single cabins on saga cruises

Cruise Lines With Single Cabins for Solo Travelers 2024

As more people choose to travel solo, cruise lines are stepping up their game to accommodate independent travelers.

Nowadays, a number of cruise with solo cabins or studios designed specifically for solo travelers, and some offer a range of choices, inside, oceanview, and even balcony options, albeit in relatively small numbers.

These cabins not only cater to the needs of solo travelers but also provide a more affordable way to explore the world without having to pay the single supplement.

Here we will be highlighting which cruise lines offer solo cabins or studios. 

Cruise Ships with Single Cabins

In the table below, we list all the individual cruise ships which offer single cruise cabins for solo travelers

Where known, we have included the number of single cabins on cruise ships as a guide to possible availability.

Check out which of the above cruise lines make our top picks for certain age ranges:

• Best Cruises for 20-something Singles (Under 30)

Cruise Lines with Single Cabins

Below we cover in more detail what each cruise line offers in the way of single cabins for solo travelers.

Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador cruise line is a British-owned single cruise ship, the MS Ambience which was launched in 2022 and offers a relatively high number of 89 single cabins as part of there stated commitment to single guests at a special single supplement rate.

With a capacity of 1400 passengers, the ship offers a range of Inside, Ocean view and a Super Plus with a single balcony rooms.

• Superior Inside Single on Consulate deck 10
• Standard Ocean View Single on Aloe deck 4
• Superior Ocean View Single on Consulate deck 10
• Premium Ocean View Single on Ambassador deck 11
• Super Plus Balcony Single on Consulate deck 10

These single cabins vary in terms of their location on the ship, as well as their level of amenities and features. The Superior Inside Single is an interior cabin, while the Standard and Superior Ocean View Singles offer a view of the ocean. The Premium Ocean View Single provides a higher level of luxury, and the Super Plus Balcony Single offers the added feature of a private balcony.

The minimum cabin size is 190 square feet.

Celebrity Cruises

In 2018 Celebrity launched its Infinite Veranda single rooms on Celebrity Edge.

They have since expanded their single cabin offerings on other ships with Celebrity Apex having 24 and Celebrity Silhoutete refitted with 4 single interior staterooms.

The staterooms measure 131 sq ft with an additional 45 square feet when the Infinite Veranda.

Larger cabins of 185 square feet are available on Celebrity Beyond.

You can find out more how Celebrity Cruises caters for solo travelers.

Costa Cruises

About half of the Costa cruise ship fleet offer cruises with single cabins

There are single cabins available as inside rooms or ocean view.

Room sizes range from 102 to 199 square feet.

Cunard Line

The prestigious and traditional cruise line Cunard offers solo cabins on all 3 of the ships in the fleet.

The Queen Mary 2, the world’s only true transatlantic ocean liner, offers 15 large single occupancy rooms between 178 and 183 square feet.

All 3 ships in the fleet offer both Britannia Single Inside Britannia Single Oceanview cabins, which are located centrally within each of the ships.

Cunard specifically offers complimentary coffee mornings and drinks receptions for solo travelers as well as the option of shared table dining if you’d like to meet other guests. As you can see here the Cunard staterooms are the epitome of luxury.

Fred. Olsen

There are at least 40+ available single cabins on each of the cruise ships in the Fred. Olsen fleet.

With a wide range of options available including:

• Single Interior Room
• Single Ocean View 
• Single Balcony Suite

Each room is at least 130 square feet, going up to 200 sq ft for the Balcony Suite.

Fred Olsen was Cruise Critics Editors Pick 2022 – Best for Solo Travelers .

You can more information n solo cruising with Fred. Olsen here.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line is a popular cruise line with older adults.

All single staterooms offer ocean views and measure 127 to 172 square feet.

With only 12 single occupancy rooms per ship, if you are booking a single persons cruise, you’d need to do so as far in advance as possible.

If you can’t get a solo cabin you might want to consider the “Singles Partner Program”, which partners guests of the same gender to share a stateroom.

Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises is a British cruise line with 4 ships in its fleet all of which offer inside and outside solo cabins.

Marella ships all have a cruise hosts who arrranges events for solo passengers which is a great opportunity to meet other single cruisers. You can find a review of the different solo cabin types on emmacruises first-hand Marellla singles cabins review .

MSC Cruises

The Swiss cruise line MSC Cruises offers single cabins on a number of its ships.

All are inside staterooms and measure approximately 130 square feet.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise lines is an award-winning cruise line for solo travelers.

They were one of the first main cruise lines to offer studio cabins to guests.

Currently offering studio cabins on 8 ships in the fleet and in higher numbers than most of the other cruise lines.

You can see and read more here about Norwegian singles cruises .

P & O Cruises

P&O Cruises is a British cruise line with 7 ships in the fleet, all of which have a range of single cabin options:

• Single Inside Cabin (Arcadia, Azura, Britannia, Iona, Ventura)
• Single Sea view (Aurora, Azura and Ventura)
• Single with balcony (Arcadia, Aurora, Britannia, Iona)

If you’re single and want to meet up with other singles, be sure to attend the solo traveler’s coffee mornings.

2 of the ships, Arcadia and Aurora are adult-only.

P&O Britannia has the highest number of single cabins at 27, with 15 having a balcony. All the solo cabins are located on the Lido deck, which is a high deck towards the front of the cruise ship might cause some passengers seasickness.

Royal Caribbean

Although Royal Caribbean does have solo cabins on approximately half its fleet 14 ships (in its fleet of 27), they are relatively very few in number in relation to the total number of cabins on the ships.

Royal Caribbean offer a range of different single cabins including:

• Studio Interior
• Studio Virtual Balcony
• Studio Ocean View
• Studio Ocean View Balcony
• Super Studio with Balcony

If you are thinking of traveling solo, be sure to check out the best Royal Caribbean cruises for singles .

Saga Cruises

Saga cruises is a British cruise line providing an elegant over 50’s adults-only cruise experience.

They have a relatively large number of single cabins of different grades including:

• Single with Balcony
• Suite with Balcony

Amongst the range are also Deluxe and Superior options.

You can see a range of what they offer here.

Virgin Voyages

The relatively new British cruise line Virgin Voyages cater to an adult-only expereince and offers over 40 singles cabins per ship in the fleet.

They offer a choice between an Insider or a Seaview single cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do carnival cruise ships have single cabins.

Carnival cruise ships do not offer any single cabins. All ships in the Carnival cruise fleet are 100% double occupancy.

As a solo traveler, you can book a double occupancy room, but you have to pay 100% single supplement fees.

While Carnival doesn’t particularly cater to solo travelers, it is a popular choice with some younger adults who are looking for a fun atmosphere. You can find out more in our best Carnival singles cruises .

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Spirit of Adventure cabins and suites

Spirit of adventure staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Spirit of Adventure cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Saga Ocean Cruises (Saga Cruises) en-suite amenities and services.

