Written by Jo, who’s been helping solo cruisers since 2004
Solo cruising used to mean paying double and feeling awkward. Not anymore! Today’s cruise lines actually want your business – they’ve got dedicated single cabins, proper social programs, and some even waive those pesky single supplements entirely. This guide will show you exactly how to cruise solo without breaking the bank or feeling lonely.
Honestly, I used to get calls from people worried about cruising alone. “Will I look sad eating by myself?” “What if everyone’s in couples?” “Won’t it cost a fortune?”
Here’s the thing – solo cruising has completely changed. And for the better.
More people are travelling alone than ever before. If you’re thinking about cruising by yourself, you’re definitely not alone in worrying about the cost. Most cabins are still designed for two people, which used to be a real pain. But here’s the good news: cruise lines have finally caught on and many now offer cabins made just for solo travelers.
The best part? A cruise holiday actually gives you more chances to meet people than almost any other type of vacation. I’ve had clients come back telling me about friendships they made that lasted years. When you’re traveling solo, you have complete freedom to do exactly what you want, when you want.
Now, here’s something most people don’t realize – even the biggest, most popular cruise lines aren’t always the best choice for solo cruising, especially if you’re over 50. That’s where we come in. Instead of spending hours researching, just tell us what you’re looking for and I’ll personally find you the perfect match.
Everything You Need to Know About Solo Cruising
I’ve put together these guides because, frankly, I got tired of answering the same questions over and over (though I love helping!). Now you can get all your answers in one place:
- How to Avoid Single Supplement Fees: Complete Guide – These tricks have saved my clients hundreds of pounds
- Singles Cruises for Over 50s: Best Ships and Itineraries – Perfect if you want to avoid the party crowd
- Solo Cruise Packing List: What Single Travelers Really Need – Learn from others’ packing mistakes
- First Solo Cruise: Complete Beginner’s Guide – Everything I wish someone had told me on my first solo cruise
- Best Times to Book Singles Cruises for Lowest Prices – Timing really is everything
- Studio Cabins on Cruise Ships: Complete Guide – These are game-changers for solo travelers
- Solo Female Cruise Safety: Tips and Precautions – Feel confident, not worried
- Making Friends on Solo Cruises: Activities That Work – Yes, it’s easier than you think!
Why Solo Cruisers Love What They Get
Look, I’ll be straight with you – singles cruises aren’t just regular cruises with single people on them. They’re actually designed differently, and here’s what makes them brilliant:
You’re Not the Only One Flying Solo
The relief on people’s faces when they realize half the ship is traveling alone too! You’ll find mixers, themed parties, and yes, even speed dating if that’s your thing. No awkward “party of one” moments here.
Shore Excursions That Actually Work for Singles
Regular tour groups can be a nightmare when you’re the only single person. But singles-focused excursions? You’re all in the same boat (literally). Whether it’s adventure sports or gentle sightseeing, you’ll have people to chat with.
Someone Actually Cares About You Having Fun
Many ships have dedicated hosts whose actual job is making sure solo travelers feel included. They’ll introduce you around and organize activities. It’s like having a friendly local guide, but on a ship.
Activities Designed to Break the Ice
Forget standing around holding a drink wondering who to talk to. Think cooking classes where you’re paired up, group fitness sessions, and dance lessons where everyone’s equally terrible at the start.
No More Awkward Dining
Remember being seated at a table for two, alone? Those days are over. Most ships now offer communal dining specifically for singles, or you can join group tables. Suddenly dinner becomes the social highlight of your day.
Your Own Space When You Need It
Private lounges just for solo travelers are becoming more common. Sometimes you want to socialize, sometimes you want to read your book in peace with people who get it.
Actually Exciting Activities
I’m talking zip-lining, snorkeling, proper hiking excursions – not just gentle strolls. Plus all the spa treatments and fitness classes you want without having to coordinate with a travel companion.
Deals That Actually Make Sense
The dreaded single supplement is disappearing on many ships. Some cruise lines now offer packages specifically for solo travelers that actually save you money.
A Community That Gets It
This might sound cheesy, but there’s something special about being surrounded by people who chose to travel alone. Everyone’s more open, more willing to chat, and generally just more relaxed.
Why This All Works So Well
After 20 years of booking cruises, I can tell you that solo cruising offers something you just can’t get elsewhere. It’s social when you want it to be, peaceful when you don’t, and you never have to compromise on what you want to do.
If you’ve never been on a cruise before, start here – solo travel is actually a brilliant way to try cruising for the first time.
The Not-So-Obvious Benefits
Here’s what most people don’t think about until they’re actually cruising solo:
The type of people you’ll meet depends on when you go and what type of cruise you choose. Different cruise lines definitely attract different crowds – some are party central, others are more refined.
Here’s an insider tip: cruise during school term time. You’ll find way more adults and solo travelers, and fewer families with screaming toddlers. (Nothing against families, but sometimes you want a more grown-up vibe!) Our guide on when to book singles cruises covers all the timing secrets.
