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Solo Cruising Doesn’t Mean You’re Alone

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Solo Cruising doesn’t mean you’re alone.

Evening with the Captain of Le Champlain, a Smithsonian Cruise on Ponant.

Small ships are better for Solo Travelers.

Gala Evening on Le Champlain. PONANT cruise.

Many women worry about solo cruising and about feeling lonely. I’m sharing my experience to help you feel safe and confident about finding companionship and meaningful connections while cruising solo.

My Solo Cruising Experience

I started cruising four years ago. Only once did I feel slightly uncomfortable and self-conscious — on a Crystal cruise when I had to dine alone in three specialty restaurants.

From an uncomfortable dining night to better choices

Reservations had to be made several months in advance, and when I asked the maitre d’ if I could join a sharing table (as I had on other cruises), he replied, “We don’t have sharing tables.” He seated me at a table for two in the most conspicuous part of the dining room, surrounded by couples. That was when I felt lonely.

After that experience, I chose not to cruise with that line again. I now prefer smaller ships with a more intimate feel where the staff get to know you, look after you, and create a more comforting atmosphere.

Why Small Ships Work Better for Solo Travelers

It’s easy to assume a large ship means more people to meet, but I’ve found the opposite: the smaller the ship, the easier it is to connect with like-minded passengers.

Intimacy, shared tables, and friendly staff

My first cruise was on the Paul Gauguin, a small ship with just 330 passengers. The restaurant staff welcomed me and consistently found me a seat at shared tables with other solo travelers and friendly couples who wanted to mingle. Conversations flowed, and getting to know people from other countries while sharing travel stories made me feel alive.

No Single Supplement on PONANT Cruises

I’ve chosen to stay with PONANT and similar small-ship lines (185–330 passengers). One big benefit I discovered: PONANT offers “no single supplement” on many departures, meaning you can have your own cabin without paying extra for single occupancy. On their website, you can filter offers by “no single supplement.”

The Ponant website allows you to filter “no single supplement” under “Offers.”

Highlights from a Smithsonian Cruise on Le Champlain

  • Many cruise lines organize a welcome cocktail reception on the first or second night of your cruise. Don’t be disappointed if you meet only women at the reception. On one cruise, there were 19 solo women and one man, who happened to be gay, and who had just lost his partner.

Lectures, Panama Canal, Darian tribe excursions

  • Ponant offers lectures on board. I was recently on a Smithsonian cruise through the Panama Canal and Costa Rica, and we had lectures on the history of building the canal and on the wildlife in both countries by experts in the field.
  • Interesting excursions with small groups. No long lines to get off the ship.

Food, Service, and Gala Evenings on Le Champlain

  • The food is to die for, but I’ve always loved French refined food with delicious, freshly prepared meals and smaller portions.
Champagne and Caviar evening on Le Champlain
Champagne and Caviar evening on Le Champlain
  • Friendly crew and staff who get to know you and truly care about you and your comfort.
  • I like to dress up for cocktails and dinner in the evening and share stories with fellow passengers during a pre-dinner cocktail and dinner.
  • No tipping as everything is included. Wifi and drinks, including free-flowing French Champagne and nice canapes.

Tips for Making Friends Onboard

– Attend the welcome cocktail and any orientation/social events.

– Sit at shared tables in the dining room or ask the staff to seat you with others.

– Join lectures, classes, and shore excursions — these naturally create shared experiences and conversation starters.

– Be open and approachable: a simple question about someone’s itinerary or hometown often leads to a great conversation.

Should You Try Solo Cruising?

I hope you give small ship solo cruising a try. You’ll enjoy the freedom to explore new places while still enjoying the companionship of fellow travelers and the attentive, familiar crew. It’s a blend of independence, luxury, learning, and social connection — everything I want from travel.

 

Single Woman Cruising Solo

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Single Woman Solo Cruising:

Sonia enjoying the Paul Gauguin cruise in Bora Bora

I’m a single woman cruising solo and enjoying life at 67. I feel young, vibrant, and excited about life.

With all the turmoil and uncertainty in our world today, I’ve decided to cruise solo as much as my budget will allow. I’m in good health and want to enjoy the positives, meeting people from other countries and seeing new places on our beautiful planet.

