I was honestly a bit anxious as the cruise date was nearing. Don't get me wrong - I KNEW I would have a great time, and that it would be the same uber-relaxing, fabulous DCL vacation, with or without family and friends. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous about being solo on the ship. I don't know why I felt differently about that vs Disney World, but there you go.
However, I had a WONDERFUL time (more details to come on the Trip Report!) and wanted to share some ideas / tips that made cruising solo really special.
1) Connect with a cruise meet and/or Facebook group before you leave.
I was privileged to meet a FABULOUS group of ladies before our cruise, on a Facebook group we set up. It was wonderful talking to each other and getting excited in the months and weeks before the cruise. I was also able to meet my new friend, Caletta, and we ate together each night which was a lot of fun. It was nice to have solo time, but then also know I was meeting a friend for dinner at night. We also had a quick meet-up on embarkation day, so we could put names and faces together. This was super fun because not only did I get to meet these great ladies and their families, but it was nice to run into people on those 3 days that I knew and have someone to say hi to, chat with, etc.
2) Take some time to do "special" experiences.
Visit the spa. Heck, LIVE in the spa. You're on your own schedule, so there's no one to give you grief if you spend 4-5 hours a day in the Rainforest Room. Or take a ship tour, or a beverage tasting, or any of the myriad of things available for adults on the cruise. If you're bored, it's your own fault!
3) Speaking of experiences...sign up for a Mixology or Wine / Beer tasting class.
If you like a cocktail or glass of beer, be sure and sign up for one of the many mixology / tasting classes they have on the ship during your cruise. Your daily Navigator will have more information about where to sign up - make sure to check it out the first day, as space is limited! I've done both the mixology and wine tastings and both were a lot of fun. There's also usually a fun group of people at these classes, too, and the nature of the class often leads to conversations and interactions with your fellow passengers.
4) Relax like it's your job.
Let's be honest - one of the primary joys of cruising is doing NOTHING. As in, grabbing your book, an umbrella beverage and taking up residence on a deck chair. Or falling asleep on said deck chair. Ahem. Not that I did any such thing, of course. But seriously - RELAX! Enjoy it. Kick back. Have NO schedule. Sleep until noon if you want. Live a life of a lady (or gentleman) of leisure, even for a few days.
5) Chat with the cast members.
One of my favorite memories of this cruise is sitting at Pink (one of the cocktail lounges on the Dream) after dinner one night, and having a fun hour+ chat with Ricardo, the bartender. Assuming your chatting with them isn't taking them away from their job duties, most cast members are more than willing to stop and speak with you for at least a few minutes. Not only did I have a fun night, I now have a DCL friend who I will hopefully see again in January.
If you've cruised solo, what are your favorite things about cruising by yourself?
Have a magical day!
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