Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular, and cruises are perfect for solo travelers. Many cruise companies offer cabins specifically designed for solo travelers or special deals for solo travelers. It is advisable to book your solo cabin well in advance, as they sell out quickly due to their limited availability.
Why single travellers should book a cruise?
Social interactions: Cruises offer numerous opportunities to meet other travelers. Organized activities onboard, group excursions, and shared meals can create opportunities to make friends.
Safety: Cruise ships are generally safe environments. Solo travelers can feel secure onboard with strict security measures and the presence of cruise line staff. Group excursions are also a safe way to explore visited destinations.
Solo cabins: As mentioned earlier, many cruise companies offer cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. These cabins are often smaller and more affordable, providing a suitable option for a single occupant.
Special programs: Some cruise ships offer special programs for solo travelers, such as dedicated social gatherings, exclusive activities, or excursions specifically designed for individuals traveling alone.
Which Cruise Lines is Offering Solo Cabins?
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): NCL is known for its “Studio” program offering solo cabins on several of its ships. These cabins are specifically designed for solo travelers and include access to an exclusive lounge for solo passengers, where refreshments are offered, and passengers can meet and plan group meals or activities and outings during port stops. These studios are available on select ships only and are interior cabins. However, since 2023, NCL has expanded its offerings for solo travelers and dedicates cabins of all categories (interior, ocean view, balcony) to solo travelers on all its ships. These cabins are available on different decks, allowing singles travelling with family or friends to book a cabin near their travel companions while having more privacy.
MSC Cruises: MSC Cruises offers solo cabins on several of its ships. Interior Studio and Balcony Studio cabins are available on the Meraviglia class (Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa) as well as on the Euribia, World America, and World Europa.
Royal Caribbean: Some Royal Caribbean ships offer solo cabins. The Quantum class (Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas) offers interior studio cabins as well as studio cabins with balconies. The Harmony of the Seas has a few interior studio cabins and ocean views studio cabins. The ships Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas offer a very limited number (5 or fewer) interior studio cabins.
Holland America Line: The newest ships of Holland America offer a limited number of solo cabins with ocean views. Holland America ships offering solo cabins include the Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, and Koningsdam. The cabins are located on Deck 1 at the front of the ship.
Celebrity Cruises: The newest Celebrity ships offer solo cabins. The Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent offer solo cabins with infinite verandas. The Celebrity Silhouette has interior solo cabins.
Virgin Voyages offers interior and ocean-view solo cabins. Since this company is adults-only, it can be a good choice for solo travelers.
Cunard offers solo cabins on three of its ships: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria.
Princess Cruises introduces 4 solo cabins aboard its ship Sun Princess.
Oceania Cruises has 18 solo cabins on the ships Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, and Sirena.
Supplements for Solo Travelers
Prices for regular cabins are based on double occupancy. A solo traveler can still book a regular cabin but will have to pay between 150% and 200% of the individual fare. Some companies offer promotions from time to time or reduce fees for solo travelers. Luxury or expedition companies regularly offer cabins to solo travelers without a supplement or with a 25% supplement.
It is also important to compare prices because sometimes these solo cabins are more expensive than a regular single occupancy cabin, even when considering the surcharge.
