Cruise Like You Mean It-Even If It Is Just You I recently took a solo cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, and it was more than a short vacation. It was a vibe shift. I danced like no one was watching during morning fitness. I ate a Chop's filet and ordered dessert. I did what I wanted, when I wanted to do it with zero compromises. Just me, myself and the sea. If you have been thinking about cruising solo or just need a gentle reminder to put yourself first, here is why this ship delivered so much more than just a four-night getaway.
A Cozy Ship That Feels Like Home I must admit, I was nervous; however, stepping onto Enchantment of the Seas felt somewhat comforting. With less than 2,800 guests onboard, it did not take long before I was greeting the same smiling Diamond lounge concierge by name (shout out to Andy Arias), waving to familiar faces as I walked around the decks and claiming "my seat" in the Centrum like a seasoned solo cruiser. I find smaller ships to have a certain charm as they feel less overwhelming and in my opinion, there is more personalization/connection with the crew. Now, I will not sugarcoat it as there were a couple of moments that felt a little tender. Sitting by myself on the first night in the main dining room did feel a tad awkward. However, by the second day of the cruise, I was no longer at a table for one but having dinner with others I met onboard. Although having dinner alone can be a new-found kind of experience, I thoroughly enjoyed having others to talk with, especially during dinner. Overall, the environment of a smaller ship made cruising solo feel inviting, not isolating.
You Are In Charge of Your Daily Itinerary Now this was a highlight of cruising solo. I had all the freedom and none of the compromise. There was no planning around someone else’s schedule. I found this very liberating because if I wanted to take a nap, I did. If I wanted to treat myself to the Chef’s Table, an elevated and intimate multi-course tasting menu with wine pairing experience ($$), I did. In the past, when I have traveled with others, there was always someone who needed me to be up and out of the cabin by a certain time in order to grab that pool chair or someone reminding me to be promptly at the theater 30 minutes in advance to get a good seat for the upcoming show. Guess what? When you are cruising alone, you get to do exactly what you want, when you want. So yes, sleep in late, book that fancy dinner, show up on your own timeclock and savor every moment. You deserve it.
The Kind Of Escape That Reminds You Who You Are And What You Deserve Being newly single brings its own sort of adjustment— dating “tips,” from family and friends, the occasional too-loud brunch question: “So, are you seeing anyone yet?” and for me, cruising alone. This cruise was my escape from the curveball 2024 brought to my personal life. The rhythm of the ocean, the quiet of early morning sunrise views, and even the gentle sway of the ship—it all felt healing. One afternoon, I joined a trivia team at the Schooner Bar. After all, it was ABBA trivia (one of my all time favorite bands). Well, my team didn’t win, but we laughed a lot. And in that laughter, I found a new kind of joy: joy in simply being me again. This cruise reminded me that life is meant to be lived to its fullest, savoring the moments and being grateful for having the ability to do what I love for a living. I realized that solo cruising isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Here are a few of my favorite solo-friendly onboard moments: Live music at Boleros – grab a drink, find a seat, and soak it in (dancing optional but encouraged ). Morning coffee –take it up to Deck 11 with panoramic views of the ocean. The perfect place to journal or just enjoy the peace. Vitality fitness center with an ocean view – because a little movement feels good, and those views? Next-level therapy. Cruising solo gave me peace, clarity and joy in ways I did not expect. So if you are sitting there wondering if you can do it, the answer is: YES. You do not need a plus one to experience the magic of travel. Because sometimes the best travel companion is just you and the ocean. Thinking of cruising solo? I can help you plan it like a pro.
