Your Cruise Questions Answered Part 6: Solo Cruises, River Cruises, Antarctica, Luxury Ships & More

Are solo cruise cabins really worth booking? Which river cruise line is best for Christmas markets? Should you avoid flying over the Drake Passage to Antarctica? And what should you know before trying Celebrity’s Retreat or Silversea’s newest ships?

These were some of the cruise questions answered during my latest Tips For Travellers live cruise Q&A.

Welcome to Part 6 of my “Your Cruise Questions Answered” series, where I take a selection of the most popular and useful questions from my regular live cruise Q&As and bring together my answers in one place.

I’ve grouped the questions by topic rather than the order they were asked, making it easier to find advice about cruise lines, destinations, fares, cabins and planning your next trip.

As always, these are my personal views and recommendations based on what I’ve learnt from more than 130 cruises across mainstream, premium, small-ship luxury, ultra-luxury, river and expedition cruise lines.

Solo Cruise Questions

Why Are There So Few Male Solo Cruisers Compared With Female Solo Cruisers?

This was a fascinating question from a viewer who has been cruising solo for around two decades and has noticed that there seem to be far more women travelling alone than men.

I’ve noticed the same thing on many of my cruises.

I don’t have a definitive explanation, but I suspect several factors may be involved.

One is that many of the women I’ve met who cruise solo seem particularly comfortable and confident travelling independently.

Cruising can also provide a reassuring environment for solo travellers. You have organised excursions, dining options, other passengers around you and the security of returning to the ship each day.

That can be particularly attractive when travelling to destinations where exploring independently might feel more challenging.

Another factor could be age. Women, on average, live longer than men, so there may simply be more older women travelling alone.

However, one viewer made a very interesting point that I hadn’t considered.

There may be more male solo cruisers than we realise, particularly those travelling through casino programmes and complimentary cruise offers.

These passengers may not attend solo traveller meet-ups or participate in the organised solo community, making them less visible.

So, I suspect the picture is more complicated than it initially appears.

It’s something I want to investigate further by speaking to more male and female solo cruisers on my upcoming trips.

Are Holland America’s New Solo Cabins Worth Booking, Or Will Prices Fall?

A viewer was looking at booking one of the new solo veranda cabins planned for Holland America’s Zuiderdam but found that the fare was almost identical to a standard veranda cabin.

They wondered whether the prices would eventually come down.

My view is that **I wouldn’t count on it**.

The challenge with dedicated solo cabins is that there are usually very few of them, and demand can be extremely high.

That means cruise lines don’t necessarily need to discount them.

I’ve found that the best time to book a dedicated solo cabin is often as soon as a sailing goes on sale.

For example, some passengers on my upcoming Queen Mary 2 group crossing secured good solo cabin fares by booking early, including my sister.

But the most important thing is **never assume a solo cabin is automatically cheaper**.

Always compare the total fare for a dedicated solo cabin against the fare for a standard cabin occupied by one person.

Sometimes you may find a better deal by booking a regular cabin, even after paying a solo supplement.

I’d also recommend using a travel agent and setting up fare tracking for the particular sailing and cabin category you’re interested in.

Prices can change, but with limited numbers of solo cabins and strong demand, I wouldn’t build my plans around the expectation of a big reduction.

River Cruise Questions

Which River Cruise Line Is Best For European Christmas Markets?

If you want to visit the traditional European Christmas markets, I think a river cruise is generally a better option than an ocean cruise.

That’s because river ships can travel inland and visit towns and cities much closer to the markets themselves.

There are ocean cruises that visit Christmas markets.

For example, Cunard and P&O Cruises sometimes offer short voyages to places such as Zeebrugge, where you can travel onwards to Bruges.

But for a more extensive Christmas market experience, I’d focus on river cruising.

Most of the major European river cruise lines offer Christmas market itineraries.

My personal favourites include **AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways**.

I particularly like AmaWaterways because of its ships, food and slightly more active approach to river cruising.

Avalon is another line I’ve enjoyed, and I’ve often found it a little more affordable. It can also have attractive offers for solo travellers.

Tauck is another company worth investigating, particularly for North American travellers. I haven’t cruised with Tauck myself, but it has an excellent reputation.

I’ve also cruised with Viking, Emerald and Uniworld.

Uniworld offers a more elaborate and luxurious style, although it can be expensive.

So, I’d start by comparing AmaWaterways and Avalon, then look at the others depending on your budget and the particular Christmas markets you want to visit.

