I’m an introvert and this is how to avoid people on a cruise

Words by Samantha Priestly

Love cruising but hate people? We hear you. Cruising can be an amazing experience, both onboard and in ports, but it can sometimes feel like there’s nowhere to hide and if you’re an introvert, like me, that can be tough to deal with.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser worried about how to charge your batteries and get that all-important ‘me time’, or you’re a seasoned cruiser who just wants to be alone sometimes and hasn’t quite mastered the art of avoiding people, here’s our cruises for introverts guide to how to sail without making friends.

How to survive a cruise as an introvert

Dine in your cabin

This will differ from cruise to cruise, but on the bigger cruise ships, at least, the option to have your meals delivered to your cabin is always there. You might not want to do this every day, but sometimes it’s just what you need. When a day on group excursions has drained your social battery, dinner in your cabin away from everyone else can be bliss.

On smaller cruises this won’t be possible, but I have a hack for not making friends at mealtimes on even the most intimate cruises. I never sit with the same people two nights running. As a cruise introvert I mix it up every mealtime, making my way around the entire group through the course of the cruise, making sure no one thinks we’re besties. You get to know everyone a little bit without anyone latching onto you.

But if you really hate those situations where you’re forced to eat your dinner with strangers and make small talk, you can ask when you book your cruise if it’s possible to reserve a table for two, or one, for the duration of your trip. I’ve seen people do this on cruises and always wish I’d thought of it when booking.

Stay onboard when everyone else goes ashore

If it’s a port you’ve explored before or you just aren’t that bothered about seeing this particular one, staying onboard while everyone else gets off can be a great way of having some quiet time to yourself. The sun deck will be empty and you can lounge around in complete peace. You can wander the full length of the ship without bumping into a single soul except the staff, and if you do encounter any other guests who’ve stayed onboard, it’s highly likely they are your type of people!

 – READ MORE: How to choose the best cruise ship cabin for you –

Hit the pool early

One of the worst things about a big, busy cruise is the pool is always full of people. But cruising introverts can still have the pool pretty much to themselves if they’re prepared to visit out of hours. This can mean getting up early, when everyone else is still sleeping off the night before, but it’s worth it. A swim before breakfast, or while everyone else is at breakfast, can be the perfect way to start your day. The mornings are quiet, and you can take a swim and relax for a while in the jacuzzi before the crowds arrive.

Avoid group tours

I must admit, I usually like group tours, even if I do my best to not speak to anyone. I often find them informative and interesting and they do take you to places you wouldn’t otherwise get to. But there are definitely some excursions you can do by yourself. Do your research before your cruise and you’ll find some of the attractions visited on the tours are easy to get to by taxi or by walking. Not only can this be cheaper, as you’re not paying for the guide or the coach, but it can be a lot more enjoyable if you like to explore alone.

Alternatively, you can pre-book a private tour if you still want a guide. Private tours can be a great way to still get the tour experience without being lumped together with everyone else from your ship. These private tours can sometimes be booked through your cruise line, or you can find local tours before you travel.

I tend to book a couple of organised excursions and explore alone for the rest of the port stops. I usually see the group tour making their way around the same places as me, I just don’t have to join in with them!

– READ MORE: Safest city cruise destinations for female travellers –

Don’t worry about appearing rude

So, do you have to be sociable on a cruise? No! The bottom line is, this is your holiday, and if you don’t want to socialise that’s totally fine. Don’t feel pressured into making friends or chatting to other guests when all you want to do is sit quietly with your head in a book. You’ll never see these people again, so it doesn’t matter what they think of you. Enjoy your cruise your way, and if that means rejecting invitations for drinks and going out of your way to avoid eye contact, risking being labelled rude, who cares?

Are cruises fun for introverts?

Yes! If your goal is to explore an array of different destinations in one holiday and enjoy quality me-time, whether that’s on your balcony, at a corner of the bar or up on the running track. There’s lots of independence on a cruise, from adventures ashore to roaming the ship as you wish, and you can always retreat to your cabin, stick the ‘do no disturb sign’ on and switch off when needed.

Introverts on cruises don’t need to worry about getting lonely either – there will always be people you can chat to if you do fancy a spot of socialising. Themed cruises can be good for introverts as you’ve all got something in common so you can connect over shared ideas if you want.

– READ MORE: How can cruising become more inclusive? –