Princess Cruises

Feature Article

Sailing Solo

On Your Own

We all need a break from the world sometimes. Going away on a cruise by yourself can be a great way to spend some time contemplating your own thoughts, or even detaching from them and feeling comfortably lost amidst the vast expanse of water, it's an indefinably unique combination between finding yourself and feeling - safely - marooned at the same time. And if you change your mind and decide you still want some company, there are hundreds of fellow passengers among whom you can find new friends.

If you think this sounds too good to be true... well, you're not entirely wrong. Cruising on your own involves some extra costs - it's not just that you'll miss the discounts you normally get when you order something for two, but you'll have to pay more if you want a cabin all to yourself. The extra fee will vary from one cruise line to another, but you should expect to pay at least 125% for occupying a double cabin.

There is, of course, an alternative. If you don't mind sharing the cabin with another passenger, the cruise line will try to find you a roommate of the same sex, usually according to your specific requests. If they can't find you a roommate you agree with, you'll just have to pay extra and there will be no hard feelings.

Then again... If you would rather pay extra than share the cabin with someone, you should know that some luxury cruise lines will have lower extra fees than some bigger, less exclusive ones. In other words, you might get more comfort for the same money. Finding an offer that gives you the best value for your money will, of course, require additional research and planning from your part.

Another option, for people who don't mind a certain degree of uncertainty, is to wait until the last minute, when cruise lines will even offer discounts if they have any vacant cabins. This requires no planning, but some luck might be needed.

Once you're on board, you don't have to spend the whole vacation in isolation. There are plenty of activities on the ship where people - many of them travelling alone, just like you - can meet and make friends. Ask the activities director what programmes you can choose from and sign up for those you find appealing.

If you want to meet new people, don't overlook the social function of dinner. While it can't really be considered an "activity", it provides great opportunities for people to get to know each other. If you don't like the passengers you share your table with, you can ask to be seated at another one the next evening - there are hundreds of people there, you'll surely find some you like.

Sailing by yourself can give you an air of mystery. After all, vacations are meant to be a break from everyday routine, and what better way to do so than to embark on a cruise which will enable you to explore the ocean, yourself, and new friendships at the same time!

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