Are you a traveler seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration? Solo cruising might just be the answer you’ve been looking for!
Cruising solo offers a unique and fulfilling experience that allows you to set sail on a memorable adventure, all while enjoying the freedom that comes with making your own choices.
Traveling solo, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), accounted for between 8% – 13% of cruisers in 2024. CLIA also found that Millennials and Gen Z travelers are the most likely to go it alone.
Solo traveling on a cruise ship is one of the fastest growing markets today. Travelers have the freedom to leave the ship and explore, but also enjoy the safety and comforts that a ship offers.
A very loose study done by cruise.co.uk came up with an interesting result. They found that out of 800 people polled, 70% said that if they had to go it alone, they would opt to take a solo cruise over a land-based adventure.
Those with an appetite for traveling also found that it is much easier when you make plans just for yourself, and don’t have to take anyone else’s schedules or preferences into consideration.
While it’s true that taking a cruise as a single person can be more expensive than going as a couple, many cruise lines have recognized the rising trend of solo travelers and have tailored their offerings to cater to them.
Solo Cruiser Cabins:
One of the most significant advancements for solo cruisers has been the introduction of solo-specific cabins.
Because of the popularity in solo traveling, cruise lines are now expanding, especially on newer vessels, their single cabins offered at the same prices as a shared cabin.
In the past, solo travelers often faced hefty “single supplement” charges, paying nearly as much as couples for the same accommodations.
Not only are cruise lines designating more solo cabins, they have begun designing cabins exclusively for them.
These cabins are designed to maximize space and comfort, offering a cozy retreat on a cruise that doesn’t break the bank. While they are compact, they provide everything a solo traveler needs, from a comfortable bed and private bathroom to storage space for belongings.
Offering solo cabins is especially prevalent on trips to particular ports, such as the Galápagos. The Galápagos has guest-to-guide restrictions, and cruise lines are making the switch and dedicating double cabins for single occupancy.
Solo cruise cabins have quickly become a popular choice, granting solo travelers both privacy and a sense of community with like-minded adventurers.
Engaging Social Activities
Some solo travelers may feel there is the prospect of feeling isolated, bored or lonely on a cruise. However, cruise lines have gone the extra mile to foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere for solo cruisers.
Social activities and events are organized specifically to help solo travelers connect and form new friendships.
Icebreaker events like mixers, game nights, and meet-and-greets for solo travelers only allow these cruisers to break the ice and get to know each other in a relaxed setting.
This opens up opportunities for a solo traveler to find travel companions for shore excursions, if they so desire.
Dining with a Difference
Dining aboard a cruise ship is a delightful experience on its own, but solo travelers might feel awkward about dining alone.
To address this, cruise lines often offer shared dining arrangements where solo cruisers can join other guests at larger tables. This creates a sense of camaraderie and provides the chance to savor gourmet meals while engaging in stimulating conversations.
For those who prefer more privacy, some cruise lines also offer the option of reserving tables for solo cruisers in the main dining rooms. This way, you can enjoy your meal alone, at your own pace without feeling rushed or self-conscious.
Solo-Friendly Excursions
While the ship’s amenities and activities are captivating, another allure of a cruise lies in exploring exotic ports of call. As the preference for solo cruising continues to rise, many cruise lines have curated special solo-friendly tours.
These excursions allow solo travelers to participate in group adventures tailored to their interests. Whether it’s diving into vibrant coral reefs, hiking ancient trails, or sampling local cuisine, these excursions present an opportunity to create lasting memories while connecting with fellow adventurers.
Staff aboard cruise lines will help the solo cruiser with recommendations for the best spots to see according to their tastes, and also give tips to maximize their time on shore.
Safety and Support
Depending on the solo cruiser themselves, there might be a safety concern when going it alone. Cruise lines recognize this concern and strive to provide additional support and peace of mind to solo travelers.
From enhanced onboard security measures to dedicated staff members who assist solo cruisers with any queries or concerns, the cruise lines prioritize the well-being of their guests.
Additionally, solo cruisers can join organized shore excursions, knowing that they have the support of experienced guides and fellow travelers.
Best Cruise Lines for Solo Cruisers
Several cruise lines have emerged as frontrunners in catering to solo cruisers. Companies like Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have garnered praise for their exceptional solo cruiser cabins, social activities, and personalized services.
With the rapidly growing popularity of solo cruising, more cruise lines are expected to offer specialized amenities for solo travelers in the future.
Riviera River Cruises based in the UK, sells sole-occupancy cabins with no single surcharge. It also dedicates entire ships for solo travel. In 2024, Riviera Travel had eight ships with solo traveler itineraries.
Here are some of the other cruise lines that do a good job of welcoming the solo traveler:
Norwegian Cruises for Singles and Solo Cruising
For 6 years in a row, Porthole Cruise and Travel magazine has named Norwegian the Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers.
