Solo Cruising doesn’t mean you’re alone.
Small ships are better for Solo Travelers.
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.
- 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.
