Cruising Solo? You’re Not Alone! 

It used to be one was the loneliest number at sea – and you paid a price for it! But today, solo cruising has never been more welcoming or affordable.

The solo cruising trend started making waves years ago, but post-pandemic it turned into a tsunami. Modern sensibilities coupled with an urge to see the world without delay, even if that means going it alone, have altered the horizon for travelers who rightly view cruising as an easy way to strike out on a solo trip. Embracing the trend, cruise lines have responded with new-builds and retrofitted ships to accommodate solo passengers.

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Solo Cruising

Bear in mind, a solo cruise isn’t the same as a singles cruise. Those embarking all by their lonesome aren’t necessarily looking for love. In fact, many are married, so it’s a misconception to even assume solo cruisers are single. The trend also spans different age groups.

However, aside from wanderlust, you can count on one common denominator among travelers: Nobody likes the dreaded “single supplement” – cruise lingo for the surcharge an individual incurs when occupying ship cabins traditionally built for two paying passengers. This fee can be as much as 100% of the per-person fare, which basically amounts to solo cruisers footing the bill for phantom cabinmates. For some, it’s a gangway bridge too far.

Norwegian Solo Cruises Set the Bar

Norwegian Cruise Line deserves kudos for recognizing the solo trend early and doubling down on it. All the line’s latest ships feature a complex of studio cabins purpose-built for solo cruisers, alleviating the need for single supplements. Equally noteworthy, the cabins are clustered around an exclusive, key-entry Studio Lounge that provides a social gathering place for solo cruisers and perks such as complimentary snacks, cocktail hours and a host to help organize activities.

For solo cruisers concerned about feeling left out or lonely, the setup delivers a surefire safety net. Plus, the studios’ chic design (think mood lighting, integrated furnishings and smart storage) adds a certain cachet. These are thoughtful spaces, not throwaway areas with individual cabins squeezed in. Still, all studios are inside accommodations (some with corridor windows or virtual portholes that reveal exterior views via LED screens). And, they always sell out fast.

The popularity of its studios prompted Norwegian to up the ante this year with the introduction of solo staterooms, including ocean view and balcony categories, across its entire fleet. When announcing the new options, in addition to its own data, the cruise line cited mind-blowing stats, including a Radical Storage study reporting a 267% increase in online searches for “solo travel” between 2020 and 2022.

More Cruise Lines With Solo Cabins 

Norwegian isn’t the only line rolling out the welcome mat. Cunard used a multimillion-dollar refurbishment to add solo staterooms. Most adorn its flagship, Queen Mary 2, which sails regularly from a local homeport in New York.

Holland America prides itself on a hospitable record concerning solo cruisers, pointing to inclusive activities (even soirees with professional dance partners) and now purpose-built solo cabins on the newest pinnacle-class ships.

Celebrity boasts a perfect upward graph for increasing solo spaces, some sporting the line’s innovative “infinite veranda” (a retractable wall-to-wall window that transforms the entire living area into a veranda).

Elevating the luxe quotient, Oceania’s latest ships feature perk-laden, concierge-level solo veranda staterooms. Oceania also added solo staterooms to four older ships.

Even family-focused Royal Caribbean touts solo cabins. Some connect to standard staterooms, producing a perfect granny-suite. Princess jumped on the trend, too. Sun Princess, which launched this year, is the first in its fleet designed with solo cabins.

Riverboats rarely contain solo cabins, but American Queen Voyages does offer a few. On the other hand, riverboats, expedition vessels and luxury lines tend to be the best bet for reduced or even waived single supplement deals. Usually, these smaller ships also provide included shore excursions, always a great way for solo cruisers to safely explore destinations with others and bond over the shared experiences.

The Perks of Going on a Cruise Alone

The crux of cruising’s appeal to solo travelers is that it delivers the best of both worlds. You can travel independently, but amid the security of a larger group. The cruise line handles logistics, so the ship becomes a familiar touchstone while discovering unfamiliar destinations. Once you pick an itinerary. They facilitate the big stuff, and you fine-tune the experience.

Since you’re traveling solo, that means consulting a party of exactly one … you! No negotiating different schedules and opinions when deciding what to do. Enjoy guilt-free freedom to pursue personal interests, try new things on a whim or just do nothing at all. The independence can be self-enlightening.

Onboard, dip in and out of activities. Looking for sublime me-time? Enrichment lectures, spa treatments and endless sea-gazing await. Want more interaction or maybe a thrill? Join classes on anything from mixology and music to yoga and scuba diving. Or, on the biggest boats, try skydiving, go-kart racing, ziplining and more. Along the way you’ll meet like-minded passengers if you’re interested in socializing.

Cruising even makes dining – a stressor for some solos – easy. While you can opt to eat alone, both traditional dining (at an assigned table with the same people at the same time every night) and anytime dining (at whenever, wherever, with whomever) allow you to sit with others. Simply ask to join a large table. Plus, some specialty restaurants promise a communal vibe. You’ll find chef’s tables, teppanyaki and meal experiences that unfold like shows. For example, Celebrity’s Le Petit Chef utilizes 3D table animation to take diners on a culinary romp. Many lines facilitate group tables for solo cruisers, too.

Usually there are solo meetups and some solo-specific programming, such as a group pub crawl. Technology has eased the way for solo cruisers as well, with online forums to connect passengers prior to departing.

A solo cruise can be deliciously self-indulgent and so rewarding. You’ll feel empowered, having conquered a bit of the world on your own. If you’re unsure at first, don’t fret. Cruises are friendly. You’re on a one-of-a-kind experience, but you’re all in the same boat.

Did you know your AAA membership grants you access to your own travel team? Plan your cruise with the help of a trusted AAA travel advisor. Call 866-423-5585 to start planning today!