The cruise line has more than 1000 solo rooms across their 19 ships.
Norwegian has:
- Solo Inside: Similar to other inside staterooms, but priced for solo travelers.
- Solo Balcony: Spacious staterooms with a queen-size bed, sitting area, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony.
- Solo Studio: Designed and priced for solo travelers, with a full-size bed, one-way window, and separate areas for the bathroom, sink, and shower.
Norwegian has also added solo cabins to their Breakaway-class vessels because of the popularity of solo traveling. Solo cabins tend to sell out fast, too.
Studio cabins on NCL come with access to a special lounge for solo cruisers.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean is generally considered to have the most solo cabins of any other cruise line across their fleet.
They also have the five biggest cruise ships in the world. You can book an inside studio stateroom, virtual balcony staterooms or a studio ocean view with a balcony.
Many of their newer ships like Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas have a large number of dedicated “studio” cabins that are designed for solo travelers.
Check out this RC article on cruising solo: Royal Caribbean: Solo Cruises | Tips for Traveling Alone
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers solo cabins on many of its ships, including the Edge-series ships and the Celebrity Silhouette. These cabins are designed for solo travelers and have many of the same amenities as double staterooms.
Celebrity has single staterooms, some of them with a private veranda. Celebrity also hosts social events for solo travelers.
For on-shore days, Celebrity can also help you choose on-shore excursions that suit your objectives, whether it is making friends or experiencing the sights on your own.
In 2022, Celebrity was the winner of the Solo Traveler Magellan Award, which is presented by the leading travel industry publication, Travel Weekly.
Celebrity has an article about cruising solo here: Celebrity Cruises: Solo Cruises, The Ultimate Guide to Cruising Solo
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is a cruise line that cruises on their own terms, and so they are conducive to those sailors who are looking to travel solo.
VV agrees with a licensed psychologist who practices in New York, Dr. Peet, who sees traveling as an act of confidence, and that traveling solo demonstrates strength of character.
On Virgin, the Insider and Sea View cabins are priced for people who are traveling alone.
If you subscribe to Virgin Voyages email list, you will get notified where there are promotions on double occupancy rooms that don’t have a single supplement, so you will get a roomier cabin without the additional cost.
Read up on : Virgin Voyages: Solo Cruise: Cruising on your own
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises understand that sometimes you just want to recharge your batteries, and the best way to do that is to go solo. P&O has specific activities that are tailored for the solo traveler so you can be as active or as sociable as you want.
P&O has single cabins on all of its ships and you can dine at a shared table or alone.
Shore excursions can be personalized to help you explore the sites you want to see most. The crew on P&O will help to answer any questions or to guide you in getting the most out of your solo cruise.
Check out this article: P&O Cruises: Solo Travelers
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
The smaller ships of Fred Olsen Cruise lines are perfect for a solo traveler. The ships are easy to get around and have a friendly atmosphere.
As a solo traveler, you will have special opportunities for social occasions and mixed dining tables. You will also be invited to a Solo Travelers meeting that allows you to meet other like-minded travelers onboard, if you so choose.
Find more information about cruising solo here: Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Oceania Cruises
Because of a rise in popularity, Oceania is introducing dozens more dedicated staterooms for solo travelers.
Oceania’s ships are smaller than the giants of mainstream cruise lines, and you will be able to be as independent as you want, yet always have opportunities for interaction.
Oceania has concierge level solo veranda staterooms onboard Vista, that also allows you access to the dedicated Concierge Lounge.
If you choose to go ashore, you can join expert guides, or explore independently. If you decide to go it alone, the expert guides will be happy to advise you on must-see sights and highlights of your on-shore location.
Oceania has more information here: Oceania Cruises – The Solo Traveler Experience
Set Sail for the Adventure of a Lifetime
Many people like the freedom that comes with making their own plans, and having the flexibility that solo traveling brings.
Solo cruising presents an incredible opportunity to explore the world at your own pace while immersing yourself in a community of like-minded travelers.
The cruise industry is taking notice of the sharp increase in solo travelers and pivoting accordingly to both attract and accommodate this growing segment of travelers.
Traveling solo on a cruise offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and personal growth. It allows you to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of planning transportation or accommodations, all while enjoying the comfort and amenities of a floating resort.
With the freedom to create your own schedule, you can indulge in onboard activities, dine at your own pace, and meet new people from around the world.
Many cruise lines also offer solo-friendly perks, such as dedicated lounges and events to help travelers connect. Whether you seek solitude or social interaction, a solo cruise provides the perfect balance of independence and opportunity for new experiences.
So, if you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with new experiences, breathtaking sights, and meaningful connections, solo cruising awaits you.
It’s time to set sail with confidence, and let the winds of adventure carry you to uncharted horizons! Bon voyage!
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About
Joy is the Co-Founder & Content Manager/Expert for CruisePortAdvisor.com and one of the founders of the site. She loves to travel, sing & bake.
