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The 13 best solo cruises for 2024 (no supplement fare).

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The Best Solo Cruises

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Relax by the pool, attend shows, dine with new friends and more on your next solo cruise.

Whether you're embarking on your first cruise alone or you've been on solo cruises before, single travelers will find more options than ever when it comes to cruising solo. Many cruise lines offer single staterooms with the same amenities as other cabins, at a price similar to what you'd pay with double occupancy fares. You'll also find special promotions where the single supplement fee is reduced or waived, making it more affordable to reserve a spacious stateroom or luxurious suite with even more amenities – including personalized butler service, an added perk of booking with many luxury lines .

If you're ready for a maritime adventure, an extended vacation or simply a quick getaway from home, these top cruise lines offer some of the best options for solo travelers on waterways around the world.

Lines with solo accommodations and waived fees

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic was the first cruise ship in the industry to feature studio accommodations for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line offers this category on nine of the 19 ships in its fleet, including the newest ship, Norwegian Viva. These cabins, at an average size of 100 square feet, are designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind. They have no single supplements – and studio rooms on board Norwegian Bliss even boast virtual windows.

Guests of the studios get access to the private Studio Lounge. In this exclusive space, you can socialize with other solo travelers and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There are also singles meetups throughout the voyage and plenty of fun-filled onboard activities to mingle with like-minded cruisers. Solo travelers can check out all the fun for singles on Norwegian Viva this winter on a cruise to the Caribbean , or in spring 2024 as the ship sets sail for the Mediterranean .

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers interior and balcony solo cabins for single cruisers on its Meraviglia-class ships: the MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and the newest vessel in the fleet, MSC Euribia. The second-newest ship, MSC World Europa, has 28 cabins – 10 Studio Interior and 18 Studio Ocean View staterooms – designed specifically for solo travelers. MSC World America, set to debut in 2025, will also feature the solo studio staterooms.

During voyages with MSC Cruises , single cruisers are invited to a complimentary, hosted cocktail party to mix and mingle with other solo travelers. The daily program is also an excellent source to discover additional activities, entertainment and opportunities to meet other cruisers. You'll have onboard special events like the themed 70s-inspired Flower Party and the White Party, where the ship is decked out in festive white decor and guests don their best white attire. In addition, there are various sports tournaments, or you can show off your culinary expertise during a MasterChef competition.

MSC's Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing from Miami and New York City feature an overnight visit to Ocean Cay, the line's private island and marine reserve. While there, singles can participate in fun-filled evening activities like a Champagne Sunset Cruise or a glow paddleboarding excursion in the lagoon, then attend the lively Luna Libre Party and the lighthouse show.

Find an MSC Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Holland America Line

Three of Holland America Line's newest ships each offer 12 solo cabins to accommodate single travelers: the Pinnacle-class Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Konigsdam. These ocean view staterooms range in size from 127 to 172 square feet and feature the same amenities as the double occupancy cabins but with a double bed. The cruise line's Single Staterooms are priced for one person. If a guest chooses to book a different stateroom, single supplements for double occupancy cabins are as much as 100% over the standard fare, depending on the voyage and the cabin category.

Long committed to solo travelers, the line offers many activities where guests can meet other singles such as wine tastings, cocktail mixers, exercise classes, daily quizzes, sports challenges and more. If you're a solo traveler and a member of AARP, Holland America is now the exclusive cruise benefit provider to AARP's members. Solo cruisers will have access to an AARP member-only onboard credit that ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the itinerary and stateroom category.

For itineraries, Holland America's Alaska cruises and cruisetours are perfect for solo travelers, offering many opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers. Another favorite for singles is the line's fall voyages sailing from Boston to Québec City or Montreal.

Explore Holland America Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International features studio staterooms on select ships that range in size from 101 to 199 square feet. These solo accommodations include interior rooms, virtual balcony staterooms and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. The cabins do not carry the single supplement fee singles encounter when booking other types of staterooms, making them an attractive option when traveling alone.

Once on board the ship, solo cruisers will have countless options to engage and socialize with other travelers. When it comes to dining with Royal Caribbean , make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki for an entertaining meal with new friends, or join fellow foodies for the intimate Chef's Table experience (the dining venues vary by ship). Singles can also participate in onboard activities like trivia contests, drink seminars, escape rooms, dance classes and pool parties.

If you need more thrills to stay busy and to meet people, Royal Caribbean's ships feature world-class shows and entertainment alongside adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with other passengers at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Luxury line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers single cruisers 183 square feet of beautifully appointed space in solo accommodations that come without single supplement fees. These ocean view staterooms feature a queen bed, a panoramic picture window, a private spa bathroom with a rain shower and body jets, a stocked minifridge replenished daily with personal favorites, and other luxurious amenities. Single guests can also book other stateroom or suite categories with single supplements starting at 50% of the double occupancy price.

