I’ll admit it: when I booked a 13-night voyage on Celebrity’s Eclipse—just me, the open ocean, and 2,500 strangers—I was equal parts thrilled and terrified. Cruising to Iceland, Ireland, and Scotland wasn’t a “work trip,” but old habits die hard. I loaded my Kindle, drafted to-do lists, and steeled myself for a blissful, solitary escape. Instead, I discovered how wildly fun it can be to journey alone… together.
Buffet Buddies & Shared Tables
Day one, I darted straight for the buffet—of course—plopped down next to a couple, “Traveling alone?” They asked. “How wonderful—you only look after yourself!” became the recurring theme I heard from wives throughout the cruise. From then on, breakfast and lunch in the main dining room meant “Table for Many, please.” turning meals into a delightful mash-up of stories and laughter.
Barstool Chats & Small Worlds
Why retreat to my cabin with a glass of wine when the ship’s bar awaited? Perched on a stool, I sparked up conversations with neighbors—like the Poop Deck’s Bahamian restaurant owner (small world, I’ve dined there!). Ringside seats at the bar turned strangers into friends and made every sip taste like camaraderie.
The Solo Traveler Meet-Up: Your New Crew
Determined to stretch my comfort zone, I attended the Solo Meet-Up on embarkation day. There, fellow lone travelers and cruise rep Bethanny rallied us, paired us for activities, and even snagged a communal dining table. Her warm welcome turned strangers into shipboard family, making every dinner feel like a mini reunion. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone; I had a mini family at sea.
Kindness in Every Port
Whether ashore in misty Reykjavik or under Scotland’s gray skies, I found the same warm spirit: couples checking if I had adventures planned, crew members offering island tips, and group tours that morphed into friendly escorts. Independence is great, but a little company now and then? Glorious.
Memories Over Manuscripts
Spoiler alert: the Kindle stayed closed, the work to-do list gathered dust, and I danced more than I planned. I laughed until my sides hurt, swapped stories with newfound friends, and collected memories that outshine any email thread. After all, isn’t that what a vacation is for?
Would I Cruise Solo Again?
In a heartbeat. If you’ve ever hesitated to set sail alone, take it from me—sometimes the best travel companion is… yourself… plus everyone you meet along the way.
Want to learn more about taking the plunge into solo cruising? Contact me at Sara@PlatinumTravelWI.com or 414.377.8611 and let’s explore your options together—no pressure, just possibilities and a whole lot of adventure.
