Women face a different set of challenges when traveling solo compared to men, especially where safety is involved. And while a cruise ship may seem like a safe space to most, there are a few dangers onboard to look out for. So, while cruising can be exhilarating, is it safe for women to board the ship by themselves?
It is safe for a woman to go on a cruise alone, considering that there’s a security force on board to ensure the safety of every passenger. A solo female cruiser must be more aware of her surroundings and keep some security measures in mind before the trip.
In this article, we’ll explore the possible dangers for women traveling alone on a cruise and a few safety measures they can take to protect themselves. We’ll also look at some reasons why traveling solo on a cruise ship can be a novel experience.
What To Watch Out for When Solo Cruising
Most people get on cruises with their families, friend groups, or significant others, with few (if any) choosing to travel solo. And while everyone may seem pleasant and friendly, it’s crucial to maintain some distance with your fellow passengers when cruising alone.
Here are a few ways in which a cruise ship can be a dangerous place for women traveling alone.
- Cruises are typically gigantic vessels with several sections. Some areas of the ship are entirely deserted at certain times and can be dangerous when venturing alone.
- Passengers become familiar with each other over time, and some may be able to find out the exact location of your cabin.
- Most cruises disembark at several locations around the world, so passengers can explore the place and attend social or cultural events here. These docking points are perhaps the most dangerous aspects of a cruise because the locals are aware that passengers are getting off the ship with their purses.
- Cruise liners host some of the hottest parties you’ll attend. However, these parties also warrant heavy drinking, and some guests can get pretty boisterous and even violent during these drinking sprees.
Additionally, cruises give customers access to an unlimited supply of alcohol throughout the day. And we all know that drunk people have the tendency to do absurd and sometimes dangerous things.
So while a view of the endless sea with sunset on the horizon can be a magical experience, you must watch out for these apparent dangers when traveling solo on a cruise ship.
Safety Measures for Solo Women on a Cruise Ship
Setting positive intentions for a trip and hoping everything goes as planned is a great way to start any journey. However, it would be naive to believe that every passenger onboard has good intentions.
Instead, it’s best to be practical and take specific safety measures before your cruise so you can mitigate the risks involved with traveling alone.
Get a Map of the Ship
When you first board the ship, see if you can get an attendant to give you a quick tour of the entire vessel. As mentioned earlier, cruise ships are gigantic and house several sections dedicated to their guests. There are also some parts of the boat that aren’t frequented by many people, and you want to stay most aware of these portions, avoiding them as much as possible.
You may want to stand by the ship’s railing and look out over the vast expanse of ocean. In such a case, find spots on the vessel frequented by other guests so you aren’t standing alone.
While it can be tempting to run off and find a private spot on the cruise, it’s best to conduct most of your cruise activities with other passengers in the vicinity. The mere presence of other passengers will dissuade people with evil intentions from carrying them out.
It’s best to ask the staff for a map of the cruise as well, so you can let one of the staff know where you’ll be, in case you decide to go exploring.
Trust Your Gut
On land, we come across certain people who give us the heebie-jeebies. These people can be at a party, on the street, or at some social or cultural event. Quite often, it’s not something they say or do, but the vibe they give off can be a bit creepy.
Apply this same principle on the cruise ship and steer clear of people who make you feel uncomfortable or weird in their presence. While it’s not fair to ‘judge a book
by its cover’ in most instances, you’re a woman traveling alone on a cruise ship. You have to limit the number of people you interact with as a safety measure.
So it’s best to go with your gut in these moments and stay away from questionable individuals.
Befriend Trustworthy People On the Ship
While staying away from creeps is understood, getting to know some of your fellow passengers on the cruise is best. Of course, you want to avoid single men or a group of guys there to get drunk and have a good time.
Instead, see if you can find a couple or a family with kids to chat up and acquaint yourself with. Getting to know a few people on the cruise can help you feel safer, and you’ll have someone to check in with in case your safety is compromised in any way.
Start by noticing familiar faces and smiling at a few when you recognize them in the crowd. Once you’ve made eye contact a few times, you can walk up to them and introduce yourself. Keep the introduction short and let them know you’re alone on the cruise.
Once you’ve spoken to them a few times, let them know your concerns about traveling alone and that you may want to check in with them from time to time. You’d be surprised at how many people are willing to help create a safe space for you, especially away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.
Take Some Onboard Classes
This point ties into the previous one about getting to know your fellow passengers. Many cruises today offer classes or workshops for passengers to spend their time more productively. By attending these sessions, you can meet fellow passengers in a safe space and get to know them more intimately.
Aside from creating a sense of safety for yourself, these sessions can also make the cruise a lot more enjoyable.