The Spirit of Adventure cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Forward Balcony Suite

Forward Balcony Suites offer the following cabin amenities and exclusive suite perks:

• 24-hour room service
• complimentary Wi-Fi
• coffee/tea-making facilities
• turndown service
• full butler service
• 2 twin beds or 1 double (king) bed
• step-out balcony
• spacious living room
• walk-in closet/wardrobe
• en-suite bathroom (double-sink vanity, WC, shower, whirlpool bathtub)
• fresh fruits basket, fresh flowers
• daily newspapers and magazines
• in-cabin dining (Continental Breakfast, dishes from all the ship's restaurants, afternoon tea service (full)
• Espresso coffee machine
• customized (fully-stocked) mini-bar

Aft Balcony Suite

Aft Balcony Suites offer the following cabin amenities and exclusive suite perks:

Midship Balcony Suite

Midship Balcony Suites offer the following cabin amenities and exclusive suite perks:

• spacious seating area with large sofa
• en-suite bathroom (double-sink vanity, WC, separate shower/bathtub)
• fresh fruits basket
• daily newspapers
• in-cabin dining (Continental Breakfast, afternoon tea service / full)

Twin Deluxe Balcony Cabin

Twin Deluxe Balcony staterooms offer the following amenities and exclusive perks:

• seating area
• en-suite bathroom (WC / shower, toiletries)
• fresh fruits
• bathrobes and slippers

Twin Standard Balcony Cabin

Standard Twin Balcony staterooms offer the following amenities and exclusive perks:

Single Cabins

All single-occupancy staterooms (regardless of category) offer as amenities the Saga Cruises standard:

• 2 twin (lower) beds or 1 double (king) bed - Standard Single is with a double bed
• walk-in closet (wardrobe)
• private (step-out) balcony
• en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, toiletries)
• bathrobes, slippers

Single Suites additionally offer as bonus perks:

• bathroom (WC / shower/bathtub)
• daily newspaper

All single cabins are with step-out verandas.

Wheelchair-Accessible|Adapted Cabins

The ship has a total of 10x Adapted Cabins (ADA-certified, wheelchair-accessible staterooms).

The accommodations are all with step-out balconies and in 3x categories: Adapted Junior Suite, Adapted Twin Deluxe, and Adapted Standard Twin.

Adapted Cabins are located on Deck A (room numbers A021, A028, A523, A531), Sun Deck (rooms S009, S509), C Deck (rooms C036, C537), and D Deck (D025, D526).

Handicapped staterooms feature wider entry doors, sitting-level keycard slots, wider turning spaces, ramped thresholds, beds with open bed frames, lowered vanity (in the sitting area), amplified phones, captioned TVs, wider bathrooms (with roll-in shower, fold-down shower bench, grab rails, lower sinks and closet rods, raised toilets, hand-held shower head).

All ADA cabins are conveniently located near the elevators.

The ship's gangways are all wide enough for most types of wheelchairs and disability scooters.

All decks provide elevator access. Passenger lifts are sized 2,7 m2 (176x156 cm). The lift's door width is 89 cm.

Passengers who require permanent or regular onboard use of a wheelchair/mobility scooter must be booked into an adapted cabin.

Spirit of Adventure cabins review

Saga Cruises MS Spirit of Adventure ship has a total of 554 staterooms, all with private balconies, spacious seating areas and private, luxurious bathrooms. The average cabin size is 215 ft2 (20 m2). All staterooms feature artworks, luxury furniture, premium fabrics, fittings and finishings.

After the suites, next premium grades are Deluxe cabins - larger in size and offering more facilities, better (higher) deck locations, better sea views and easier access to the most popular ship facilities.

Saga's Adventure ship also offers a wide choice of "single cabins" in all 4 grades (Suite, Deluxe, Superior, Standard). Each of these staterooms can be booked with single-occupancy rates (no single supplement required for the solo passenger).

Staterooms as decors and colour schemes are in three styles. First group's design features garden-like elements with light timbers, pastel-green colours, beautifully embroidered fabrics. Second group's design incorporates the more sophisticated grey with a dark-timber scheme, with pink-orange accented furnishings and carpet and upholstered headboard. Third group's colours are most calming, in neutral sunset tones with burnt oranges.

All staterooms offer as standard (complimentary) cabin amenities:

• smart HDTV (infotainment system - Internet, on-demand movies, ship info channel, real-time camera views from the Bridge), direct-dial phone, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet)
• hotel-type beds (two twins, convertible double beds or fixed double beds with headboards), luxury bedding and pillows, bedside cabinets, wall-mounted reading lamps
• mirrored dressing table (writing desk) with a chair and magnifying mirror, separate lounge area (low table with two comfortable armchairs), large wardrobe
• en-suite bathroom (WC, glass shower, single-sink vanity with under sink storage)
• private step-out balcony (with table and deckchairs)
• individually controlled air-conditioning, LED lighting, keycard room access

Spirit of Adventure cabin and suite plans are property of Saga Ocean Cruises (Saga Cruises) . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

Cruise Solo – the best cruises with single cabins

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.

Quick navigation

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
• 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.

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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The Truth About Solo Cruise Cabins

For solo travelers, the traditionally coupled-up cruise world has long meant navigating unfriendly waters, largely due to the dreaded "single supplement." This pesky -- and pricy -- fee could easily double the cost of a cruise vacation for a single cruise traveler looking to sail in a room priced for two.

Happily, the tides have turned: More and more cruise lines have accommodations for solo travelers and are coming out with priced-for-one solo cruise cabins. These are meant to afford single travelers savings at sea (though, unfortunately, that's not always the case). So what exactly do you get when you sign up for a solo cruise?

Cruises With Single Cabins: What You Need to Know

While solo cruise cabin inventory is still relatively limited today, the concept was virtually nonexistent in the mainstream cruise industry as recently as 2010, when Norwegian Cruise Line stepped in to pioneer a major presence of dedicated solo cabins onboard Norwegian Epic. Today, solo traveler-favorite Norwegian remains at the forefront of the movement with the most solo cruise cabin offerings of any cruise line, spread out across four of its ships. Passengers get design-savvy (if snug) cabins for one -- dubbed "studios" -- as well as the industry-exclusive extra of a shared solo travelers lounge, allowing for easy socializing between solo travelers onboard.

Tammy Weiler, President of Singles Travel International, which specializes in booking Norwegian studio cabins, has sung the line's praises, stating that despite the cabins' tight quarters, "the layout is cleverly designed so that the size does not matter." She applauded the solo lounge concept, too, with its "special studio concierge to facilitate a basic agenda for singles." She adds, "They organize a nightly happy hour, make show and specialty dining reservations, and host some Q&A time in the lounge with drinks, coffee and snacks. It's an excellent location for meeting other solo cruisers."

Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean International trail Norwegian with big-ship inventory, with Royal Caribbean touting some high-tech touches like "virtual balconies" for interior solo staterooms. Holland America Line followed suit with a dozen designated solo cruise cabins aboard Koningsdam. Cunard, likewise, refurbished all of its ships with solo staterooms.

U.K.-based cruise lines have long had a sensibility for solo travelers. Fred. Olsen has featured a generous number of solo cabins across its fleet for nearly three decades, while P&O Cruises also joined the game in 2010, and today offers such units on most of its ships.

River cruise companies present more limited options, including a smattering of solo cruise cabins on Vantage, American Queen Steamboat Company and AmaWaterways. (Many lines occasionally waive single supplements altogether on double-occupancy cabins.)

Overall, booking a solo cabin typically means less room (measuring as little as 100 square feet) and smaller beds. You'll find more single-room inventory for interior cabins than balconies or ocean-view units, though amenities are generally the same shipwide. If you're OK with a little less space, and are indeed saving money (see below), booking a solo cruise cabin is generally a solid choice. And, of course, if you're looking to meet other solo travelers, your chances are upped considerably when traveling aboard a cruise ship that offers multiple cabins for one.

However, Eric Kravitz, president of singles-travel specialist Travel Services Worldwide, notes that itinerary options are quite limited if you must book a solo cabin. He said, "Since there are very few ships that offer solo cruise cabins , booking one may only be the best choice for a solo traveler interested in those ships' itineraries. If such itineraries are not appealing, then the best option is often to save even more money by having a roommate assigned as part of a group tour."

Are Solo Cruise Cabins a Good Deal?

Rates for solo cabins aren't fixed and can fluctuate widely based on season, destination, customer demand and other variables. As this is the case with any cruise room, comparing single cruise room prices to standard cabin prices can be tricky and is best done on a case-by-case basis.

