Being an autistic adult, socializing is difficult and confusing, especially when it comes to small talk and eye contact. But I love cruising for two things: ship + the ocean. No bar hopping, no attending shows, just me, my kindle, the ship + the ocean. I am starting my RU-vid channel on what it’s like to travel while being autistic, and cruising is such a huge love for me. I have not come across many autistic adults who love cruising, or even gone on a ship. So I’m hoping my content will be inspiring, educational and fun to watch
Very cool! I'm AuDHD and absolutely love cruising either alone or with my close friends. Often though, I run into moments of frustration or feeling uncomfortable when I'm with my group because of the varying opinions on what's going on or they think I'm being inflexible, annoying or whatever.
I can relate a little having social anxiety. Its a shame I can only open up with alcohol. I am perfectly at peace on my balcony with room service. I enjoy some shows and the casino but im mainly into the good ports.
You can mix autism with social things. I’m an introvert on the fringes of Don’t talk to me, but I do technical sales. My love of computers that have no emotion but also the admiration from humans who say “ you are so smart” on a topic. You just need to find a topic the other human is interested in and provide some view point, we tend to think inside our own heads, you can share that and not all people think you are a narcissist. Conversations are about them not you, when I learned that it helped me be more social.
I've been going solo for about 18 years. Occasionally I will invite a friend, but so often it cramps my style. Having complete freedom to do what you want, when you want with zero compromising is priceless.
Correct. You can also set with other solo travelers at a larger table. I do it all the time. I do not worry about what other people think and have met plenty of people. The middle east was fantastic.
Tbh solo cruising can be better than with a group or family … no responsibility for anyone else, no drama and no restrictions or expectations. Having said that with my family we know how to roll and equally give each other space . Saying that I will definitely try a solo cruise as an experience and just go with the flow when I want 🎉
The ABSOLUTE BEST TIMES I'VE HAD WAS EVEN I DECIDED THAT I WOULD ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NOT ROOM WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS 😂😂😂😂BEEN THERE ,DONE THAT, ALMOST WENT TO JAIL 😅😂😅😂 I DO LOVE THE SAFETY IN NUMBERS BUT, BY THE 3RD DAMN DAY 😳 😅SOME OF THEM WON'T SO SAFE...FROM ME 😂😂😂😂
I love solo cruising. I do the specialty dining, the excursions that I want, a drink package for coffee and a few cocktails, watch the shows and enjoy the live music. I’m super comfortable in my own company😊and I meet so many people.
My best vacations have been solo. You can do what you want to do, when you want to do it. I could have zero interactions with people on my trips & be content, but I always seem to meet people on my trips, especially the solo ones. Im going on a solo cruise soon & looking forward to the peace & relaxation.
The first thing is you need to be your own best friend. If you dont enjoy being alone with your own thoughts, you may not enjoy solo travel. If you absolutely require external stimuli and social interaction to have a good time, then you may not like solo travel. Also, generally no one cares what you are doing. If you are confident and comfortable sitting alone, eating alone, etc. most people don't give you a second thought let alone stare. If you've never solo traveled, you can start by going to dinner alone, a movie alone, etc and see how you feel. Personally I absolutely love the freedom of being alone and have a great time. Even dining in the main dining room, I enjoy my food, people watch, watch the ocean, just have a pleasant meal.
If there's one thing I've learned from quite a few solo trips (cruises, land trips, etc).. NO ONE cares that I'm sitting or eating alone. Everyone is in their own little world dealing with their own lives. They don't know if my partner might just not be feeling well, or if I'm completely alone. It was a concern on my first solo trip but that stress was quickly wiped away. I've never felt judged or had weird looks.. if anything I've gotten looks of "god, I wish.. my kids are driving me crazy right now" lol. Solo travel is awesome!!!
Had a great solo trip on NCL, upgraded to balcony cabin, had the upgraded premium drinks and restaurant package. This was also when the pandemic restrictions had just ended, so no kids and ony 40% capacity. It was a dream!