Get a Door Alarm
It’s crucial that you don’t mention your cabin number or location to anyone onboard the ship, even if they seem trustworthy. This goes for people you befriend as well as men who might be romantically interested in you. If you want to meet up with someone, it’s best to meet them in a public place on the ship rather than sharing your room number with them.
However, even with all your discretion, some fellow passengers may find out your cabin number and decide to pay you a visit. The best way to preemptively safeguard yourself in such instances is to invest in a portable door alarm.
You can set up this alarm at the bottom of your door so it goes off if someone tries to enter your cabin forcibly. The alarm will scare off the intruder and alert other passengers and security staff to the danger.
If you’re unsure where to find one, you can try this Sonew Wedge Shaped Door Stop Alarm from Amazon.com. This handy tool has a volume control feature as well, allowing you to set off a high-pitched sound if someone tries to barge into your room.
Carry Pepper Spray with You
You’re probably going to wander around the ship from time to time and want to keep yourself safe in the event of an assault. As such, it’s best to carry a can of pepper spray along with you to protect yourself from such incidents.
The pepper spray is essential when the ship is docked and you’re stepping off to explore the city on your own. As mentioned before, dubious locals are aware of the cruise ships arriving in their city and may use this opportunity to swindle some passengers.
Carrying a can of pepper spray with you will give you a feeling of safety even when you’re out on the streets in the new country.
Travel in Groups
When cruise ships dock at a new port, the passengers typically explore the city during the day, returning to the vessel only at night or sometimes late at night after a party. If you’re setting off to explore the city on your own, be sure to stay in touch with one or two passengers on your cruise (hopefully, you befriended a few trustworthy individuals).
Agree to meet up with them before it gets dark so you can go back to the ship together. Remember, there’s safety in numbers, and surrounding yourself with others can help deter even the most eager criminals.
If you’re attending late-night parties off the ship, it’s best to go to clubs or locations that other passengers are going to. And never, under any circumstance, befriend a local or go back to their place on land. It’s not worth the risk.
Carry a Small Purse
Cruise ships are notorious for robbery, which mainly occur when guests leave their cabins. However, pickpocketing and chain snatching is also a common occurrence, and you want to guard yourself accordingly.
Instead of carrying a handbag or any type of wallet that’s immediately visible, it’s best to have your money in a small pouch that can be hidden from view. This way, you can avoid tempting possible thieves or pickpockets and safeguard your money.
Best Cruises for Solo Women Travelers
Taking preventive measures is essential when you’re a female traveling solo on a cruise. However, you can make your experience safer and more enjoyable by opting for a cruise liner more suited to solo travels. Here are a few to choose from.
Celebrity Edge
This resort-type cruise is ideal for solo women travelers looking for a first-class, futuristic experience aboard the ship. The ship’s abundant amenities are complemented by a simplistic and neat design that gives every area a premium touch.
All cabins are designed to blend the outdoors and indoors, with giant windows facing the cascading waves of the ocean. This cruise liner also offers several single cabins for women who wish to travel alone in style.
Holland America Cruises
Holland America Cruises is another safe cruise for women that even allows each guest to bring one bottle of alcohol (wine or champagne) onboard! This cruise line is known for adding a musical touch to the journey with a live rock concert and a jazz club.
You also get to be a live spectator at Dancing With the Stars: At Sea, where you’ll witness some of the finest dancers you can imagine dazzling you with their moves. Aside from ensuring a safe voyage, this cruise also curates several activities that are perfect for solo travelers, including a culinary workshop and a wine-tasting session.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian happens to be a specialist in curating solo travel experiences for its customers, being one of the first liners to design individual cabins. This cruise liner also has a state-of-the-art Studio Complex and Lounge, explicitly designed for solo travelers to meet and mingle with others traveling alone.
Norwegian also provides 24-hour room service to all its guests. This feature is ideal if you’re someone who wants to spend most of their time in your cabin and away from the noise.
In addition to safety concerns, you may feel that going on a solo cruise is weird. However, that sort of thinking will only prevent you from experiencing a unique adventure. I’ll explain more in my guide. [Is It Weird to Go on a Cruise By Yourself?]
Final Thoughts
Being a single woman on a cruise ship can be pretty nerve-racking at certain times. It’s hard enough being alone at social gatherings for a day, and the anxieties can multiply when you’re surrounded by a thousand people for the next seven to ten days.
However, if you take the safety precautions, spend time by yourself, and enjoy the magical expanse of the ocean surrounding you, cruising alone can be a life-changing experience. While it’s crucial to stay safe and secure, don’t let the fear of traveling alone deter you from such an exciting adventure.