Is Emerald Cruises A Good River Cruise Line?

Yes. I’ve cruised with Emerald and thought it offered good value.

Emerald is owned by the same group as Scenic, but the two brands are positioned differently.

Scenic is the more luxurious offering, while Emerald is generally aimed at passengers looking for a slightly more affordable experience.

I cruised with Emerald on an itinerary travelling from Romania towards Hungary, and I really enjoyed it.

It was a fascinating itinerary and a very good experience overall.

I haven’t sailed with Emerald recently, so I can’t comment on every change it may have made since my trip.

But based on my experience, it’s certainly a river cruise line I’d consider again.

Is Amadeus River Cruises A Good Option?

I’ve toured Amadeus river cruise ships, but I haven’t actually cruised with them.

Amadeus has traditionally had a stronger focus on the German-speaking market, although it also operates cruises for international passengers.

One thing to be aware of is that some of its ships are chartered by other operators.

That can make reading reviews a little more complicated.

You may find very different experiences reported depending on who organised and operated the particular sailing.

So, if you’re considering Amadeus, I’d pay particular attention to reviews of the operator and itinerary you’re actually booking, rather than looking only at the ship.

I’d also check the onboard language arrangements, excursion inclusions and what is included in the fare.

Antarctica And Expedition Cruise Questions

Should I Avoid Antarctica Fly-Cruises That Skip The Drake Passage?

A viewer was considering one of Silversea’s Antarctica fly-cruise options, where passengers fly to King George Island rather than crossing the Drake Passage by ship.

They were concerned about reports of flights being delayed or cancelled because of weather.

Personally, **I’d be cautious about choosing a fly-cruise**, particularly at the beginning or end of the Antarctica season.

The attraction is obvious.

Flying across the Drake Passage avoids what can be a rough sea crossing and potentially gives you more time around the Antarctic Peninsula.

But the problem is that the flights are highly dependent on weather conditions.

I’ve known people whose flights were delayed so significantly that they lost a substantial part of their planned expedition.

One of the challenges is that weather conditions suitable for flying aren’t necessarily the same as those suitable for a ship.

I’ve sailed on Silversea and Ponant Antarctica expeditions, including itineraries visiting South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.

My preference would be to choose a voyage that sails across the Drake Passage rather than relying on the flights.

If you’re looking at the premium or ultra-luxury end of the market, I’d investigate Silversea, Seabourn and some of Quark’s newer ships.

Ponant is another line I’ve enjoyed.

There are also options with HX Expeditions and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

My advice is to think carefully about whether avoiding the Drake Passage is worth the additional uncertainty of the flights.

Is The Kimberley Expedition Cruise On Seabourn Pursuit Worth Doing?

Absolutely. I did the Kimberley expedition on Seabourn Pursuit and thought it was fantastic.

It’s a remote and extraordinary part of Australia, and the scenery is unlike many other places I’ve cruised.

One of the highlights was seeing the tidal phenomena, including the Horizontal Falls.

The expedition team also took us out in Zodiacs to explore places where the changing tides dramatically transformed the landscape.

One particularly memorable experience involved heading out when the water covered an area and watching the landscape emerge as the tide went out.

I also really enjoyed the ship.

Seabourn Pursuit is a beautiful expedition vessel, and I thought it was a wonderful way to explore the region.

One excursion I’d particularly recommend investigating is the helicopter trip to **Mitchell Falls**.

It was an additional charge and wasn’t cheap, but I thought it was magnificent.

If your budget stretches to it, I’d seriously consider it.

The Kimberley is somewhere I’m very glad I’ve visited. It’s probably a destination I’d only visit once, but it was a very memorable expedition.

What Is The Best Cruise I’ve Ever Been On?

After more than 130 cruises, choosing one favourite is difficult.

But the cruise that immediately comes to mind is my second Antarctica expedition.

That was a Ponant voyage after the pandemic, which visited South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.

South Georgia was particularly extraordinary.

We were there near the beginning of the season, during the breeding period, and seeing the enormous penguin colonies was simply mind-blowing.

There are places where you can encounter hundreds of thousands of penguins.

My first Antarctica cruise had already been an incredible experience, but adding South Georgia took the second trip to another level.

If I had to name another favourite type of cruise, it would be the Panama Canal.

I’ve now transited the canal six times, and it’s an experience I never tire of.

