Best Cruises for Solo Travelers: How to Choose the Right Cruise for You
Have you ever considered taking a cruise by yourself?
Maybe you enjoy traveling independently. Maybe your friends don't share your interest in cruising. Or perhaps you're simply ready to take a vacation without coordinating everyone's schedules.
Whatever your reason, cruising alone can be a wonderful experience. You can explore a new destination, enjoy dinner with people you've just met, or spend an afternoon reading with an ocean view.
But there's something worth knowing before you book: Not every cruise line approaches solo travel the same way.
Some offer cabins designed for one person. Others provide organized gatherings where solo travelers can meet. And some offer a wonderful onboard experience but charge substantially more when you're occupying a cabin alone.
The best choice depends on the kind of vacation you want.
Norwegian Cruise Line: For travelers who want opportunities to meet people
If you're interested in cruising alone but feel a little uncertain about the social side, Norwegian Cruise Line is a good place to start.
Norwegian has invested in accommodations and activities for people traveling independently.
Depending on the ship, you may find:
- Studio staterooms designed for one guest.
- A dedicated Studio Lounge for eligible guests.
- Solo traveler gatherings and opportunities to join group activities.
- Dining, entertainment, and activities that make it easy to enjoy the ship independently.
Norwegian's approach is particularly appealing if you'd like opportunities to meet people without having to organize everything yourself.
Best for: First-time solo cruisers and travelers who appreciate some organized social opportunities.
Keep in mind: Studio cabins and lounge access vary by ship. Compare the total price of a Studio with other cabins available for one guest.
Virgin Voyages: For adults who enjoy a lively social atmosphere
If your ideal vacation includes interesting restaurants, music, entertainment, and opportunities to meet new people, Virgin Voyages deserves a look.
Virgin operates adults-only ships, and the onboard atmosphere is quite different from a traditional family-oriented cruise.
You can expect:
- Adults-only sailings.
- Solo Insider and Solo Sea View staterooms.
- Restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife.
- Social activities where you can participate as much or as little as you like.
You don't have to be particularly outgoing to enjoy Virgin. You can spend an evening enjoying the entertainment or find a quieter place to relax.
Best for: Adults who enjoy contemporary entertainment, dining, and a social atmosphere.
Keep in mind: Dedicated solo cabins are limited. Other cabin categories may cost considerably more for one person.
Royal Caribbean: For travelers who want plenty of activities
Some travelers don't need organized solo gatherings. They simply want a ship with enough to see and do that every day feels different.
Royal Caribbean can be a good match.
Depending on the ship, activities may include live performances, swimming pools, fitness facilities, sports, and numerous dining venues.
Some Royal Caribbean ships also offer Studio staterooms, including certain balcony configurations.
Best for: Independent travelers who enjoy large ships, entertainment, and plenty of choices.
Keep in mind: Solo staterooms are available only on selected ships, and the experience can vary substantially between ship classes.
Celebrity Cruises: For travelers who appreciate contemporary comfort
Not everyone wants a vacation filled with organized activities.
Perhaps you'd rather enjoy a leisurely dinner, relax with a book, or spend time exploring interesting ports.
Celebrity Cruises offers a more contemporary, relaxed atmosphere, with an emphasis on dining, design, and service.
Some ships feature staterooms designed for solo occupancy.
Best for: Independent travelers who appreciate modern ships, good dining, and a somewhat quieter atmosphere.
Keep in mind: Compare solo stateroom pricing with regular cabins. A room designed for one person isn't automatically the least expensive option.
Holland America Line: For travelers who enjoy a quieter, traditional cruise experience
Holland America is another cruise line worth considering, particularly if your interests include destinations, cultural experiences, music, and a more relaxed pace.
Its Pinnacle Class ships offer dedicated Single Ocean View staterooms.
You can enjoy the ship independently while still having opportunities to participate in activities and meet other guests.
Best for: Travelers who appreciate a traditional cruise atmosphere, destination-focused itineraries, and time to relax.
Keep in mind: Dedicated single cabins are limited and aren't available across the entire fleet.
What about Carnival, MSC, and Princess?
These cruise lines shouldn't be overlooked simply because they may have fewer dedicated accommodations for solo guests.
A good promotional fare, a particular itinerary, or a reduced single supplement could make one of them a better choice for your vacation.
This is why I don't recommend choosing a cruise line based solely on whether it advertises solo cabins.
The important question is what you'll actually pay and what you'll receive for that price.
Understanding the single supplement
Here's one of the most important things to understand about booking a cruise alone.
Many cruise fares are advertised per person, assuming two people share a stateroom.
When one person books that room, the cruise line may charge a single supplement to account for the second passenger who isn't occupying it.
For example, suppose a cruise advertises a fare of $800 per person based on double occupancy.
A solo traveler might pay substantially more than $800 for the same cabin. The final amount depends on the cruise line, sailing, cabin category, promotions, and applicable taxes and fees.
A dedicated solo cabin may avoid a separate supplement, but that doesn't necessarily make it cheaper than every other option.
My advice: Compare the total price for one traveler, not the advertised per-person fare.
And don't forget to consider what that fare includes. Dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, beverages, and other expenses can affect the overall value.
Five things to consider before booking your solo cruise
- How social do you want to be? Look for organized solo gatherings if meeting other travelers is important to you.
- What kind of ship do you enjoy? A large, activity-filled ship offers a different experience from a quieter, destination-focused vessel.
- What will you actually pay? Compare complete solo fares across several cabin categories and cruise lines.
- How much time will you spend in your cabin? A compact Studio may be perfectly comfortable if you plan to spend most of your day exploring.
- Are there accessible accommodations or other specific needs to consider? Don't assume a dedicated solo cabin will meet your requirements. Check the actual room features and availability.
One last piece of advice: Book early when cabin choice matters
Dedicated solo staterooms often represent a small portion of a ship's accommodations.
If you have your heart set on a particular ship, itinerary, or solo cabin category, waiting may limit your choices.
That doesn't mean every solo traveler should book the first fare they see. It means understanding your options before the cabins you're interested in are gone.
The bottom line
There is no single best cruise line for everyone traveling alone.
Norwegian may appeal to someone who wants organized opportunities to meet people. Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only social environment. Royal Caribbean provides an impressive variety of activities. Celebrity and Holland America may suit travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience.
And sometimes the best choice is a completely different cruise line offering an itinerary you love at a price that makes sense.
Traveling alone doesn't mean you have to spend your vacation alone. It simply means you get to decide how to spend your time.
At Seas, Summits, & Skies Travel, we can help compare solo fares, cabin options, and onboard experiences so you can choose a cruise that fits the way you want to travel.