Solo cruising creates this lovely sense of community. People are just more open and friendly. Understanding basic cruise ship etiquette helps you fit right in and make the most of all the social opportunities.
You’ll meet people with the most fascinating interests. I’ve had clients learn Japanese, try gourmet cooking, and even attend lectures on space exploration – all while making friends with like-minded people.
Theme cruises are brilliant for solo travelers because everyone already shares at least one interest. Food and wine cruises, music-themed voyages, even quilting cruises (yes, really!) – you’re surrounded by your tribe from day one.
And honestly? Age is just a number on these cruises. I’ve sent people in their 70s on singles cruises and they’ve had an absolute ball.
The 10 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
After booking thousands of solo cruises, these are the ones I recommend most often
1. Fred. Olsen – The Cozy Choice
Fred. Olsen feels more like sailing with friends than being on a massive ship. Their smaller ships mean you actually get to know people.
Why Solo Travelers Love Them Cruise Critic gave them “Best for Solo Travellers” in 2022, and for good reason. They really get solo travel.
What Makes Them Special
- Gentleman Hosts: Professional dance partners for ladies who want to waltz without worrying about stepping on toes
- Proper Social Programs: They’ll pair you up at dinner (if you want) and organize meet-ups so you’re never eating alone unless you choose to
- Actual Single Cabins: No squeezing into a cabin designed for two – these are made for solo travelers
The Activities Think arts and crafts (more fun than it sounds), pub quizzes, lectures on fascinating topics, and proper dance classes. The smaller ships make everything feel more intimate and friendly.
The Money Bit Solo supplements range from 50% to 100% of regular fares. Not the cheapest, but the experience often justifies it.
2. P&O Cruises – The British Favorite
P&O really stepped up their solo game, especially on their newer ships.
Your Options
- Azura (2010): Was the first P&O ship with 18 proper single cabins
- Britannia (2015): Upped the game with 27 single cabins
- Arvia (2022): Their newest with 28 single cabins and all the modern bells and whistles
What to Expect Solo supplements can hit 100% of regular fares, but prices vary depending on when and what you book. Sometimes you can find better deals during quieter periods.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line – The Game Changer
Norwegian basically invented modern solo cruising with their studio cabins. They were the first to really “get it.”
The Studio Cabin Revolution You’ll find these on Norwegian Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, Escape, Bliss, and Pride of America. At 100 square feet, they’re small but incredibly well-designed. Everything has its place, and they actually feel quite spacious. Check out our full guide to studio cabins – they’re honestly brilliant.
The Secret Weapon: Studio Lounge This is where Norwegian really shines. Book a studio cabin and you get access to a private lounge just for solo travelers. Free coffee, snacks, and a place to hang out with other solo cruisers. It’s like having a private club onboard.
The Money Bit
- Regular cabins: You’ll pay 50-100% extra as a solo traveler
- Studio cabins: No supplement at all – they’re priced for one person, lounge access included
Norwegian really leads the pack for solo travelers. They understand what you want and deliver it.
4. Royal Caribbean – The High-Tech Option
Royal Caribbean has some seriously clever solo cabins across their newer ships.
The Quantum Class Ships Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas each have 28 solo cabins. Here’s the clever bit:
- 16 cabins with “Virtual Balconies”: HD screens showing real-time ocean views. Sounds gimmicky but actually works brilliantly
- 12 proper balcony cabins: For when you want the real deal
Other OptionsHarmony of the Seas has 15 solo cabins, while older ships like Adventure of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas have smaller numbers but still offer the option.
What You Get
- No single supplements for solo cabins
- Some ships have exclusive solo traveler lounges
- Loads of group activities like cooking classes and shore excursions designed for meeting people
5. Costa Cruises – The European Flavor
Costa Favolosa and Costa Fascinosa each have 17 solo cabins with a distinctly Italian approach to solo travel.
What They Do Well
- Meet and greet parties that actually work for breaking the ice
- Activities specifically designed for solo travelers (not just regular activities with solo people thrown in)
- Group events that feel natural, not forced
The Cost Solo supplements on regular cabins range from 30-100%. Keep an eye out for promotions – Costa occasionally waives supplements during quieter periods.
6. Cunard – The Elegant Choice
Cunard brings proper old-school elegance to solo cruising.
The Gentleman Dance Hosts This isn’t just marketing fluff – they actually have professional male dancers onboard specifically to partner with solo female guests. Proper ballroom dancing, none of this disco nonsense. On Queen Elizabeth I also saw a young lady dancer for the single guys, she was really good too!
Your Cabin Options
- Queen Elizabeth: 8 outside cabins and 1 inside, all designed for solo travelers
- Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria: Also have dedicated single cabins
The Social Scene Solo travelers get seated together at dinner (brilliant for meeting people), plus special coffee mornings, cocktail receptions, and group activities. It’s all very civilized and friendly.