Luxury Cruise Line And Ship Questions

What Should I Know Before Cruising On Silversea Silver Nova Or Silver Ray?

Silver Nova and Silver Ray are very different from Silversea’s older ships.

They’re part of the line’s newer Nova class, with an unusual asymmetrical design.

One of the most noticeable features is that the swimming pool is positioned towards the side of the ship rather than in the traditional central position.

The internal layout is also different.

I found that you sometimes walk through venues rather than along conventional corridors, which gives the ship a rather unusual flow.

My biggest tips are around dining.

First, **make your speciality dining reservations early**.

There are several restaurants worth trying, and some are very popular.

I particularly enjoyed S.A.L.T. Kitchen, which focuses on food linked to the destinations the ship is visiting.

I’d recommend checking when the menus change during your cruise, as you may want to return to try different regional dishes.

I also really enjoyed the S.A.L.T. cooking classes.

They carried an additional charge when I sailed, but I thought they were excellent fun and well worth considering.

The Asian restaurant is another venue I’d recommend.

When I cruised, it offered a smaller complimentary lunch menu, although opening arrangements have been changing, so check what’s available on your particular sailing.

If it is open for lunch on sea days, I’d recommend arriving early because it can get very busy.

For casual dining, I thought the pizza was excellent.

Silver Note is another very popular venue, although personally it isn’t one of my favourites.

The main thing I’d do is familiarise yourself with all the dining options and reservation arrangements before boarding, so you don’t miss out on the restaurants and experiences you most want to try.

What Are Your Best Tips For A First Celebrity Retreat Cruise?

I really like Celebrity’s Retreat, but I think there’s one particularly important thing to do when you board.

**Ask your butler and the Retreat concierge to explain every benefit and inclusion you’re entitled to.**

The reason is that Celebrity doesn’t always communicate all the little extras particularly clearly.

Depending on the ship and suite category, you’ll have access to different services and facilities.

For example, the Retreat lounge may offer an afternoon tea service that you might not otherwise know about.

There may also be a lunch menu available on the Retreat’s outdoor deck, depending on the ship and weather.

And one of my favourite Retreat benefits is Luminae, the dedicated restaurant.

I think Luminae is excellent.

It provides a very pleasant alternative to the busy buffet, particularly at lunchtime.

Another benefit worth asking about is reserved seating for some theatre performances.

This usually applies to selected production shows rather than every performance, and the arrangements can vary by ship.

If you’re sailing on an Edge-class ship, the Retreat facilities will also be different from those on Solstice- or Millennium-class ships.

So, I’d make sure you understand exactly what your particular ship offers.

I would also ask about the embarkation arrangements, as they don’t always work in quite the same way as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven.

The biggest mistake you can make is paying for the Retreat and then not using all the benefits available to you.

Choosing The Right Cruise Line

Which British Cruise Line Is Best For An American Wanting A British Cruise Experience?

I thought this was a great question.

An American viewer wanted to try a genuinely British cruise experience rather than sailing on a more internationally focused line such as Princess or Celebrity.

There are several options I’d consider.

P&O Cruises would be one of the first.

It has a very British atmosphere and tends to attract predominantly British passengers.

It’s also generally good value.

The challenge is that booking P&O from outside the UK can be a little more complicated.

Another obvious option is Cunard.

Although Cunard has an international following, its cruises departing from the UK, particularly on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, often attract a large British audience.

Queen Mary 2 tends to be more international, especially on transatlantic crossings.

I’d also look at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Fred. Olsen has a very British following and operates smaller ships, including former Holland America vessels.

Saga Cruises is another possibility if you’re over 50, although booking arrangements can make it difficult for some international passengers.

And finally, there’s Ambassador Cruise Line.

So, my shortlist would be P&O, Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Saga and Ambassador.

I’d recommend asking a travel agent experienced in British cruises to help you compare the options and find one that can accept your booking from overseas. I have a list of recommended agents but a challenge like this is ideal to submit to The Cruise Globe Travel Agency using their submit a request. Use this link: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/bookcruise

What Are The Best Options For A Traditional Sailing Ship Cruise?

After my Windstar Wind Surf cruise, I was asked whether I’d found any other options that deliver a more authentic sailing ship experience.

There are two lines that particularly interest me.

The first is Star Clippers.

Its ships are more traditional sailing vessels, although the onboard experience is generally less luxurious than Windstar.

The second is Sea Cloud Cruises.