The line's three intimate yacht-style cruise ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and the new World Voyager, whose inaugural season begins in Antarctica in November 2023 – are all-inclusive . Meals at all the dining venues, premium beverages and wines, gratuities, culturally immersive excursions, and more are included in the fare. With fewer than 200 guests on board, there's an atmosphere of conviviality on these ships – especially when exploring remote destinations with like-minded and adventurous travelers during expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Celebrity Cruises

Tim Aylen | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' new Edge-class ships offer some of the best options for solo cruisers. The line's two newest vessels, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent (set to debut in late 2023), each boast 32 single staterooms with an Infinite Veranda. In addition, Celebrity Apex has 24 solo cabins, and Celebrity Edge features 16 staterooms for individual guests. These one-person accommodations offer a minimum of 131 square feet of space and the same upscale amenities you'll find in other category staterooms on their ships. Solo guests can look for special promotions where the single supplement is waived on select Celebrity voyages throughout the year.

Once on board the vessel, check out the daily program for activities conducive to meeting others – like wine tastings, cocktail-making classes and more. You'll also enjoy thrilling top-notch entertainment around the ship in The Theatre, The Club and Eden. A few popular cruises for singles are the line's Caribbean and Mexico itineraries on Celebrity Beyond.

Book a Celebrity Cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The hip vibe on board the adults-only Virgin Voyages ships is ideal for solo cruisers looking to meet other travelers. Its superyacht-style ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – offer 40 interior cabins ranging in size from 105 to 177 square feet. There are also six Sea View staterooms with portholes boasting between 130 to 190 square feet of space. These Insider and Sea View cabins are designed and priced for single travelers, with amenities like high-tech mood lighting and roomy rain showers. The line also runs promotions where solo cruisers can book double occupancy staterooms without paying a single supplement.

Activities and festival-like entertainment around the ships foster fast friendships. Diners will enjoy the interactive experience at Gunbae, the lively Korean barbecue venue. The "grog walk" is a fun pub stroll where solo sailors can join fellow mates while sipping and snacking their way through all the signature bars. For even more fun, check out the evening shipwide events such as the themed Scarlet Party, which features live music and immersive experiences. The line also hosts meetups for singles throughout each voyage.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways' river and small-ship cruises traverse waterways around the world, including in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The company waives the single supplement on a selection of staterooms, including its Panorama Suites, on select European and Asia departures. The company recommends booking early as the specially priced cabins do sell out. Solo travelers make up about 10% of the passengers on this river cruise line .

Avalon's fleet of Suite Ships operates in Europe and Southeast Asia and features cabins with a minimum of 172 square feet. About 80% of the staterooms are Panorama Suites, which have 200 feet of living space, beds with a view and the river cruise industry's only open-air balcony. With Avalon excursions, solo cruisers have opportunities to meet like-minded guests during immersive tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, yoga or fitness classes, biking or hiking trips, and more. Single guests can choose to dine at tables for just two people or ones that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Read: Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Two single occupancy staterooms are available on four of AmaWaterways' river cruise ships: AmaDolce, AmaDante, AmaLyra and AmaCello. These accommodations do not have single supplement fees. Solo cruisers can also book staterooms with a 20% single supplement on select sailings in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that this pricing does not apply to certain stateroom categories and suites.)

With the friendly, small-ship atmosphere, solo cruisers will find it comfortable to socialize with other passengers and the crew. Onboard activities and immersive excursions also create opportunities for fostering friendships, especially among like-minded travelers. Excellent options for solo cruises include themed sailings centered around music and wine or the magical Christmas markets itineraries along the Danube, Rhone and Rhine rivers.

Explore AmaWaterways deals on GoToSea.

Lines with discounted supplement fares

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's special offers for solo travelers include reduced single supplements of 25% to 50% of the double occupancy rate on select sailings. The line's four midsized sister ships – carrying no more than 700 passengers – are mostly all-inclusive. Amenities included in the cruise fare include most meals; standard spirits, wines and beers; bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas and coffees; shuttle service in port; gratuities; and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings ashore or Destination Celebration experiences on the ship. Dining at the two specialty restaurants is an additional cost unless guests have accommodations in the Club World Owner's Suites, Club Ocean Suite or Club Continent Suite.