Focusing on small ships catering to singles:

This year, I’ve booked three different cruise lines to compare: PONANT (French), CRYSTAL (owned by Abercrombie and Kent), and SEABOURN (Carnival Corporation & plc.) After trying all three cruises, I’ll be able to discuss the pros and cons of each, and decide which cruise line I prefer.

Solo traveling is growing, especially among women, so I have researched the smaller ships that offer discounts for solo travelers, and cannot wait to compare all three.

My first cruise is on The Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship (PONANT)

I plan to spend a week in Bath, U.K., before heading to Singapore, where the first leg of my cruise starts.

This will be my third cruise on the Paul Gauguin twice to French Polynesia, which I highly recommend.

The ship is small, with 330 passengers, and the crew is always upbeat and friendly. They remember my first name and the extra-strong Americano is ready every morning when I arrive at the early risers continental breakfast bar.

On my Christmas cruise in French Polynesia, I met a nice Romanian woman who loves to swim as much as I do. We would meet at the coffee bar at 6:00 a.m. and wait for the swimming pool to be refilled with warm seawater. I love that there is no chlorine in the pool and that they replace it with seawater daily. Here’s a video on how they do it.

I’ve never been to Singapore, so I decided to hire a guide (tours by locals). I arrive in the evening at Changi Airport, and a Paul Gauguin representative will drive me to my hotel. (That’s the plan!) The following day, I’ll have 3 hours to tour Singapore’s highlights with my guide before embarkation.

Another bonus are the lectures on board the Paul Gauguin by various experts. So I look forward to learning about different cultures and other interesting facts on my two-week journey to Darwin (see map above). I’ve pre-booked my excursions to stunning islands and beaches such as Parai Beach, Indonesia, Java, Bali,

Nusa-Penida Bali

Komodo Island (and the famous Komodo dragons, the largest species of dragons up to 330 lbs).

Komodo dragon

My last excursion before Darwin, is in Dili (the capital of East Timor), an island that I was hoping the Peace Corps would send me to volunteer when I applied.

Please follow me as I cruise along for another two weeks to Fiji.

Let me know if you’ve experienced a wonderful cruise and which cruise lines you would suggest I try.

More to come!!!

Sonia

 

2nd part of the cruise from Darwin to Fiji

What Does Self-Love Mean to You?

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Self-love

What does “self-love” mean to you?

The most important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself. Do you agree?

If you have trouble understanding the term, “Self-love” another way to understand this is to realize that it can motivate and guide you towards self-care practices. Those who genuinely love themselves are more likely to prioritize their health and happiness.

Self-love took me a long time to understand, and now I see the importance of practicing self-care.

I live in Orange County, California, where most people are into exercise, taking care of staying healthy and youthful. Self-care is important to me, and I don’t think it’s being self-centered or selfish. It’s something I do for myself and for my adult children. It doesn’t mean I’m egotistical and lack kindness and empathy towards others. It means that I want to keep as active and healthy as I can be to enjoy the rest of my life and avoid health issues as long as I can.

Another part of self-love is setting boundaries,

Is self-care the same as self-centeredness?

Self-care is essential, but what do I mean by it? (Here is my list)

  • Eat right, and avoid fast food, sugary sodas, and desserts
  • Exercise every day
  • Take pride in yourself and your looks (for yourself)
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Sleep 7-8 hours
  • Do not smoke
  • Call your friends
  • Check on family members
  • Keep learning
  • Belong to a community
  • Gratitude Journaling
  • Meditation
  • Travel

Self care is not the same as being self-centered.

What is self-centeredness?

According to Chat GPT, the definition of self-centeredness:

“Self-centeredness refers to a personality trait or behavior where an individual excessively focuses on themselves, their own needs, desires, and interests, often to the exclusion or neglect of others. It can manifest in various ways, such as constantly talking about oneself, seeking attention or validation, prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others, and displaying a lack of empathy or consideration for others’ feelings and perspectives.”

Finally, Marissa Peer describes 3 ways to know you love yourself in a succinct manner in this short video.

