This 7-day cruise was the perfect introduction to cruising! Living in New England, we loved the convenience of driving to the port instead of flying—it made the trip way more budget-friendly for a family of four. Norwegian’s private island was an ideal spot for a beach day, as long as the weather cooperated. Nassau had a fantastic port with plenty of shopping and dining options, and in Port Canaveral, we toured Cape Canaveral—which was definitely a highlight for the kids!

This 10-day cruise definitely kept us on our toes! A severe storm over the Atlantic shook up our itinerary, but the adventure was unforgettable. St. Lucia ended up being our favorite stop—we hopped on a boat, took a scenic bus ride, and even relaxed in a volcanic bath. Antigua was all about the beach, with incredible waves that made swimming so much fun. The trip home got a little wild with rough seas, but we rolled with it and had an amazing time anyway. And honestly? It made for some pretty great memories!

We flew into New Orleans a few days early to soak up the magic of this incredible city—and lucky for us, it was Mardi Gras! Getting to experience a parade and all the festive energy was unforgettable.

Cozumel is one of those ports that never gets old—there’s just so much to do, which makes it a great place to visit again and again. Harvest Caye, one of Norwegian’s gorgeous private islands, gave us the perfect beach day. As for the other two ports? Not exactly favorites, but they were still nice for a casual stroll and a bit of shopping in the port area.

This was my first solo cruise, and it exceeded all expectations. Read my Solo Story for a deeper look into the solo travel experience. The ports on this itinerary were among my favorites—particularly Jamaica, a destination I’ve always loved. Falmouth offers a vibrant port shopping area, ideal for those who prefer to stay within the port’s comfort zone. However, for travelers seeking a more immersive experience, the town itself is small and easy to explore, providing an authentic glimpse into local culture. George Town offered a similar charm, making each stop an adventure.

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Read all about my first solo trip in my solo story blog post: My First Solo Trip, Part 2: The Cruise.

This was my first transatlantic and maiden voyage so of course it was an adventure! What was supposed to be a simple 7-day transatlantic cruise from Southampton to Boston turned into a bit more than I bargained for! A severe storm over the Atlantic forced a last-minute change, stretching the trip to 10 days and ending in New York instead. It definitely made for some unexpected logistical challenges, but honestly, the ship was gorgeous, and I still had an amazing time. Plus, I made sure to fly in a few days early so I could explore Southampton and visit the Titanic Museum—because if there’s history to be discovered, I’m there!

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For more details on this amazing adventure, check out my solo story blog post: Solo Story: Boston or Bust.

This cruise didn’t go quite as planned, but every trip has its own twists and turns. Check out my Solo Story for the full scoop! I may not have made it to the ports this time, but Alaska’s breathtaking scenery still made for an unforgettable adventure. And don’t worry—I’ll definitely be back to experience it all properly next time!

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Do you worry about experiencing anxiety when you travel? Read my solo story, Alaska, Anxiety, and the Quite in Between post about how I dealt with unexpected anxiety on this trip

After a short break from solo travel, I jumped back in with a 10-day Caribbean cruise. The port-heavy itinerary gave me the freedom to explore multiple islands on my own—from a sky ride in St. Thomas, to a beach and boardwalk stroll in St. Maarten, to a perfectly lazy beach day in the Bahamas. Along the way, I met so many experienced solo cruisers and learned invaluable tips about new destinations and how to find great deals. What I love most, though, is connecting with fellow solos—hearing their stories, their reasons for traveling alone, and how solo travel helps each of us navigate life in our own way.

Sailing on another maiden voyage, this time on the Norwegian Luna, felt like stepping into a brand-new chapter—one that began in Civitavecchia and carried me all the way to Miami. Along the way, I wandered through the vibrant streets of Barcelona, taking in its breathtaking architecture and starting my morning with a café view of La Sagrada Familia before stepping inside to experience its beauty up close. In Gibraltar, I stood atop the Rock of Gibraltar, where you can see both Europe and Africa at once, explored the dramatic St. Michael’s Cave, and shared a moment with the island’s famous Barbary macaque. As my first cruise in the Mediterranean, it was the perfect way to experience places I might not have chosen to visit on my own otherwise—opening the door to new destinations in a way that felt both exciting and effortless.