Single guests on Azamara cruises will find events during the sailing and venues around the ship where you can mix and mingle with other solo travelers and chat with the friendly crew. Intimate and culturally immersive excursions also create opportunities to meet passengers with similar interests. Azamara Onward, the latest ship, boasts the new Atlas Bar, a great spot to meet other travelers.

For itineraries, Azamara's signature "Country-Intensive Voyages" are a favorite of solo cruisers, including the 10- or 11-night Greece Intensive Voyage. For an extended sailing, check out the festive 12-night Carnival in Rio Voyage, which features a stop in Rio de Janeiro during the city's famed Carnival.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Cunard Line

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line features dedicated solo staterooms on its three ships, priced at approximately 166% to 174% of the equivalent double occupancy cruise fare. Guests can choose between a spacious Britannia Inside or Britannia Oceanview cabin, or opt for a larger stateroom with a single supplement. For a little "me time" pampering while on board, solos will appreciate 24-hour room service, complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Single guests will also be invited to get-togethers. You can either dine alone at venues around the ship such as the main dining room or choose to share a table with other passengers.

With an international mix of travelers, single cruisers will find many opportunities to meet and chat with others, especially during a Transatlantic Crossing. During the sailing, you'll find many enriching and relaxing activities that encourage socializing. According to Cunard , there's a sense of camaraderie and a passion around the voyage – and the unique travel experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Find a Cunard Line cruise on GoToSea.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Luxury line Silversea Cruises offers 25% single supplements on various voyages throughout the year, including expedition cruises to destinations like the Galápagos Islands , Antarctica and the Arctic, and Greenland. The line's all-inclusive fares include luxurious ocean view suites, gourmet dining, complimentary wines and spirits, gratuities, onboard enrichment and entertainment, shore excursions, and more. Solo travelers will even have personalized butler service to indulge their every whim.

The line's fleet of a dozen intimate ships, carrying no more than 728 guests, offers a clubby atmosphere perfect for meeting solo and like-minded travelers. Single guests will also have the opportunity to engage with other solo passengers during a welcome reception with Champagne at the beginning of each voyage. Popular itineraries for Silversea's single cruisers include its Transoceanic journeys, a bucket list trip for many cruisers .

Explore Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn has special offers throughout the year where solo cruisers can take advantage of reduced pricing equal to double occupancy fares or discounts on the single supplement starting at 25% above the double occupancy fares. These rates are available on select voyages, including expedition cruises. Frequent solo cruisers and members of the luxury line's Seabourn Club Diamond Elite will also find reduced single supplements on Diamond Elite Single Supplement Sailings. In addition, club members receive invitations to exclusive events, where they can meet and mingle with fellow cruisers. Solo passengers are also invited to sit with the ship's officers, crew and entertainers at dinner – and there are hosted get-togethers for single travelers.

Solo cruisers will enjoy beautifully designed oceanfront suites and all-inclusive amenities on board Seabourn 's intimate ships. These perks include world-class dining; complimentary premium wine and spirits; a spa and wellness program in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil; included gratuities; and the line's enrichment series, Seabourn Conversations. Single cruisers looking for an extended holiday will enjoy longer voyages on the line's newest purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit.

Compare Seabourn cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. She used extensive research and experience as a solo cruiser to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

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• Solo Travel for Women: The Best Places and Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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The best experiences last a lifetime - solo travel is one of them. The ability to explore, take chances, meet new people and do what you want when you want. To trade stories, and cocktails, with like-minded travellers from around the world. Or to sail with a group, on your own terms. Now when you cruise solo with Norwegian, you'll enjoy more freedom and choice than ever. We've doubled the number of Solo Staterooms across our fleet by adding Solo Balcony and Oceanview rooms, in addition to Inside rooms and Studios. The best part? The savings! Traditional double occupancy rates do not apply. So come aboard with friends or family - or take time to meet new people, then watch the sunset from your private balcony. After all, you're pretty good company.

Exclusively for one

Studio staterooms.

Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for the single cruiser. Our Studios are the perfect sized room for solo cruising and the Studio Lounge is a great way to meet other single cruisers.

The choice is yours

Additional staterooms.

Prefer a room with a view or with additional space to unwind? We offer Balconies, Oceanview and Inside Staterooms for solo travellers. All Solo Staterooms include exclusive access to the Studio Lounge* where you can unwind and meet other solo cruisers. And save money when you book - these rooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers!

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Tips for Traveling Alone and Why You Should Go on a Solo Cruise

By  Chantae Reden | Published on December 1, 2021

At the age of 19, I purchased a plane ticket to Nicaragua and ventured on my first-ever solo trip to Central America. Ten years and 30 countries later, I still believe that traveling alone is one of the best ways to see the world. When you travel solo, you're likely to make new friends, develop newfound confidence and experience the freedom of waking up in a destination and doing the activities you're passionate about, all on your own timeline.