 

 

Is Divorce a Gift or a Curse?

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Is divorce a gift or a curse?
Is divorce a gift or a curse?

 

Is divorce a gift or a curse?

I have been contemplating this particular topic ever since I got divorced in 2015. As a single woman in her sixties, I am grateful for the gift that my divorce has given me. Although it was not easy in the beginning, I have several reasons why I am thankful for it.

I can put my own needs first.

After going through the grieving process of my divorce and feeling rejected and alone, I made a decision to focus on the advantages of being single and free to do what I want. During my marriage, I spent most of my time and energy trying to please my spouse and children. Now, as a divorced woman, I can be more self-centered and prioritize my own needs.

It’s quite liberating to take care of yourself. After 28 years of marriage, I can now enjoy the freedom of eating what I like and when I like, going to bed when I want to, and not having to listen to snoring. I can choose whether or not to engage in sexual activity, travel whenever I feel like it, watch shows that I enjoy, do laundry for one, exercise at my own pace, spend time with my adult children when it’s mutually convenient, and finally call my friends and talk for as long as I want to without any disturbance. Let’s not forget that I have the freedom to date the men I want to date.

Here is my list of top self-care needs:

  1. Exercise: Since turning 25, exercise has become my addiction. Weight training and swimming are now part of my daily routine. I wrote an article on Pat Anderson’s blog, ‘A Fitness Minute’, about what exercise has done for me.
  2. Nutrition: I am interested in nutrition, health, fitness, and longevity. I often listen to podcasts on these topics, have watched an incredible documentary, “The Blue Zones,” on Netflix, and follow the Mediterranean diet.
  3. Travel: In the article I wrote about the benefits of traveling solo, I discovered small ship cruising with no single supplement, allowing me to have my own cabin and pay just for myself.
  4. Dating: You may be wondering why finding a compatible, fun, active man who also travels is on my list of top self-care needs. My answer: Why not? I’m still interested in meeting men.
  5. Netflix: I just had to put that in my top self-care needs as there are many great series and documentaries that both entertain, and teach me about history, space exploration, psychology, and more.
  6. A Sense of Purpose: I feel pressure to be productive instead of watching daytime TV, but why am I procrastinating with my second memoir?

I feel guilty (self-imposed and a waste of time) that I’m not writing my second memoir. You would think that with the number of podcasts, zooms, and Free Bootcamp informative courses offered by Hay House Publishing, I would finally get my butt into my chair and start writing, but “Oh no,” I must just listen to “Make it Happen” with Mel Robbins and she will motivate me to get my memoir writing project going. Have you ever found yourself downloading free workbooks to motivate you to start your project, and then realize you’re spending an inordinate number of hours answering questions but not getting any work done on your project? If so, you’re not the only one.

Having published my first memoir in 2012, I understand the commitment you have to make to get it done. I also remember the marketing side of publishing a book and I ask myself these questions:

Do I want to share my life online?

What if I receive a lot of negative feedback? Cruel comments can come from people who don’t even know me because they just want to be nasty.

When writing a book that appeals to readers, it’s important, to tell the truth and be vulnerable, share emotions, and, in my case, reveal the raw details of my marriage and the transformation that happened during my Peace Corps service teaching orphans and vulnerable children in a small village in the mountains of Lesotho, Africa.

That is the book I want to write; a memoir to help women who are grieving the loss of a relationship, feeling lonely, and unable to find a sense of purpose in their lives. I strongly believe that there is hope, and that being single – whether by choice, through the death of a loved one, or due to divorce – presents many opportunities to fall in love with the person you have become and will always have by your side.”

So, what do you think? Is divorce a gift or a curse? If you are single or divorced, please share your opinion in the comments below.

The Benefits of Traveling Solo

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Sonia on the Paul Gauguin sailing from Papeete to the Tuamotus and Society Islands

# 1 benefit of traveling solo:

I believe that traveling solo gets you out of your comfort zone and allows you to meet new people and forge new friendships.

You may disagree and say, “You meet new people even when you’re traveling with your partner,” but here’s the difference:

When you’re with your partner, you have someone next to you during meals, cocktails and excursions. In a way, it’s your “security blanket” and you don’t make as much effort to get to know other people as you would traveling solo.

