Ahoy there Jasmin, and welcome aboard planDisney!
As someone who also kinda has a distinctively Disney-appropriate name, I hope that you'll forgive me for wishing you a fantastic first step into a Whole New World of Disney vacation! Some people might prefer to head to the theme parks before
taking on a Disney Cruise Line voyage and though
you'll still currently have to pay for the price for two guests when sailing alone, I personally think that the experience on board can be a great way to get a taste of the
entertainment, experiences and especially
Disney Eats in a way that has all the Disney solo magic to enjoy. As someone who has lived and worked on board Disney Cruise Line and interacted with so many solo travelers on their adventures, here are a few tips and tricks that I can suggest for your first voyage:
- Being on board almost feels like being in a small town, and a lot of fellow seafaring folks find it easier to strike up conversations and open up within the confined spaces at sea! Introduce yourself to everyone sharing your table during your assigned dinner seating - and you might even be placed at a table with other solo sailors. Embarkation day is important for making early connections in those first few hours, and you can make new friends at group activities like trivia or evening game shows (the Cruise Staff running each activity can be great at helping you join a team); using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is key to make sure that you're involved and heading to where the people are every day.
- Embrace all of the hidden perks that come with not being encumbered with several party members or children in tow like the freedom to experience popular Port Adventures that might have more single spots, the ease of finding seating at casual or buffet-style dining locations and even slipping into some great remaining spaces near the front of the Walt Disney Theatre to enjoy evening entertainment is something that I used to love about flying solo. You might be surprised to discover how many Cast Members and even Imagineers alike might be on board and experiencing things on board on their own, so I say lean into the individual adventuring while you can!
- Ahead of your voyage, some folks like to find groups all over social media for their particular ship and sailing to make friends even before you set sail together; this could be a great way to make plans to meet up on board. Don't hesitate to have a friendly chat with the Crew Members either - the vast majority all join their ship completely solo and you just might be able to glean some meaningful insight into their lives on board and even some tips on how to enjoy yourself in port!
Don't forget to grab a complimentary Birthday button from the Guest Services desk to wear as a great conversation starter, and
come back to us at planDisney again for any more advice or nautical knowledge to help you plan for your voyage!
Here's to the joys of solo sailing on the open seas!
Prince