Accommodations for Solo Cruisers

If you’re interested in cruising on your own but not in sharing a cabin, good news: there is a growing number of cruise ship cabins designed for one. And, these single-occupancy cabins come at single-occupancy prices. If you cruise on your own in a cabin intended for two, you’ll probably have to pay what’s known as a “single supplement,” which can be as much as another cruise fare. So, you could pay up to double to have your own cabin, or you could consider sailing with a cruise line that provides solo accommodations, like these:

Norwegian Cruise Line has been a leader in accommodating solo cruisers with cabins that are thoughtfully designed for one. You can find them on most of the line’s newer ships: the Epic, with 128 “studio” cabins, has the most. Most of the NCL studios are inside cabins, but some have windows to the corridor or virtual portholes that stream a view of the water. And when you sail in a studio cabin, you’ll have access to the Studio Complex and Lounge, a social space with coffee, cocktails, big-screen TVs, and pre-dinner gatherings to enjoy.

Royal Caribbean has cabins for solo cruisers on several ships – some have just a few, but Quantum Class ships have up to 28. The solo cabins are from a mix of categories, including inside cabins, inside cabins with virtual balconies, and outside cabins with open-air balconies. Plus, while all of the activities on Royal Caribbean make meeting other passengers pretty easy, there are also hosted meetups just for solo cruisers.

Virgin Voyages’ three ships each have 46 cabins for solo cruisers; these are mostly inside cabins, but some have ocean views. All of Virgin Voyages’ cabins are sleek and stylish, and the cabins for one are no exception. While the cruise line organizes meetups for solo “sailors,” these ships are designed for easy socializing. The wide variety of activities, restaurants, and bars creates lots of opportunities to mingle and chat with other solos, couples, and friend groups.

Holland America Line also has some solo cabins on some of its ships, including the Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam. These ocean-view cabins have the same amenities as double-occupancy cabins, but are available for a single-occupancy fare.

Whatever the cruise line, cabins for one are popular, and they tend to sell out well in advance. To reserve one for yourself, contact Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Preparing to Pay for Cruise Extras

Your cruise fare pays for so much, including accommodations and housekeeping, lots of onboard dining and entertainment, port fees, and great service. But when you get on board, you’ll encounter some tempting extras that carry separate fees. Understanding and planning for these optional extra costs before you sail can help you stay comfortably within your vacation budget.

Here are some popular items for which most mainstream cruise lines charge extra:

Beverages. Most cruise lines offer at least a few complimentary beverages, but the majority of them, from bottled water to cocktails, are available at a per-drink price. You can save by purchasing a beverage package before you board the ship. Ask your professional travel advisor for more information.

Specialty restaurants. The dining venues included in your fare will serve delicious food, but it’s fun to try the elevated cuisine at an onboard specialty restaurant; and the extra charge is often less than you would pay for a similar dining experience at home. Pick an evening to treat yourself and make a reservation in advance.

Room service. Room service used to be complimentary on most cruise ships, but many now charge delivery fees. To avoid this, pick up some food or snacks at one of the no-free-dining venues to take to your cabin.

Internet access. Your cruise line is likely to charge a fee for internet access (which can still be spotty). To avoid the fee, use your cruise as a time to unplug from your devices. Or, wait until the ship is in port to check email and socials; you can usually get connected in port facilities, or at a nearby shop or restaurant.

Shore Excursions. While most shore excursions come with fees, there’s usually a variety to choose from, including options that are fun and reasonably priced. If you’d like to splurge on a special shore excursion or two, be sure to select and reserve them in advance to help avoid any pricey impulse buying as you sail.

There are other optional extras you can plan for, like spa treatments, professional photos, laundry services, and even certain high-cost menu items (think lobster and chateaubriand). One way to avoid some of these fees is to reserve your cruise well in advance: extras may be included in promotional and early-bird fares. For more information, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor, who has the best access to special offers from the cruise lines.

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Cruising the Western Mediterranean

 To explore some of the loveliest and most historic places in Europe, consider a cruise in the Western Mediterranean. A wide range of itineraries is available from various cruise lines. Your professional travel advisor can help you find the cruise ship, schedule, and style that suits you best.

While the Western Med is a fine destination for cruising all year long, the summer months can be hot, with the largest crowds on shore. Also, many Europeans take all of August off for their own vacations, so some shoreside attractions may be closed during that month. In spring or fall, cruise passengers often enjoy smaller crowds and cooler temperatures in the Western Mediterranean. Winter can be a little chilly in some areas, but holiday celebrations make it a lovely time to sail.

