Is Cruising Safe for Solo Travelers?

I see this question a lot on social media and in internet forums, and I can understand why people might have concerns.  Travel is usually filled with new places, new experiences, new cultures, so we’re already a bit unsettled.  Adding in the fears of pickpockets or other scary things we hear about from the media, and many people fear that traveling is unsafe, especially if you’re traveling solo, and even more so if you’re a woman.

While nothing is completely safe, cruising is one of the safest and easiest ways to see the world. Staying safe comes down to understanding ship safety protocols and basic personal awareness.

Shipboard Environment & Physical Security

Your room on the ship is very similar to a hotel room that you access with a key card.  Cruise ships have thousands of security cameras in hallways and public spaces in addition to monitoring the outside of the ship, including balconies.

When in your cabin, best practice is to keep your deadbolt secured.  You should also ensure your balcony door is always locked as well, unless you’re actively using it.  Each cabin includes a small safe to keep your passport, wallet, and other valuables when not using them.

Socializing & Personal Boundaries Onboard

Cruise ships are a great place to meet new people, especially as a solo traveler.  Many cruises offer a solo traveler meet up each evening to help meet other people and some offer dinner tables for solo travelers to dine together.  Having a friendly face or two onboard is always helpful for feeling safe.

Many people take advantage of the drink packages on cruises.  As a solo traveler, you want to be careful to not overimbibe.  You should also not share too much too quickly with strangers, including your cabin location.

Port Days & Excursions as a Solo Traveler 

One of my favorite things about cruising is that you get to see a bunch of different places while only having to unpack once.  Even better, you move from place to place overnight, while you’re sleeping, so you don’t have to deal with driving, flying, or taking trains to see multiple cities or countries.  Traveling from place to place in the safety and comfort of your cruise ship cabins can’t be beat.

Since you do want to leave that cabin and even the ship when in port, cruise sponsored excursions are a great option if you want to sightsee with the safety of a group.  Another benefit of a ship-sponsored excursion is that they will ensure you get back to the ship in time for departure, or get you to the next port, though that rarely happens.  Often if a ship-sponsored excursion is delayed slightly, they will hold the ship to make sure everyone gets back on board.

It can also be very safe to walk around the port areas or even venture into the city to take in the sights on your own.  This is very dependent on the port, and even in the seemingly safest cities, you should always maintain awareness of your surroundings and keep your possessions secure.

Health, Medical & Emergency Support

Among all of the amenities on a cruise ship, there is one you hope you never have to use, the medical center.  The medical center is staffed with medical professionals and has equipment to support a variety of medical needs.

The ultimate safety tip while cruising is to ensure you have adequate insurance for your trip.  Illness or injury at sea may not be cheap, and your own health insurance may not cover you while out of the country or on a cruise.

Conclusion

While taking that first trip alone can feel intimidating, cruising takes away almost all the logistical stress of solo travel. You get the adventure of seeing new destinations paired with the safety and comfort of coming home to the same room every night. That unique safety net allows you to leave the worry behind and focus entirely on exploring the world on your own terms.