Just got off my 4th solo cruise yesterday. Love it I’m very much an introvert so I never attend the solo meetings and I don’t care if I meet people or not. I cruise so I don’t have to be social if I don’t want to be. I do my excursions solo so I get to see different places. Most of the time I don’t go out of my way to talk to people. Of course if someone starts talking to me I will talk back but I rarely initiate conversations. But I’m still enjoying myself trust me. I’m about to book my 5th solo cruise and it will probably be in Europe again. I don’t mind sitting at the table by myself, I prefer it, so I don’t have to go through all of the small talk and people asking me a bunch of questions. On my last cruise, I was sat at a larger table and the people didn’t show up the first night. I was happy about this and I enjoyed my dinner alone. But I asked the staff to move me to a solo table so I would be more comfortable.
I want to do this so badly. I am also an introvert and boardline agoraphobic which makes it extremely difficult for me to be out and about and to interact with others. It also holds me back for a lot of things I want to experience. I have cruised with family about 5x. I love it! It's definitely my "thing" now. But my ultimate goal is to be able to do one solo. I opened up so much my last cruise about 2wks ago. Meet a few good people. I would love to be able to experience more of that. Cruising seems to make meeting and talking to strangers easier for me bc everyone is there to meet people and have a good time!
Honestly LOVE solo cruising! Book cruises, excursions, dine alone in buffet or main dining and same with activities. Definitely prefer! It's Simply PEACEFUL! Like a whole New World!!!
I love solo cruising because I need my space, peace and rest. I book excursions through the cruiseline and stick with the group. I enjoy eating alone or can eat with a group. It gives me flexibility to set my own schedule everyday. I never give out my cabin number to anybody for any reason. If I decide to join people for an event, I meet them there. I don't go to other folks cabin either. My head stays on 360 swivel on watch at all times. I like an ocean view or a balcony for 7 or 8 days; short cruise is 5 days for me, 3 or 4 is way too short. I won't cruise Norweigian in that solo cabin and really don't want to socialize in the singles area. I did book a solo cabin on Celebrity and that was great because usually I wind up booking a regular cabin on the cruiselines and paying the single supplement. On Royal Carribean and Celebrity it's double points, not on Carnival. I join the Facebook group for the cruise and enjoy communicating with others who are on that cruise. Solo cruising is taking off more for sure. I tell my friends that I do not share a hotel or cruise cabin and definitely not a resort condo. I want my space and peace yet enjoy being with other people. If you can afford it, cruise solo at least once and you might decide not to share space ever again. Who cares if people whisper when I am dining alone. I love my alone dining time and who cares what anybody says. Did they pay for my cruise? I have never felt lonely or left out. I feel that I don't have enough time to do everything. I'm out and about more than in my cabin and attend most of what I have as a favorite on my schedule. I hate to have people also asking me about why I am by myself. BECAUSE I CHOOSE TO BE BY MYSELF. I do a lot of volunteer work and also work intermittent at a medical school, volunteer for a state pageant and at my church so I am very social. Cruising is my ME time, relax and enjoy life MY WAY time so I don't need anybody attempting to put me in a box because they need to have a companion. We are all different and should be respected for being uniquely who we are. Good video Jay. Solo cruising totally ROCKS.
NCL now have solo balcony and ocean view cabins at solo rates and you have access to the solo lounge and its amenities. When booking your cruise select “1” cruiser and the solo cabin options will come up.
Solo accommodations are usually more expensive than if you took a double room. You may join groups online, however, it doesn't mean that you will meet them on the cruise. Want to meet people go to the casino. Dining is important. If people want to stare let them. Not a very social person.
Just watched this video, and my goodness so much trepidation! I absolutely cannot vacation with other people and it’s worse with just one other person. I’m about 20 years or so older than you, so I’m much more comfortable in my own skin. Being solo is the only way I can truly relax and be on vacation. I do vacation with my family and go to other places, but going on cruises alone is a must for me. The single supplement is an investment in my sanity and mental health. I have a blast on cruises alone and “hooking up” with someone is a different type of cruising. The only anxiety I ever had on a cruise is when I went with someone else or in a group. If people are “looking at me” sitting alone in the MDR or restaurant, I imagine they’re jealous. No, I couldn’t care less who’s “looking at me” or not, but that’s an attitude that comes with maturity.
