Solo Cruising
Learn why cruising is so great for solo travelers
More and more people are choosing to travel solo. Are you one of them? If so, you might want to consider cruising. Cruising has so many benefits for solo travelers. And as demand from single travelers rises, cruise lines are responding with more accommodation options geared toward them.
Benefits of cruising solo
When you book a cruise, you get your accommodations, entertainment, and transportation from port to port, all for one price. There’s no need to search out and book transportation and lodging for each leg of your trip or for each separate activity. It’s all covered. That also allows you to see multiple destinations while only needing to unpack once.
On a cruise, you’ll be travelling with fellow cruisers and cruise staff, so you’ll have a lot more support getting from place to place than if you were traveling on your own. Overall, cruising takes a lot of the burden of planning off of solo travelers and it makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Single rooms on cruises can also be great for people traveling in big groups. People traveling with friends or family might prefer a room to themselves, and getting several single rooms, or a mix of double and single rooms, might be the best way to give everyone the space they need.
On a cruise, you’ll be travelling with fellow cruisers and cruise staff, so you’ll have a lot more support getting from place to place than if you were traveling on your own. Overall, cruising takes a lot of the burden of planning off of solo travelers and it makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Single rooms on cruises can also be great for people traveling in big groups. People traveling with friends or family might prefer a room to themselves, and getting several single rooms, or a mix of double and single rooms, might be the best way to give everyone the space they need.
How solo cruising works
Single travelers have always been able to book a traditional stateroom, but an increasing number of fleets are offering cabins specifically designed (and priced) for singles.
Cruise prices are listed as per person, based on double occupancy, but when you book a traditional stateroom as a solo cruiser, you’ll have to pay a single supplement. The amount varies from fleet to fleet, but can sometimes be equivalent to the price you would have paid for two guests. That being said, some fleets occasionally offer reduced single supplements.
Some cruise lines now offer specially designed studio cabins for solo cruisers. Depending on the cruise line, you may even be able to get a single oceanview or balcony room. These single rooms are designed for one person and priced to match. With no single supplement, you’ll just pay the listed per-person price.
If you want one, though, it’s best to book early. With high demand, single rooms can sell quickly.
If you have any questions about your room options, you can always call our Cruise Experts for help.
Cruise prices are listed as per person, based on double occupancy, but when you book a traditional stateroom as a solo cruiser, you’ll have to pay a single supplement. The amount varies from fleet to fleet, but can sometimes be equivalent to the price you would have paid for two guests. That being said, some fleets occasionally offer reduced single supplements.
Some cruise lines now offer specially designed studio cabins for solo cruisers. Depending on the cruise line, you may even be able to get a single oceanview or balcony room. These single rooms are designed for one person and priced to match. With no single supplement, you’ll just pay the listed per-person price.
If you want one, though, it’s best to book early. With high demand, single rooms can sell quickly.
If you have any questions about your room options, you can always call our Cruise Experts for help.
The solo cruise experience
When you cruise solo, you get to choose your own cruise experience. If you want to explore destinations on your own or just read a book poolside, you can. If you’re looking to meet other travelers, cruise lines offer plenty of opportunities to mingle. For example, you can get seated with other solo travelers at dinner, or participate in events like pub crawls aimed specifically at solo cruisers.
Best cruise lines for solo travelers
These cruise lines offer single rooms and special amenities for solo travelers.
Norwegian Cruise Line
The first to offer single staterooms, Norwegian now has 1,000 solo cabins spread across 19 ships, including single oceanview and solo balcony rooms. Guests in studio rooms also have access a lounge only for them, where solo travelers can meet and greet.
Royal Caribbean
Royal offers both inside and balcony rooms for singles. Activities from wine-tastings to group fitness classes let you meet other travelers. Group dining experiences like the Chef’s Table are another great way to meet fellow cruisers.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages’ hip, adults-only ships have both interior and sea view rooms available for singles, with amenities like window seats and rain-showers. Virgin hosts meet-ups for singles on each of its cruises and more social activities like the Grog Walk pub-crawl.
Holland America Line
Holland has single rooms including oceanview rooms. If you want to meet people, you can be seated with other solo travelers at dinner. There are many more social events, like cocktail mixers, sports challenges and live music performances.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity’s Edge-class ships feature single rooms, including 32 with their Infinite Veranda design. These rooms feature a floor to ceiling window that can open halfway, giving you a balcony-like fresh air experience. Wine tastings and cocktail-making classes are great opportunities to meet other travelers.
Costa Cruises
About half of Costa’s ships have single cabins. These include inside and oceanview rooms. Activities like dance classes and cooking demonstrations can provide ample opportunities to meet other passengers.
Cunard Line
Inside and oceanview single rooms are available on Cunard cruises. They also hosts get-togethers specifically for single guests and you can choose to dine alone or with other passengers. The classic atmosphere and extra time at sea on Transatlantic sailings leads to a special feeling of camaraderie.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways has single rooms on four of their river cruise ships. Select Europe and Asia cruises also have single supplements as low as 20%. Their small ships foster a friendly atmosphere where it’s easy to socialize with other travelers as well as the crew.
Top Destinations for Solo Travelers
One of the best parts of cruising solo is the opportunity to explore multiple destinations at your own pace. Here are some ports that solo travelers love to visit.
Barcelona, Spain
This Spanish city is known for its stunning art and architecture as well as its nightlife. Walk the city’s historic streets and meet locals over delicious tapas.
Santorini, Greece
On the Greek island of Santorini, you can choose from adventure or relaxation. Explore ancient ruins or lay out on one of the pristine beaches.
Aruba
Aruba’s welcoming locals make travelers feel at home in the Caribbean. You can meet them — and your fellow travelers — on stunning beaches or in lively bars and clubs.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is the perfect destination for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. There, you can experience natural wonders like the Piton mountains or the Sulphur Springs or hike, snorkel, or zip-line.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
In the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Medieval architecture and vibrant cafes sit side by side in the Old Town and panoramic views can be seen from nearby Mount Srđ. Dubrovnik rewards exploring at your own place.