Travel solo and experience a fantastic vacation on cruises with single cabins. Dare to see the world on your terms and make new friends at the same time. You need to be a little bit bold.
Just like when traveling with family or friends, there is much to consider when choosing to cruise solo. Consider what the cruise line can offer, the facilities on board the cruise ship, your budget, and the best itineraries for cruises with single cabins.
But one thing that makes some cruise lines stand out from the rest if you travel alone – is the opportunity to meet other solo travelers.
Going on a cruise alone doesn’t have to be that different from going with the company – if you pick a cruise line that focuses on solo cabins, solo guest events, and facilities on board.
In this article, we tell you which major cruise lines successfully offer single independent travelers the opportunity to book and cruise solo. We answer common questions and give you our five best tips for cruising solo.
Cruise solo with the best cruise lines
Many of the major cruise lines are now paying more attention to guests wanting to cruise solo, and there are more and more cruises with single cabins than ever before.
Not long ago, the only option was to book a double cabin for single occupancy, where you would inevitably pay a costly single-room supplement rate.
Cruise lines are designing newer ships to offer small single cabins near other single cabins.
And some even offer lounges solely for guests cruising by themselves, making your chance of meeting like-minded travelers on board good!
So which cruise lines are we talking about?
Norwegian Cruise Line – a trendsetter for solo cruise guests
Norwegian Cruise Line started the trend and is still one of the best. They allocate many cabins on board as studio cabins for single occupancy.
They also go one step further and offer beautiful lounges for the solo cruising guest if you wish.
This solo lounge is excellent for relaxing, eating breakfast, and getting refreshments. And you can be sure to meet others traveling alone as no other guest category is allowed there.
Some of the cruises offered by Norwegian Cruise Line even go as far as to provide solo guests with a solo host that coordinates ship activities which you can join or not; it’s up to you.
The amount of mingling you choose depends on your desired sailing experience.
Seabourn offers super luxury for the solo traveler
Seabourn is an ultra-luxury cruise line and is very popular for those wanting to cruise solo in true style.
You can expect a luxury cruising experience at the most well-known places in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska. Plus, more exclusive destinations include Antarctica & Patagonia, the Arctic, and the Amazon.
They even offer private air and hotel packages and transportation options so you can book a complete solo traveler package with them.
Solo cabins with Saga for the age 50+ guests in mind
Then there is Saga Cruises. This British-based company has long focused on the 50+ age group, and solo travelers are well catered for with many single cabins on their cruise ships.
Their newest ship, Spirit of Discovery, carries around just 1000 guests. All cabins are balcony cabins, including the 109 single-occupancy cabins on board.
These cabins offer different price categories depending on how large you want: standard, superior, deluxe, or suite. And WiFi is accessible all over the ship, so you don’t need to worry about making sure you buy a WiFi package for single use; it’s all included.
The best cruise lines offering solo cabins
Then followed more cruise lines wanting to attract solo cruising guests. All of these cruise lines offer solo cabins:
- Norwegian Cruise Line – Viva, Getaway, Breakaway, Prima, Bliss Escape, Epic, Encore, Pride of America
- Seabourn
- Saga – Spirit of Discovery, Spirit of Adventure
- Royal Caribbean – Wonder of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas
- P & O Cruises – Azure, Arcadia, Aurora, Ventura, Iona, Arvia, Britannia
- Cunard – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria
- Holland America – Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Rotterdam
- Costa Cruises – Magica, Fascnosa Favolosa, Pacifica, Diadema
- MSC Cruises – Meriviglia, Grandiosa, Bellissima, Virtuosa
- Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex
- Virgin Voyages – Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, Valiant Lady
How do I find the right solo cruise for me?
When researching the cost of cruising solo, please speak to the different cruise lines and find their price point for a cabin type you are interested in. Then find out what’s included.
You can then speak to 3 or 4 more cruise lines and find a comparative price for the same cabin type. From here, you can assess your budget.
When you have decided on your destination, look at the itineraries and destinations you will visit.
When cruising solo, the destinations often stand in focus rather than the ship itself. As most solo cabins can be found on newer ships, you know you will travel in style. And it could, in the end, come down to where you can get the best value for your money.
But be fussy and take your time. Research properly and know what you are getting for your money before you book. Before contacting the cruise lines, be sure to write down all the questions to ask to kick-start your planning.
Joining forums, group chats, or Facebook groups will give you an insight into other guests’ solo cruising experiences, which will perhaps help you in your decision-making.
When is the best time to book cruises with single cabins?
One of the challenges when booking a solo cruise is not leaving it too late. The number of cruises with single cabins is limited, and demand is often high.
Book well in advance. Cruises are often bookable about one year to 18 months before the sailing date.
You can keep an eye on pricing by signing up for the cruise lines’ newsletters, looking out for special price alerts or campaigns, and joining solo cruising forums.
And do remember to frequently check the price of your cabin category on the cruise lines’ website even after booking.
Remember, if the price of your chosen cabin category becomes cheaper after you have booked and paid your deposit, contact the cruise line immediately and ask for the same price reduction on your booking.
Remember to retain any OBC (onboard credit) or special offers in your original booking.
And don’t forget to look for a bargain price on a standard cabin meant for two. Finding great prices on double occupancy cabins is possible, especially if the specific cabin number is not assigned when booking.
In that case, you will be allocated a cabin closer to departure. This is an excellent option if you find a good deal; less expensive than a solo cabin would have cost, and you are flexible on where on board your cabin is located.
Dining solo
Book a large table with other guests if you don’t want to eat alone. You can choose a table for 4, 6, 8, or 10 guests and be part of a group each evening. Very often, this is the easiest way to get to know other guests.
What if you are dining at a table where you do not enjoy the company? Visit the maître d’ before you dine again and get assigned a different table.
When is the best time to travel as a solo guest?
Many solo travelers choose to avoid peak times when there are often families traveling with children. That is, during the summer holiday, Halloween, and even Christmas.
More adults and fewer children on board mean a greater chance of meeting more adult guests traveling solo.
Our 5 best solo cruising tips
1. Start making contacts and friends before you travel
Joining a Facebook group for your cruise is an excellent way to connect with fellow travelers. If you cannot find a Facebook group for your cruise, consider starting one!
By joining solo cruising forums before and after booking, you can get to know other solo travelers even before climbing on board.
2. Book shore excursions to get to know your fellow traveler
If you are a social animal and love company but travel solo, we suggest joining group shore excursions. It’s an excellent way to get to know your fellow travelers. It is also a safer way of traveling and an easy way to mingle.
3. Join in onboard activities
Fitness classes, dance classes, and other onboard activities, such as trivia quizzes or listening to live bands, are good ways to meet others. Be bold and dare to join in – it can be great fun.
4. Book through a cruise specialist with a focus on the solo traveler
Consider working together with a travel company that focuses on solo travelers. Look for tips online and through forums about travel agents who can specifically help you with cruising for the solo traveler.
Then you can decide if you prefer to book with the cruise line or a travel agent.
5. Smaller ships offer more intimate cruising experiences
Look at smaller ships that have solo cabins. It’s much easier to integrate with others on smaller ships. Small group excursions and events mean you won’t get lost in the crowd.
Click to search, plan and book your perfect solo cruise adventure!
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