I'm headed for my third solo cruise soon and I love it. Dining isn't an issue for me but there were two times that ppl saw me and invited me to their table. Another instance, a guy came and invited himself to mine. Solo cruising is great for those who like to meet new ppl.
In my experience, it’s usually the crew that brings up the issue of why you are traveling solo. This usually happens on port days when you choose not to leave the ship. They must think you are bored, when you’re actually trying to relax.
Ive been cruising solo since 1996. I dont go on cruises to meet people. I have to deal with people in my everyday life, Im on vacation to relax and spend time alone. Not everyone is a social being. I will chat with people im sittinf next to in the dining room or at showa, but I dont go out looking for crowds of people to meet.
"NOT EVERYONE IS A SOCIAL BEING"...... that's real talk! Extroverts don't understand or believe that because they look at things from their perspective. They can't imagine anyone not wanting to be around other people, but trust me, we're out here. Introverts are perfectly happy beginning alone(not lonely). We don't need, and more often, don't want companionship and would rather not have others around at all. Cruising in a balcony cabin is the perfect place for that. I've done most of the excursions that I want (swam with the dolphins, rode the camels, snorkeling the great barrier reef, swimming with the stingrays, ruins ruins and more ruins, blah blah blah), so now I usually spend the entire 7 days in my room on my balcony being in love with the ocean. I order room service but may go out to the main dining room or restaurant once or twice(to be stared at for eating alone, I think it's funny). For me solo means solo. I love it!
You wouldn't BELIEVE how many people were on my last cruise solo. It was wild. I was technically solo, but was with a big group in diff cabins so I went and hung out with the solo activity stuff and I was suprised lol
Great video. As someone who eats out (by myself) often, i have learned that its best to not go dine out on fridays or saturdays as those days are when i feel most judged, but any other day i dont care and if someone is staring thats their issue. Somepeople never did anything in their life alone. They choose to not enjoy things unless someone is with them, sometimes people are admiring you being able to eat alone or go soemwhere alone
I taught myself that in the Navy almost 30 years ago. When I wasn't with other shipmates and friends, I would treat myself to movies, dinners, etc. I always avoided the weekends because i deemed those as "date nights/couples nights. I would go to lunch earlier during those days, but never dinner especially if it was a place where you had to wait on a table.
I went on my first solo cruise this past January. I loved it! I chilled when I wanted to and socialized at events attended. I even met another solo female and we went on a fun excursion together so we wouldn't be alone. Also went to eat at the dining room daily by myself. Didn't notice or care if people stared because I was eating alone. Met some really nice people and had a great time relaxing as well. Can't wait to do it again.😍
I'm a confident solo traveller and I'm German, and that's why I'm a staring-expert. 😂 I always win the staring contest... 😇And to be on the safe side I have a bunch of shirts and hoodies with the imprint "Yes, I'm cruising solo! And I love it!"
My first cruise ever was solo, and I had so, so much fun! Do shared dining in the evening and try EVERYTHING...I must have loved it, I am heading out again in September 😊
I just did a cruise alone last week MSC. I love cruises but let me say NEVER do MSC alone! I felt so lonely/single. That cruise is ONLY for couples/ or family with kids!!! I felt like a fish out of water there!!
My very first cruise was solo, I had a great time. When I returned, the friends who were scared to go asked me if I was bored being alone? I told them the ship had over 2,000 people, I never felt alone,.
I love your channel. I'm taking my 1st solo in March 2025 with NCL. I really don't think I'll ever cruise again with others. I love my own company. I'm fine doing things alone. I do, however, want to meet with other solo cruises as well.
Best thing i ever did... shuffleboard. My partner was 87 and her friends were OLDER. It is one thing to watch history on TV and another to talk to people that created it. I joined Ms Sarah for the Captains Dinner dressed to the nines.
Most cruiselines have single mixers every evening. Cruising solo doesn't always mean you are single, so i dont want to mingle or find anybody to bed westle with. I don't mind people staring, but I always ask the Maitre d to find me a corner table for 2.
I love solo travel. I have taken people on cruises and like you said, we have different wants and needs. It gives me a chance to be selfish and do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I always just talk to people in the elevator or on shore excursions just by asking them, "where are they from?" or looking at the color of their keys and asking, "how many cruises they have been on?'. Those are two ice breaking questions that mostly everyone will answer with great enthusiasm.
