One of the most attractive aspects of a cruise is the thought of getting away from it all. If you’re considering a cruise, but are worried that you’ll be sharing your floating resort with too many other people, there are plenty of ways to find some quiet spaces.
Here are our top tips for enjoying your own company on a cruise.
Book a balcony?
We’d almost go so far to say this is a necessity for a cruise. Balcony accommodation gives you a private outdoor space of your own for sun bathing, reading, watching the scenery and, if your ship offers room service, enjoying your meals. If your budget can stretch to it, opt for a suite with even more space, the bonus of a separate bedroom and larger balcony.
Seek out the ship’s quiet spaces?
Good places to investigate include the library and, on larger ships, the promenade deck beneath the lifeboats, which should be shadier but still have sun loungers. Another great place to escape to is the spa – besides a spot of pampering, they are havens of quiet with relaxation rooms. Some ships, such as Celebrity and Costa, even offer dedicated spa accommodations.
The smaller the ship, the fewer the passengers
A small, luxury ship has fewer guests sharing your space and cruise lines with smaller ships, including Seabourn and Regent, offer more balcony accommodations from which to choose. Dining is also open seating – you dine when and with whom you choose – and 24-hour room service is a given, so you can choose to eat in your suite.
Pick a ship with an adult-only enclave?
As the name suggests, said enclaves offer grown-ups a chance to get away from the crowds into an exclusive, childfree space. Examples include The Sanctuary on Princess, and The Retreat on P&O. However, some ships do charge for entry and restrict how long you can stay. And, as you can imagine, on school holiday cruises, these areas can also be extremely coveted (most likely populated with exhausted parents).
Explore ashore solo
If your ship visits ports of call that are easy to explore without the need for a tour, go it alone. That said, if you need to take a tour and can stretch to it, consider hiring a private tour guide and car, or rent a car of your own. Should your ship visit its own private island, renting a cabana is a great way to escape the crowds.
Splash out?
Some big ships have facilities that are exclusively reserved for cruisers who book suites. Guests of MSC’s Yacht Club, for example, have their own concierge, lounge, swimming pool and other amenities served by a round-the-clock butler service. It’s a similar situation for guests of Haven by Norwegian on NCL’s Epic, and Queen’s Grill guests on Cunard’s Queens.
What’s your tip for enjoying some peace and quiet while on a cruise?
Related articles:
Top priorities for solo cruisers
Why try small ship cruising
Considering a river cruise?
A regular travel contributor to YLC, SJ’s dream is an endless summer where bikinis are work appropriate attire.
