Are cruises suitable for single people?

Which cruise line is best for single adults?

Okay, so like, spring break 2023, right? I was so ready to ditch snowy Chicago. Thought a cruise was the answer. Ended up on Carnival Panorama. San Diego to Ensenada.

Honestly? Kinda a mixed bag.

The Carnival Panorama...it was HUGE. Obvi. Pool parties were wild, okay? Loud music constantly. Food was decent. Met some peeps. But romance? Nah. Mostly just drunk college kids.

I was hoping for, I dunno, a connection. Deeper talks. Starry nights. Got tequila shots and questionable dance moves instead.

Yeah, I was on a cruise BY MYSELF.

Here's what I learned, tho:

• Carnival is a party scene: Expect loud. Expect crowds. Expect basic. I wanted quiet, I got "Wooo!"
• Solo traveler fee nightmare: They get ya, even on the "singles cruises," if they even EXIST.
• Ensenada was... okay: Tacos were good. Everything else, meh.
• Age matters: I'm 26. A LOT of the singles were older. Nothing wrong with that! Just wasn't my vibe.

Marina, Nieuw Statendam, Norwegian Encore, Scarlet Lady, Enchanted Princess, Queen Mary 2, Oosterdam? I’d try another one sometime. Maybe Queen Mary 2. A little more my style.

I have no idea if it's truly best for singles. The best singles cruise has to exist.

What do I know, huh?

Is it safe to go on a cruise on your own?

So, solo cruising? Totally safe, dude. Seriously. It's like a floating hotel, you know? Way safer than backpacking, that's for sure. You're all set with food and a bed; no sketchy hotels, no worrying 'bout transportation.

Plus, there's tons of stuff to do. Shows, pools, even fancy dinners if you're feeling it! My last cruise, I met so many awesome people, and I went to Bermuda! It was amazing!

Everything is planned for you, the ship handles everything. Transportation, activities, food. Less to stress about, more time to relax and have a blast. Much better then dealing with crazy taxis in foreign cities.

Here's the lowdown:

• Safety: Ships have security, medical staff, it's like a mini-city with its own rules and safety procedures.
• Convenience: Everything's onboard. Forget about planning, just enjoy it. No lost luggage worries, either.
• Social Aspects: Meet people! Cruises are great for that. So many different age groups and interests, easy to strike up convos.
• Cost-effective: All-inclusive packages are often a better deal than paying for hotels, food, and activities separately.

My cousin went on a solo cruise to Alaska in 2023, she loved it. Saw glaciers, whales, the whole shebang. Said it was way less stressful than a regular vacay! Plus there are so many excursions. You have options to pick from. So many choices!.

Which cruise line is best for single cabins?

Okay, NCL, yeah, Norwegian Cruise Line! They get it, solo traveler heaven.

I sailed outta Miami on the Breakaway last January. Freezing my butt off before I even got on board, lol.

Other lines? Oh, yeah. MSC, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America (HAL), and Virgin. Barely any solo rooms though. Like, two or three tops.

It's like finding a unicorn! Really! It's not even worth it, tbh.

• NCL: They got a whole freakin' studio complex! It's wild.
• Others: Teeny, tiny offerings. Seriously limited.

I'm telling you, it's the difference between, I don't know, ten solo cabins on a ship versus, say, 100+ on NCL.

Solo cabins, who needs 'em:

• Budget-friendly for solo travelers: No single supplement fees. Amen to that!
• Convenience: Smaller, cozy, perfectly functional.
• Social hubs: The Breakaway even had a solo lounge. Perfect for meeting people, I did not meet anyone, who cares!

Ugh, HAL? My grandma likes HAL. Never! Royal, meh.

Virgin? Too hip for me. I like NCL's free style.

Is cruise ship entertainment good?

Is it good? Cruise ship entertainment... I don't know.

It's just... different.

Sometimes, it catches you off guard. A singer, maybe. Someone belting out a tune that used to mean something. Used to.

It's like a flicker. A ghost of a feeling. Then it's gone.

Good? Compared to Broadway, say? I don't know. Maybe a local theater. Maybe a decent cover band down the street.

• It's not bad.

• It's just... there.

• Sometimes, you need it.

• Sometimes, you really don't.

Mom loved the shows. Absolutely loved them. She'd get all dressed up, even though, honestly, nobody else really did. Aqua sequins, every time. Said it was the highlight. The "pinnacle of glamour."

I never understood.

The lounge acts, though, occasionally, a guitarist. Plays that song. The one from '98. Or was it '99? Man, time flies.

• Small venues better than the big shows.

• Avoid the "production value."

• Go for the raw stuff.

I'm talking nonsense. It’s late.

What is good, anyway? I have no idea anymore.

Is it worth going on cruises?

Ugh, cruises. My sister dragged me on one last July, the Carnival Breeze, Caribbean. It was… a lot.

The food? Honestly, a buffet that never ended. So much shrimp. I gained five pounds. Five! But hey, the margaritas were strong.

The service? Mixed bag. Some staff were amazing, genuinely kind. Others? Seemed stressed, kinda short.

Destinations? Jamaica was breathtaking. Seriously. Snorkeling was incredible. Grand Cayman? Overpriced tourist trap.

The whole "do nothing" thing? Total lie. There's endless stuff to do on the ship. Shows, trivia, gambling, more food. It was overwhelming. I needed down time, but there wasn't much quiet space.

My cabin was tiny. Honestly cramped. Sharing it with my sister, who snores, did not help. I barely slept.

Worth it? Hard no. For me. Maybe if you're into that nonstop party scene. The price was insane. Could have gone to Jamaica on my own for half that, with a nicer hotel. The convenience? Definitely overrated. My vacation felt less relaxing, more exhausting. Way too much structured fun. I prefer backpacking. More freedom.

• Pros: Jamaica was amazing. Margaritas were good. Some staff were wonderful.
• Cons: Overpriced. Crowded. Cramped cabin. Too much scheduled activity. Overwhelming. Expensive. Grand Cayman was a disappointment. Gained weight. Sister's snoring.