I cruised solo on NCL in a studio cabin and it was great! I did a transatlantic 13 day cruise so plenty of time to chill and meet people. I also filmed vlogs everyday during the cruise and never had any problems! Great tips, J!
I'm a 60 yo recent widow, so I'm not looking to hookup. But I do enjoy going to shows, and am a foodie. While I'm shy and introverted, I do like hanging out with others who might have common interests. I think it would be fun to sit in a place, have a drink or two, and people watch. I don't care if people stare at me while I'm eating. I might smile and ask them to join me, who knows?
Thank you for the tips. I am going on my first solo cruise this summer, and I can’t wait! My husband doesn’t get nearly as much vacation/PTO as I do, so I’d like to get more comfortable traveling solo. Thought a cruise would be a good place to start.
I've only been on one Cruise, and I plan on going back to that particular Cruise, every year. I love Heavy Metal Music, and that Cruise is what it is based around.
Even on a group cruise, I still have my own cabin. I am a travel agent and took a small group of family and friends on a short cruise. They wanted to do their own thing and I as available if they needed anything, THEY DIDN'T, which was awesome and ME time for doing what I wanted just like my solo cruises. I did link up with them sometimes for a meal or before an excursion since we all had different excursions. They loved it and are ready to go again.
I am a single traveler. My last two trips were on Amtrak. I willbe taking my first cruise someday and I really liked that video. Keep up the great work. Mike from Vegas.
Wow...did a solo last year, solo cabin. Moved to balcony because that closet was too small. Again..SOLO..made friends but none came with me. The difference was $600..big deal!
Thanks for the tips Jay! I’m going on my first solo cruise for my birthday in October and I’m not really nervous. But, it’s a 7 day cruise and being alone that long makes me a little anxious. I’ve traveled alone before but, it was to meet up with friends. But, as a empty nester, I’m ready for a new adventure! 😁
I am very social and meet alot of people when I cruise because I am a smoker. That said, I wouldn't go out to dinner by myself let alone go on a cruise by myself. I envy people who are comfortable traveling alone. My brother spends half the year in Italy and goes alone. Also want to say that I can't get enough of watching you dance. I would love to see a 5 minute video of just you dancing. You have amazing talent. Love from your #1 fan living in Delray Beach.❤
I cruise every Birthday Solo, I love to be waited on, enjoying all the ships crew always friendly. Sometimes in MDR I sit with 8 more cruisers, and sometimes I like to sit alone. The difference is how long I want to be in the MDR….I prefer the early shows.
I don't see no problem cruising by yourself. Because, at the end of your life, you die alone a love cruising by yourself. I don't care what nobody thinks. All I know is that I have my credit card in my pocket that's My best friend cause together and I'm good to go
Great video as always, J, and thanks for discussing this issue! I was so nervous to cruise solo at first, but I LOVE it. I think the main advice is don't go solo if you really want to go with someone else but just can't schedule with anyone. If you actually enjoy being solo like many of us, you're going to have a blast cruising solo. No one ever paid me any mind. I went to all the dining options including the specialty dining, alone. If any one was staring during my meals (I really don't think they were), I didn't notice, I was too busy enjoying my delicious food/drink and my Kindle! Cruise employees need more training on solo travelers because a few times (thankfully not often) they tried to push a conversation with me during meals because they thought I was 'lonely' when really they were disrupting my quiet time 😂 Go with the right attitude, and know you don't have to explain yourself (because why exactly?), and ENJOY!
My last 11 cruses have been solo ranging from 7-21 days and I LOVE it!! I can’t even cruising with someone and the hassle of having to figure out bathroom usage, wake-up schedules, etc. I go with holland most often. Celebrity is my 2nd fav. Trying MSC for the first time in the fall. Carnival and NCL … NEVER AGAIN!
I will be taking my 6th solo cruise in November and I have never felt “singled out” or judged eating alone. I have been traveling on Royal Caribbean and have not been able to book a solo cabin thus far, but I’m not mad because I’m accruing double points. I’ll be diamond on my 7th cruise. To clarify I am 54 SWF and not looking for a hookup. I just need some me time and if I connect with anyone on a friendship or potentially more level, I’ll just take that as it comes.
