Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers: Are you considering going on a solo cruise? The bad news is that you may spend twice as much as someone traveling with a buddy if there are numerous lineups.
The majority of cruise ship rooms are made for two people, and the quoted cruise prices for these types of cabins are per person and are based on double occupancy. This implies that only clients who plan to share a cabin with another paying passenger are eligible for the pricing.
Of all, a fantastic solo cruise is about more than just a great deal. Meeting other single travelers at meet-and-greet receptions and planned group dinners for solo cruisers is equally important to a lot of people who travel alone. When it comes to this, certain cruise lines perform better than others.
Taking into consideration all of these factors—cost, available cabins, and a friendly atmosphere—I’ve found five cruise companies that go above and above for single passengers.
These are the Top 5 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
1. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line Give Norwegian credit for being the first cruise line to offer more solitary rooms which is perfect for Solo Travelers. On its brand-new, 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic in 2010, the big-ship line unveiled an entire zone of compact “studio” staterooms for one, totaling 128. Since it was so popular, more lines started to appear.
The 100-square-foot solo cabins on Norwegian Epic are arranged around a private Studio Lounge and are beautifully built to optimize storage space. It features a bar and TV room where lone travelers can socialize during happy hour, which is hosted every day.
Since then, Norwegian has equipped seven additional new ships—including its two newest, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima—with comparable solo stateroom sections and private lounges. A 73-cabin solitary complex located over two decks is available on both ships.
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Two older ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, have solitary sections with 59 cabins, whereas the larger Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, and Norwegian Bliss all have an 82-cabin solo complex.
I can categorically state that Norwegian staterooms are some of the best solitary accommodations at sea because I have personally sailed in one. The futuristic, “Jetsons”-esque design and the mood lighting in various colors are my favorites.
One major warning: all of them are inside cabins with windows overlooking a corridor, but none of them offer an ocean view. The solitary rooms on Norwegian Bliss feature an LED screen that serves as a virtual porthole providing a real-time view of the outside world.
Perhaps a more important warning is that these single cabins are so high demand that they frequently sell out far in advance and at rates that aren’t all that different from those of reserving a cabin for two.
2. Royal Caribbean
In recent years, Royal Caribbean has introduced solitary cabins to both new and older ship classes, taking a cue from Norwegian. From 101 to 119 square feet, the line’s Quantum-class vessels, which made their debut in 2014, can accommodate up to 28 of these exclusive studio staterooms.
Some of the cabins include balconies with views of the ocean, unlike Norwegian’s lone digs. Some people have a virtual balcony that appears to be a veranda at first, but it’s just a computer screen that projects an image of the outdoors in real-time. (Although cheesy, it’s effective.)
An Anthem of the Seas studio cabin with an ocean view offered by Royal Caribbean. RIVAL CARIBBEAN
Some of the line’s massive Oasis-class ships, such as Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, are among the other Royal Caribbean ships that have solo staterooms. Solo cabins are also available on several Royal Caribbean’s older Voyager-class and Radiance-class ships. However, a few of these ships only had two or three.
Even though Royal Caribbean ships don’t have a dedicated solo lounge for passengers with solo cabins, the company sponsors events for single travelers on board that are a great way for single travelers to meet other passengers who, well, are in the same boat as them. On Royal Caribbean ships, there’s also a lively bar scene. Many of the bars include rows of bar seats, making them a wonderful spot to meet other lone travelers.
Furthermore, you may enjoy a large range of onboard activities on Royal Caribbean ships, even if you’re traveling alone. These activities range from big production shows to rock-climbing walls and surfing pools.
3. Silversea Cruises
In contrast to Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Silversea does not offer a special category of cabins for single passengers. However, the premium line is renowned for providing single extras on some sailings, ranging from 10% to 25%. Sometimes the line will even completely waive the single supplement during promotional offers that last only a short while.
To facilitate meeting new people, Silversea also arranges welcome receptions for single passengers at the beginning of each journey.
A benefit for individuals like me who want to eat with others is that Silversea is known for attracting a sociable audience that enjoys mingling, especially during dinnertime. The company operates very small, intimate vessels that can accommodate just a few hundred passengers.
