The Myth of the "Lonely" Solo Traveler
Have you ever looked at a luxury cruise brochure and felt a bit of "soloist" anxiety? I certainly did when I first flipped through the pages of a Windstar Cruises guide.
The photos were filled with happy couples, and the word "pampering" made me wonder if I'd feel out of place in my favorite casual sneakers. Truth be told, I was worried I’d be a lone island in a sea of romance.
But as it turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong. My eight-night journey from Barcelona to Lisbon was a masterclass in how to do solo travel right.
Why Small Ships Win Every Time
One of the best parts about sailing on a vessel like the Wind Surf is its intimate size. With only about 342 guests, you aren't just a number; you quickly become part of a floating family.
Unlike those massive "megaliners" that have to dock miles away, smaller yachts can pull right into the heart of the action. This meant I could simply walk off the ship and start exploring whenever I felt like it.
According to Wikipedia, Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world, and docking so close to the center was a huge advantage.
The Solo Traveler’s Secret Weapon
If you're worried about the dreaded "single supplement," you’ll be happy to know that Windstar often offers major discounts for solo guests. Instead of paying double, many voyages allow you to book for just a small premium.
I met a woman named Sarah who was on her 53rd Windstar cruise! That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about how welcoming the crew is to independent adventurers.
- No formal dress codes – keep it "yacht casual" and comfortable.
- Open seating at dinner makes it incredibly easy to meet new friends.
- Special solo-traveler dinners are often organized to help you mingle effortlessly.
Exploring the Mediterranean Off-Season
Traveling in November was a brilliant move. The intense summer heat was gone, and the crowds in places like Malaga and Cartagena had thinned out significantly.
In Malaga, I joined the "Shopping with the Chef" excursion. We followed the Executive Chef through a vibrant local market as he picked out fresh ingredients for our dinner that night.
Whether you are visiting the iconic Rock of Gibraltar or the historic streets of Cadiz, the off-season provides a much more authentic look at local life.
Practical Tips for Your First Voyage
Don't overpack! Since these ships are more relaxed, you can skip the heavy ball gowns and formal tuxedos. I managed everything with just a carry-on, which made navigating trains much easier.
If you’re feeling social, just ask, "Mind if I join you?" at breakfast. If you want your peace and quiet, the library and the top-deck whirlpools are the perfect sanctuary for some alone time.
Cruising solo doesn't mean being alone—it means having the freedom to choose your own adventure every single day.
Enjoyed Solo Cruising the Med: Why Windstar is a Game-Changer for Travelers? Why not explore our other posts, such as Solo Travel Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free Adventure and How to Travel to Antarctica Solo (Without Feeling Lonely).
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