The Best Bit Single cabins don’t have solo supplements, making them much better value than trying to book a regular cabin on your own.
7. Holland America – The Flexible Option
Holland America offers two really clever approaches to solo travel.
The Roommate Program They’ll match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. You split the cost of a double cabin, but if they can’t find you a match, you get the cabin to yourself at no extra cost. Win-win.
Proper Solo Cabins Ships like Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam have ocean view solo cabins ranging from 127-172 square feet. No supplements, and they’re actually a decent size.
Social Activities Singles parties, cocktail mixers, dance classes, and cooking demonstrations. All designed to help solo travelers connect without feeling forced or awkward.
8. Oceania Cruises – The Foodie’s Choice
If you love good food and smaller ships, Oceania’s Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, and Vista are brilliant for solo travelers.
The Solo Cabins 14 solo ocean view cabins per ship. These aren’t tiny afterthoughts – they’re proper rooms with twin beds, writing desks, and lovely bathrooms.
The Upgrade Option Concierge level cabins come with private balconies, exclusive lounge access, and priority boarding. Worth the splurge if you want to feel pampered.
The Experience
- Welcome cocktail receptions for solo travelers
- Group dining tables (the food is honestly incredible)
- Cooking demonstrations, art classes, and guest lectures
Solo supplements vary, but they often run promotions reducing or waiving them entirely.
9. Silversea – The Luxury Option
If you want to splash out, Silversea does luxury solo cruising properly.
The Silver Solo Program Dedicated cabins that feel like luxury hotel rooms, not ship cabins. Spacious, beautifully appointed, and designed for one person who appreciates the finer things.
What Makes It Special
- Solo supplements as low as 25% on select voyages (instead of the usual 100%)
- Champagne welcome receptions just for solo travelers
- Hosted dinners and cocktail parties
- Group shore excursions designed for connections
- Personal butler service (yes, really!)
It’s pricey, but if you want to treat yourself, this is how you do it.
10. Virgin Voyages – The Modern Choice
Virgin’s approach to solo cruising is refreshingly different. Their ships (Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady) are designed for the modern traveler.
Solo Cabin Options
- Insider Cabins: Cleverly designed interior rooms that don’t feel cramped
- Sea View Cabins: Natural light from portholes makes a big difference
- Scarlet Lady alone has 46 solo cabins – they’re serious about solo travelers
The Adult-Only Advantage Every Virgin cruise is adults-only. No kids running around, no family drama, just grown-ups having a good time.
The Social Scene Morning yoga, evening cabaret, shared dining tables, and dedicated solo traveler meetups. It all feels very natural and unforced.
The Pricing Solo cabins (they call them Solo Sea Cabins) have no supplement. Regular cabins will hit you with 125-200% extra charges.
Where Solo Cruisers Love to Go
After years of sending people on solo cruises, these destinations consistently get rave reviews:
- Mediterranean Cruises – Perfect if you love history, culture, and fantastic food. Plus the ports are easy to explore on your own
- Caribbean Cruise Ports – Relaxed, social atmosphere with gorgeous beaches. Great for first-time solo cruisers
- Cruises from UK – No airport stress, no flight delays, and you can pack whatever you want
- Alaska Cruise Destinations – Spectacular scenery and a more relaxed pace. Perfect for nature lovers
The Questions Everyone Asks
“Will I feel safe traveling alone on a cruise?” Honestly? Cruises are probably safer than your local high street. Ships have 24/7 security, CCTV everywhere, and you’re never really alone – there are always people and crew around. Just use common sense like you would anywhere else.
“Won’t dining alone be awkward?” This is the biggest worry I hear, and it’s completely unfounded. Most ships now offer communal dining for solo travelers, or you can join group tables. Many of my clients tell me dinner became their favorite part of the day because that’s when they met the most interesting people. Check out our guide to making friends on solo cruises for more tips.
“What on earth do I pack for a solo cruise?” The beauty of cruising is you can pack more than you would for a regular holiday – no luggage restrictions! Bring comfortable clothes for days, something smart for dinner, swimwear, and any medications you need. Our solo cruise packing guide covers everything in detail.
For more practical advice, have a look at our cruise ship tips and tricks page.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
Look, I could talk about solo cruising all day (and often do!), but the best way to understand it is to actually do it.
I’ve been helping people plan solo cruises since 2004, and I’ve personally been on over 50 cruises myself. I know which ships work for different personality types, which itineraries are best for solo travelers, and how to get you the best deals.
Instead of spending hours researching online and getting overwhelmed by options, why not let me do the hard work? I’ll find you options that actually match what you’re looking for, not just what’s cheapest or most heavily marketed.
The best solo cruise is out there waiting for you – let me help you find it.
Jo started About2Cruise in 2004 after getting frustrated with how complicated booking a cruise had become. She specializes in solo travel and has personally sailed on 50+ cruises, including many solo voyages. Her mission is simple: match real people with the right cruises, without the sales pressure or generic recommendations.
