Of all the places where one could live, were I given the opportunity, I would make my home on a remote, windy and rocky cliff, overlooking the sea. I am drawn to rugged terrains, where one builds a shelter from rock and timber, and where the logs crackle and embers glow in the fireplace, providing comfort in the form of heat and ambiance. I would not mind the isolation, provided of course that said isolation comes with electricity and wifi.
However, I do not live by the sea, and so I gladly trade a few months of my urban environment to spend those weeks living at sea.
I met a woman today who spent 9 month at sea, on a world cruise with Royal Caribbean. She explained how they travelled on one ship, visiting 60+ countries and visiting over 150 destinations. It was like living in a small village, where the world came to you.
What’s it like to live at sea? I can only provide my perspective which is as a passenger of a luxury cruise ship. I will spend 28 days at sea. Meanwhile, there are thousands or passengers on this ship who are employees, and who are at sea for months at a time, and have a completely different experience of living at sea.
Most of the passengers travelling with me on this voyage are retired, and seasoned cruisers. In fact, over 500 passengers are at the Top Tier of the cruise line’s loyalty program, having sailed at least 700 nights on Royal Caribbean. A thousand more are sailing with 175–699 night credits to their name. When you consider the average trip is 7 days, these numbers represent many cruises.
I am at 16 cruises, since catching the cruise bug in 2012.
I remember it well. The moment I stepped on the gangway to board the Oasis of the Seas, I had an intense emotional reaction and I remember feeling excited to be taking a trip with my entire family, and also some anticipation at my first cruise experience and I was overcome with such joy. I had never given cruising much thought, but the instant we got on board, I became flustered, and choked up. I was taking it all in, my eyes wide, and I was unable to speak. I started to sob unable to process all of these strong emotions, so unexpected. The rest of my party was looking at me in bewilderment. That’s how my love of cruising started.
I have been “loyal to Royal” as they say ever since, and for me and my late husband, the “ship was the trip”. There are destinations that definetely appeal more to me, but my vacation is the pampering, being able to enjoy the entertainment, and work or play while observing from the sidelines and just being in the moment.
I enjoy that people have cooked delicious meals for me and my fellow passengers, I am grateful that someone made my bed while I’m out having fun, and I appreciate all of the activities available to me. What is not to love?
I am travelling solo now. Travelling solo, means travelling without a companion. It does not mean you are single looking to mingle. (Well it might, but not in my case). Now that I am a solo traveller, I have had to rethink the way I cruise.
Traveling alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely; it means you’re brave enough to embrace the unknown on your own terms.
– Anonymous
I had no desire to stop cruising when Pierre passed, yet, I knew that none of my friends were as passionate as I was for this kind of travel. Here is how I migrated from sharing a cabin to becoming a solo traveller.
- The quickest way for me to meet like-minded people who enjoyed cruising as much as I did, was to meet them in their “habitat”. Yes, onboard a cruise ship.
- Since I needed to ease into it, and prepare mentally, I took a cruise with family, but resolved to book a cruise on my own while onboard. Once I committed to the trip still months away, I could begin the mental preparation.
- Nearer to the date, I took another cruise with a family member I had never travelled with on a different cruise line. This allowed me to get comfortable with a new routine, and still have the benefit of a companion.
- As my solo cruise approached, I began planning how to spend my time. I chose a project which I could work on while at sea, I joined a group on Facebook looking for card players like me and signed up with a few diners looking to add a solo guest to their table for the evening meal. I was set.
Having been on board less than a week now, I can say that the experience so far has been incredibly positive and rewarding and I will definetely be cruising solo again – and again.
For those who are thinking of taking a solo cruise – here are some other considerations. (These can also apply to bus tours, or a hiking trip or any type of trip where the itinerary, transportation and accommodation are organized).
- Some cruise lines are better suited for solo travellers. Do your research for single cabins, low-single supplements or even solo-only events.
- Join a Facebook Group for your cruise. This is the best place to learn about what is being planned for the cruise, and many will gladly share tips, and advice for your travel. You can even find travellers seeking to ride-share to the airport, piggy-back on excursions etc.
- Once on board, familiarize yourself with the deck plans, and the amenities to give you a feel for where you will enjoy hanging out.
- Make your dining plans – and seek out a group table. Again, this is easily found on the FB group page.
- Sign up for group excursions, its a great way to meet people.
- Join some of the activities on board like daily Trivia, dance classes, workshops and seminars – all perfect for meeting like minded people.
Traveling solo forces you to confront the reality of who you are, to get comfortable with your own company, and to trust your instincts.
Brenna Smith
Remember, its good to be open to new friendships, but enjoying your own company is good too! Solo travel is also about spending time with yourself. Put yourself out there, but don’t feel pressure to constantly socialise. You are the boss of you and no one else is paying your trip. So be sure prioritize yourself.
Here are some ways you can take time for yourself:
- Savour the solo experience on your private balcony, or in a scenic spot.
- Treat yourself to a spa experience – either a massage, or a mani/pedi. Many cruise ships have special treatment and facilities like steamers, heated loungers and they are a fantastic way to unwind without needing company.
- If staying connected is important, then opt for one of the internet packages that link you up to your family and friends. They can also be a good source of solo entertainment on sea days or early nights in your cabin.
- Check out the ship’s library, usually stocked with magazines or books and most cruise lines will lay out daily trivia, word challenges and sudoku puzzles for the guests.
Solo travel is the ultimate form of self-care — an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your values, and your passions.
Nikki Brantmark
I have discovered that a solo cruise is one of the most relaxing and freeing ways to travel for me. Most of all, I have made great friends, which I will share more about in coming days.
Until next time..when I’ll share some tips from the real pros….the seasoned solo traveller.