Totally agree…. A mutual friend and his wife invited six couples to go on a cruise with them; out of the blue, the husband calls everyone and states “Their” Divorcing” thus cancelled their cruise. Sidenote: Incredibly the host of the cruise was expecting the other six couples to cancel their cruises; in solidarity of them getting a divorce?!
Who cares about what other people think because you are cruising alone? Watching this was like being thrown back to the 1970s. I've taken 5 cruised in the past 2 years, everyone solo, and can't say I've had anything but a great time on all if them and pretty much nine if the points you raised ever crossed my mind.
I took my first Virgin Voyages cruise early May and I did do Facebook page for the cruise I was on. We arranged to meet on the cruise through the solo meet up. It was a big mistake. On the cruise they turned into high school mean girls. They were rude and disrespectful. I quickly disengaged from the group and I had a great time by myself. If you do the Facebook page, remember people are the same in person as they make themselves to be on social media.
I'm going on a cruise July 28th from Barcelona with 27 people. We ended up with an odd number of people and I volunteered to go into a cabin alone. So even though it's not a solo cruise, I love the fact that I can do what I want by default!
I'm a little bit surprised on your comments about being stared at as a solo cruiser. I've taken 4 solo cruises in the past year, and have never felt like I was being stared at - at least any more than is normal. I think the only difference between solo & with someone, is that because you are solo - it's easier to notice people watching you - because you are by yourself.
I travel solo often. I did Norwegian solo and it was nice. Doing another in December. I have done solo on MSC and they were accommodating for me. Nothing compares to solo
I love solo cruising. I love cruising with family/friends. I love cruising! My last cruise (15 day Panama Canal with Total Eclipse) was a solo trip. I even celebrated my birthday on that cruise. Never felt lonely. Met many nice people and a few people that I tried to avoid. (haha).
I found that couples prefer to be with couples. When traveling single you are better off socializing with other singles, when eating in a restaurant ask to be seated with other passengers. It is an uncomfortable experience for a new widow or widower who is traveling alone for the first time, please sort them out and make them feel included and comfortable
I cruise several times a year mostly by myself. I do not spend a lot of time in my cabin I go to shows and the casino and spend time soaking in the hot tubs and almost no time in the bars. I never realized that I was supposed to be embarrassed or ashamed about being by myself. I always request a signal table for dining and have never felt that people were staring or talking about Mw most people seem to just be trying to have a good time and are not that concerned with others as long as You are not rude to them.
I love solo cruising. I also enjoy cruising with my family/friends, but just having time for myself is a great thing to me. And I prefer solo cruising with Norwegian. They have a solo host, solo traveller meetings each day, dinner/party together - you can decide by yourself whether you join or not. Btw if you have not booked a solo studio, but a solo cabin, you have also access with your solo keycard to solo lounge (available on larger Norwegian ships). That's really great. Norwegian is the true pioneer of solo cruising. I have already booked solo with Norwegian a 9 day Alaska cruise in October. So excited.
When I am traveling alone it doesn’t bother me about everyone being booed up. I am not looking for a boo. I am here for a good time BY MYSELF. I am that person you were talking about being weird cause I do not talk to anyone and do not want anyone to talk to me 😂😂😂
I cruise solo as I’ve been unmarried my entire life, and I just have to budget accordingly buy have a fantastic time. I appreciated that NCL had the loosely solo facilities on their Bliss and Getaway but many times my travel agent scored me an upgrade so I had a balcony on my Encore birthday cruise in 2020. Next year I’m cruising solo to Alaska for a mini-suite. I’ve shared hotels and cruise cabins in the past and have had to deal with everything from snorers to waking me up after they’ve been partying. I’d rather just have my own. It’s more relaxing, if i stay onboard I’ll have a book or a camera. I’m never bored and I have usually made friends through Cruise Critic and I always meet people. It’s a great adventure.
As an introvert, I am that person that love being alone and left alone. I don't like to talk when eating, so I'm perfectly content eating by myself. Actually, I'm going on a MSC cruise and I haven't seen the option to reserve a solo table. Seating with strangers is very stressfull for me. Beside polite conversation, I don't need more interaction at all.
