Top 5 Cruise Lines Perfect for Solo Travelers

Considering a cruise as a lone adventurer? The not-so-good news is that numerous cruise lines might charge you double what they would to people traveling with companions.

The majority of cruise ship rooms are made for two occupants, and the prices listed for these accommodations are typically charged on a per-person basis. based on double occupancy This indicates that the rates are applicable only for guests who will be sharing their cabin with another person who is also paying.

If you wish to reserve one of these cabins for yourself alone, you will incur an additional charge referred to in cruise industry terms as the "single supplement." Typically, this supplementary fee can amount to up to 100%. This means that despite not having a roommate, you would still end up paying an extra fare equivalent to what another occupant would contribute.

Nevertheless, there is still hope for single individuals looking to enjoy maritime adventures. Driven by rising demand, an expanding number of cruise companies are introducing new options. cottages tailored explicitly for individuals traveling alone (Pricing that, by default, is designed for solo travelers.) Certain cruise lines typically provide smaller single supplement fees compared to others, or they may decrease or eliminate these supplements as part of special promotions.

Certainly, a low fare isn’t the only factor that constitutes an ideal solitary voyage. For numerous individuals embarking on their journey alone, the chance to connect with fellow solo travelers via welcoming gatherings and specially arranged communal meals plays a crucial role. Some cruise lines perform much better at this task compared to others.

Considering factors such as cost, cabin choices, and an inviting atmosphere, I have pinpointed five companies that go above and beyond for individuals cruising solo. Below are my top recommendations for the finest cruise lines catering to single travelers.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Credit Norwegian Cruise Line To initiate the trend of more single occupancy cabins on cruise ships, in 2010, this major cruise line introduced an entirely new section featuring tiny "studio" cabins designed for individual travelers – totaling 128 units – aboard their recently launched, 4,100-passenger vessel named Norwegian Epic. This concept proved so popular that rival companies started adopting similar accommodations.

With just 100 square feet of space, these thoughtfully crafted solo accommodations on Norwegian Epic efficiently utilize every inch for ample storage. These individual suites surround a private Studio Lounge equipped with a bar and TV area. This lounge hosts daily social events like managed happy hours, providing solo guests with opportunities to meet one another.

Norwegian has subsequently introduced comparable individual cabin zones featuring exclusive lounges on an additional seven ships, including their two latest additions. Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima Both vessels feature a 73-cabin solitary area that spans two levels.

The larger Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, and Norwegian Bliss each feature an 82-cabin studio complex designed for single travelers. In contrast, the two earlier vessels—Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway—boast solo accommodations consisting of 59 studios.

The Norwegian cruise line also provides four individual cabins aboard its Hawaii-based ship, the Pride of America.

I have had the experience of sailing in one of Norwegian Cruise Line's cabins aboard the Norwegian Epic, and I can confidently say they rank as some of the most impressive accommodations for single travelers on the ocean. What really stands out to me is the cabin’s cutting-edge “Jetsons”-style design along with its vibrant multi-colored ambient lighting options.

A significant point to consider about Norwegian’s single occupancy staterooms is that they are all interior rooms lacking an ocean vista, though many do feature a window overlooking a hallway instead. For those sailing aboard the Norwegian Bliss, these solo accommodations come equipped with a virtual porthole. This innovative addition provides a real-time look at the exterior surroundings through an integrated LED display.

A more significant warning might be that these single occupancy lodges are highly sought after and frequently book up well ahead of time, with rates that scarcely differ from those for double accommodations.

Related: Why an interior cabin with no windows can still be enjoyable

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has adopted a strategy similar to Norwegian’s in recent times by introducing individual cabins to both their newer and older vessels. ship classes Significantly, starting in 2014, the Quantum Class ships from this line introduced as many as 28 of these specialized studios, with sizes ranging between 101 and 119 square feet.

In contrast to Norwegian’s individual suites, certain lodgings offer ocean-facing chambers equipped with balconies. Some others feature what appears to be a virtual balcony upon initial inspection; however, this is actually a high-tech display showing live footage of the exterior surroundings. (While it might seem somewhat tacky, it effectively accomplishes its purpose.)

Other Royal Caribbean ships featuring solo cabins include some of the line’s massive Oasis Class vessels, such as Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas Several of Royal Caribbean’s older Voyager Class and Radiance Class ships also feature solo cabins. However, some of these vessels only include two or three such accommodations.

Although Royal Caribbean’s individual cabins do not feature a specific solo lounge, the cruise line organizes hosted gatherings exclusively for solo travelers aboard their ships. This provides an excellent opportunity for singles to connect with one another. Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers extensive bar areas where you can easily spot fellow solo travelers sitting at the numerous bar stools available throughout various lounges.

Moreover, Royal Caribbean vessels stand out because they offer an extensive array of shipboard activities, including spectacular theatrical performances, climbing walls, and surf simulators, all of which can be easily enjoyed even when traveling alone.

Silversea Cruises

In contrast to Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Silversea hasn't established a dedicated cabin category for solo travelers. However, the luxurious cruise line often accommodates them by charging only a 10% to 25% single supplement fee on certain voyages. Sometimes, as part of limited-time offers, this premium cruise line may completely eliminate the single supplement charge altogether.

At the beginning of each journey, Silversea holds welcoming gatherings specifically for solo travelers to encourage socializing from the outset.

Running smaller, cozy ships that accommodate only a few hundred guests, Silversea attracts a sociable group of travelers who enjoy interacting with others, especially during dinner—great news for someone such as myself who dislikes dining solo.

