Solo travel in Miami and The Bahamas

After a couple of days in Miami, it was time to set sail on the Celebrity Reflection. I chose a cabin with a window and ocean view. It was clean, a good size with a large, comfy bed.  It’s expensive as a solo traveller to have a cabin with a balcony, but I had no need for one as I was up and out early, and it’s dark by 5.30pm. 

Cruising is a great option for solo travellers because you’re surrounded by people and activity all the time. Everyone is there for the length of your cruise, unlike a hotel or resort where people come and go every day. There’s a lot of choices of things to do and spaces for quiet time. The ship was luxurious, with helpful and friendly staff.

The food was great, plenty of choice and no worry of venturing out in the dark to find a restaurant. Meals are usually included in the cost of your cruise which helps to keep you on budget.  Food is expensive in Miami, a chicken sandwich from a food truck costs $20 (£15) and cappuccino $6 (£4.80). On a cruise, you don’t have to spend time thinking about where to go that’s affordable and enjoyable. Drinks aren’t included, a glass of wine is at least $15, or you can opt for a drinks package.

Most cruise lines host events for solo travellers every day like drinks, dinner and social events. It’s a great way to meet new people but still have the freedom of doing your own thing. People join in the solo travel programme even though they are with friends or family too. If group activities aren’t your thing, there are shows to see, singers and bands to listen to, cinemas, casinos, reading areas, swimming or the gym.

I booked excursions through the cruise line as it felt the safest option. There are different activities to choose from and they guarantee to get you back to the ship on time. It’s easy to meet people on trips as you naturally chat about your shared experience. I had a wonderful afternoon with fellow travellers in Cozumel, we drank Pina Coladas on a beautiful beach, and we ended up meeting every day for cocktails. 

Grand Cayman and The Bahamas are stunning. The clear blue water and the white sandy beaches made me feel I really am in paradise. The Bahamas are beautiful but, unlike Caribbean islands such as St Lucia or Barbados, they don’t have the same vibe. 

I had some magical experiences on my trip. I swam with and kissed a stingray in the waters of Grand Cayman. I’ll never forget the feeling of joy and happiness in the sea that day.

Cruising doesn’t give you a long time in each destination, it’s more of a taster session. The Bahamas is a collection of small, desert islands, so you don’t need a long time there. My ship docked at a stunning island, only 7 miles long called Bimini. I paid to spend a day at Resorts World, where you can access all the facilities of a pool, private beach, Wi-Fi, sun loungers and umbrella. You can travel around the island on a free trolleybus or hire a golf buggy.

I sat under a palm tree on Bimini beach and reflected on how lucky I was to be there.The Bahamas is a destination many people will only dream of going to, but I’d made this happen for me. 

My cruise ended after 6 days, luckily, I had a couple more days in Miami as I wasn’t ready to go home. I had a coffee and croissant on Ocean Drive each morning, I visited Lincoln Road, saw alligators in the Everglades, and walked along Miami beach. Overall, I had a fabulous time. 

If you’d like to travel more, but the thought of travelling alone feels scary, missing out on incredible experiences is a more frightening thought. 

Some people tell me I’m ‘brave’ to travel solo, point out they could ‘never do that’ or ask me ‘aren’t you worried what people will think of you there alone?’ The truth is solo travel is where I’m the happiest, carefree, most confident version of myself. You don’t need to be ‘brave’, just call the team at White Sand Escapes and start your adventure.