If I am honest, it was with just a little trepidation, as well as excitement, that I embarked upon my very first holiday as a solo traveller – one week cruising aboard the elegant Crystal Symphony to the Baltic.

Yes, I had been fortunate enough to cruise on Crystal Symphony in the past but not travelling on my own – what could I expect of my seven-night ‘Baltic Getaway’?

Well, as soon as I stepped on board the ship at the new cruise terminal in Stockholm, it became apparent from the warm welcome I received from all the crew that any reservations I had were totally unfounded. This was compounded when on entering my Penthouse Suite with its opulent, relaxing ambience, I was greeted immediately by my butler Teodore from Rumania and two stewardesses, each with genuinely beaming smiles.

On the first evening aboard we set sail for the delightful port of call, Tallinn in Estonia – 2011 European Capital of Culture. Making my way to the Crystal dining room I knew I was to be seated on the late seating – usually preferred by Europeans – at a table for eight, both of which had been my personal choice. My fellow diners were a mix of couples and single travellers and after the introductions we shared our thoughts of looking forward to the thrilling voyage ahead of us, calling at St Petersburg (overnight), Helsinki and finally Copenhagen.

One of the many joys for single travellers is the flexibility of dining opportunities on Crystal Symphony. You can dine in the main restaurant at a table size of your choice – the maitre d’ is always empathetic – or at one of the smaller alternative restaurants, Asian Silk Road & The Sushi Bar and Italian Prego, or even in your Penthouse Suite of course! So dining with new friends, or on your own, are both options available to you. I also found The Bistro a conducive, casual meeting place, open all day for coffee, drinks and snacks.

Each evening brought such a variety of entertainment ranging from pre-dinner dancing, and watching the glamorous, award-winning nightly shows, to visiting the Crystal Casino or night club, Luxe. And yes I danced with the charming Ambassador Hosts – these five well travelled, educated gentlemen are accomplished ballroom dancers, happy to partner single ladies on the dance floor, or perhaps to a game of bridge. Some passengers choose to cruise on Crystal just to have this opportunity to dance.

The Captain’s Welcome Cocktail party and Dinner was the only formal night on this itinerary and at our table that night we were joined by Hotel Director, Joseph Matt. He explained to me how popular Crystal proved with solo cruisers, whose needs were handled very diplomatically. For example, on a 10-night plus sailing, solo guests are invited to a private cocktail party hosted by the officers; and two very useful points of contact for them are introduced – the Crystal Society hostess and the concierge, available on every voyage.

Though an inquisitive and resourceful explorer, I did book to join Crystal shore excursions in each port, partly as I wanted to ensure I really learnt about this fascinating part of the world and partly to enjoy the company of my fellow passengers during the day. I would thoroughly recommend this, particularly in stunning St Petersburg. The visit I selected to the world-famous Hermitage Museum was enhanced for Crystal cruisers by special access to The Gold Room with its awesome collection of royal jewellery and gifts; and there was also the opportunity to attend a classical ballet or opera in the evening.

On of the unexpected highlights of my trip was the opportunity to relax in my suite, with Teodore on hand ensuring I had everything I wanted, whether breakfast in privacy, a glass of champagne, canapés or a cup of earl grey tea – always delivered with a smile and the words ’the pleasure is all mine’.

Our last night on board was spent in wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen….the pleasure of the holiday tinged with the sadness of leaving new friends behind. In fact, I needed so much more time to appreciate the many pleasures of travelling alone aboard Crystal Symphony. I did definitely think to myself “What a Wonderful World”.

In my view, the appeal of travelling solo aboard either the seductive Symphony or sister ship Crystal Serenity, are limitless: the friendly, attentive and discreet service from all the crew; the range of activities; choice of dining options; and without doubt, budgets permitting, accommodation in a Penthouse Suite – ideal for hosting pre-dinner cocktails with friends. The spaciousness of the ship also lends itself to solo travellers feeling less conspicuous amongst the 940 passengers aboard, which is such an important factor.