Many voyages focus on popular ports along the southern coasts of Spain and France, as well as the west coast of Italy. Here are just a few of the wonderful Western Med ports you may wish to visit:

Barcelona, Spain. There’s so much to see in the ancient Gothic Quarter and Old Town, but you can also visit the Sagrada Familia and other buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi, tour FC Barcelona’s stadium, walk the beach at La Barceloneta, or visit a Benedictine abbey on the peaks of Montserrat.

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur). Where you dock along this famous coastline may depend on the size of your ship: it could be a larger port like Marseilles, or a smaller one like Saint-Tropez. No matter where your ship calls, the scenery along the coast is stunning.

Rome, Italy. Most ships dock in Civitavecchia (a major port since the second century), where passengers hop on trains or buses for an hour’s ride to Rome. On a first visit, a highlights tour will take you to the most iconic sites; on a return visit, spend more time exploring a favorite place, like the Colosseum, the Vatican, or the Piazza Navona. Before or after Rome, your cruise might also call on the Italian ports of Genoa, Livorno (for Florence), or Naples.

Some Western Med cruises also call on Portugal, Monaco, or Mediterranean islands like Mallorca, Sardinia, Corsica, or Malta. And, some venture to North African ports in Tunisia, Algeria, or Morocco, too. For much more information about your options for cruising the Western Mediterranean, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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What to Do as Your Cruise Ends

When you approach the end of a cruise feeling relaxed and carefree, you know that your floating vacation has done its job. But, remember that there are some things you should do to prepare for leaving the ship and heading home.

If you have onboard credits, use them up. Onboard credits, which passengers can purchase or receive as a booking incentive, are the same as money on board. If you have any left on the last full day of the cruise, treat yourself to something in a shop or at the spa.

Pack your bags. It’s not as much fun as packing before the cruise, but it’s necessary during your last full day on board. Take a careful look around so you don’t leave any belongings behind, but don’t pack anything that belongs to the ship – you’re likely to be charged for it. If the crew will take your luggage off the ship for you, be sure to attach the color-coded tags you’ll receive and put your luggage in the hall by the appointed time (but, put the things you’ll need in the morning in a carry-on bag you’ll keep with you).

Check-in for your flight home. Many airlines encourage advance check-in; if you have Wi-Fi access on the ship, check in on the airline’s app to help your homeward journey go smoothly. This is also a good way to double-check your flight time. If you don’t have onboard Wi-Fi, you should be able to connect once the ship docks.

Check on your disembarkation time. Most ships assign disembarkation (leaving the ship) times based on flight times. If your time doesn’t agree with your after-cruise travel plans, visit the guest services desk and ask to make a change. Of course, if you travel light and can carry all of your own baggage off the ship, you may be able to disembark as soon as port authorities clear the ship.

Check your final bill. Errors happen, and it’s important to check your bill and settle any issues before you leave the ship. If you find unfamiliar or inappropriate charges on your bill, visit the guest services desk.

Book another cruise. To entice you to book before you disembark, the cruise line may offer attractive discounts and extra rewards. If you’re interested, talk with the staff at the guest services desk.

For even more tips for a smooth end to any cruise, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Dining With the Kids

One part of cruising that everyone looks forward to is onboard dining. But if you’re cruising with children, you may wonder how well the ship will meet their gastronomic needs. In short, don’t worry. Cruise ship chefs and servers know how to work with diners who might be a bit fussy, a little messy, and always hungry.

One aspect of cruise ship dining that’s great for kids is the variety of dining spots and food available. Most ships have at least two dining options – a main dining room and a buffet – as well as themed or specialty dining venues (some ships have dozens of these).

The main dining room offers sit-down, multicourse breakfasts, lunches and dinners for all ages. Some offer special children’s menus, but kids are welcome to order from the regular menu, too. If your child doesn’t find the menu appealing, get creative. Ask for a side dish as main plate; for a different preparation, such as chicken that’s fried instead of grilled; or for an unfamiliar sauce or despised vegetable to be left off the plate. Your server can make some suggestions, too. And while the chefs can’t make every special request a reality, they will accommodate them whenever possible.

The ship’s buffet is usually open most of the day and evening, ready to tame kids’ hunger with an array of main dishes, sides, salads, and desserts. Some even have a “kids’ area” where favorites like macaroni & cheese and fresh fruit are always available. Be sure to supervise your child’s visits to the buffet to help them follow proper etiquette (take only what they’ll eat, don’t dip the same utensil in different dishes, etc.).

