Norwegian Cruise Line Solo Travel Guide: Studio Cabins, No Supplement, Honest Review

If you’re cruising solo, Norwegian Cruise Line is probably the best thing that’s happened to single travellers since duty-free became a thing. While most cruise lines still treat solo cruisers like an afterthought, slapping on punitive single supplements that can double the cost of your holiday, Norwegian’s approach to solo travel is genuinely revolutionary. Their Studio Cabins are purpose-built for one person, priced for one person, and come with access to a private lounge where you can actually meet other solo travellers without feeling like you’ve accidentally wandered into a speed-dating event.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Studio Cabins are compact, single-occupancy staterooms (around 95-100 square feet) designed specifically for solo travellers. They eliminate the traditional single supplement, are priced for one guest, and include access to a private Studio Lounge on most ships. Available across much of NCL’s fleet, including Norwegian Epic, Breakaway-class, and Prima-class vessels, Studios offer a cost-effective, social-friendly option for sailing alone.

What Exactly Are NCL Studio Cabins

Studio Cabins, sometimes called Solo Staterooms, are NCL’s answer to the solo travel problem that’s plagued the cruise industry for decades. They’re not just regular cruise cabins with one person rattling around in them, they’re specifically designed interior rooms built for single occupancy from the ground up.

Here’s what makes them different:

• Single occupancy only: These cabins don’t accommodate a second guest without upgrading to a larger category, so you’re not paying for wasted space or an imaginary travel companion
• No single supplement: The price you see is the price you pay, one person, no hidden penalties for having the audacity to travel alone
• Studio Lounge access: On ships with a Studio Complex, you get keycard access to a private lounge with complimentary coffee, espresso, light snacks, and most importantly, other solo travellers who won’t look at you funny when you sit down alone
• Full amenities: Despite the compact size, you get a proper full-size bed (not a pull-out sofa pretending to be comfortable), private bathroom with shower, TV, safe, and hair dryer
• Efficient layout: Everything is within arm’s reach, which is either brilliantly space-saving or claustrophobic depending on your perspective and how much stuff you brought

Which Norwegian Ships Have Studio Cabins

Not every Norwegian ship has Studios, and the ones that do vary quite a bit in how many they offer and what the Studio Lounge situation looks like. The Studio concept started on Norwegian Epic and has expanded across much of the fleet, but with some variations you’ll want to know about before booking.

Ships With the Most Robust Studio Offerings

• Norwegian Epic: The original pioneer with the largest Studio count in the fleet, this ship went all-in on the solo traveller concept and it shows, the Studio Lounge here is substantial and the solo community is well-established
• Breakaway and Getaway: Both feature dedicated Studio Cabins with Studio Lounge access and a solid number of solo-friendly spaces
• Escape, Joy, Bliss, and Encore (Breakaway Plus class): Each offers Studio Cabins with a Studio Lounge, though the exact configuration and lounge size varies slightly between ships
• Prima, Viva, and Aqua (Prima class): The newest ships in the fleet with updated Studio designs and modern lounge spaces that reflect lessons learned from earlier ships
• Pride of America: Offers Studio options, though as the only ship in its class and permanently based in Hawaii, the solo community here has a different vibe

Important Variations to Know About

The devil is in the details with Studios. Not all ships have a dedicated Studio Lounge, some older vessels or those that predate the Studio concept may have been retrofitted with solo cabins but lack the lounge component entirely. The number of Studios per ship ranges dramatically, Epic has dozens while smaller or older ships may have just a handful. Lounge hours and amenities also vary by ship, some are open all day with frequent social events, others are more basic with limited hours.

Before you book, always check the specific ship’s deck plan on Norwegian’s website. The Studio Complex is usually grouped together on one or two decks, and you’ll want to see exactly where it sits in relation to lifts, stairs, and public spaces. Proximity to the Studio Lounge can make a real difference to how much you’ll actually use it.

What Studios Actually Cost

Studios are priced for single occupancy, which sounds simple until you start comparing them to other cabin categories and trying to work out what you’re actually paying for. The pricing varies wildly depending on the ship, itinerary, time of year, and how far in advance you book.

In general, Studios sit at the lower end of the price spectrum on a per-person basis. You’ll typically pay less than you would for a standard inside cabin with a single supplement applied, often significantly less. That’s the whole point. However, you may pay slightly more than what one person would pay if splitting a standard inside cabin with someone else, because you’re getting solo pricing plus Studio Lounge access.

