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USASolo cruises are increasing in popularity but, if you’re a woman travelling alone, can you be guaranteed safety off the ship? We’ve rounded up the safest cities to visit on a cruise.
Solo cruises are increasing in popularity but, if you’re a woman travelling alone, can you be guaranteed safety off the ship? We’ve rounded up the safest cities to visit on a cruise.
Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world for solo female travellers, especially for walking alone at night. In fact, the luxury tourist hotspot even offers public transport with a women-only section. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that modest dress is advisable in the UAE and strict laws are in place, although Dubai itself is generally pretty relaxed.
For the best views of the city, hit up the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 828m tall. It’s home to two observation decks – the two-storey At the Top on the 124th and 125th floors, as well as one of the world’s highest observation decks (555m) on the 148th floor. Upscale restaurants and lounges can be found inside as well as sought-after apartments, a health and wellness centre and a hotel.
At its foot is The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain. It’s more than 900 ft in length and has over 22,000 gallons of water in the air at any given moment when operational. The fountain performs to a variety of music alongside myriad lights and colour projectors.
The Dubai Mall (the largest shopping mall in the world at more than 1 million sqm) and Dubai Miracle Garden (the world’s largest natural flower garden) are other popular attractions.
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Silversea are among the cruise lines sailing to Dubai.
Book todayMunich ranks high for solo safety and is especially praised for how safe it feels to walk around after dark. The city is famous for its beer halls, historical buildings, Oktoberfest celebrations and Christmas markets.
Do visit Marienplatz, the city’s central square and keep your eyes peeled for the Glockenspiel clock in the tower of the gargoyle-adorned New Town Hall, depicting a Bavarian knight battling a French jouster. With a whopping 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures, it’s the largest glockenspiel in Europe
Other places to visit include the Englischer Garten (one of the world’s largest urban parks), Bavaria’s biggest beer garden, Hirschgarten, Müller’sches Volksbad (the oldest public indoor pool in the city open since 1901), and Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s biggest open-air market.
From here, a popular cruise excursion is to Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most visited castles in Germany and like something out of a fairytale.
Avalon Waterways, Tauck, Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways are among the river cruise lines sailing to Munich.
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This Turkish Riviera gem has surged in safety rankings, now seen as one of the safest Mediterranean cities for women.
Don’t miss Antalya’s historic centre, Kaleiçi. Its history dates back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire; look out for Hadrian’s Gate (the only remaining entry gate to the ancient city of Antalya), Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Cami (an Ottoman mosque built in the 18th century) and the ancient harbour.
Alternatively, soak up Antalya’s art scene, take in top views of the Med from Karaalioğlu Park, relax at a local hammam, go for a swim at Konyaaltı Beach or visit the ancient theatre of Termessos outside the city centre.
Azamara, Oceania Cruises, Celestyal, Seabourn, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are among the cruise lines sailing to Antalya.
Book todayBarcelona ranks well for gender equality and cultural offerings, though it’s wise to stay alert in busy areas.
Iconic highlights in Barcelona include the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It’s one of the best examples of Catalan Modernism and one of the most visited monuments in Spain.
Be sure to explore the rest of Barcelona’s Gothic quarter, as well as tourist-packed Las Ramblas and Park Güell, in the north of the city, with its tropical plants and colourful mosaics. For art, there’s the Picasso Museum and the Teatre Museu Dali.
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Holland America Line, Azamara and Cunard are among the cruise lines sailing to Barcelona.
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Medina ranked top for women’s safety in the study, despite its low tourism profile. The Saudi city can be visited on cruise excursions when calling at King Abdullah Economic City. Highlights include the Mosque of the Prophet of Islam (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi in Arabic), the second most important site of Islamic pilgrimage and Quba Mosque, the oldest mosque in the world.
Discover the city’s heritage and history amid many collections and visual galleries at Dar Al Madinah Museum, a private museum and take a peek at the market stalls during a visit here.
Note: travellers should stay informed about the current cultural and legal norms, as well as any travel advisories, to ensure a respectful and secure visit.
MSC Cruises, Azamara, Norwegian Cruise Line, Emerald Cruises, Ponant and Aroya Cruises are among the cruise lines sailing to Saudi Arabia.
Book todayPrague is a top-rated city for solo women, with high scores for safety and cultural offerings.
On your visit here, swing by St Vitus Cathedral (the most famous church in the city) and Prague Castle (said to be the oldest and largest in the world) and meander across the 600-year-old Charles Bridge with its baroque statue-lined parapets.
For art and culture, check out the National Gallery and the Prague City Museum and look up at the medieval astronomical clock attached to the Old Town Hall in the city’s historic Old Town Square.
Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, Emerald Cruises, Uniworld and AmaWaterways are among the river cruise lines sailing to Prague.
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Kraków scores highly for gender equality and safety, and was rated number one for things to do. Tourist highlights in Krakow include the largest Medieval town square in Europe, Wawel Castle, Planty Park, plus a plethora of Baroque churches and plenty of shops selling amber.
To delve further into the history of the region, a visit to the concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau outside the city will prove a sombre yet life-changing experience.
Tauck and Riviera Travel cruise to Kraków.
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