First time jitters?

[Need-a-vacation]

I'm booked for my first solo cruise in about a month. I only booked this cruise 10 days ago, just finalized my flights last night.

Now I'm having a case of "what the heck was I thinking?".  I've traveled alone plenty of times, but never for so many days without someone I know with me. I'm suddenly nervous about all the things -managing the airport, keeping myself busy but safe for 2 days in Vancouver, finding my way through embarkation, feeling like an outcast watching all the groups have fun together, feeling self conscious dining alone, what if something happens to me and nobody notices, etc, etc. 

 

Any experienced solo cruisers have advice for getting past these jitters? Do others have the same silly thoughts?

[bhsolo]

Hands on your back, you got this! First, let me start with it is absolutely 100% normal to have these jitters. Heck I’ve been solo traveling and cruising for 15 years and still have the same wonders/jitters.

 

Start with doing some research. Look at each airport - where is your airline based for terminal, what shops are there, do people recommend Uber or taxi from airport to hotel. For Vancouver start finding what you would like to do and see - check these forums, tripadvisor, and other sites. What does your cruise line require for embarkation, there will be info to walk you through it. Is Uber or shuttle easy to get from hotel to emembarkation port? Same for debarkation - for me it was cheaper to get shuttle from cruise line than a shuttle or Uber. 
 

For the cruise, sure some of those groups are having fun. But let me tell you, when I talk to them they are so happy to have someone else to chat with. An Alaska cruise is so relaxing and charming. For dinner, bring a book with you. Sometimes I got to read and other times I was next to 2 two-tops and we all chatted. I always switched it up - dining room, buffet, sit on balcony and not move. 
 

With the concern of would anyone notice, get wi-fi. This way you can feel comfortable on the ship knowing you can connect with people at home. It’s a small price to pay for your comfort. And if you are bored, you can browse and watch a movie you like. Helps calm the nerves. 
 

As with any trip, even if with people but especially solo, watch the drinking and remember it’s still a large floating city. I do usually go on the excursions sponsored by the cruise even as it’s more money. It feels safer and one less thing to think about. 
 

The best part of solo travel - you get to do what you want, when you want, and how you want. You can eat anything at any time without consulting anyone. You want ice cream for dinner - go for it. You want to do take some fun excursion - go for it. You decide to hibernate in the library or your balcony - enjoy! 

[JsMom2]

7 hours ago, Need-a-vacation said:

I'm booked for my first solo cruise in about a month. I only booked this cruise 10 days ago, just finalized my flights last night.

Now I'm having a case of "what the heck was I thinking?".  I've traveled alone plenty of times, but never for so many days without someone I know with me. I'm suddenly nervous about all the things -managing the airport, keeping myself busy but safe for 2 days in Vancouver, finding my way through embarkation, feeling like an outcast watching all the groups have fun together, feeling self conscious dining alone, what if something happens to me and nobody notices, etc, etc. 

 

Any experienced solo cruisers have advice for getting past these jitters? Do others have the same silly thoughts?

I was a single parent for many years, and started cruising with my daughter when she was 4.  It was easy to feel out of place among all the 2 parent families, and to feel overwhelmed handling my daughter and the luggage etc.  And once she got older, she pretty much ditched me, and it was like cruising alone.  So I get it.  But if you're just traveling by yourself, hey embrace it!  When the ships started up again after COVID, the prices were cheap, and I was in a toxic marriage, so I started cruising by myself to have some peace. (I mean like 10 a year).  My first post-covid cruise they made me eat at a table for 1 in the dining room.  The buffet wasn't open, and there was a charge for room service!  I thought I'd be miserable.  But I took my kindle and went in to the dining room.  I loved having a table my myself!  The wait staff really caters to you, and you get to eat at your own pace.  Rather than 2 hours in the dining room, I was able to get in and out in half an hour.  I've chosen to eat by myself, rather than share, on many occasions since.  When traveling alone, if you want to be around people, go to the game shows and trivia.  It's a great way to meet and interact with other people.  But if you don't want to, there's nothing wrong with finding a quiet place to read, or watch some shows you've downloaded.  Seems like every cruise I meet at least one Mom who's traveling with her family, who says, "you're traveling by yourself?  that sounds awesome!"  So just lean into it and enjoy.  Don't feel like you're missing out by now having someone else there.  Instead, revel in the fact that you get the whole stateroom to yourself!  And you don't have to do anything on someone else's schedule!  Honestly, it's hard for me to share a room with anyone else now!  I've got 3 cruises on the books right now, all solo.  And as for Vancouver, it's very easy to get around, and safer than most large US cities.  I stayed at the River Rock Casino. It was recommended by someone on the boards, and it had a great price.  And it's right next to the monorail station.  I took that downtown in the evening and met some other folks from Cruise Critic for dinner.  The next day I took it down to the port.  I joined their loyalty club pre-cruise and they upgraded me to a suite with a really cool view!  Check the boards for more info on things to do in Vancouver, and also to meet up with others on your sailing!  Enjoy your peaceful vacation!

[Need-a-vacation]

@bhsolo @JsMom2

Thank you both for your encouragement. I know I'm mostly letting my imagination get away with me!  I took a nasty spill during my last trip and was very grateful my son was there to help me , but I think that's rattled my confidence about traveling alone quite a bit. 

 

The last few cruises I've done were with my teen/young adult son who definitely ghosted me during the days on the ship. So I've had a taste of that part and it was nice to just do my own thing. And I think going truly solo will let me relax in a way that I can't when I feel responsible for my son.

[Truluv]

One additional tip I learned quickly when cruising solo ... don't be afraid to raise your hand & wave someone down for service if it feels like they're overlooking you. (Someone told me that servers could be waiting to see if you're going to be joined by someone else.)  Alaska is amazing and I'd definitely recommend trying some of the excursions.  Have a good time!

[Need-a-vacation]

3 hours ago, Truluv said:

Alaska is amazing and I'd definitely recommend trying some of the excursions.  Have a good time!

Thank you for the tip!

I'm not going to Alaska - this is the repo down to LA.  No ports or excursions.  

[Truluv]

Whoops - sorry!  My subconscious might be whispering that I need to book an Alaskan cruise LOL 👍

Edited August 31 by Truluv

[vswan]

Being a bit jittery is normal for the first time. I was married for 47 years, we cruised together more than 30 times. When he passed I was only 65 years old. Since I love cruising, started doing some research and decided I could do this. I had such a good time, I'm doing it again. I decided to do NCL because they seemed to have the best program for solo cruisers and I had cruised with them quite a bit in the past.

 

If there is a solo meet up, go the first night. This is the one that is most attended. The coordinator set up dinner reservations for those of us wanting to dine with others.

 

I booked my shore excursions through the ship. I just felt more comfortable being with others in another country. (Islands) It was also nice to have someone I had met at the solo gathering who was on the same excursion. That way I had someone who could watch my things on shore and I could return the favor.

 

I booked a solo balcony cabin. It was more money, but I had an outdoor private space to get away from all of the craziness if I felt the need.

 

You can do this. Just get out there. I do still travel with my daughter and grandson, but I feel a need to have my space also. I have two cruises booked. One with my daughter and niece, one solo. I am more excited about the solo one.