Solo Cruising in Your 20s and 30s: The Ultimate Guide to Setting Sail Alone - Cruise2Cruise
- J. Gracey
- May 10
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Solo Cruising in Your 20s and 30s: The Ultimate Guide to Setting Sail Alone
Solo cruising in your 20s and 30s is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and liberating travel trends. Whether you’re craving time to recharge, itching to explore new destinations, or looking to meet like-minded adventurers, cruising solo offers the perfect mix of structure and freedom. Today’s cruise lines have evolved to cater to younger solo travelers with curated activities, vibrant nightlife, and even solo cabins. Here's everything you need to know to make your solo voyage unforgettable.
Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers in Their 20s and 30s
Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to solo adventurers. Here are the top picks for younger solo cruisers:
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Norwegian leads the pack with its Studio Staterooms designed specifically for solo travelers—no single supplement required. They even include a Studio Lounge exclusively for solo guests, perfect for meetups.
Virgin Voyages: Designed with Millennials and Gen Z in mind, Virgin Voyages boasts adults-only ships, chic design, and a huge focus on wellness, food, and immersive entertainment. Expect everything from drag brunches to sunrise yoga.
Royal Caribbean: Known for its mega-ships packed with activities—from rock climbing to surfing simulators—Royal Caribbean is great for outgoing solo cruisers who want excitement and interaction.
Celebrity Cruises: For solo travelers who lean toward a more luxurious and wellness-forward experience, Celebrity offers refined food, boutique-style design, and cultural enrichment with fewer crowds.
Top Activities to Do Solo on a Cruise
Being alone doesn’t mean being bored. Cruises are packed with opportunities to dive into fun, try new things, and meet people without the pressure.
Fitness Classes & Wellness: Many ships offer spin, Pilates, HIIT, and sunrise yoga on deck. It’s a great way to start your day and meet health-conscious fellow travelers.
Solo Mixers & Speed-Friending: Look for solo traveler meetups often listed in the daily schedule. These low-pressure social events are a fantastic way to make friends early on.
Themed Nights & Dance Parties: From 80s parties to white nights, themed events give you a chance to dress up, dance, and mingle.
Excursions & Shore Tours: Book group excursions for kayaking, zip-lining, or food tours. They're naturally social and attract travelers who love to explore.
Best Destinations for Young Solo Cruisers
The right itinerary can make or break your cruise. Here are top destinations perfect for solo adventurers:
The Caribbean: Island-hopping through vibrant beaches, turquoise waters, and local street food scenes in places like St. Maarten, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic.
Mediterranean Cruises: Explore the culture and cuisine of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. These cruises combine history, nightlife, and beach time.
Alaska: For nature lovers and introverted solo travelers, Alaska offers glaciers, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. It’s more introspective but breathtaking.
Southeast Asia: For those seeking something off the beaten path, cruises that stop in Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore deliver both culture and adventure.
People to Meet Onboard
Cruise ships are full of interesting people—from other solo travelers to groups of friends and even digital nomads. Look out for:
Solo Travelers: Many cruises host events just for solo travelers. This is your tribe.
Crew Members: They're often from all over the world and are surprisingly easy to talk to. Just be respectful of their time.
Digital Nomads and Remote Workers: Some younger guests are working remotely and open to networking or grabbing a drink.
What to Pack for a Solo Cruise
Your cruise packing list should reflect both comfort and confidence. Here’s what to bring:
Day Bag/Backpack: For shore excursions and exploring ports.
Formal Night Outfit: Even solo cruisers love getting dressed up for dinner or theme nights.
Portable Charger & Power Strip: Keep your devices charged and ready to capture every moment.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in warmer climates.
Notebook or Journal: Document your solo travel experience or use it for mindfulness.
Bonus items: a good book for poolside reading, earbuds for private downtime, and something bold to wear if you're in the mood to turn heads.
Final Thoughts
Solo cruising in your 20s and 30s is a blend of freedom and discovery. It’s a chance to reset, meet people from around the world, and experience new destinations on your terms. Whether you’re dancing under the stars, hiking up a volcano, or sipping a cocktail at a solo mixer, cruising alone might just be the adventure you didn’t know you needed.
Ready to set sail solo? The ocean is calling.
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