A good rule of thumb is that you can generally expect solo cruise cabins to start out priced higher than the per-person rate for a double-occupancy stateroom, but lower than the rate for a single person booking a double-occupancy stateroom, when factoring in the single supplement. Cruise lines offering solo cabins quote fares averaging about 125 to 160 percent more, when compared to the per-passenger rates in shared double-occupancy room.

Solo cruise cabins are intended to be a better deal than the single supplement rates for singles booking double-occupancy cabins, which typically average 125 to 200 percent. For example, when we checked, Norwegian listed a sample solo cabin fare in a studio stateroom for a July sailing at $1,099 -- a deal compared to the cost of booking a double-occupancy room with a single supplement at $1,898.

However, as solo cruise cabin inventory is quite limited and coveted solo cabins quickly book up on ships, it's not unheard of that the more widely available standard double-occupancy cabins (especially interiors) offer more affordable fares -- even with the added single supplement. Word to the wise: Book early to get your hands on the best solo cruise cabin rates.

Cruise travel agents with specialties in booking solo cruise cabins explained why solo cabins aren't always the best deal for single travelers. According to Emerson Kirksey Hankamer, president and COO of Vacations To Go (one of the largest cruise-selling companies in the world), in certain cases, "You are better off paying the single supplement on the double-occupancy cabin. The difference between the studio cabin and a standard cabin, plus single supplement, depends on overall demand, which can change for any given sailing." He went on to say, "If double-occupancy cabins are not selling, they will drop the double-occupancy price and the single supplement" -- making a regular cruise room more affordable for solo travelers.

Lindsay Hardy, co-owner of two Travel Leaders agencies in Florida, agreed, explaining that in her experience with booking solo cruise cabins on Norwegian and Royal Caribbean International, "The solo cabin is almost always more expensive than just booking an inside stateroom and paying the additional single supplement fee." According to Hardy, travelers actually pay, on average, 220 percent more to book the solo cruise cabin. While she conceded that certain extras like the shared solo travelers' lounge on Norwegian ships are a bonus, she still didn't think the solo cabin offered particularly good value for her clients.

In short, it's smart to consider both solo cruise cabins and double-occupancy cabins with single supplements before booking, especially when considering that single-occupancy cabins can be much smaller in size. Hankamer advised that "prices vary and solo travelers need to do their homework -- or find a travel agent to help them -- to compare both options to get the best deal."

And don't overlook the smaller players, like the river cruise lines, which often offer good values on their solo cruise cabin inventory or waived single supplements. Case in point: One of the best values we found for solo cabins was aboard AmaWaterways, where the rates for their solo cabins matched the per-person rate in certain double-occupancy cabins.

As for solo cabin cruise deals, don't bother holding out. Hankamer explained, "There are deals to be found, but it's a segment of the market that is not well catered to in today's marketplace. Deals can be scarce."

Solo Cruise Cabin Breakdown

We've "singled" out the major players in the solo cabin cruise market, outlining which lines and ships offer single-occupancy cabins (sometimes called studios), what you'll get when you book them and what kind of value they really offer. Once you find a fit, the expert advice across the board is the same: Space is limited, and solo cabins sell out quickly, so book early or risk missing the boat.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Ships: Norwegian leads the pack with its cutting-edge offerings for passengers traveling alone. Five of the line's 15 ships tout high-design, single-occupancy "studio" cabins: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Pride of America.

The Cabins: Norwegian Epic has a generous 128 solo studio cabins onboard, while Norwegian Escape offers 82 studio units. Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway offer 59 studio staterooms apiece.

Not only does Norwegian boast the most single cabins of any cruise line, but it goes above and beyond in catering to solo passengers with its keycard-access-only Studio Complex (situated on Deck 12 for Breakaway, Getaway and Epic, and Deck 11 for Escape). The area not only clusters the studio staterooms, but also contains a Studio Lounge, an exclusive social hub with a bar and TV area where studio guests can meet up both morning and night to socialize over complimentary coffee and snacks, or via daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

As for the cabins themselves, passengers can expect stylish, contemporary staterooms equipped with ambient mood lighting, flat-screen TVs and full-sized beds. Each inside unit -- with a window that outlooks the corridor -- measures a snug but well-designed 100 square feet. (For comparison, standard double-occupancy rooms on Norwegian start at 135 square feet.)

Additionally, the Hawaii-based Pride of America has been retrofitted with four similarly designed studio cabins (on Deck 13) and a small Studio Lounge (just a living room with TV, no bar).

Show Norwegian Prices

Royal Caribbean International

The Ships: Four of Royal Caribbean's nearly two dozen ships -- Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas -- offer solo-traveler staterooms.

The Cabins: On the line's Quantum-class ships, there are two cabin categories available to solo travelers, both offering standard amenities and European-size double beds. The studio interior staterooms (measuring 101 square feet) boast an industry-first virtual balcony: an 80-inch-high, floor-to-ceiling LED screen that projects real-time views of the ocean and ports. Meanwhile, the studio balcony staterooms (119 square feet) come with a real-deal, 55-square-foot, open-air veranda. (Standard rooms on the same ships would measure about 160 to 180 square feet, for comparison.) Each of the Quantum-class ships has 16 studio interior staterooms and 12 balcony staterooms apiece; these cabins -- located midship and spread out over decks 6 through 13 – can sometimes connect to adjoining staterooms for parties traveling together.  Harmony of the Seas offers a handful of studio interior staterooms with virtual balconies, but unlike Quantum-class vessels, the ship does not have any studio balcony staterooms.

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Holland America Line

The Ships: Only two Holland America ships offer single cabins. Koningsdam has 12 dedicated solo cabins with ocean views, and Prinsendam has just three single-occupancy cabins.

The Cabins: The dozen solo cruise cabins on Koningsdam are all ocean view (set on Deck 1) and will range in size from 127 to 172 square feet (as compared to 175 to 282 square feet for standard cabins). They feature all of the same amenities of a double-occupancy cabin, but with a single twin bed. On Prinsendam, the trio of solo cabins (two outsides on Deck 9 and one inside on Deck 5) measure 156 to 205 square feet, touting the same size and features of the standard units, but only offering one twin bed and a shower instead of a bathtub.

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Costa Cruises

The Ships: Eight ships in Costa's 14-ship fleet feature anywhere from six to 21 solo cruise cabins onboard: Costa Diadema (21 cabins), Costa Fascinosa (17), Costa Favolosa (17), Costa Pacifica (17), Costa Serena (17), Costa Magica (14), Costa Fortuna (14) and Costa neoRomantica (six).

The Cabins: Designated solo cabins are available in both windowless inside or ocean-view outside units (none come with balconies), which come spread out around the ships on different decks; decor and amenities are identical to standard cabins, though they only have one twin bed. Solo stateroom sizes range from 102 to 199 square feet across the nine ships. (For comparison, standard double-occupancy cabins start at 126 square feet for inside units.)

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Cunard Line

The Ships: During a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, Cunard added nine solo staterooms each on Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, as well as 15 ocean-view solo cabins on Queen Mary 2.

The Cabins: On Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, solo cruise cabins are located at a prime midship location on Deck 2, close to popular public spaces like the Royal Court Theatre and Queens Room (site of afternoon tea and evening dancing). Choose from eight ocean-view rooms boasting expansive windows, or one inside cabin. On Queen Mary 2, the 15 single staterooms all come with windows. On all three ships, expect wide single beds (measuring close to 4 feet across) and ample storage space (including a wardrobe), with room configurations measuring 159 to 183 square feet -- a good size, considering standard staterooms can run even smaller, from 152 to 243 square feet.