If you visit the main lounge shortly before dinner on a Silversea ship, you may find yourself drawn into a discussion with a group of strangers who may invite you to dinner. I almost count on this happening to me because it has happened so frequently on Silversea cruises.
You can also eat with expedition guides and ship naturalists on Silversea expedition sailings; they join guests in public dining areas. They are always open to a nice dinner partner and some lively chat, at least that is my experience.
Virgin Voyages: Richard Branson’s Virgin Group supports the rebellious startup line Virgin Voyages, which attracts fun-loving people, not just millennials. Considering my experience sailing on its inaugural ship, Scarlet Lady, it appears to be a leader in the solo cruise sector.
The ship, along with its more recent sisters, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady, both have 46 cabins that are specially intended for single passengers. For a ship with only 1,330 cabins overall, that’s a substantial quantity. Although we haven’t had the opportunity to stay in one of their alone rooms, Scarlet Lady appears to have the most stylish accommodations available.
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The Scarlet Lady cruise ship from Virgin Voyages has a solo Sea View stateroom. VOYAGES VIRGIN
There are forty windowless, 105-square-foot Solo Insider cabins aboard each ship, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady, with full-size mattresses, huge flat-screen televisions, curved vanities, and luxurious bathrooms. These rooms are ideal for single travelers. Each of the six identical-looking Solo Sea View cabins on the ship has windows and is around 130 square feet in size.
Keep in mind that the windows-facing solo cabins are located at the front of the ship. Although it’s a beautiful spot for sightseeing, experienced cruisers are aware that with strong waves, the cabins there can be unsteady. When I cruise, I enjoy a little movement (what better way to indicate that you’re at sea?), but if you don’t, be forewarned.
In the meantime, Virgin’s vibrant bar scene and adult-oriented ambiance make it the ideal place for lone travelers to meet up with other single people. It’s all about lone travelers, couples, and groups of friends wanting to socialize and interact with other shipmates.
4. America’s Holland Line
Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers: Holland America has long provided services for independent tourists. Available on most journeys, their Single Partners Program is one of their most well-liked promos.
Events for single travelers include cocktail receptions, mixers, games, and more, all part of the Single Partner’s Program. The cruise company provides more than forty opportunities for single passengers to socialize onboard, such as fitness classes, wine tasting, cooking demos, talks (on certain departures), line dancing classes, team trivia competitions, and the daily quiz.
Furthermore, visitors on single cruises can share a cabin with another lone traveler thanks to The Single Partner’s Program.
Additionally, they promise a double occupancy rate—even if they are unable to pair you up.
If you are traveling alone and would rather not share a stateroom, you can reserve a basic double cabin for 150–200% of the double occupancy rate.
Lastly, unmarried women are invited to dinner and dance by the onboard Social Hosts on cruises lasting 30 days or more. At supper, Holland America will attempt to seat single passengers with other single travelers upon special request.
5. Cunard Line
The Queen Mary 2 of Cunard Line has long been a favorite among lone travelers.
The cruise line’s emphasis on traditional cruising and the lively onboard environment are especially appealing to single passengers. Cunard Line typically seats lone passengers at dinner tables beside other lone cruisers, which facilitates easy mingling and friendship-building.
To meet the increased demand from single travelers, the cruise company has been adding single cabins to its ships since 2014.
Let us know what you think of Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers list!
There are occasionally extra savings available for lone travelers.
Tauck
It’s not common knowledge that Tauck is a well-known cruise line. However, you should consider it if you want to cruise alone.
High-end travel company Tauck provides river cruises all around the world. Due to the cruise operator’s exclusive connections, customers can enjoy experiences that they can’t get from any other business.
River Cruise Lines are desired for Solo Travelers. The intimate setting, small ships, and unusual locations make cruising the ideal way to meet new people and socialize. Tauck is well known for the welcoming and convivial environment of its cruises.
Why, however, is Tauck our #1 pick for cruisers traveling alone?
Easy. Tauck frequently removes the one supplement from its most affordable cabin category. Solo travelers can also save more money because they frequently lower the single supplement on the higher-tier cabin types.