Peak season itineraries (summer Mediterranean, Christmas in the Caribbean) command higher prices across all cabin categories, and Studios are no exception. You’ll find better value on shoulder season sailings or repositioning cruises, where the per-day rate can drop considerably. Norwegian also runs periodic promotions that include Studios, though they’re sometimes excluded from the deepest discount offers because they’re already single-occupancy priced.

If you’re flexible on ship or itinerary, comparing Studio rates across different vessels and dates can reveal some real bargains. Epic tends to be very competitively priced for Studios because there are so many of them. Newer ships like Prima and Viva may command a premium simply because they’re new and everyone wants to try them.

Inside a Studio Cabin

Let’s be honest about what you’re getting here. Studios are small. Very small. Around 95 to 100 square feet is typical, which for context is about the size of a large garden shed or a very optimistic estate agent’s description of a London studio flat.

The Layout and Features

• Bed: Full-size bed (not a twin, not a sofa bed) configured for solo use, usually against one wall to maximise floor space
• Bathroom: Private ensuite with shower, toilet, and sink, compact but functional, you won’t be hosting spa days but it does the job
• Storage: Wardrobe or closet space optimised for one person’s luggage, which means it’s adequate if you pack reasonably but challenging if you’ve brought your entire wardrobe for a seven-night cruise
• Desk/vanity area: Small surface for laptop or getting ready, though calling it a desk is generous, it’s more of a shelf with aspirations
• TV: Wall-mounted to save space, works fine for checking your daily programme or watching a film before bed
• Safe: Standard in-cabin safe for valuables
• Climate control: Individual temperature controls, though like most cruise cabins, they’re more suggestion than command

What’s Not There

Studios don’t have windows or balconies, they’re interior cabins by design. There’s no sofa or sitting area beyond the bed. You won’t have a minibar or coffee maker in the cabin itself, though the Studio Lounge provides complimentary coffee and espresso. There’s no space for a proper suitcase stand, so you’ll be living out of your case on the floor or unpacking into the limited storage.

The Studio Lounge Experience

This is where Studios really differentiate themselves from just booking a cheap inside cabin. The Studio Lounge is your private social hub, and it’s genuinely one of the best solo travel amenities at sea.

Access is keycard-only, so it’s just Studio guests, no random people wandering through. The lounge typically includes comfortable seating areas, communal tables where people naturally gather, complimentary self-service coffee and espresso machines (which alone can save you a fortune over a week), and light snacks at various times of day. Some ships also have magazines, books, and games available.

The real value is the social aspect. Unlike trying to meet people in a massive public lounge where everyone’s already in couples or groups, the Studio Lounge creates a natural meeting point for solo travellers who actually want to connect with other solo cruisers. There’s no pressure, you can sit quietly with your coffee and book if you want, but it’s incredibly easy to strike up conversations with fellow solo travellers who are in the same boat, sometimes literally.

Some ships organise informal meetups, games nights, or group excursion planning sessions specifically for Studio guests. The frequency and quality of these events varies by ship and crew, but when they’re done well, they’re brilliant. On Epic in particular, the solo community is so well-established that a lot of social activity happens organically without any official programming needed.

Lounge Limitations

Hours can be limited on some ships, typically closed overnight and sometimes during busy embarkation or disembarkation times. The lounge isn’t huge, so during peak times (morning coffee rush, evening pre-dinner gathering) it can feel crowded. And not every ship’s lounge is created equal, some are spacious and well-stocked, others feel more like an afterthought with a coffee machine in a corner.

Studios vs Other Solo Options on Norwegian

Studios aren’t your only choice as a solo traveller on Norwegian. You can book any cabin category as a solo traveller, you’ll just pay differently depending on what you choose.

On some newer ships, Norwegian has introduced solo-friendly balcony options that are priced for single occupancy. These cost more than Studios but less than paying a single supplement on a standard balcony. They’re worth considering if you value outdoor space and natural light but still want to avoid the traditional single supplement trap.

If you’re considering booking a standard inside cabin instead of a Studio to get more space, do the maths carefully. The single supplement can often make a standard inside cabin cost more than a Studio, sometimes significantly more, and you won’t get the Studio Lounge access. The exception is when Norwegian runs promotions that reduce or waive single supplements on certain categories, at which point a larger inside cabin might make sense if you genuinely need the extra space.