For a quick meal or snack, many ships have one or more convenient snack bars, often located by a pool. They may serve pizza by the slice, burgers and hot dogs, fresh salads and more. There are usually one or more soft-serve ice cream machines on board, too.

It’s a treat to dine at an onboard specialty restaurant that serves gourmet fare (often for an extra charge). Many welcome children, and some even have children’s menus. Specialty dining can be fun for a child who likes trying new tastes; if not, it may be better as an adult-only experience.

And, there’s one more dining option that’s great for kids, especially tired ones: room service. Ask your professional travel advisor about all the kid-friendly dining options on your next cruise.

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Icon of the Seas’ First Anniversary

The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, recently marked its first anniversary. After a year of sailing in the Caribbean, which features of this spectacular ship are pleasing passengers the most?

The AquaDome, an aquatic entertainment venue enclosed by a big glass dome, has proven to be a favorite. During the day, it’s a place to relax and take in the views; at night, it’s a shimmering showplace for cascading fountains, high dives and aerial acrobatics. Royal Caribbean is planning to have an Aqua Dome on all of its Icon Class ships (more are in development, with the Star of the Seas scheduled to launch this year).

The Pearl, a walk-through kinetic sculpture, is second only to the AquaDome in passengers’ hearts. Lined with thousands of kinetic tiles that can capture human movement to create energy, the Pearl simulates natural sensations like rolling waves, gentle breezes and shooting stars. In addition to beauty and enjoyment, the Pearl provides the structural support that made it possible for the Icon’s designers to place more ocean-facing windows along the Royal Promenade.

Passengers also appreciate one of the Icon’s practical innovations – destination elevators. Instead of just pushing an “up” or “down” button, passengers who need an elevator use a touch screen to select the floor they’re going to. This enables the system to efficiently assign elevators to specific trips, which reduces waiting time (important on such a big ship).

The Icon is the first Royal Caribbean ship with infinite balconies, which can transition from indoor to outdoor space. In balcony mode, the top half of an exterior glass wall slides open to let the breeze in; the touch of a button closes it up to make the area, furnished with two comfortable chairs, part of the cabin’s interior. According to Jennifer Goswami, director of product development for Royal Caribbean, many passengers who were unsure about the infinite balcony say they now prefer it to a traditional balcony.

Finally, the most lovable new feature on the Icon is Rover, a friendly Golden Retriever who lives on board and ensures that all the passengers she meets feel welcome. Rover is such a hit with passengers and crew that all Icon Class ships are slated to have their own “chief dog officers.”

To find out how to sail on Icon of the Seas and enjoy all these popular features – and many more – talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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Cruising the Eastern Mediterranean

Like the Caribbean, the Mediterranean is a cruise destination that offers distinctly different experiences depending on which portion you sail. Let’s take a look at the Eastern Mediterranean.

You can cruise the Eastern Med any time of year, with summer being the busiest – and warmest – time to go. If you like cooler weather and smaller crowds on shore, cruising this region in spring, fall or winter may be best for you. Your professional travel advisor can help you select from the wide range of cruise lines, ship sizes, and cruise styles available.

There are also a lot of different itineraries to choose from. Some will introduce you to the lovely Adriatic Sea, which lies between the east coast of Italy and the west coast of the Balkan Peninsula; some focus on Greece and the gorgeous Greek Isles; and some venture even farther east, to Türkiye and Egypt.

If you choose an Adriatic-centered cruise, port calls are likely to include Venice in Italy and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Venice is a romantic city full of Renaissance and Gothic art and architecture. There are no roads – only canals – because the city is spread over more than 100 small islands in a tranquil lagoon. Dubrovnik is a historic city too, with a well-preserved, medieval Old Town. It’s easy to see why this was a filming location for “Game of Thrones.”

Some cruises of the Greek Isles include a call on Athens, the capital city on Greece’s mainland. The Acropolis of Athens, an ancient citadel, has some of the world’s most ancient and historically significant structures – including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, and the Theatre of Dionysus – all built nearly 2,500 years ago. Many of the Greek Isles also have archeological sites, along with wonderful sunny beaches.

Cruises of the far eastern reaches of the Mediterranean may call on Türkiye’s ports of Istanbul and Kuşadasi. Istanbul is the world’s only city on two continents (Europe and Asia), and the exciting mix of cultures shows in the city’s architecture, attractions and food. Kuşadasi is a gateway to nearby Ephesus, where you can see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Some cruises also call on Alexandria, Egypt, to visit age-old catacombs and the Great Pyramids.

There’s a lot more to know about cruising the Eastern Mediterranean; your professional travel advisor can give you more expert tips and ideas.

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