People - Love of the High Seas

An interview with Cara C

Meet Cara, an adventurous solo traveler with a deep love for cruising. Her first voyage in 2012 sparked a journey encompassing 24 cruises, and destinations from the Caribbean to Europe. In this candid interview, she shares how a spontaneous invite from a former colleague led her to the high seas, debunking her own misconceptions about cruising. From making lifelong friendships on board to celebrating her 50th birthday in unforgettable fashion, Cara’s experiences highlight the joy and freedom that cruising offers. Whether you're new to cruising or a seasoned traveler, her story is sure to inspire your next adventure.

What prompted you to take your first cruise?

My first cruise was back in February 2012 with Norwegian Cruise Lines aboard the Epic. I booked an inside cabin and set sail from Miami, Florida for a seven-day journey to St. Maarten, St. John, and Nassau. I was 41 at the time—single, child-free, and excited, though with some reservations. (Still single and child-free, though no longer 41!)

It was actually a former workmate who planted the seed. She was going with a group of friends and needed a roommate. I had spent years battling my desire to travel with the frustration of not having someone to go with, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity to take the plunge. While I didn’t know most of the group, I figured I’d give it a shot. What did I have to lose?

I’ll be honest: I had some preconceived ideas about cruising—imagined myself feeling trapped, seasick, and bored with big crowds and mediocre food. While I wasn’t entirely wrong, I was also pleasantly surprised.

What were some of those surprises?

For starters, the sheer size of the ship really helped alleviate any sense of feeling confined. The Epic was enormous, and there were so many things to do that it kept seasickness (something I was worried about) at bay. Sure, there were the stereotypical sunbathers lounging all day, but there were also plenty of social opportunities, with people keen to connect and share the adventure.

Activities? Oh, there was something for everyone—solo meetups, dance classes, bingo, cooking lessons, even origami! I found myself busier than I anticipated. And as for the crowds, while there were moments when it got busy, the ship’s size dispersed people, so it never felt overwhelming. And the food? Fantastic! Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining was such a game changer. You could eat wherever and whenever you wanted, just like dining out on land. I didn’t feel the need to upgrade to the fancier restaurants because the included options were more than satisfying.

What hooked you about the cruising experience?

Here’s the thing—I wasn’t immediately hooked. I had a good time, but I left the cruise thinking it was a fun experience I didn’t necessarily need to repeat. I had always thought a successful vacation meant running from one activity to the next, making sure I didn’t miss out on any "must-sees."

It wasn’t until I got back home and back to my daily grind that I realized how much I had undervalued the relaxation element of cruising. I suddenly appreciated how recharged I felt after having been forced to unplug for a while. That’s when it clicked—cruising could give me the relaxation I didn’t even know I needed. From then on, I was hooked.

Since that epiphany, how many cruises have you done, and where have you been?

Since that first one, I’ve been on around 24 cruises! Most have been with Norwegian, but I’ve also tried Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages. I’ve explored the Caribbean, Central America, Bermuda, Belize, Honduras, Portugal, the Azores, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and even Turkiye.

Do you usually travel alone, or do you connect with others on board?

It’s a mix. I typically do one or two cruises a year with my former workmate and some other friends. But I also cruise solo about three to five times a year. Cruising solo is incredibly easy, as there are daily meetups for people traveling alone (not singles’ events, just solo travelers). We usually share a drink, sometimes dinner, and chat about our excursions. I’ve met some wonderful people this way—friends I still keep in touch with, and I’ve even run into them on future cruises!

What’s your trick for avoiding disembarkation queues at ports of call?

Loyalty has its perks! I’ve built up enough status with Norwegian that I get to skip some of the queues. Another option is to avoid leaving the ship as soon as it docks—those first few hours are when everyone rushes off. Planning excursions for a bit later in the day helps too.

Tell us about your favorite cruise experience.

It would have to be my 50th birthday cruise. I sailed solo from Venice, Italy, visiting Croatia, Greece, and Turkiye. On my actual birthday, I mentioned to my lunch companions during an excursion that it was a special trip for me. They rallied everyone—over 30 people—to sing me "Happy Birthday." Later, back on the ship, the casino staff, who I’ve known for years, also celebrated with me and sent a cake to my room. It was such a heartfelt experience, and I’ll never forget the kindness I was shown that day.

Any advice for women who might be nervous about taking their first cruise—especially solo?

Definitely! Cruising is an excellent way to dip your toe into solo travel. It’s safe, economical, and full of opportunities to meet others in the same boat (pun intended). And don’t feel like you have to go all out—start with a cruise that fits your budget, and go from there. Most importantly, don’t let assumptions hold you back. Try it for yourself—you might be pleasantly surprised!