When you are a solo parent of twins, holidays can feel like a military operation. They involve the three Ps: plan, pack and pray you survive! So booking a cruise with my twins felt either wildly brave or slightly mad.
But somewhere between the kids’ activities, the all-you-can-eat buffet and the thrill of waking up in a new country, I discovered that cruise ships are basically co-parenting with a thousand helpful strangers. No ‘I’m bored’ moments, just 24-hour fun on tap.
I used to think cruising was for retirees, honeymooners or big family reunions and not for people like me, travelling alone with two energetic children! But my first cruise turned out to be one of the easiest, most enjoyable and most enriching trips we’ve ever taken together.
Why Cruising Works for Solo Parents
When you’re the only adult in charge, the mental load of a holiday can be huge: arranging meals, keeping kids safe, organising day trips and making sure there’s something for everyone to do. On a cruise, most of that is handled for you. A cruise ship is like a floating village with built-in babysitters, restaurants, activities and entertainment without you having to plan every detail.
Safety is a big one for me. Cruise ships are designed so you can relax, knowing your kids aren’t disappearing into the streets of a strange city. That peace of mind is priceless when you’re juggling two children on your own. Then there’s the convenience of food, activities, entertainment and excursions all being within easy reach. No dragging luggage across cobbled streets or figuring out local bus timetables. You unpack once and your hotel moves with you to a new destination every day.
Choosing the Right Cruise
Not all cruises are created equal when it comes to solo parent sanity. Kid-friendly itineraries are key. I went with Royal Caribbean for our first trip in 2024, partly because the ship itself had so much for kids to do, but also because the itinerary was perfect: Greek Isles with stops in Mykonos, Santorini, Kusadasi and Naples.
When choosing your cruise, think about travel time to the port. If you’re already doing a solo parent marathon just to get there, you’ll start your holiday tired. We flew to Rome on an early flight, which meant less stress in case of flight delays, and our boarding day was stress-free. Alternatively, you could do an overnight in the city where you are picking up your cruise for even less stress.
Making the Most of Kids’ Clubs
Onboard kids’ clubs can be a game-changer, especially for the younger ones, since the older kids tend to make friends in the gaming areas or from taking part in the pool games. The beauty is that the kids’ clubs are included in your fare. You’re not paying extra for babysitting, and the staff are trained to work with all ages. My twins and I just wanted to soak it all in by the pool.
Budgeting Without Panic
Cruises can look expensive when you see the upfront price. But once you factor in what’s included – accommodation, food, entertainment and transport between destinations – it’s often better value than a land holiday.
That said, there are extras to watch for like Wi-Fi, onboard shopping and specialty dining. We stuck to the free cafés and buffets, and often explored ports ourselves instead of booking excursions. Travelling outside school holidays means big savings, and grabbing last-minute deals if you’re flexible can save money. Look for departures from nearby European ports to avoid long-haul flights.
Navigating Mealtimes Without Chaos
Mealtimes can be a nightmare for lot of parents, whereas cruise dining is a solo parent dream. Buffet options mean the kids can choose what they like without me ordering three different things and hoping for the best. Fussy eaters? Sorted.
Some nights we went to the formal dining room, which was an experience in itself. Other times, we grabbed quick bites between activities. Flexibility is everything, and on a cruise you get it in spades.
Shared Adventures
The best part of cruising as a solo parent is the mix of closeness and space. During the day, we explored new places: wandering through cobbled streets in Mykonos, taking a boat trip in Santorini, sampling pizza in Naples.
These were the moments I’ll remember. Seeing the world through their eyes, laughing together when I was trying to haggle, tasting something new and exploring the ruins of Pompeii. But there was also breathing room. An hour by the pool while they were in the arcade. A quiet cocktail in a deck chair, staring out at the sunset. That balance is what made it feel like a holiday for all of us.
Why I’ll Cruise Again
I left that first cruise wondering why I’d waited so long. It was safe, convenient and surprisingly relaxing, while also visiting multiple destinations. For solo parents, it’s a holiday where everything runs effortlessly and the memories stick with you for a lifetime.
It turns out the sea isn’t the only thing that’s smooth when you cruise – it’s the whole experience. And for this solo parent with twins, that’s the kind of travel I’ll happily sign up for again and again.
Tips for Solo Parents Thinking About a Cruise
• Choose your cabin wisely. If you can, go for one with a balcony. It gives you a private outdoor space when the kids are asleep.
• Pack a day bag. On boarding day, you might not get your luggage straight away, so have swimsuits, sunscreen and a change of clothes in your backpack.
• Don’t over-schedule. It’s tempting to cram in every activity, but downtime is important.
• Set spending rules. Some ships let kids charge to the cabin. Make sure they know what’s allowed.
Published in Sailaway Magazine September/October 2025 edition