Choosing the Right Ship for Solo Travel

All Norwegian ships with Studios aren’t equal when it comes to the solo travel experience. If this is your first solo cruise or you really want to maximise the social opportunities, ship choice matters more than you might think.

Best Ships for First-Time Solo Cruisers

• Norwegian Epic: The gold standard for solo cruising, massive Studio Complex with dozens of cabins, well-established solo community, and regular social events that actually happen because there’s critical mass
• Norwegian Encore: Newer ship with a solid Studio offering, good balance of size and amenities without being overwhelming
• Norwegian Prima or Viva: Latest design thinking on Studios, modern lounge spaces, and the novelty factor means lots of first-timers who are also figuring things out

Ships to Approach With Realistic Expectations

Older ships that were retrofitted with Studios rather than designed with them from the start may have fewer cabins, smaller or less convenient lounges, and a less cohesive solo community simply because there aren’t as many solo travellers on board. Pride of America is a special case, great ship and destination, but because it sails the same Hawaiian itinerary every week, the solo traveller mix skews differently than on ships doing varied itineraries.

Smaller ships in the fleet may have Studios but limited lounge facilities or fewer organised solo activities simply because there aren’t enough participants to make them viable. Check reviews from solo travellers specific to your chosen ship, the experience can vary more than Norwegian’s marketing materials suggest.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment

What Works Brilliantly

• No single supplement pricing: This alone makes Studios revolutionary, you’re not being financially punished for travelling solo
• Built-in social network: The Studio Lounge creates organic opportunities to meet people without any of the forced awkwardness of “singles” events on other cruise lines
• Efficient use of space: If you’re realistic about your cabin being just for sleeping and getting ready, the compact size is fine and the money you save can go towards excursions, specialty dining, or your next cruise
• Fleet-wide availability: Unlike other cruise lines where solo cabins are a novelty on one or two ships, Norwegian has embedded this across much of their fleet
• Community momentum: On ships like Epic with large Studio counts, the solo traveller community has real momentum, regular cruisers, informal traditions, and a welcoming vibe for newcomers

The Genuine Downsides

• Space constraints are real: 100 square feet is small by any measure, if you have mobility issues, lots of luggage, or just like having room to move around, it’s genuinely tight
• No natural light: Being interior cabins, Studios have no windows, which some people find claustrophobic or disorienting, especially on sea days
• Storage limitations: Packing light isn’t optional, it’s mandatory, you can’t bring three weeks’ worth of outfits for a seven-night cruise
• Lounge dependency for social connection: If your ship has limited lounge hours or a small, poorly located lounge, the social benefit drops significantly
• Not all Studios are equal: Location within the Studio Complex matters, some are near lifts and the lounge, others are at the end of a long corridor near the crew areas with more noise and foot traffic
• Book early or miss out: Studios are popular and there are limited numbers on each ship, wait too long and you’ll be stuck with a single supplement on a regular cabin or choosing a different sailing

Maximising Your Studio Experience

If you’ve decided a Studio is right for you, here’s how to make the most of it and avoid the common pitfalls that catch first-time Studio bookers.

Before You Book

• Study the deck plan obsessively: Studio location matters enormously, cabins near the Studio Lounge entrance are convenient but can be noisier with people coming and going, cabins at the far end of the complex might be quieter but feel more isolated
• Check for exterior wall placement: Some Studios back onto exterior walls (even though they’re interior cabins) and can be colder or have more vibration, others are fully internal and more insulated, the deck plan won’t always make this obvious so search for ship-specific Studio reviews
• Avoid cabins near crew areas: Studios on lower decks or near service areas can have more noise from crew movement, deliveries, and machinery
• Book as early as possible: Studios sell out faster than almost any other category, especially on popular itineraries and ships known for good solo communities
• Read solo traveller reviews for your specific ship: Generic Norwegian reviews won’t tell you what the Studio experience is really like, search specifically for Studio and solo traveller feedback

Packing Strategy

• Pack absolutely ruthlessly: You have space for about a week’s worth of clothes if you pack cleverly, factor in laundry services if you’re on a longer sailing
• Soft-sided luggage only: Hard-shell cases are too bulky to store easily in a Studio, a soft duffle can be squashed under the bed
• Bring a small over-door organiser: The bathroom door is prime real estate for hanging extra storage for toiletries and small items
• Minimise shoes and bulky items: Every pair of shoes and bulky jacket takes up disproportionate space you don’t have
• Use packing cubes: Compression packing cubes that squeeze clothes smaller help compress clothes and make it easier to live out of limited drawer space