This is probably the one that interests me most.

Its ships are magnificent-looking traditional sailing vessels, and the whole experience appears much closer to the classic sailing ship atmosphere I’m looking for.

I’ve also been following the story of Golden Horizon, the large sailing ship that has had a rather complicated history since the pandemic.

It’s a ship I’d be interested in watching to see what happens next.

But if I were choosing another sailing ship experience, Sea Cloud would probably be at the top of my list.

Cruise Destinations And Itineraries

Which Cruise Is Best For Seeing The Northern Lights?

If seeing the Northern Lights is your main priority, I’d focus on cruises that travel along the Norwegian coast and far enough north to give you a good chance of seeing them.

There are several ways to do this.

Some British cruise lines, including Fred. Olsen and Saga, offer Northern Lights itineraries.

Cunard also has cruises that visit northern Norway.

I’d also look closely at the Norwegian coastal operators, particularly **Hurtigruten and Havila**.

These operate itineraries along the Norwegian coast, including destinations well north of the Arctic Circle.

Some operators offer Northern Lights promises or guarantees, although you need to check the conditions carefully.

October onwards is worth considering as the nights become longer.

October can be attractive because temperatures may be less severe than later in winter, although weather conditions can still be unpredictable.

I’d choose a cruise specifically designed around seeing the Northern Lights rather than hoping to spot them on a conventional Norwegian fjords itinerary.

And remember, even on a dedicated voyage, sightings depend on conditions.

Are There Any Cruises That Visit Only Canada Without Going To The United States?

A viewer was looking for a Canada-only cruise after seeing a Fred. Olsen itinerary sell out very quickly.

They wanted to avoid calling at the United States.

There are some options, but they’re relatively limited, particularly if you want to sail from the UK.

Saga is one line I’d investigate because it has offered cruises from the UK focusing on Canadian ports.

Cunard has also offered Canada itineraries, but these often include New York as part of a transatlantic itinerary, so they wouldn’t meet the requirement.

This is exactly the sort of itinerary challenge a good agent can help with, particularly when you have specific requirements about which countries the ship must or must not visit.

I’d also make sure to check the full itinerary carefully, including any technical or operational calls, rather than relying solely on how the cruise is marketed.

I’d recommend asking a travel agent to find all the options. I have a list of recommended agents but a challenge like this is ideal to submit to The Cruise Globe Travel Agency using their submit a request. Use this link: https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/bookcruise

Pre- And Post-Cruise Hotel Questions

Where Should I Stay In Vancouver Before An Alaska Cruise?

Vancouver is a fantastic city, but the hotels can be extremely expensive during the Alaska cruise season.

The most convenient hotel for cruising is the Pan Pacific Vancouver, which sits directly above the Canada Place cruise terminal.

You really couldn’t ask for a more convenient location.

Depending on your room, you can also get wonderful views across the harbour.

I’ve also stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront, which is directly opposite the terminal.

Both are worth considering if convenience is your priority.

There are other hotels farther away, including Hyatt and Westin properties, which may offer better value depending on your dates.

One advantage of staying close to Canada Place is that you can walk to the terminal rather than worrying about taxis and luggage.

The Pan Pacific has also offered a luggage transfer service to the cruise terminal, although I’d confirm the current arrangements directly with the hotel.

I’d definitely recommend allowing some extra time to explore Vancouver if you haven’t been before.

But book your hotel early because prices can rise sharply during the cruise season.

Where Should I Stay In Tokyo Before Or After A Japan Cruise?

For sightseeing in Tokyo, my favourite area to stay is Ginza.

The biggest advantage is the transport connections.

Tokyo’s metro system is excellent, and from Ginza I’ve found it easy to travel to many of the city’s major attractions.

I particularly recommend using Google Maps to navigate the metro.

One thing it does very well is tell you exactly which station exit to use.

That might sound like a small detail, but some Tokyo stations have numerous exits, and choosing the wrong one can mean a long walk.

I’ve stayed at the ANA InterContinental Tokyo and found it a convenient base for exploring the city.

I’ve also stayed at the **Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba**, which is near the cruise terminal area.

I liked the Grand Nikko. It had lovely views across the bay, was efficient and even offered a nice afternoon tea.

However, I wouldn’t choose Odaiba as my first option if I were spending several days sightseeing.

It’s a little farther from central Tokyo, and you need to use an additional transport connection to reach much of the city.