Some solo travelers may feel uncomfortable being by themselves, however, a small ship (330 passengers) is ideal to get to know other passengers and crew members. After a couple of days you feel like you “belong” to a large family.

On my recent solo trip to French Polynesia, I met other solo travelers and several couples, and was able to have all my meals and evening cocktails with different people so I never felt alone or out of place.

Excursions also enabled me to meet other travelers while on my snorkeling trips, or cultural trips on various islands.

You even get to know the entertainers, “Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines,” on the Paul Gauguin ship

 

Air Tahiti Nui Flights are direct from Los Angeles to Tahiti

I did not realize how “close” this beautiful part of the world, French Polynesia is from Los Angeles. Only 7.5 to 8 hours of flight time, and as far as the time difference, it’s only 2 hours behind California time zone. So no jet lag for me, compared to Paris which is 9 hours ahead of LA.

Everything ran smoothly, and we landed at the Papeete airport at 5:30 a.m.  Greeted by Polynesian musicians at the airport, I quickly found the Paul Gauguin representative who took me and a small group of other passengers to the Intercontinental hotel.

I was unsure of what to do when I landed in Papeete so I took the pre and post tour package which included a day room, transfers to the ship and a meal at the hotel. I tried to rest for 30 minutes but couldn’t fall asleep, so I decided to swim in the infinity pool followed by fresh pineapple, mango, papaya and French cheeses and bread for breakfast.

Swimming pool at the Intercontinental Hotel in Papeete, Tahiti.

At 1 p.m. we were on a guided tour organized by Paul Gauguin to a very modern museum with ancient canoes and wood carvings followed by a visit to a sacred site still used today made of lava stones.

Around 3:30 p.m., the bus took us to the Paul Gauguin ship and registration was quick and easy. You just had to show your passport and your Covid (free) health form.

My room was on Deck 4, and so convenient for the excursion office and reception open 24/7 . The Marina was at the end of my corridor and I collected  my snorkel and fins right after confirming all my excursions.

Dinner on the first evening was with Linda, a solo traveler, Loic, the French guest lecturer from Brittany with a topic entitled “Paradoxical Paradise,” and Chuck, another solo traveler from Ventura, California.

I was exhausted from the night flight from LA, so went to bed early on my first evening.

Fakarava Island

We sailed to Fakarava island and I was happy to relax on the first day so I had breakfast and later, swam 50 “short” laps in the pool.

A free excursion was offered to those who wanted to snorkel at a local beach on the island. A tender  took us to a pier where we waited for a bus to take us to a beach for snorkeling. The water was warm but the coral and fish were not so abundant at this location. I was a little disappointed but that changed on the following day when I had the most beautiful snorkeling excursion.

In the evening, we had the singles cocktail reception with about 21 solo travelers, mostly women, but with a mix of French and English speakers. Fortunately I speak French, having lived in Paris for 15 years, so I could also mingle with French guests. Every announcement and lecture on the ship is offered in both languages.

Beautiful calm weather during the 10 days in January – February 2024

January 26, 2024

I ordered my coffee between 6-6:30 in my room and today was my first snorkeling excursion. We were taken by tender to our boat and had two guides to follow; one in front and another guide watching us from behind. I saw many black-tip shark and colorful fish. Parrot fish and many more, (wish I knew the names of all these colorful fish) even a giant eel hiding in a tunnel. The visibility was incredible and fortunately, the coral is unspoiled in this part of the world.

I joined my new friends, Sylvia and Dave and danced to Bruno Mars on the pool deck during cocktail hour with Mariechu, a talented singer and the musicians of the Sound Waves band.

My solo traveler friend Chuck had booked one of the two restaurants requiring a reservation for dinner at the French restaurant, La Veranda. The food was excellent, foie gras, fresh fish and French cheeses. The evening ended with the band playing at Salon 5, and Mariechu singing Whitney Houston and many other hits. Sylvia and I danced and had a fun evening on the ship.

My next blog post will cover the black pearls visit as well as the blue-eyed eels. I hope you enjoy!

Any comments are welcome.

 

 

 

 

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