Make your way to the main lounge shortly before dinnertime aboard a Silversea vessel, and you might find yourself drawn into an animated chat with several unfamiliar faces, likely resulting in them extending a dinner invite. This occurrence has become such a frequent event for me on these cruise liners that I've started expecting it as part of my experience.

Related: 6 Reasons You’ll Want to Reserve a Balcony Cabin for Your Next Cruise

During Silversea’s expedition voyages, you have the opportunity to dine alongside ship naturalists and expedition leaders as they mingle with guests in communal eating areas. Based on my personal encounters, these individuals are typically open to engaging in pleasant company over dinner and sharing insightful discussions.

Virgin Voyages

Certainly, there’s always the defiant cruise line. Virgin Voyages , supported by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, attracts fun-seeking individuals from all age groups. Its fleet consists of three vessels — Scarlet Lady , Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady — provides 46 cabins specially crafted for solo travelers. This is quite substantial considering the ship has only 1,330 cabins altogether.

We haven't had the chance to stay in one of these solo cabins alone, but after checking out a similar room during our tour of the Scarlet Lady, we think they could very well be the most awesome accommodations for single travelers available.

Each ship from Virgin Voyages features 40 windowless Solo Insider rooms, which span 105 square feet. Designed with modern aesthetics, these spaces come equipped with queen-sized beds, sizable TV screens, elegant curved vanities, and thoughtfully crafted bathrooms. Additionally, every cruise liner includes six comparable Solo Sea View cabins at approximately 130 square feet, providing guests with ocean-view windows.

Keep in mind that the single occupancy cabins with windows are situated at the bow of the vessels, oriented towards the direction of travel. This position offers an incredible view for sightseeing; however, experienced travelers are aware that these cabins might experience more motion during turbulent waters. Personally, I enjoy feeling some sway while cruising (after all, how else would you know you’re out at sea?); still, if this makes you uneasy, please take heed.

In contrast, when looking at solo performances, you will discover that Virgin's hopping bar scene —and an adults-only ambiance—is perfect for singles aiming to connect with fellow solo adventurers. By prohibiting guests under 18 years old, you can expect an environment free of family units with young children. This setting caters primarily to independent travelers, pairs, and small friend circles who wish to enjoy themselves and socialize with others aboard the vessel.

Related: The top five sought-after cabin positions on any vessel are as follows:

Tauck

Individual adventurers seeking a high-end experience river cruise You can frequently discover a good offer through Tauck, which is an upscale touring company boasting a European cruise arm. They operate over six different river ships.

Tauck frequently waives the single supplement entirely for its most affordable cabin option (Category 1) and offers reduced singles supplements for higher categories (potentially saving you up to $1,000 in certain tiers).

Onboard, Tauck’s cruise directors pay particular attention to solo travelers, and shared tables during meals provide ample opportunities to connect with fellow passengers.

Solo travelers on board can find companionship at the bar (with no concerns over the bill since beverages are complimentary) or retreat to a peaceful sundeck area for some solitude with their favorite novel once they've had enough interaction. Each day brings inclusive shore trips and guided tours, ensuring there’s always a company eager to discover new places together ashore.

River cruises frequently prove to be an excellent option for individuals traveling alone since certain river navigation companies sometimes eliminate or considerably reduce additional fees for solitary passengers. For instance, Avalon Waterways refrains from charging extra supplements for particular staterooms during specific departure dates in Europe. AmaWaterways applies only a 25% surcharge for individual travelers who book non-suite accommodations. Additionally, it operates four vessels in Europe, each featuring two special solo cabins with no additional single supplement required.

Bottom line

As an individual who frequently sails solo while composing articles about vessels, I've discovered that Smaller vessels tend to be more conducive to socializing and interaction compared to larger ones. , and as such, they make an excellent option for solo travelers aiming to connect with others.

On smaller vessels, you often encounter the same individuals repeatedly—during excursions, within lounges, and near the swimming areas. This raises your chances of initiating conversations and quickly forming close friendships. In contrast, larger cruise ships hosting thousands can mean going for days without running into anyone more than once.

The shipping companies that manage smaller vessels tend to provide greater discount opportunities for solitary voyagers, leading to a larger number of individuals cruising with them. However, largely speaking, the operators of larger ships usually have more single-focused staterooms available. Additionally, these same operations often present an array of shipboard entertainment options, such as West End theatrical productions and climbing walls, where passengers can indulge without needing travel partners.

Worrying excessively about befriending people while cruising isn’t necessary. Typically, cruisers tend to be quite sociable individuals. Many actually choose this mode of travel precisely for the opportunity to connect with new acquaintances. Numerous occasions have found me quietly enjoying my time in a corner of the cruise ship’s lounge only to have fellow travelers (sometimes one after another) approach and initiate conversations.

No matter if you opt for one of our premier cruise lines designed for solo travelers or select another line that catches your eye, you'll surely enjoy your time, having as much solitude as you wish.

Thinking about taking a cruise? Begin with these tales:

• The top 5 sought-after cabin positions on any cruise liner
• An introductory guide for choosing a cruise line
• The 8 least desirable cabin positions on any cruise ship
• The definitive checklist for packing essentials before your cruise voyage
• A brief overview of the top cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks to ensure your cruise goes seamlessly
• 15 Ways Cruise Enthusiasts Fritter Away Their Cash
• The definitive handbook for selecting a cruise ship stateroom

Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed here belong solely to the author and do not represent the opinions of banks, credit card issuers, airlines, or hotels. These statements have not been reviewed, authorized, or endorsed by any such entity.