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American Queen Steamboat Company

The Ships: American Queen has two single inside staterooms and four single outside staterooms with verandas, while American Empress offers one single outside stateroom with a veranda.

The Cabins: You'll find American Queen's single inside staterooms (80 square feet) on Deck 5 (the Promenade Deck) and the single outside staterooms (140 square feet) on Deck 3 (the Texas Deck). The latter has a queen-sized bed and a balcony with French doors, and the former has a single bed and no window. The single outside stateroom with veranda on American Empress is a slightly scaled-down version of the ship's deluxe veranda stateroom (at 160 square feet). It offers one twin bed, a private balcony and outside-facing windows.

Vantage River Cruises

The Ships: The line offers single-occupancy cabins on many of its ships, including MS River Splendor, MS River Voyager, MS River Discovery II and MS River Venture,

The Cabins: Both inside and outside single cabins measure 125 square feet and have single beds. There are also flat-screen TVs, desk and chair, and bathrooms with showers in the one-person staterooms.

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AmaWaterways

The Ships: Six vessels in AmaWaterway's 19-ship European riverboat fleet -- AmaVerde, AmaBella, AmaLyra, AmaDolce, AmaDante and AmaCello -- offer one or two single-berth staterooms apiece.

The Cabins: AmaLyra, AmaDolce, AmaDante and AmaCello each have two solo cruise cabins trimmed with French balconies, while AmaVerde and AmaBella each have one dedicated solo cabin with a window. Across the board, the 140-square-foot solo cabins offer identical amenities to the more spacious standard cabins onboard (which measure 160 to 170 square feet), but come with just one twin bed.

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

The Ships: U.K.-based Fred. Olsen has offered solo cabins aboard its ships since the line debuted in 1988. Today, the units are available fleetwide on all four ships: Braemar, Black Watch, Boudicca and Balmoral.

The Cabins: Fred. Olsen has allotted 190 solo cabins across its fleet, which are sprinkled across the decks of the individual ships and cover a variety of cabin categories, including inside (measuring 130 to 140 square feet, versus 140 to 160 square feet in standard cabins), outside (140 to 150 square feet, which is the same in standards) and balcony suites (140 to 200 square feet, versus 165 to 200 square feet in standards). Braemar offers 40 single-occupancy cabins, Balmoral has 64, and Black Watch and Boudicca each have 43. All units come with amenities that are standard across the fleet, with the only difference being that they contain just one oversized single bed (measuring 6-by-4 feet on most ships).

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P&O Cruises

What Ships: British line P&O Cruises offers single cabins on six of its seven vessels, including Azura, Arcadia, Aurora, Britannia, Oriana and Ventura.

The Cabins: P&O's solo cruise cabin configurations vary by ship, but all come with oversized single beds and standard amenities (though they only offer showers, with no option for tubs). Britannia has the most dedicated single-occupancy cabins in the fleet, with 15 solo balcony cabins (164 square feet, including the balcony) and 12 solo inside cabins (134 square feet), which come spread out across the Lido Deck (Deck 16).

Azura was the first of the line's new-build vessels to debut with single cabins back in 2010; it offers 18 single cabins (both on Deck 6), including 12 outside cabins and 6 inside cabins, all measuring 130 square feet. Retrofitted sister ship Ventura offers the same.

Arcadia was retrofitted in 2013 to offer two solo balcony cabins (206 square feet) and four solo inside cabins (189 square feet) on Deck 10. Aurora was likewise retrofitted and features four outside solo cabins (150 square feet) on decks 9 and 11; Oriana was retrofitted to have two inside solo cabins (118 square feet) on Deck 8.

Overall, P&O's solo cruise cabins range in size from 118 to 206 square feet, which is a generous size considering that standard cabins measure just a wee bit larger, from 137 to 237 square feet.

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Cruising solo with Saga Cruises

Author: [email protected]

Published on: 28 September 2017

Updated on: 11 May 2022

Helpful crew will find you new friends to share a shore excursion or a table for dinner. Keen to try a cruise but worried about sailing solo? Don’t be. A cruise, and, more to the point, a cruise with Saga, is a relaxing, stress-free and sociable way to travel on your own. For a start,

Helpful crew will find you new friends to share a shore excursion or a table for dinner.

Keen to try a cruise but worried about sailing solo? Don’t be. A cruise, and, more to the point, a cruise with Saga, is a relaxing, stress-free and sociable way to travel on your own.

For a start, you won’t be the only single in a sea of couples. On a typical cruise with Saga, a good proportion of passengers travel solo and there are all manner of activities to make sure you have the opportunity to make new friends.

“The biggest concern single travellers have is meeting other people,” says Kayleigh Lane, currently cruise director on Saga Pearl II.

“They’re coming into an environment full of people they don’t know – passengers and crew – and procedures they might not be familiar with. If you’ve been widowed, or if you’re used to travelling with someone else, each partner usually takes on their own role – for example, looking after the passports or dealing with the luggage. Suddenly having to do all of this alone can be stressful, although we are, of course, there to help.”

Getting to the ship needn’t be a worry. One of the joys about cruising with Saga is that you don’t even have to make your own way to the airport or port. A chauffeur will pick you up from home (within a 250-mile radius) and will be waiting for you again for the return journey. If you prefer not to fly, there’s a wide choice of cruises departing from British ports; in fact, Saga’s new Spirit of Discovery, when she launches in 2019, will sail only from UK ports for her maiden season.

Saga’s ships are small and manageable by today’s standards. There’s no need for concern that you’ll feel lost in a swarm of 5,000 passengers. Chic, contemporary

Saga Sapphire carries 720 and the smaller, yacht-like Saga Pearl II takes 449. Spirit of Discovery will carry under 1,000, but will feel light and spacious; every cabin will have a balcony, including the 100 or so single cabins.

There’s nothing intimidating about a Saga cruise, either. No gimmicks, no garish attractions; just elegant, comfortable ships where timeless traditions are celebrated, like afternoon tea, ballroom dancing and on some nights, dressing for dinner.

Because Saga only carries passengers over 50, you’ll find plenty of like-minded company on board.

“My advice to a single person considering their first cruise would be, don’t be afraid of the unknown,” says Kayleigh. “You will meet people. On a ship, there are always people around and you will never be alone. There will always be someone to talk to. You can be as busy or not busy as you want.”

Some cruises have a theme, from music to murder-mystery to hunting for the Northern Lights, so check the Saga website for special interest voyages. Because Saga’s ships are small, they can get to the heart of some of the world’s most beautiful ports. In Bordeaux, Saga Pearl II sails right up the Garonne river to dock in the city centre, while Saga Sapphire often berths on the English Embankment in St Petersburg, at the heart of the city.

Price is often a concern for single travellers and you do need to book early to bag a single cabin, although for the level of luxury it offers, a Saga cruise is excellent value; a single traveller would pay £3,654 for 14 nights in the Canaries in October 2018, for example – around £261 a night, full board.

Because Saga’s ships have a far greater proportion of single accommodation than others, there are more of these single fares available. There are other ways to save, too. Pick a ‘guarantee’ cabin – which means you’re guaranteed a cabin grade but the actual room will be allocated nearer the time – and you could make a saving on the cruise fare. Even novice cruisers will quickly relax into the rhythm of shipboard life. Saga’s friendly crew do everything they can to make solo travellers feel at home quickly.

“On the first sea day, we hold a ‘singles mingle’ in one of the lounges and I go around all the tables introducing myself and my team while the guests enjoy a glass of Buck’s Fizz,” says Kayleigh.

“I’ve honed a talent over the years for remembering names, so I introduce them all to each other and talk about all the things they can get involved in during the cruise. I’d suggest that they make the most of everything there is to do. Even if it’s something you might not want to take part in, come along and watch and have a cup of tea.

