was full of activities to help guests mingle. My personal favorite was laser tag.

If you're cruising alone, check out activities that will help you meet other cruisers.

While activities on the ship were great for meeting people, I thought joining excursions booked through the cruise line was the best way to socialize with other guests.

A composite image of The author takes a selfie on a hike (L) People walk across a suspended bridge in a rainforest

At each cruise port, passengers may disembark to spend their time as they wish. They might sightsee independently, take a taxi to a beach, link up with a local tour guide, or join an official cruise-line excursion.

I joined cruise-line excursions at every port and found it was the easiest way to meet people on the ship. With group activities like hiking and plenty of downtime on bus rides to and from the tour locations, I spent the most time socializing during these trips.

Every cruise has a Facebook group so guests can ask each other questions and stay in touch before and after the trip.

A facebook group on a phone with a white background

Seasoned cruisers on the ship let me know that every cruise has a Facebook group. I joined on day two, and it made me feel like I was part of a community for the remainder of my trip.

You can find these groups by searching for your ship's name and departure date in the Facebook app.

This is especially helpful for solo cruisers because it's an easy way to ask questions and plan meet-ups.

But you don't have to socialize if you don't want to.

The author lounges at the pool (L) Empty pool chairs in the solarium (R)

If you're looking for quiet, relaxing time alone, you can find it on a cruise ship. When I wasn't in the mood to socialize during my trip, I had no trouble finding spots on the outdoor decks to chill by myself. I could have spent the whole trip alone if I'd wanted to, just by staying on the ship.

Either way, it's worth downloading some podcasts or audiobooks to keep you company.

The author, alone, on the world's largest cruise ship

My favorite podcasts were like my travel companions during this trip. If you're taking a cruise solo, I highly recommend bringing a pair of headphones and downloading your favorite podcasts or a new audiobook.I found them especially comforting and enjoyable while taking lonely walks on the pool deck at sunrise.

Check out my article on how I packed for this cruise for more tips on what to bring — and what to leave at home.

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