Why Nassau, Bahamas was the Perfect Destination for My First Solo International Trip.

Hey there! If you're thinking about taking your first international trip, get ready for a whirlwind of excitement and maybe a few butterflies in your stomach—especially if you’re going it alone. I recently had the joy of experiencing this mix of feelings on my first solo journey aboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise to the beautiful Nassau, Bahamas.

This stunning island was the perfect backdrop for exploration, relaxation, and a little self-discovery along the way. So, come along with me as I share my itinerary and some insights on why solo cruising could be just the adventure you’ve been dreaming of!

Steal My Itinerary!

My cruise was the perfect weekend getaway. If this is your first time traveling internationally solo, I think this is a perfect itinerary. You're gone long enough to feel rejuvenated, but not so long that you begin to feel uncomfortable about being away alone. I encourage you to check out some of Royal Caribbean's short cruises. I embarked on the 3 night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise. Here was my itinerary:

Day 1: Depart from Miami, FL

Once I arrived on the ship I took the afternoon to walk around the boat to get to know my surroundings. I will say that I loved the monitors placed throughout the boat where you could quickly lookup all of the activities on the boat. In particular the features that allowed you to find something to do right now.

While I did not attend the Sail Away Party, I was able to enter into a raffle for free spa services and other prizes. I did not win, but I recommend attending if you are looking for deals. I do regret taking them up on the offer for a 75 min full body massage with hot stones and a facial for $159 (regularly $299).

One memorable highlight of my first day was wandering through the Promenade and checking out one of the bars where I had great conversation with Manuel, the bartender. Most bartenders are pretty good at conversation, but when he found out that I was on a solo adventure, he invited me to stop by every day and talk if I just needed someone to chat with.

The night before we docked in Nassau, I happened to mention that I was not really sure what to do as I was not really drawn to a particular excursion. He is the one that mentioned that I should check out a public beach.

People may forget your name, and what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Thanks Manuel!

Day 2: Perfect Day at CocoCay

The following day we arrived at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean's Private Island. Overall, I enjoyed my day but I do have some pros and cons I'd like to share.

Pros	Cons
A beautiful island beach club with amusement park. It's a great place to meet people with a variety of things to do.	Hard to enjoy solo because I didn't have anyone to watch my stuff. I never ventured too far from my lounge chair for fear that someone may mistake my bag for theirs.
The drinks were good. The service was so-so. I sat close enough to a bar that I would go and get my own drinks. It took a while for a waiter to service my section regularly.	The food was just ok. There were plenty of casual food options. I wish I had looked a bit harder for more upscale dining.
The balloon ride offered beautiful views of the entire island. It really gave me a better idea of what was available to me on the island.	The ride is overpriced at $92 for only 10 minutes. I was lucky that there were only three passengers in total offering me a more intimate experience.

In summary, A Perfect Day at Cococay offers a vacation vibe with the amenities of a well designed park setting. This is not a rich cultural experience, it's just good fun. If you are solo, try not to bring too much stuff so you aren't anchored by your bag. This would be more fun for groups of friends and families for that reason.

Day 3: Nassau, Bahamas

The night before the ship arrived to port in Nassau, I contemplated what to do. Many of the excursions offered were fun, but did not allow you to experience the city first hand. I chose to book the walking tour for the most immersive experience. If you have physical limitations or just prefer not to walk, I recommend booking the driving tours.

To maximize my day, I booked the early tour that started at 8:30am. For the next hour and a half my group saw a few cultural sites such as:

• The bronze statue of Sir Milo Boughton Butler in Rawson Square.

• The Queen's Staircase

• Fort Fincastle

• Nassau Public Library

• Garden Of Remembrance

• Parliament Square

You certainly can do your own walking tour of this area without booking an excursion. However, since I was alone, walking with the group was the safest decision. By the time the tour ended, five of us stuck together to enjoy the rest of the day on the Island.

After soaking in some of the culture, we spent the next few hours at Junkanoo Beach. Junkanoo Beach is a public Beach that was only about a 15 minute walk from Parliament Square where our tour concluded. We walked along Bay Street until we ran right into it. Over the next few hours we talked, soaked up the sun, swam, and enjoyed some beautiful and tasty daiquiris!

Day 4: Return to Port in Miami, FL

Solo traveling has its perks, and my fourth day was all about exciting adventures. I booked a thrilling snorkeling excursion at nearby reefs, plunging into clear waters filled with colorful marine life. Reports suggest that snorkeling in the Bahamas pairs you with over 200 species of fish—definitely a must-do for adventure seekers!

Being alone didn’t stop me from connecting with fellow travelers on the trip. We shared stories and laughter as we explored the underwater world together. If you ever find yourself on a similar trip, be open to making new friends. It adds a wonderful layer to the experience.

Insights on Solo Travel

As I navigated through Nassau, I often took a moment to appreciate the beauty around me. My solo cruise was not merely about exploring new destinations; it was also about discovering my own capabilities. Traveling alone pushed me well outside my comfort zone. Solo travel nurtures independence and personal growth. I was thankful for the moments of reflection that allowed me to truly enjoy my own company.

Final Thoughts: Was it Worth It?

I can confidently say it was worth it. The combination of relaxation, adventure, and culture made it an ideal choice for any solo traveler.

If you're considering a solo cruise, I recommend Nassau as a safe, inviting destination. As you plan your journey, keep an open mind and embrace the freedom of exploring at your own pace.