Is it common for people to go on cruises alone?

Solo Cruises: Are they common?

Solo cruising is way more common than you’d think. I was shocked when I saw a bunch of single travelers on my Alaska cruise last July (2023) with Royal Caribbean.

Twenty percent – that’s like, one in five people – cruising alone? Makes sense, I guess. I met a woman on the cruise, at the glacier viewing deck, who goes solo every year. She loves the freedom.

I get it. No compromising on excursions. If I wanted to skip the whale watching tour (like $200, ugh) and just chill by the pool, I could. It’s empowering.

My friend Maria went solo on a Mediterranean cruise in September (2022) on Norwegian Cruise Line. She said it was amazing. So much easier to meet people.

So, yeah, solo cruising isn’t some weird, fringe thing anymore. It’s pretty normal actually.

What percentage of people travel alone?

Okay, so solo travel, huh? I remember last summer, I was in Barcelona, sweltering heat, totally winging it. Decided, like, spur of the moment, to book a flight. No plan, no friend tagging along, just me! It was kinda terrifying, actually.

I felt super self-conscious at first, like everyone was staring because I was alone at this tapas place near La Rambla. Everyone was in groups, laughing. I was just…me, with too much patatas bravas. Who cares?

But then, something shifted. Met this awesome Aussie surfer dude at a hostel in Barceloneta. We ended up exploring Park Güell together. He was also traveling solo. Like me!

The best thing? Complete freedom. Ate whenever I wanted. Saw what I wanted. Changed plans a million times! No compromises. Just pure bliss, you know? That feeling is addictive, to tell the truth.

Heck, yeah, I think loads of people travel alone. It makes sense. My guess is over 40%. Makes sense. Maybe way more!

So, to sum it up:

• Freedom rocks!
• Meeting people is easy.
• Patatas bravas for one is totally acceptable.

Solo trip – the best trip.

Bila perlu check in flight?

International flights: Check in two hours prior. Domestic, same deal. Two hours. Think of it as pre-boarding meditation. My passport always seems to hide. Counters open 6 AM to 10 PM. Good to know. Especially when catching a red-eye. Who designed these schedules anyway?

• International: 2 hours before departure.
• Domestic: 2 hours before departure.
• Check-in Counter Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Airlines sometimes have different rules. Best to check with the specific airline. Saves the hassle. Learned that the hard way once in Kuala Lumpur. Missed a flight. Ended up exploring the city. Not the worst thing, I guess. But still.

• Check airline specifics: They often differ. Could be earlier, later, or have online check-in.
• Baggage allowances: These change too. Always confirm with the airline. Saved me from paying extra for my batik collection in Jakarta last year.

Timing is everything. Isn’t it? Especially when flying. Arrive early. Relax. Enjoy the airport chaos. Reminds me of that time I saw a guy juggling coconuts. In the Singapore airport. Why coconuts? The world may never know.

Bila perlu check-in flight?

Flight check-in? Web/mobile check-in’s your friend. Confirm your flight.

Airlines vary. Some open 28 days prior; others, 14 or 2 days before departure. Check-in once available. Simple.

• Key Differences: Check-in windows fluctuate wildly. My United flight? 24 hours. Delta? 48.
• Seat Selection: Online check-in often secures preferred seating. Act fast.
• Boarding Pass: Digital boarding passes save paper; download my Southwest app.
• 2024 Update: Airlines constantly tweak policies. Confirm directly. My last KLM flight was smooth, though.

My experience? Stress-free, usually.

#Cruises #Solotravel #Travelalone