“If the itinerary permits, we have a singles lunch, too, also on a sea day. We put everybody on allocated tables and after the starter, two people move from each table, then two more after the main and so on. It’s a great ice breaker.” Even during on shore excursions, singles are looked after. “On port days, we have an independent travellers’ meeting time, usually 15 minutes before the tours depart, so single travellers can see if there’s anybody they’d like to join for the tour and sit with on the bus,” says Kayleigh.

Dinners on Saga ships are open seating, which means you can arrive when you want and sit where you want. But this doesn’t mean a table for one, unless that’s what you prefer. In the main dining room there are plenty of tables seating four, six or eight; just ask the maître d’ to seat you with nice people – and remember, you don’t have to repeat the experience if you don’t take to your companions.

Later at night, the ship comes alive with music and entertainment. Take in a show, or sit in one of the lounges and listen to some jazz. Best of all, if you love dancing, remember that on a Saga cruise there are no wallflowers. Gentleman dance hosts are at the ready to spin single ladies around the floor – and even if you have two left feet, it’s fun and exhilarating to have a ready-made dance partner.

The idea that people make friends for life on a Saga cruise is no myth; according to Kayleigh, people often find themselves a cruise buddy.

“I regularly see two ladies who met at a singles mingle,” she says. “They live in different parts of the country but they found similar interests on one of our cruises and now they come back to cruise with us regularly, together.”

And finding love at sea? Don’t write it off, Kayleigh says. “We do have one gentleman on board now who lost his wife last year, which was very sad. He came on the Christmas cruise and I could see that it was difficult for him. But he struck up a friendship with a lady and they have booked the next Christmas cruise together. He mentioned to one of my staff that he was going to propose.

“But it’s friendship and company that people look for, rather than romance, and that’s one of the loveliest things to see, when they find it.”

Amsterdam Escape, 4 nights on Saga Pearl II departing from Southampton on November 30. Fares from £806 per person (single occupation). 0808 274 4381

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Spirit of Danube

• Dining Guide
• Activities Guide

Cabin Guide

The Spirit of Danube, a distinguished riverboat within the Saga Cruises fleet, offers a captivating array of cabin configurations to accommodate the preferences and needs of discerning travelers. Unlike its seafaring counterparts, this boutique river cruiser focuses on creating intimate and memorable experiences through its accommodation options. It stands out for its mainly French Balcony cabins, which are designed to fuse the enchanting vistas of the Danube's banks with the comfort of upscale lodging. The ship's emphasis on cabins with slide-opening window doors that lead to a railing provides guests a seamless connection to the natural beauty traversed on their journey. Distinguished further by its selection across five distinct cabin categories, Spirit of Danube ensures personalized comfort while maintaining a harmonious balance with the river's serene landscapes. Each category, tailored to host up to two guests, reflects a commitment to luxury and convenience, incorporating thoughtful amenities that cater to both relaxation and engagement with the surrounding environs.

Standard French Balcony Cabin Balcony

A haven of serene luxury, the Standard French Balcony Cabin enchants with its elegant layout and breathtaking river views. Equipped with all the comforts of upscale accommodation, including a hotel-type Queen bed and luxury bedding, these cabins provide the perfect setting for relaxation after a day of exploration. The blend of charm and modern amenities, such as LED lighting, air conditioning, and a smart HDTV, complement the natural beauty that greets you from the balcony. Ideal for those seeking a tranquil retreat, these cabins offer a unique vantage point to witness the Danube's splendor up close.

• Hotel type Queen bed
• Luxury bedding
• Ample wardrobe
• LED ceiling lights
• Air-conditioning
• 220V/110V outlets
• Private bathroom
• Glass-door shower stall
• Premium bath amenities

Deluxe French Balcony Cabin Balcony

Elevating the river cruise experience, the Deluxe French Balcony Cabin welcomes guests with refined elegance and unparalleled comfort. Each detail, from the plush bedding to the sophisticated seating area, is thoughtfully curated to enhance your stay. Enjoy the convenience of a mini-bar and the indulgence of luxury toiletries, all while being surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Danube. Perfect for those who appreciate the finer things, these cabins not only offer a cozy sanctuary but also serve as a gateway to the river's ever-changing vistas, thanks to the expansive French balcony.

• Convertible Queen bed
• Plush bedding
• Spacious wardrobe
• Seating area
• Magnifying mirror
• En-suite bathroom
• Luxury toiletries
• Complimentary bottled water

Superior French Balcony Cabin Balcony

For those who dream of cruising in sophisticated style, the Superior French Balcony Cabin offers a sublime blend of luxury and comfort. Wake up to the soothing flow of the Danube, with natural light flooding the space through the French balcony. The cabin boasts a king-size bed, a selection of pillows for your perfect night's sleep, and a vanity area for added convenience. With thoughtful touches like a mini-bar stocked with refreshments and a spacious bathroom stocked with premium amenities, this cabin epitomizes the elegance and personalized service that the Spirit of Danube is renowned for.

• King-size bed
• Choice of pillows
• Expansive wardrobe
• Individual climate control
• Coffee table
• Vanity area
• Spacious bathroom
• Complimentary bottled water and fruits

Single French Balcony Cabin Balcony

Designed with the solo traveler in mind, the Single French Balcony Cabin merges refined comfort with breathtaking views. This cabin offers a sanctuary where you can unwind in elegance, from the tastefully appointed bedding to the seating area that invites relaxation. The French balcony provides a personal vantage point to the picturesque scenery of the Danube, making every moment onboard an intimate experience with nature. Complete with modern amenities, including a smart HDTV and complimentary WiFi, this cabin ensures a seamless blend of exploration and relaxation, catering to the desires of the discerning solo adventurer.

• Elegant bedding
• Shower stall
• Complimentary WiFi

Lower Deck Cabin Window

Nestled in the tranquility of the Lower Deck, these cabins offer a cozy escape with all the essentials for a memorable journey along the Danube. Though more intimate in size, these cabins do not compromise on comfort or style, featuring luxurious bedding, a private bathroom stocked with bath amenities, and LED lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The high window bathes the cabin in natural light, offering views of the river’s peaceful currents. Ideal for guests seeking comfort and value without sacrificing the luxury of river cruising, the Lower Deck Cabin is your private oasis amid the enchanting landscapes of the Danube.

• Luxurious bedding
• LED lighting
• Individual air-conditioning
• Bath amenities
• Bottled water

The Best Cruise Lines with Solo Cabins (and the Best Cruises for Singles)

It used to cost a small fortune if you wanted a cruise cabin to yourself, as you were basically paying the price for two people. 

But then solo cruising became one of the hottest trends in travel. 

Indeed, Google searches for “solo cruises” by U.S. users have recently  more than doubled . 

“I've seen an increase year after year in the solo travel community, especially among single females,” says Shelby Frenette, a solo travel expert and manager of the TravelFun.Biz  agency, which caters to singles. “Their desire to travel is so strong that most major cruise lines are starting to design their ships with solo occupancy cabins to accommodate this growing population.”

Most importantly, they’re pricing these cabins for individual travelers. And they’re also waiving or reducing the dreaded “single supplement” fee, which charges vacationers for two full cruise fares even when they stay alone in a double-occupancy room. That supplementary cost can be a budget-busting 100% more.

But it’s not just affordability that defines a good cruise. To help lone travelers feel welcome on board, cruise lines are also rolling out additional opportunities for them to meet other singles at exclusive receptions, get-togethers, and group dining just for solo cruisers.

Unfortunately, demand still outstrips supply on most of these lines, so if you want one of these special rooms, you have to book early, and you should always make sure you’re getting a special single-cabin rate and not paying a single supplement to stay in a room categorized as a double.

