Are you searching for an epic solo cruising adventure? You’ve come to the right place! Some folks have more fun traveling with a group, and that’s totally okay. But for those who are looking for a little alone time, those who relish a chance to chart their own course and embrace the spirit of wanderlust with no compromise, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to an adventure with a Carnival cruise vacation.

Carpe that diem and plan a trip that’s all about the most important person in your life: you. Get started below with our complete guide to cruising solo with Carnival.

Our Tips for Solo Cruising

Travel anxiety? Never heard of her! As you begin to plan your Carnival cruise journey, these easy tips are sure to keep the planning stress at bay.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Expand Your Horizons

When you take a solo Carnival cruise, you step out of your comfort zone and enter a completely new world of possibility. And trust us when we say that stepping out of your comfort zone has never felt so…comfortable! Whether you’re trying new foods, letting yourself wander through unforgettable destinations or kicking back and learning to enjoy your own delightful company, a solo cruise is the perfect way to build your sense of empowerment, confidence and independence, all while having the time of your life.

2. Travel Solo, But Not Alone

This might sound backwards, but just because you’re cruising solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone! From the moment you step onboard a Carnival vacation, you’ll be joined by fellow adventurers from all corners of the world. Don’t let the idea of traveling solo hold you back from meeting new people and making life-long connections. Onboard, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for meeting other travelers, whether you’re striking up a conversation at the RedFrog Rum Bar or teaming up for trivia night. Pro tip: most times, it’s as easy as saying “hello.”

3. Remember: You Control the Pace

When you’re master of your own voyage, you have total freedom to thrive. The itinerary, food, activities—you name it, it’s all up to you. Think less compromising, and more doing whatever strikes your fancy, whenever you want. Follow your own desires and tailor every single moment to your liking— who’s going to stop you? Don’t forget to relax and build some down time into your schedule. Whether you want to chill by the pool or even watch one of our Dive-In Movies at Carnival Seaside Theater™, You won’t want to miss a second of all the sweet relaxation you’re in for!

4. Stay Informed with Plenty of Research

Before you set sail, arm yourself with knowledge about your destination. From local customs to must-visit hotspots, a little research goes a long way in ensuring smooth sailing on your solo adventure! Whether you’re exploring a bustling metropolis or a serene island town, it’s never a bad idea to have a foundational understanding of the traditions, culture, history and etiquette of the place you’re visiting. It’s also a good idea to research your ship’s layout, dining options and entertainment venues before you set off; this will allow you to navigate with ease and get a rough idea of what you want to do, see and experience.

5. Be a Safe & Smart Traveler

Traveling solo means traveling safe and smart! The first step to solo safety is keeping your loved ones in the loop by sharing your itinerary and staying in touch throughout your journey. Provide them with essential details like port and excursion information, and check-in often. Don’t share any sensitive information with strangers and be vigilant about your surroundings! Whether you’re deciding which excursion to join or striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler, don’t forget to trust your instincts and intuition. Your inner compass is there to guide you, and staying in tune with it will allow you to sail on with confidence and peace of mind.

6. Practice Doing Things by Yourself

Cruising alone doesn’t come naturally to all of us, and doing things with just yourself for company can feel a little strange at first. So… why not practice first? Before embarking on your cruise, get used to being by yourself, if you aren’t already an independent adventurer. Treat yourself to a solo spa day, go see a movie, take a cooking class or read in the park; these pre-cruise activities will prepare and empower you for an unforgettable solo trip on the high seas.

7. Make Friends with the Carnival Crew

The friendly faces of Carnival’s staff aren’t just here to make sure you have a great time; they’re also your partners in fun, your guides to the best adventures, and honorary members of every vacation squad. Yes, even yours! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the service desk attendant, or ask your bartender to show you their best dance move. With irresistible charm and insider tips you won’t find anywhere else, our staff is here to turn your journey into an unforgettable occasion.

8. Sign Up for Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are the perfect way for a solo cruiser to explore a new destination, with none of the stress! Every Carnival destination features unique excursions that cater to every interest you could imagine. AKA, you can lean into the things you love, or explore something new! Cultural excursions can introduce you to the flavors, people, history and art of a region, letting you soak in all that delicious local flavor. 

If you want to get your adrenaline-pumping, adventure excursions are guaranteed to leave you with windswept hair and memories that’ll last a lifetime. Take a helicopter over glaciers in Alaska, zipline through the rainforest in Puerto Vallarta or take a jet ski adventure through the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas, all while meeting thrill seekers from around the world. 

9. Explore Group Activities Onboard

A Carnival cruise vacation is the perfect setting to try something new, and our onboard activities have something for every pace and taste! If you’re looking to be entertained, stop by The Punchliner Comedy Club, kick back poolside with Dive-In Movies, soak up the onstage drama with Playlist Productions or experience other fun-filled entertainment options. Ready to get active with your new favorite pastime? Check out Pickleball and square up against some other active cruisers, or bond over BBQ while you learn new cooking skills at the Carnival Kitchen.

10. Best Cruises for Solo Travelers

Like we said before: when you’re cruising solo, the only person you have to please is yourself. That means total freedom of choice! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves— we have to start at the beginning: choosing a destination. Traveling by yourself means the entire map is yours to explore, which is admittedly a lot of pressure. That being said, you know we’re here to help. 

You can’t go wrong by setting off on a Carnival cruise vacation in late March-April over Spring Break; whether you’re dreaming of lounging on pristine beaches or exploring faraway regions, Carnival has it all. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the pool, enjoy live music and shows, or try your luck at the casino, there’s never a dull moment on board.

We talked to our destination gurus, and they used their personal experiences and industry knowledge to suggest some of the top destinations and best cruises for solo travelers: 

• Alaska – For nature, adventure and wildlife enthusiasts, there’s no better destination than Alaska. A cruise here will provide more once-in-a-lifetime experiences than you can count, whether you enjoy them on your own or with a group. 
• Canada and New England – Looking for untouched landscapes, delicious seafood and endless scenic views? A Canada and New England itinerary may be just the cruise for you. Did someone say photo op? This scenic and peaceful corner of the world is also known for being welcoming and safe— perfect for solo cruising.
• Caribbean and Bahamas – The Caribbean and Bahamas were made for cruising, and offer the quintessential solo cruiser experience. Even better, you can experience Carnival’s private destination islands, including Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, to enjoy a number of fun activities with other Carnival cruisers! Celebration Key, coming in summer 2025, will have five distinct “portals,” including options for every type of solo traveler! Stay tuned for more info on this Carnival-exclusive destination.
• Mexico – Home to a friendly local scene and vibrant cultural experiences, Mexico is an ideal spot for solo cruisers to experience. With a number of itineraries available, you can decide whether you want to experience the Pacific charm of the west-coast Riviera or east-coast Caribbean and its island magic.  

One last question for you: why settle for an unremarkable spring break when you could have the solo adventure of a lifetime? Just think about it!