Making the Lounge Work for You

• Visit early and often: The first day or two of the cruise is when people are most open to meeting others, pop into the lounge multiple times to increase your chances of connecting
• Don’t force it: The beauty of the Studio Lounge is that connections happen naturally, you don’t need to be aggressively social, just present and open
• Join informal group plans: If you hear people organising a shore excursion, dinner reservation, or deck party, ask if you can tag along, most people are welcoming
• Use it as your base: Rather than sitting in your tiny cabin, treat the lounge as your living room for reading, working, or just hanging out between activities
• Check the daily programme: Some ships list Studio Lounge events in the daily newsletter, others are more word-of-mouth, keep an eye on notice boards in the lounge itself

Managing the Space Limitations

• Embrace life outside your cabin: The whole ship is your space, the cabin is just for sleeping and getting ready
• Establish a routine: Unpack immediately and put everything in its place, chaos accumulates fast in a small space
• Use the cabin steward’s expertise: They’ve seen every space-saving trick, ask for extra hangers, bed risers if you need under-bed storage, or solutions to specific storage challenges
• Take advantage of the lounge bathroom: If the lounge has facilities, use them for getting ready before dinner to give yourself more space to spread out makeup, hair tools, etc.

Studios vs Solo Supplements on Other Cruise Lines

Norwegian isn’t the only cruise line offering solo-friendly options, but they’re by far the most comprehensive and consistent about it. Here’s how the main competition stacks up.

The key difference is consistency and commitment. Other cruise lines dabble in solo-friendly options, Norwegian has made it a core part of their product. If solo cruising is your primary consideration, Norwegian’s Studios remain the industry benchmark.

Who Should Book a Studio

Studios aren’t for everyone, and that’s fine. Here’s an honest assessment of who will love them and who should look elsewhere.

Studios Are Perfect For

• Budget-conscious solo travellers: If avoiding the single supplement is your primary goal and you’re willing to compromise on space to achieve it
• Social solo cruisers: People who want to meet others but find traditional “singles cruises” cringey or forced
• Frequent cruisers travelling solo: If you know you’ll spend minimal time in your cabin and just need a place to sleep and shower
• Minimalist packers: People who genuinely can travel light and won’t feel constrained by limited storage
• Solo cruisers who want community without commitment: The Studio Lounge lets you be as social or solitary as you want on any given day

Look Elsewhere If

• You need space to spread out: If you work remotely, have mobility equipment, or just feel claustrophobic in small spaces, the 100 square feet will drive you mad
• Natural light matters to you: Interior cabins aren’t for everyone, if waking up without sunlight or having no windows affects your mood, pay the premium for an oceanview or balcony
• You’re travelling with medical equipment or multiple bags: The storage simply isn’t there for anything beyond basic packing
• You prefer your own company entirely: If you’re going solo specifically to avoid people, the social emphasis of the Studio experience isn’t aligned with your goals
• You want a proper workspace: The minimal desk space isn’t suitable for anyone who needs to do serious work on their laptop

Booking Strategy and Timing

Getting a Studio at a good rate requires different timing than booking standard cabins. Because there are limited numbers and they’re popular, the usual advice to wait for last-minute deals doesn’t apply.

Book as early as possible once your desired itinerary opens. Studios often sell out months before sailing, especially on Epic and other ships with strong solo communities. Early booking also gives you better choice of cabin location within the Studio Complex.

Watch for Norwegian’s periodic promotions, but don’t wait for them if you’ve found a sailing you want. Studios are sometimes excluded from the deepest discounts because they’re already single-occupancy priced. Free at Sea promotions (which include drinks, wifi, excursions, or specialty dining depending on package) do usually apply to Studios and can add significant value.

Consider shoulder season and repositioning cruises if you’re flexible on dates. These sailings often have better Studio availability and lower rates, plus the solo traveller demographic on repositioning cruises tends to skew more experienced and independent.

If Studios are sold out on your preferred sailing, get on the waitlist and check back regularly. People do cancel, and Norwegian occasionally releases Studios held back for group bookings if they don’t materialise.

The Reality of Solo Cruising on Norwegian

Beyond the specifics of Studios themselves, it’s worth addressing what solo cruising on Norwegian actually feels like compared to sailing solo on other cruise lines or travelling solo via other holiday types.

Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising concept, with flexible dining and no assigned seating, works beautifully for solo travellers. You’re not stuck at a table of couples making small talk every night. You can dine alone if you want, join communal tables if you’re feeling social, or make plans with people you’ve met in the Studio Lounge. The freedom to choose daily is genuinely valuable.

The solo traveller demographic on Norwegian skews more diverse than you might expect. It’s not all retirees or all young people, you’ll find the full spectrum from people in their twenties to seventies, some are widowed, divorced, or simply prefer travelling alone. Some are first-timers nervous about solo cruising, others are veterans who’ve done dozens of solo sailings. The mix makes for interesting conversations and less of the “why are you here alone” scrutiny you might fear.

Ship activities and entertainment are easy to enjoy solo. Norwegian doesn’t do much of the couples-focused programming that makes solo travellers feel conspicuous on some other cruise lines. Shows, activities, and shore excursions are all solo-friendly without being specifically marketed as “singles” events.

That said, solo cruising isn’t without moments of loneliness or feeling like the odd one out. Formal nights can highlight being solo when everyone’s taking couple photos. Romantic ports like Santorini or Venice can emphasise your solo status. Watching couples and families at breakfast sometimes stings. The Studio Lounge and solo community help buffer this, but they don’t eliminate it entirely. That’s the reality of solo travel generally, not specific to Norwegian.

Common Questions

Are Studio Cabins actually cheaper than paying a single supplement on a regular cabin?

Yes, typically significantly cheaper. A standard cabin with single supplement often costs 150-200% of the per-person double-occupancy rate, while Studios are priced for single occupancy with no supplement. The savings can be substantial, especially on longer or more expensive cruises.

Can I bring a friend or partner into my Studio Cabin?

Studios are certified for single occupancy only and won’t accommodate a second guest overnight. Your travelling companion would need to book their own cabin. Friends can visit during the day but can’t stay overnight or use your bathroom facilities as a de facto second cabin.

Is the Studio Lounge open 24 hours?

No, lounge hours vary by ship but typically close overnight and during busy operational times like embarkation and disembarkation. Most lounges operate from early morning through late evening, but check your specific ship’s schedule as it can vary considerably.

Do Studios have the same amenities as regular cabins?

Yes, you get the same basic amenities: private bathroom, TV, safe, climate control, daily cabin service, and the same food and entertainment access as any other guest. The difference is size and location (interior) plus the addition of Studio Lounge access, not a reduction in standard amenities.

Will I be seated with other solo travellers at dinner automatically?

No, Norwegian operates freestyle dining with no assigned seating. You choose where and when to eat, and whether to dine alone or join others. The Studio Lounge is where you’d naturally meet people to make dinner plans, but there’s no automatic arrangement or pressure to dine with others.

Are Studio Cabins accessible for guests with mobility issues?

Standard Studios are quite compact and may be challenging for guests with mobility equipment. Norwegian does have some accessible staterooms designed for solo travellers on certain ships, but availability is extremely limited. Contact Norwegian directly to discuss specific accessibility requirements before booking a Studio.

Can I book a Studio with points or through a travel agent?

Yes, Studios can be booked through Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards programme, travel agents, and online travel agencies, not just directly through Norwegian. However, availability through third parties can be more limited, so book early regardless of your booking method.

What happens if I book a Studio and want to upgrade to a larger cabin later?

You can request an upgrade through Norwegian’s Guest Services, either before sailing or once on board if availability permits. You’ll pay the fare difference plus any applicable fees. However, you’d lose Studio Lounge access if upgrading to a standard cabin category. Upgrades are never guaranteed and depend entirely on availability.

Do Studios get the same disembarkation and embarkation priority as suites?

No, Studios are treated the same as standard inside cabins for embarkation and disembarkation priority. They’re not considered suite or premium categories despite the specialised nature. Priority boarding requires booking a higher cabin category or achieving it through loyalty status with Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards programme.

Why Trust About2Cruise

We’ve sailed Norwegian’s Studios on multiple ships including Epic, Breakaway, and Encore, as both first-time solo cruisers and returning guests. Our team includes solo travellers who’ve compared Studios against single supplements on other cruise lines, and we’ve spent considerable time in various Studio Lounges observing how the community actually functions beyond Norwegian’s marketing claims. We recommend what works based on real experience, not commission rates or promotional partnerships. Find out more about our editorial approach and cruising experience.