Based on price, cabin options, and a solo-friendly environment, here are 10 lines that are now offering smoother sailing for cruisers traveling alone or who want a private room.  (Pictured above: a specially designed Studio cabin on the Norwegian Epic)

Cruise lines with solo accommodations

Celebrity Cruises ’ commitment to singles is evident in its mast-high growth in solo bookings, up an annual 225% over the past two years. Perhaps that’s because its ships offer great options for cruisers on their own. Celebrity offers interior, windowless cabins to solo bookers, but the premium line's two newest vessels, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent (which launched in December 2023), each stock 32 single staterooms with the line’s so-named Infinite Veranda (pictured above). That's a hard-sided, ocean-facing balcony with motorized slide-down window that turns an interior sitting area into an oceanview space. That feature extends the 184 square feet of cabin space by an additional 42. Celebrity Apex features 24 of them, while Celebrity Edge (which debuted them in 2018) is home to 16. Each has a queen-size bed, rare for single rooms. Celebrity Silhouette has four inside digs-for-one at 103 square feet each.

These one-person cabins, which have the same upscale amenities as double-occupancy ones, charge no single supplements. The Infinite Veranda staterooms are especially popular, with 71% of Celebrity's solo travelers booking these rooms with a view. Guests on their own can also take advantage of special promotions that waive the single supplement in standard cabins, but only on select voyages.

Celebrity offers events for travelers on their own, including a gathering hosted by the activities team, which helps break the ice. An un-hosted solos table is also available every night for those who want to dine with new friends, but you can also eat alone if you choose. All that is why Celebrity Cruises won industry awards in the Solo Travel category from  Travel Weekly 's 2022 and 2023 Magellan Awards.

Cunard is famous for its elegant liner-style ships that evoke the Golden Age of ocean voyages. But in a departure from that traditional era, three of its four ships now offer solo cabins ranging from 178 to 183 square feet in size: Queen Mary 2 (15), Queen Victoria (nine), and Queen Elizabeth (nine, including one pictured above). All have twin-size beds and especially large windows with coveted ocean views, except for one inside cabin on both the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth . Cunard's Queen Anne is not slated to include solo staterooms when it begins service in 2024.

Singles pay a solo fare for these cabins far less than the single supplement of 175% for staying in a double-occupancy stateroom. 

Cunard also hosts coffee meet-ups and cocktail receptions for its solo guests. Select voyages also have “gentleman hosts” onboard to serve as dance partners and shore excursion escorts.

From its solo-oriented activities to its cabins for one, Holland America ’s commitment to singles is full steam ahead. Since 2016, it has introduced 12 single staterooms in each of its three Pinnacle Class ships, Nieuw Statendam , Rotterdam , and Koningsdam (pictured above). At 127 to 172 square feet each, they have ocean views and the same amenities as double-occupancy cabins but with a double bed.

The single cabins are priced for one. Single supplements for double-occupancy staterooms, meanwhile, are as much as 100% extra and are rarely reduced or waived.

But Holland America, which attracts older cruisers, stands out for its Single Partner Program, whereby singles can join a wide variety of activities for solo passengers, from mixers and cocktail parties to game nights, cooking classes, wine tastings, and line dancing. Plus, some shore excursions are geared just to singles, from solo parasailing and ATV adventures to private day touring. Finally, those traveling alone can also arrange to dine together. 

As European-owned MSC Cruises rapidly expands its fleet of 22 ships, it’s making leeway on accommodating travelers who are on their own. Six of its ships have a total of 136 cabins for one, 38 of which have windows and 20 with prized balconies. All have twin-size beds. The World America, set to debut in 2025, will also feature solo staterooms. MSC’s shipboard ambiance is international with a cosmopolitan vibe.

Solo cabins carry no single supplement on MSC. But a single traveler choosing between solo cabins and comparable interior or balcony ones designed for two would save an average of 40% for a balcony and 25% for an interior. Lone cruisers have to pay a single supplement of 100% if they book a double-occupancy cabin, which MSC sometimes discounts. 

Solos looking to meet other single travelers can attend a special hosted cocktail party. 

The pioneer in solo cruising, Norwegian turned the tide when it introduced 128 studio cabins designed and priced exclusively for one on the Norwegian Epic back in 2010. Yes, they were small, at just 100 square feet, but they enabled solo travelers to consistently avoid the single supplement. Located on the inside, they had a full-size bed and a window feature, but not one that faced the water. 

Today, this line known for its specialty dining is still trailblazing. It’s the first one to offer a wide variety of cabin categories dedicated to singles. As of Jan. 2, 2024, the line introduced solo inside, solo oceanview, and solo balcony categories, bringing to 1,500 the number of solo cabins across its 19-ship fleet—although some of those are regular double-occupancy rooms that are assigned single-occupancy status on a per-voyage basis . More than 150 Studio cabins feature true oceanview window rooms and more than 300 have balconies, a rarity for solo accommodations. 

In addition, guests staying in the solo category staterooms can meet other single travelers, relax, and get cocktails during limited hours at the dedicated Studio Lounge (pictured above) for the exclusive use of guests who booked these cabins. Lounges are available on Norwegian Bliss , Norwegian Breakaway , Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Epic , Norwegian Escape , Norwegian Getaway , Pride of America , Norwegian Prima , and Norwegian Viva . It’s not surprising, then, that Norwegian was named Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers six years in a row by Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine and was named Best for Solo Travelers by CruiseCritic.com's U.S. editors in 2023.

Small, intimate, and easy to navigate, Oceania Cruises ’ six ships are especially conducive to solo travelers and the line is stepping up to meet the increased demand from this group. Its four 600-passenger ships— Regatta , Insignia , Nautica , and Sirena— each have 14 solo oceanview staterooms, while the newest ship, Vista (launched in May 2023), has six 270-square-foot solo cabins with prized oversized balcony verandas. Although these Concierge Level Veranda units only have twin beds (pictured above), they entitle cruisers to keycard-only access to a Concierge Lounge with extra amenities. Oceania’s upcoming 1,200-passenger ship Allura , scheduled to launch in 2025, will have solo accommodations similar to Vista ’s. 

Solo cabins cost less than comparable double-occupancy rooms (though not quite half as much). But travelers can also book regular cabins with a reduced single supplement of up to 50% for specific categories, along with 2-for-1 Cruise Fare deals. Oceania also creates special opportunities on board for solo cruisers, including welcome cocktail receptions and group dining tables—the line is known for its high-quality cuisine. 

Famous for its megaships—including the world’s largest ones for passenger cruises—and for first-at-sea attractions, Royal Caribbean knows how to stand out. If you want to sail on a behemoth vessel with a tidal wave of amenities and attractions, this line is for you, especially if you’re traveling alone. 

Five of its blockbuster Quantum Class ships— Anthem of the Seas , Odyssey of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas , Quantum of the Seas , and Spectrum of the Seas —harbor 28 studio cabins for one. They represent a mix of inside cabins with virtual balconies (false windows that are digital screens projecting real-time views from outside; pictured above) and balcony rooms with 55-square-foot open-air terraces, generous for solo accommodations. Studios range in size from 101 to 119 square feet and have full-size beds but might lack features such as couches. Two additional vessels, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas , offer 15 solo staterooms starting at 96 square feet located in both inside and outside locations. However, the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas,  new in January 2024 and the largest cruise ship ever, has no solo cabins.

Royal Caribbean's studio solo cabins don't charge a single supplement, while regular cabins come with single supplements up to 100% over standard double-occupancy fares.

