Why a Solo Cruise is the Perfect Mexican Entry Point
The “Solo-Sailing” Confidence Boost
Solo travel sounds amazing until you sit down to plan it. All of a sudden, you have flights to coordinate, hotels to vet, transport to figure out, and possibly a nagging voice in the back of your mind asking, “What if something goes wrong?” If you want a low-stress alternative to your typical Mexican holiday, why not try out a cruise as your first solo trip instead? This article will detail why a solo cruise can be a perfect Mexican entry point ~ & possibly lead to more adventures!
Traveling solo gives you the ultimate freedom of choice: it’s all up to you.
Why Cruises are an Easy Way to Try Solo Travel
A cruise gives you a fully-packaged holiday in one place ~ no logistics to figure out! Great for first-time solo travelers…
Built-In Structure Without a Rigid Itinerary
Your cabin is booked and your meals are covered, so the logistical weight that might be stopping you from traveling alone doesn’t exist anymore. You can sleep in, book an excursion, wander the ship, or sit on your balcony with a cup of coffee and simply enjoy the views.
A Social Environment That Doesn’t Feel Forced
Ships are usually pretty social spaces without being too overwhelming. There are normally several onboard events and classes that can create easy, low-pressure opportunities to meet people. You can either choose to participate in these events, if you’re in the mood ~ or if you’re not feeling it, just go back to your cabin and relax. Or read a book on the sundeck.
Either way, you’re never alone unless you want to be.
You can choose to participate in onboard activities…or not!
Why Mexico Makes a Good First Solo Destination
Mexico is a great destination for solo travelers. The ports are easy to get around, and there’s enough variety that you’re never stuck wondering what to do next. Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and several other popular Mexican ports were all created to be tourist-friendly. They’re also very walkable, with enough signs to help you get around without a tour guide. Some of the most beautiful towns on the Mexican Riviera happen to be regular cruise stops, so you can explore them at your own pace and be back on the ship by dinner.
Spending a port day off the cruise ship can take you from a fabulous taco stand to a bougie beach club without even having to book a rental car. That kind of variety is exactly what you want when you’re still finding your feet somewhere new.
Cozumel is one of my favorite places in Mexico….
Small Wins That Build Travel Confidence
Why is navigating a port on your own so important? Well, it may feel like a small thing, but it registers deeply in your psyche. The same goes for booking a shore excursion without asking anyone’s opinion, or simply sitting down to enjoy a solo dinner.
Research on solo travel has linked these kinds of independent moments to a stronger sense of self-confidence and reduced travel anxiety. That means that the more independent choices you make during your trip: the less intimidating solo travel will feel the next time around. And it might even help build your confidence at home too!
Tips for Maximizing a Solo Mexican Cruise
Booking a cruise to Mexico? You’ll want to be prepared. First, pack a small carry-on bag for port days. That way, you won’t have to drag luggage through the streets, or pay someone to watch your bags while you swim. Instead, you can just pack what you need for the day ~ and leave everything else on the ship.
Secondly, most cruise lines have Facebook groups where passengers can connect ahead of the trip. If you’re nervous about the social aspect of your vacation, speaking to a few fellow passengers before your trip may help alleviate some anxiety. And finally, it’s worth booking at least one excursion at each stop. That way, you can make friends first by joining a group, & some of them may even be able to suggest some other activities for you, or great restaurants to try, etc.
From First Trip to Future Adventures….
A week of exploring Mexico’s ports and making decisions for yourself can rewire how you think about traveling alone. And the next time you want to book a solo trip to Southeast Asia or anywhere else in the world: you likely won’t feel so uncertain.
You’ll already know what it’s like to figure things out on your own, and you’ll know you’re good at it!
Traveling solo can be the adventure of a lifetime!
Why a Solo Cruise is the Perfect Mexican Entry Point
If you have any questions about a specific Mexican port: please feel free to ask me about in the comments below! I’ve been to most of them: Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo….
Happy Exploring!
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: How Safe is Puerto Vallarta for Travel Right Now?
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Aren’t most Mexican cruises real party-happy places? Wouldn’t that be kind of awkward as a solo traveler?
The younger generations seem to be “partying” and drinking much less than previous generations, so I’m not sure how much of an issue this will be. Of course there’s always the ability to find “party” bars in most Mexican ports ~ but it’s also possible to find nice, quiet restaurants on the beach where you can read a book, or sidle up to the bar & mingle with some locals, etc. For instance, I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta TWICE in the past 2 months, & while I went out & enjoyed myself: I never really “partied.” The town was more mellow than I expected, actually ~ in a great way!
But by all means, do some research on the specific cruise you’re looking at, & see if it’s known for being a more “party” type cruise.
I’ve never contemplated taking a solo cruise, but this makes me want to consider it.
Love to hear that, Logan!