From Terrified to Happy Tears: My First Solo Cruise

For years, I'd wanted to go on a cruise, but I kept waiting for someone to come with me. Eventually, in October 2021, I decided enough was enough and booked myself onto the Norwegian Epic. Seven nights around the Western Mediterranean, sailing from Barcelona and visiting Italy, France and Spain. And I'd booked it just one week before departure!

Now, you'd think I'd have been delighted with myself. Not quite. I was absolutely terrified. In fact, I remember sitting on the plane wishing the pilot would turn around and take me straight back to Dublin!

But I went.

And what a week it turned out to be!

One evening, I went along to a Beatles tribute show and got chatting to a lovely Irish couple. Before I knew it, I'd become part of a group of around 20 people who met up every evening in O'Sheehan's. 

I'd also booked a few Norwegian Cruise Line excursions, and even on those I found myself chatting away to people. That's one of the things I love about cruising. In my experience, people are generally so friendly, relaxed and happy to have a chat. You can head off on your own in the morning and find yourself laughing with complete strangers by lunchtime!

There I was, the woman who'd been terrified of travelling alone, suddenly surrounded by new friends and having the time of my life.

And then came the tears.

I'll never forget sitting on my cabin bed on the final evening and absolutely bawling.

Not because I was lonely. Quite the opposite.

I'd spent seven days just being myself, meeting wonderful people, laughing, enjoying every minute and realising I'd been holding myself back for years. I was so ridiculously happy, and so grateful I'd taken the chance, that I genuinely didn't want to go home.

That one decision changed the way I travel.

And the funny thing? These days, I rarely end up travelling alone, even when I set off that way!

Sometimes the hardest part of travelling solo is simply taking that first step.