Young, hip, and for adults only, Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages is taking its appeal to sole cruisers seriously. Each of its superyacht-style ships— Scarlet Lady , Valiant Lady , and Resilient Lady— includes 46 cabins for one with full-size beds, including 40 Solo Insider rooms and six Solo Sea View ones that provide rare forward-facing views of the water. That's a significant number dedicated to travelers alone out of 1,330 cabins on each ship. At 105 to 130 square feet each, they may be smaller than some competitors, but they display the sleek, stylish design that’s a hallmark of the line.

Solo cabins are priced for one, while singles in a double-occupancy room pay about 20%–30% less than two people, a substantial savings compared to other lines. That extra amount is sometimes waived on special promotions.

Virgin’s young, adult-focused atmosphere hits the mark with sole cruisers looking to have fun with other singles. From an organized “grog walk” (Virginese for pub crawl) through the many shipboard bars to solo meet-ups to a dedicated solo travelers’ table in each signature restaurant, the line ensures lone travelers aren’t lonely. In fact, finding new friends seems like half the point.

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Spirit of the Rhine Review

Saga’s first new-build river cruise ship follows the huge success of its boutique ocean cruise ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure , designed exclusively for the British holiday company and its over-50s clientele.

Billed as a five-star river ship, Spirit of the Rhine reflects the luxury styling of the ocean fleet with sleek lines and pastel tones, showcasing original work specially commissioned from British-based artists.

Although the River Rhine is its core destination there are itineraries on the Moselle, Main, Danube and Dutch waterways, too.

Up to eight free excursions are available -- three on seven-night cruises -- but passengers can also use a free audio headset to use with interactive maps and explore at their own pace.

All cruises also include gratuities, complimentary wifi, VIP transfers starting from passengers’ homes and travel insurance that covers 400 pre-existing medical conditions.

A few cruises are also dedicated to singles groups or solo travellers.

The headline dining experience is an intimate a la carte restaurant limited to 34 covers, with a menu by celebrity chef Nick Nairn who made his name on TV shows such as Ready Steady Cook and the BBC’s Great British Menu.

Free reservations will be available to every passenger for dinner and on selected cruises the Michelin star chef will present a live cooking show. The main restaurant also features locally sourced ingredients for its breakfast, lunch and dinners, with four or five courses at some evening meals. Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are available at lunch and dinner in the main restaurant and a la carte restaurant, where light lunches are served.

And for an alfresco alternative there’s the sundeck barbecue, on sunny days when the ship is moored, with free drinks at lunch and dinner.

Complimentary afternoon tea will be served every day and there are self-service stations for tea, coffee and biscuits any time of day.

At an average of 17 square metres and with hotel-style beds -- twin and double -- cabins offer a spacious home-from-home. All have en-suite bathrooms with a walk-in shower, with bathrobes and slippers to use during the cruise.

Tea and coffee-making facilities are in every cabin, with a small fridge, TV, Bluetooth speaker and USB charging point. There is also a hairdryer, telephone, safe and small seating area, with a turndown service available every evening.

Cabins on the middle and upper decks have a French balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows while those on the lower deck are slightly smaller, with a picture window.

Top-Deck Attractions

The large sun deck has a hot tub, barbecue, deck games and plenty of room for deckchairs and loungers for those who want to sit outside while the ship sails -- or enjoy a waiter-served drink in the sun after a day exploring.

Entertainment

During the day passengers can relax in the uber-stylish library lounge, a smaller version of the extremely popular libraries on Saga’s ocean ships, and there’s also a small gym for the energetic.

Itineraries

Spirit of the Rhine has 15 itineraries to choose from on the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube, with cruises of the Dutch Waterways to take in Keukenhof Garden’s spring bulbs extravaganza.

A number of Special Interest cruises include wine-tasting and art-themed itineraries and some will be dedicated to jazz and bands across the eras. Exclusive Excursions, such as foodie experiences in Vienna and Amsterdam, beer tasting in Bratislava and a canal cruise in Ghent, will be included to reveal lesser-known sights.

And for those who can’t decide where they want to go there’s a mystery cruise.

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Great Trip for Two First Time River Cruisers.

many 10+ Cruises

Ship great but journey to and from bad

few 6-10 Cruises

No problems with the boat at all which was excellent. Excursions could have been organized better

Beautiful ship, excellent food

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

• Saga Cruises

Guarantee Cabins

By Glenndale , February 6, 2021 in Saga Cruises

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We will be fully vaccinated by April and were hoping to cruise with Oceania in May but this is looking unlikely to happen.

If it is the case that the O cruise is cancelled we would be looking to take a late booking with Saga.

Has anyone on here accepted a guarantee cabin on Saga and if so were you happy with the allocation?

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We had a guarantee cabin on the Spirit of Discovery in October 2019. We fully expected the worst located standard cabin so were delighted with an excellent location on C deck. We only found out the location from a lady with a clipboard as we got out of the car on arrival at Southampton.

• 7 months later...

Did you book a guarantee. If so what was your experience.

On 9/30/2021 at 8:01 AM, Janet- said: Glendale Did you book a guarantee. If so what was your experience.    

No we didn’t. In the end we took 2 cruises with Viking Ocean which were very enjoyable.

• 3 weeks later...

We are on board SoA right now in a last minute guarantee cabin. It’s one of the best located standard cabins so we are more than happy.

When did you know the cabin number?

We had a letter on Thursday, departed Sunday.

Glad Bailey

Booked Guarantee cabin on Nov 15th S of A ex Southampton.

Found allocated cabin on MySaga yesterday.Not had letter direct from Saga as yet.

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• Saga Cruises

Guarantee cabins

By heathermk57 , January 12, 2023 in Saga Cruises

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heathermk57

Hi.  Thanks for the response to my previous query.  I'm just wondering, is it worth taking a chance on booking a guarantee (single) cabin on Spirit of Adventure?  

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If you book a guarantee Cabin on Saga you could end up anywhere High, Low, Forward or Aft & also it could be in a Standard Cabin if no singles available. We booked a Guarantee on Spirit of Discovery last October & were very pleased with location (E Deck) & Price.

Guarantee cabins are always a gamble, but the layout of Saga new ships (in my opinion) makes them much less of a gamble than other ships.

They are the first ships where I would consider a guarantee cabin.

• Thank you for the replies.  Having done a bit more research on the cabin locations I've gone ahead and booked a guarantee. It will be interesting to see where I end up, but as far as I'm concerned I will be on the ship which is the main thing!  👍

sleepingcat

the soundproofing between cabins and decks is good on S of A so that is another reason why a guarantee cabin is less of a risk with Saga. 

• 1 month later...

I've been allocated D034.  Does anyone have experience of this cabin or nearby ones?

Looks like a very good midship position.

Cabin layout is the same on Discovery and Adventure, and we were on Discovery in cabin D048, (a bit further aft than yours), and found it very quiet and with no noticeable movement even in rough seas with a nasty swell.

Looks like a good central position. Enjoy!  

• 11 months later...

Norfolksaver

I am also thinking of booking a guaranteed cabin, could someone please tell me when they let you know which cabin you’ve been allocated.

46 minutes ago, Norfolksaver said: I am also thinking of booking a guaranteed cabin, could someone please tell me when they let you know which cabin you’ve been allocated.  

It usually shows up on your "My Booking" approx 2 weeks before your cruise but it could be as late as when to Book in on departure.

Thank you for your response, think the amount saved is worth taking a chance

Windsurfboy

Good luck , no bad cabins on Saga

Guarantee cabins , will not be as cheap as initial price at launch. 

If you find you like Saga , then the £90pp to preregister puts you towards front of queue for best price.   It is 100% refundable,  comes off your deposit and you can ask for it back at any time , hence it is a good investment. You can select a cabin at below the guarantee price. Can preregister on board or by phone.

