Ok. I’m a 47 year old married mom of one. I was apprehensive about cruising alone, but NCL and Ari, the solo cruise director, did an excellent job of making the trip fantastic. I can’t say enough about the solo program. For those not in the know, Epic (and some other NCL ships) have an exclusive studio lounge (with an amazing fancy self serve coffee machine) that is accessible only with a key card of those staying in studio cabins. Ari and our own private bartender, Rohan held a solo get together each evening where we got to know each other and sign up for group activities like meals in the MDRs and the shows. I honestly didn’t know what to expect of my fellow solo travelers, but I met some really wonderful people that I hope to see again. It was really fun to eat or to see a show with a varying group of people each night.

I made good use of the beverage package, visiting most of the bars onboard, and I really enjoyed the food in the buffet and in both Taste and the MDR. I was fortunate enough to purchase a weekly pass to the thermal spa and thoroughly enjoyed the calming atmosphere there. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to escape the crowds, but I honestly never felt the ship to be overwhelmingly crowded as others have reported. I also felt the staff and crew to be efficient, competent and friendly.

In short, if you’d like to travel alone safely, sometimes do your own thing and sometimes join a diverse group of new friends from all around the world, look into a solo studio on NCL. I’m so glad I did.