Here’s Why You Should Go Solo on a Cruise
You can enjoy a cruise without a plus-one—but here's what you need to know.
The travel world doesn’t always favor single people. You might be asked to move your seat on a plane or train to make room for a couple. The ocean might be calling your name, but who will watch your belongings on the beach? And sure, reading alone while dining sounds romantic, but have you ever tried holding a book while balancing a fork and knife? It’s nearly impossible.
When it comes to cruises, those traveling alone are often punished with a dreaded tariff known as the single supplement, which can be 50 to 100% more than the regular fare. Unlike hotel room rates, which are unrelated to whether one or two people will be sharing the bed, cruise cabins need to make up for the lost cost of an extra occupant, who would otherwise be spending money on the ship. But the world is changing, and as solo travel continues to trend in 2024, many cruise lines are embracing cabins for one.
Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, announced last year that it would be introducing nearly 1,000 new solo staterooms across its 19 ships. Oceania’s newest ship Vista debuted last year with six solo cabins complete with premium offerings, like balconies and concierge service. When it comes to luxury river cruises, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions are both waiving single supplements on select cruises this year.
Alicia Pacini, founder and president of Unleashed Luxury Travel Concierge, has helped a record number of single travelers book cruises in the last few years. And the return rate is high. “My solo travelers almost always have another journey booked before they're off the ship,” she says, adding that she’s witnessed clients who, having never cruised or traveled alone, went from booking a 54-night grand voyage to a world cruise.
Pacini explains that there are two types of solo cruisers: those who simply do not have the same interests as their partner or friends, and those who are single, seeking out adventurous travel experiences. “Post-pandemic, I see that people are not waiting anymore,” she says. “When they see something interesting, they're taking the leap and booking it.”
Why book a solo cruise?
You might be wondering if it’s worth it to set out to sea by your lonesome. But the truth is, on a cruise, you’re never really alone. The biggest concern among clients hesitant to book a solo cruise, Pacini explains, is the fear that they will feel cut off from the rest of the couples on the ship. But she finds that it’s often the opposite that happens; the single traveler meets a community of like-minded individuals on the ship, who eventually plan future cruises together.
And what’s great about a cruise, Pacini adds, is that it eases the pressure of decision-making, which might be present on a different kind of solo journey. On an expedition-style trip, for example, your itinerary might include eight to ten-hour days, leaving little room for boredom. And a more leisurely cruise could be a good choice for solo travelers seeking convenience. “It could be you want somewhere where there's three restaurants to go to, there are bars that are open till one in the morning, and you have to walk 200 steps maximum to get there. And you're safe. You don't have to take an Uber,” Pacini says. “So a lot of that guesswork is taken out.” But it also doesn’t have to be that deep. “It could just be that you want to go to the Caribbean and nobody wants to go with you,” she says “And you're going to have a great time.”
Tips for booking a solo cruise
To get the best promotions and rates, book as early as you can, Pacini advises. She also suggests working with a travel advisor when planning such a personal trip. “There’s a product for everyone, so the more we know about you, the better match we can make, because every line has their strengths,” she says. “So it's important for clients to qualify what's most important for them, and what they value most when it comes to their travel dollars.” This is especially true if you’re not splitting costs with a fellow traveler.
The best cruise lines for solo travelers
Norwegian Cruise Line has been a pioneer in the solo cruise space, offering private rooms since 2010—i.e. before it was cool. Earlier this year, the cruise line introduced three new solo stateroom categories—Solo Inside, Solo Balcony, and Solo Oceanview—which now extend across the 19-ship fleet, so single travelers now have more destinations to choose from, spanning Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. If you’re a single guest who’s booked a Studio Stateroom, you’ll have private key card access to the Studio Lounge, where you can meet other independent travelers.
“Explora has programs onboard for solos, which I think is great for meeting other travelers while you're on board,” Pacini says. The European luxury cruise line offers a single supplement as low as 25%. Over the summer, it unveiled new entertainment options, like a multi-day murder mystery game designed to encourage guest interaction. But if you prefer to keep to yourself, there are digital activities you can download on your phone, like crosswords and trivia related to the destinations you’re visiting. There’s also an onboard art gallery, the expansive Galleria d’Arte, where you can spend hours roaming around.
“I've had very good luck with Ponant's expedition trips, especially because they offer quite a few no-single-supplement sailings,” Pacini says. “When you're going to the Arctic or Antarctic, those are top-end, more expensive products, and that has helped me bring travelers to those places who might have otherwise thought they would be limited by the pricing.” The small-group excursions—which range from exploring Mexico’s Yucután Peninsula to trekking over icebergs in Antarctica—are the perfect chance to socialize, but as this is a very relaxed, informal cruise line, you can also just wile your days away at the onboard luxury spa.
A trip on Silversea cruises comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for that extra attention. “Silversea has been most welcoming to my solo guests,” Pacini says. “The level of service being almost one-to-one, guest-to-crew, really helps people feel as though they're not alone.” Single supplements start at 25%, and each voyage begins with a champagne reception, to make it easier for guests to mingle with one another before the trip even begins. According to passenger reviews, Silversea voyages are often very intimate, so you’re bound to make some friends.
You’re less likely to run into families—and their screaming babies—on a Virgin Cruise, as it’s adults-only. The line’s three ships—Scarlett Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady—each have 40 solo interior cabins and six sea-facing ones. The activities on the trip are designed for solo travelers, whether that’s a dedicated meetup for singles, or a meal at Gumbae, the communal Korean barbecue restaurant onboard. Virgin often offers promotions on double occupancy rooms with no single supplement.