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Expedition Cruises Are Perfect for Solo Travelers: What You Should Know

Expedition Cruises Are Perfect for Solo Travelers: What You Should Know

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  • Traveling alone can encourage self-discovery and give travelers complete freedom and flexibility.
  • Expedition cruises offer the perfect balance between structure and adventure.
  • The starting price for the Iceland tour starts at $18,792 per person.

Reach the summit or not?

That was the question I was faced with as my ship, the National Geographic Explorer, anchored off Borgarfjörðurhöfn, a remote area in eastern Iceland known for its puffin colony. This was one of the stops on my 10-day expedition cruise with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions that circumnavigated Iceland in August.

That afternoon I had two options for my day trip: a four-mile hike with coastal views or a nearly six-mile hike to the summit.

I looked out the window of my cabin and saw wind and rain, balancing the less than ideal weather with the fact that I had spent the last few days going on long, strenuous hikes. It’s a shorter hike.

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When I had explored enough, I returned to the 112 meter long ship and relaxed with a cup of hot chocolate for the rest of the afternoon. I didn’t even have to think about where and when to have dinner because the ship would serve it at 7 p.m

Since I was traveling alone on the expedition cruise, I didn’t have to justify my decisions to anyone or make compromises. I could rest when I wanted or exert myself when I felt like it. No keeping up or slowing down for anyone else.

I’m not the only one who enjoys traveling alone. Nearly a third of the 8,029 respondents to the American Express Travel 2024 Global Travel Trends Report said they plan to take at least one solo trip this year. Traveling alone can encourage self-discovery and give travelers complete freedom and flexibility.

For solo travelers, expedition cruises offer the perfect balance of structure and adventure. According to the report, expedition cruises are on the rise, offering the traveler the opportunity to transform and immerse themselves in a new place and culture – an ideal recipe for solo travelers.

That’s why travelers who want to explore the island on their own should consider an expedition cruise.

The environment, both natural and on board

At first I was nervous about boarding the Explorer alone because I thought cruises were for family reunions and couples. I’ve never undertaken such a large trip alone, so 10 days of solo exploration was outside of my comfort zone. It didn’t take long for me to realize that expedition cruises have a completely different feel. The focus was on adventure and connecting with the place we were visiting – from the culture to the natural beauty around me.

Many of the excursions were also suitable for solo travelers, such as hikes, e-bike tours or a boat trip to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the most famous in Iceland. Another day, as I walked along the famous Diamond Beach, marveling at the black volcanic sand and shimmering blue icebergs, I felt a sense of awe and peace. Researchers have found that spending time alone in nature, even just walking, has a therapeutic effect.

Even though I enjoyed the time alone, I also got to know other cruise ships. The National Geographic, a small 148-passenger ship, invites travelers to connect with one another through free seating in the dining room and lounge during cocktail hour and daily debriefing.

With a capacity of 148 passengers on the ship, the faces quickly became familiar. After all, we were all on the same adventure. However, it was never crowded on board, especially since passengers were divided into groups for excursions and disembarkation.

“It’s one of my favorite things to do when we have solo travelers,” said Leah Eaton, my cruise’s expedition leader. “The environment we are trying to create is one where everyone is excited and looking forward to the activities. We are a family, including the guests, and we never want anyone to feel separated.”

During each excursion and at meals there were also several naturalists on board, always open to discussions about Iceland’s folklore or volcanic geography.

No stress when planning

An itinerary like the one I chose allowed me to reach remote parts of Iceland without figuring out how to get there on my own, choose a reputable tour operator and, most importantly, ensure safety as a solo female traveler care for . Food, transportation and activities were taken into account.

“Once you get on the ship, there’s no stress of having to be that solo traveler,” Eaton said. “We take care of all the details on land so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.”

Solo travelers pay a “solo premium” which is reflected in the price. The starting price for a single cabin on the Circumnavigation of Island itinerary starts at $28,173 per person, including cabin, food, beverages including alcohol, shore excursions and airport transfers. The premium is waived on select sailings all year round, so keep your eyes peeled.

However, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers a program where you can be paired with a roommate so you pay the price per person based on double occupancy. (This is subject to availability and you will pay this price even if you cannot find a roommate.) To qualify for this option, you must call the company.

Because the cruise takes care of the itinerary, I didn’t incur any cancellation fees as if I booked myself. To allow even more flexibility, there are usually morning and afternoon activities as well.

Marie Trudeau, a fellow traveler and solo traveler from Columbus, Ohio, agrees. Eight years after the death of her husband — her longtime traveling companion — Trudeau continues to travel and explore on her own, even when her friends are unable to.

“I have a sense of adventure, but I’m older, so I want to feel safe,” the 72-year-old told USA TODAY.

Like me, Trudeau enjoyed the freedom to forgo activities in return for rest and relaxation. She took some long hikes and skipped others to read a book in her cabin. “I don’t have to negotiate with anyone,” she said.

For Trudeau, this was the best way to visit Iceland, a destination on her bucket list.

“The ship goes around the country and it’s like your hotel moves with you without you having to pack and unpack every day.” She said she doesn’t feel like she’s missing out because National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions did all the work for her.

Because National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions focuses on sustainable travel and conservation, it avoids crowded destinations so there are no hectic crowds or long lines at any stop. (The cruise itinerary changes if too many ships dock at a port.)

Both structure and freedom

One of the biggest benefits of traveling alone is that you can do what you want, when you want – without having to compromise. I could stay in the thermal baths or watch the soaring puffins as long as I wanted. Although I had options as to what I wanted to do, the trip was exactly what I wanted to make of it. It felt liberating.

As the ship returned to Reykjavik, I felt a deeper connection with my traveling companion: myself. I got to know myself better during the trip in ways that I couldn’t from home, such as through what I enjoy while traveling (the feeling of being naturally small) to my own travel style (getting up early for slow mornings). I also broke out of my comfort zone as I had to meet strangers and start conversations over dinner. Still, I enjoyed exploring Iceland’s natural wonders on my own, at the pace I wanted to take it all in.

While traveling with others creates precious memories, there is a unique magic in discovering a new place on your own.

The reporter for this story received access to this trip through National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. USA TODAY retains editorial control over the content.