What is it like to cruise solo on one of Royal Caribbean's mega-ships?
While I have cruised alone before, this month was my first time sailing on an Oasis Class ship by myself.
I took a 7-day Mediterranean cruise on Oasis of the Seas, spending my time alone exploring exciting ports like Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Italy.
The Oasis Class is such a uniquely large and thrilling type of cruise ship that I was curious about what to expect onboard.
Would I feel more lonely in the wide expanse of the vessel?
Or would the increased number of people onboard provide more opportunities for connection?
In the end, I was surprised by just how amazing this cruise turned out to be.
Based on my experience, the pros of a solo cruise far outweigh the cons.
With proper planning ahead of time, you don't have to feel lonely or bored!
After seven days onboard Oasis of the Seas, here are the top pros and cons of cruising solo.
Read more: 5 things that surprised me about going on my first solo cruise, from enjoying my stateroom to conversing with others
Con: Exploring ports by yourself
One of the biggest downsides to cruising by myself was that I had to explore ports alone.
When you're already visiting a brand-new country with a foreign language and unfamiliar customs, facing all this alone can make the experience even more uncomfortable.
It can be very difficult to have an international flight and travel to a new city all alone.
Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time
It caused me to feel much more aware of my safety and required that I do a lot of research to have a good experience.
I had to find a safe hotel, book it, and check in by myself. I had to carry my own suitcases and find the best tourist sites alone.
Without the support of someone else, the burden fell on me to stay safe and plan my itinerary.
One method I had for combating this responsibility was by booking group tours.
That way, I had the support of a tour guide and the company of a group of other cruisers.
Pro: Going at your own pace
As someone who loves doing things independently, cruising solo feels extremely freeing.
You have an entire ship to explore, ports to tour, and no one limiting your schedule.
I love cruising because I get complete control over my itinerary, with no one else comprising my priorities.
I can nap when I choose, visit the museums and historical sites that I want to visit, and eat where I want.
Especially on an Oasis Class ship, with such a wide breadth of activities to choose from, cruising alone made it easier to make time for my favorite things.
Read more: I've only sailed Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships: Will I be disappointed if I try other ships?
Con: Eating alone
While I have no problem eating alone in my hometown, something about being on a cruise makes it more awkward.
Especially when I dined in the Main Dining Room, people seemed concerned or confused that I was traveling by myself.
Surrounded by big groups and loud families, I felt a little uncomfortable eating at a table alone.
However, being on an Oasis Class ship made this a better experience.
When I previously cruised solo on Enchantment of the Seas, I felt much more self-conscious.
People even came up to my table and asked me if I was okay.
On Oasis of the Seas, it was easier to blend into the crowd, and I even noticed other cruisers dining alone.
Pro: A room to yourself
One of my favorite aspects of cruising alone was getting a room all to myself.
Especially in those cheaper, smaller interior staterooms, it felt much more spacious with only one person.
Those 149 square feet were all my own.
I could use all the storage in the cabin, hang my clothes using the whole closet, and spread my items out over the room.
Traveling without a partner also meant that I got to shower, nap, and wake up whenever I wanted.
I enjoy ordering room service breakfast, and it can be hard to find space to eat and keep food for 2 in an inside cabin.
By myself, however, I had plenty of room to dine and leave my food on the desk.
Con: Feeling bored
Cruising with a travel buddy means you always have someone to talk to, and a partner to share exciting experiences with.
While sailing alone can be a peaceful experience, it also makes for a slightly boring cruise.
With just me to entertain, I sometimes found myself feeling dull and unsure of what to do next.
However, Oasis of the Seas also made it hard to be completely bored.
There were always events happening, and more activities than I had the chance to try!
When I put my mind to it, I could really enjoy the experience alone.
Pro: Meeting new people
Cruising solo forces you to make conversations and attempt to meet new people onboard.
Without bringing a travel buddy of your own, you become inspired to chat with others and make new friends.
When I cruised alone on Enchantment of the Seas, I barely talked to anyone onboard. Families and couples seemed to keep to themselves, not even making conversation in the elevators.
In contrast, Oasis of the Seas almost overwhelmed me with the amount of connections to be made.
People would chat on the elevators, speak to me on group shore excursions, or introduce themselves at the club.
I built relationships with my new buddies in the hot tub and at all the activities onboard.
In the end, I made so many friends that I had to start being intentional about getting time alone!
It hardly felt like a solo cruise at all.
