SITs are, by definition, alone. But ‘alone’, is not an emotion. It merely means “no one is nearby.”
‘While ‘loneliness’ is the mind’s self-perceived emotional state of feeling unattached or unwanted.
Generally, I prize being alone; prizing it’s solitude, freedom & privacy, yet I am quite capable of engaging
with others.
I can be alone ‘in-my-thoughts’ while wandering in an Asian crowd of thousands 
OR actively engaged with fellow travelers cooking dinner in my hostel’s kitchen.
I am a contented introvert or extrovert when it pleases me.
I relish my thoughts as I stroll down a small village path trying to be attuned to every little thing I see & hear: a Myanmar bush covered with butterflies, two Normandy ladies working in their garden waving back, or luscious luncheon aroma & haunting music wafting out of a Syracuse, Sicily’s back street home.
I am an anonymous human speck in the flow of humanity’s traffic.
Anecdote: traveling alone -- GREAT IRONY: At 28, having won a free TV Dating Game ttrip to Italy, I extended trip to other countries, but after a couple of weeks, I realized I was 'lonely'; my experience too shallow without someone to share it with...
Then, at 46, an ex-girlfriend & I planned a camping road trip to Vancouver, BC's "1986 World Exposition", but, alas, she stood-me-up at the last moment. Let down, I indignantly vowed to go alone in spite of my feared 'loneliness.' I visited the Exposition, several national parks, historical sites & realized how fascinating were the thoughts in my own brain AND how exhilarating a 'solo' experience. I've mainly traveled alone since then.
OTOH, my gregarious friend Lauren invariably meets another woman traveler and they travel together then and sometimes on future trips.
Tour Bus & Cruise tourists rely on the security & comfort of that their modest sized tour group or town-sized cruise crowd, finding privacy when needed in their sleeping room.
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Can/do cruise ships arrange travel from the airport to the cruise ship and back for tremulous single travelers
Yes, many cruise lines offer transportation services from the airport to the cruise ship and back, which can be especially helpful for single travelers who might feel uncertain or anxious about arranging travel on their own. These services are typically designed to make the process smooth and stress-free, regardless of whether you're traveling solo or with others. Here’s how it generally works:
Most major cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America, provide optional airport transfer services. These are often available for purchase either when you book your cruise, through the cruise line’s website (e.g., via a "Manage My Booking" section), or by contacting their reservations team. A representative usually meets you at the airport—often near baggage claim—and guides you to a shuttle or motorcoach that takes you directly to the ship. After the cruise, they can transport you back to the airport. This eliminates the need to navigate unfamiliar public transport or haggle with taxis, which can be daunting if you’re on your own and feeling tremulous.
For single travelers, this can be a reassuring option because it’s pre-arranged and reliable. You don’t have to worry about coordinating logistics solo—the cruise line handles it. Some lines, like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, even emphasize convenience for solo travelers, with dedicated support and clear instructions. However, you’ll need to provide your flight details in advance (usually at least a couple of days before departure) so they can sync the transfer with your arrival. If your flight changes, it’s on you to update them, but they’re generally equipped to adjust.
The catch? These transfers come at an additional cost, and prices vary by cruise line and port. They might not always be the cheapest option compared to, say, a rideshare or public transit, but the peace of mind can outweigh the expense for someone traveling alone and feeling shaky about the journey. Availability is usually limited to the day of embarkation and disembarkation, so if you’re arriving early or staying late, you’d need to arrange something else.
If this sounds like it fits your needs, I’d recommend checking with your specific cruise line. They’ll have details on pricing, booking, and whether they offer any solo-traveler perks—like Norwegian’s solo cabins or meet-and-greet events—that might ease your nerves further. Want me to dig into a particular cruise line for you?
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