One other thing I noticed at the Grand Nikko was that the hotel was very strict about its stated check-in time.

So, if you arrive early, don’t assume you’ll be able to access your room.

My advice is to stay in a central area with good metro connections if sightseeing is your main priority, and consider Odaiba if convenience for the cruise terminal matters more.

Is The Mövenpick Hotel In Amsterdam Good For A Cruise?

I’ve visited the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre for an event, although I haven’t stayed overnight.

From what I saw, it looked like a good hotel.

Its biggest advantage is its location close to the Amsterdam cruise terminal.

If you’re embarking or disembarking there, that’s obviously very convenient.

The disadvantage is that it isn’t quite as central for sightseeing as some other hotels.

You can walk towards the station and central Amsterdam, but it’s worth considering how much exploring you plan to do.

I’ve also stayed at a hotel near Amsterdam’s central transport connections, which can be a good option if you’re arriving by train from the airport.

If your priority is getting easily to the cruise terminal, the Mövenpick is definitely worth considering.

If you’re spending several days exploring Amsterdam, I’d compare it with hotels closer to the centre.

Cruise Booking And Onboard Experience Questions

Is It Better To Book A Cruise Through A Travel Agent Or Directly With The Cruise Line?

My recommendation is to use a good travel agent.

That’s how I book my cruises.

I used to book directly with cruise lines because I assumed that was the best way to get the lowest fare.

But over time, I’ve found that a knowledgeable travel agent can offer several advantages.

They may have access to promotional fares, additional onboard credit or other benefits.

They can also help you choose the right ship, cabin and itinerary.

And importantly, if something goes wrong before, during or after your cruise, they can deal with the cruise line on your behalf.

That can save an enormous amount of time and frustration.

They can also help guide you through documentation and visa requirements, although it’s still your responsibility to make sure you have everything required.

I would always compare the complete price and booking conditions, but I haven’t found booking directly to offer an advantage that outweighs having a good travel agent supporting me.

I have a list of agents I recommend based on my own experience and feedback from other cruisers at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/travel-agents

Historic Cruise Ships

What Is The Story Behind SS Rotterdam, And Is It Worth Visiting?

I’ve recently spent two nights aboard the historic SS Rotterdam, which is now permanently moored in Rotterdam and operates as a hotel.

The ship entered service with Holland America Line in 1959 and remained with the company for 38 years.

It was later sold and briefly operated as Rembrandt with Premier Cruises.

After Premier Cruises collapsed, the ship faced an uncertain future.

A project was eventually established to restore it and bring it back to Rotterdam.

But the restoration turned into a very expensive and controversial undertaking.

The original budget was dramatically exceeded, partly because of the extensive asbestos removal required.

Costs eventually reached hundreds of millions of euros, creating a major scandal for the organisation involved.

The ship was subsequently sold to another operator and has become a hotel and visitor attraction.

I found staying aboard fascinating, particularly because you can explore so much of the ship.

One of my highlights was the engine room tour.

Unlike some other historic ocean liners that have been converted into hotels, SS Rotterdam retains an extraordinary amount of its original machinery.

I also met the Dutch maritime artist Onno Heesbeen, whose paintings of historic ocean liners feature in the background of my videos.

He creates incredibly detailed maritime artwork and ship models using original plans and technical drawings.

During our meeting aboard SS Rotterdam, he gave me one of his signed development models of the ship, which was an extraordinary gift.

If you enjoy ocean liner history, I think SS Rotterdam is absolutely worth visiting.

You can find out more about Onno’s work at https://www.tipsfortravellers.com/onno

More Cruise Questions Answered

That’s another selection of questions from my latest live cruise Q&A.

As always, the answers show why it’s so important to look beyond the headline cruise fare or the marketing claims when choosing a cruise.

A dedicated solo cabin isn’t necessarily cheaper. A fly-cruise to Antarctica isn’t necessarily less stressful. A more luxurious ship doesn’t always offer a better experience for every destination. And the right hotel location can make a big difference to your pre- or post-cruise holiday.

These are exactly the sorts of things I’ve learnt through my own cruising experiences and enjoy sharing in my live Q&A sessions.

This is Part 6 of my “Your Cruise Questions Answered” series.** You can also read the earlier instalments for more advice about cruise lines, cabins, destinations, onboard experiences and cruise planning.

If you have a cruise question you’d like me to answer, join one of my regular live cruise Q&As or leave your question in the comments.

 

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