We booked a guarantee cabin for December 2023 cruise.

Booked 29th June (guarantee price based on L grade/E Deck).

Medical screening (for included insurance) 17th July.

Booking shown as "unallocated standard twin".

Letter received 18th July (announcing that we had been upgraded)  Cabin B519 (H-grade).

Surprised us as we were not expecting to find out the cabin number until very close to, or even at, departure.

Cabin size and layout, same as the E deck, just the view was a bit better.

If I missed out the 35% discount, I would be happy to take a guarantee cabin on either of the Saga ships, the only thing to be aware of is that not every cruise will go down to guarantee cabins, so you could miss out if it is a cruise you really want to go on.

Guarantee cabins can be cheaper than the price at launch if you are allocated the more expensive cabins on the higher decks, which many people are. Sometimes the guarantee price is even further reduced, in which case people who booked at the higher guarantee price are allocated higher level cabins early and told they are being ‘upgraded’.

Only cruises which have a substantial number of unsold cabins nearer to sailing time offer guarantee cabins but these are excellent value for people who, for various reasons, don’t want to or can’t book a long way ahead.

I note that a few of the standard cabins are shown as "Partially Obstructed View" (The ones at the very front of Deck 7 (E008, E008, E501 - 508). My suspicion is that on a fully booked cruise the guarantee cabin bookings are quite likely to get one of these. Does anyone have experience (and ideally photos) of what the view is like out of these cabins.

It’s always a risk but there are often 80 to 100 cabins still unbooked when guarantees are offered so the chances of getting a good cabin are high. The partially obstructed view E cabins are only obstructed from waist height down (ie when seated). These cabins are often allocated to the entertainers and speakers.

15 minutes ago, Kohima said: It’s always a risk but there are often 80 to 100 cabins still unbooked when guarantees are offered so the chances of getting a good cabin are high. The partially obstructed view E cabins are only obstructed from waist height down (ie when seated). These cabins are often allocated to the entertainers and speakers.        

 Thanks Kohima - that’s good to know…

twotravellersLondon

1 hour ago, TonyLon said: My suspicion is that on a fully booked cruise the guarantee cabin bookings are quite likely to get one of these.

Before the pandemic, we joined the Spirit of Adventure at the last minute and accepted a guaranteed cabin. The ship was virtually full, we didn't know where we would be until a day or two before and we were given an adapted cabin on D Deck... D526 from memory   It was bigger than the adjacent cabins, had a huge wet room and it was fine.

• 2 weeks later...

I think our cruise (17 March) Adriatic at Easter, seems fairly full, although I don’t know that for sure. Today, we were allocated our cabin, on Deck A, under the Britannia Lounge. We’re in a nice location, IMO.

18 hours ago, lisiamc said: I think our cruise (17 March) Adriatic at Easter, seems fairly full, although I don’t know that for sure. Today, we were allocated our cabin, on Deck A, under the Britannia Lounge. We’re in a nice location, IMO.

Some have been aware of noise from the Britannia Lounge 

2 hours ago, JoJo1947 said: Some have been aware of noise from the Britannia Lounge 

We are late to bed, so we’re quite likely to be some of the ones having a nightcap up there! I also hear that when Mr Motivator is on board, his class starts at 9.30. Perfect for us. 

Unfortunately, needing an accessible cabin, I am unable to take advantage of a guaranteed cabin.

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11 April 2024, 17:09

Saga Launches Full 2025 River Cruise Programme

• Saga’s 2025 river cruises launch with up to 25 per cent discount
• Includes new ship, Spirit of the Moselle , which joins Saga’s river fleet in July 2025
• New options include City Explorer ‘city-break’ style itineraries
• New flights from local airports at no extra cost

Saga, the UK’s leading specialist provider of services and products tailored for people over 50, has launched its full range of Saga River Cruises’ 2025 itineraries, with up to 25 per cent off, offering early bookers the best deals and choice of cabins.

The new programme includes the expansion of Saga’s river cruise collection, with the addition of a new ship, ‘Spirit of the Moselle’, which joins the fleet from July 2025 and which will sail along the Main and Rhine rivers in her first year, through to destinations such as Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Bamberg and the UNESCO-protected Rhine Gorge.

Carrying up to 172 guests, the ship is being built exclusively for Saga guests and comes complete with a wealth of facilities, including speciality dining, a splash pool and 92 comfortable cabins, 73 of which will have a French Balcony, plus a restaurant with panoramic views and a sun deck for the warm weather. Taking similar design cues from her two sister ships, with a focus on bright, spacious surroundings, guests can expect the same high-quality, all-inclusive experience and ‘Spirit’ service that they experience on other Saga cruises.

A typical Spirit of the Moselle itinerary is ‘Gems of the Main River’ , which offers seven nights on board and cruises the Main River stopping to experience the culture and history of the riverside towns and cities along the way.  This includes medieval Nuremberg, a full day in UNESCO-listed Bamberg, an included walking tour of Bavarian Schweinfurt and a full day in Würzburg, with an excursion to visit the Residence Palace, followed by a guided walking tour of the historic centre before exploring the medieval market square of Wertheim and the picturesque cobblestone streets of Miltenberg’s old town. Priced from £1,949 per person, with departure dates between July and October 2025.

Also new for 2025,  Saga’s river cruise guests can fly from their local airport closer to home with no extra supplement to pay on selected cruises, subject to availability. This is in addition to Saga’s existing nationwide chauffeur service which picks guests up from home and takes them to the airport and back home again, for a hassle-free start and end to every cruise.

Other highlights from the 2025 programme include the new ‘city explorer’ itineraries, which have been designed to showcase city style breaks, albeit experienced on a river cruise.

An example of this kind of itinerary is the ‘City Explorer: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna’ , which offers five nights on board Spirit of the Danube .  The itinerary starts in Vienna, including the Ringstrasse and Opera House during an included tour, then sails overnight to Bratislava for a full day in the historic capital city.  It then continues cruising towards Budapest for an overnight mooring offering plenty of time to uncover the city’s landmark sights.  Priced from £1,559 per person, with departure dates between April and October 2025.

A predicted favourite itinerary for 2025 on board Spirit of the Douro is the ‘Douro Explorer’ , offering seven nights on board.  This cruises along the Douro through Portugal and the vineyard-clad landscapes and traditional towns of the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, one of the oldest wine-producing regions of the world. Guests will sample regional delicacies and enjoy wine tastings along the way as well as exploring such attractions as the UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca and the medieval town of Figueira Castelo de Rodrigo, visiting the 18th-century Casa de Mateus Palace, plus port wine tasting

in Oporto. Priced from £1,521 per person, with 36 departure dates between March and July 2025.

Saga boutique river cruises offer an all-inclusive experience.  There are no hidden costs on-board either with all dining and house drinks (including selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits with mixers, draught lager, and all soft drinks), Wi-Fi, gratuities, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment, luggage porterage and travel insurance also included, as well as the nationwide return shared chauffeur service from home to the airport.

Saga is committed to offering early bookers the best deals, so always launches its river cruises with up to 25 per cent off the full price, and its ocean cruises with up to 35 per cent off. Saga also offers a price promise , whereby if the price of the cruise ever drops, guests who have paid the higher price will get the value difference.

Guests can view and book these 2025 cruises at saga.co.uk/rivers-2025 or by calling 0808 273 6463.

Sarah Lloyd-Morrison

Notes to editors

Notes to editors:

All prices are per person, based on two-sharing a cabin.

All cruises and prices are subject to availability.

All ships have a view of the river and bank.

Please check saga.co.uk/cruise for terms and conditions.

Saga is fully ATOL and ABTA protected.

Spirit of the Moselle