To travel alone. To travel lonely. Either way these word combinations almost always are met with raised eyebrows and sympathy from those accustomed to traveling in groups. This response is absolutely bewildering to those of us who prefer to discover the world unaided. After all, sometimes we just don’t feel like being responsible for somebody else’s good mood. Traveling with a friend is no doubt a wonderful thing. Yet often our wishes and capabilities do not match. Vacations come only once a year. And they are far from always timed to coincide.
There is a difference between lonely travelers and those traveling alone. While the former always try to find company on their trip, the latter know for certain that wherever the road may take them, they are solely responsible for their own entertainment.
Unaccompanied recreation is a matter of choice. It does not always guarantee a miraculously unforgettable trip to a world where to travel in couples is the norm. And, of course, do not forget the forfeited discounts for couples.
A person going on a cruise alone always spells losses for carriers. In other words, this is not just an empty bed, but also less income for bars, restaurants, casinos, spa salons, and tour guides.
With a rare exception, a solo traveler is almost always forced to compensate the absence of a partner by 150-200%. For instance, 2 cruise lines, NCL and Princes Cruises, have doubled commission fees for solo travelers. (These are not government duties and taxes for which only one person may be charged under law).
A solo traveler can always find luxurious cruises onboard both huge ocean liners and small hi-end yachts. Everything depends on your desires. There are cruises for single ladies and gentlemen who like to dance; cruises for single persons looking for company (such as theme trips for bridge fans or enthusiasts of a particular cuisine).
Of course, you can always save on your trip costs using the Find a Partner program offered by most cruises. You will have a partner selected according to your specifications: gender, age, habits, etc.
There is a large variety of cruise lines and destinations. Here are some cruise lines with the best reputations, which travel to destinations in various parts of the seven seas.