Tips For Traveling Solo

When friends and family hear that I'm planning a solo trip to a far-flung destination, I'm usually met with one question:

 "Is it safe to travel alone?"

Understandably, safety is one of the biggest factors on people's minds when it comes to venturing on a solo vacation. On my first international trip traveling alone, I scheduled a driver to pick me up at the airport and drive me six hours away to my accommodations. However, my plane landed late in the evening and my driver was nowhere to be seen. I'd failed to write down the address of my destination, trusting the driver to have it. Then, because I'd failed to put a travel notice on my credit card, my debit card was declined at the airport's ATM. I only had the exact amount of cash on hand to pay my rogue driver.

With no plan B, I cried and walked from the airport to a nearby hotel in the dark. The hotel receptionist took pity on me and helped me call my bank and my family back home. We also arranged for a new driver to take me to my destination in Popoyo, Nicaragua the next morning.

Once I've arrived somewhere as a solo traveler, I take the same precautions that I take in any major city. I typically stick to main roads, avoid showing off any expensive objects and aim to be back in my hotel just after dinner. If a stranger seems too inquisitive, I'll mention that I'm planning to meet a friend. I also ask locals and hotel staff for safety advice and guidance on what scams I should be looking out for.

 Though most destinations are worth visiting as a solo traveler, there are some that are easier to navigate than others. One thing you can count on, however, is that you likely won't be the only one doing it. Solo travelers are one of the fastest-growing travel demographics, with more people traveling alone to new countries each year. In regions like Europe , the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, solo travelers can be found in just about every hostel.

Joining meetup groups, walking tours and day trips and taking cultural dance or cooking classes are all interesting ways to learn about the place you're visiting in a social environment. As a solo traveler in Hawaii , I went on an adventure tour of the North Shore where we could snorkel, hike to waterfalls and kayak. While I was nervous about feeling left out of the group at first, I met a fellow solo traveler on the tour bus who happened to feel the same. We kayaked through a sea turtle sanctuary together, nearly spilling into the water in excitement whenever a sea turtle bobbed its head above the surface. Later, we met up for a sugar-sweet scoop of shave ice and swapped contact information.

It's a common misconception that traveling alone is bound to be a lonely experience. I've found I actually make more friends on the road as a solo traveler. I'm more likely to strike up a conversation with a stranger and join group experiences and I'm often seen as more approachable by other travelers than when I travel with a friend. Because I'm not beholden to anyone else's schedule, I can easily join and leave travel groups as I please. I've made some of my best friends while traveling solo and we now often plan trips together. My spouse and I met because he was traveling alone through California, my home state, and I gave him an impromptu tour of Southern California .

If you're trying to decide where to stay, hostels foster a social environment that's ideal for making travel buddies. If you want to be able to take a break, some hostels have private rooms available, offering solo travelers a nice compromise of privacy and a social life. Standard hotels are ideal for those looking for solitude and a private escape, but it may be a challenge to make friends, especially if the hotel caters to romantic getaways or families with young children. And while relaxing at an overwater bungalow in the Maldives sounds idyllic, I'd probably save that seaside getaway for when I'm traveling with a partner.

Some guided multi-day tours cater to solo travelers, which is a bit of an oxymoron when you consider that you'll have travel partners from sunrise until sunset for the duration of your trip. This is a great option for those who are nervous about traveling on their own but don't want to let their fear get in the way of going on a journey to somewhere new.

Why A Cruise Is An Ideal Solo Vacation

A cruise offers a great balance of relaxation and adventure for solo travelers. It's a trip where you're bound to make interesting friends from all around the world while enjoying the freedom of movement that only solo travel brings. You can enjoy a multi-city trip with the freedom of not having to worry about the logistics of finding accommodation, transportation and delicious meals. Then you can recapture your solitude whenever it suits you and enjoy the destinations , activities and amenities that the cruise offers on your own schedule. Here are some of the best perks of a solo cruise.

Company (Only) When You Want It

Onboard a cruise, there are dozens of activities to keep you busy. Plus, you're bound to meet people as you try your hand at adventure activities like fencing, archery, ziplining, catching a wave on the FlowRider*, racing around on bumper cars, rock climbing and sliding down the best water attractions at sea.

When it's time to slow your heart rate, escape for a spa treatment or perch yourself at one of the many bars onboard and swap travel tales with the bartender. There are also cooking classes, theater performances, dance classes and karaoke nights, where you can get to know your fellow travelers by bonding over mutual affinities for and distastes of the songs being belted on stage.

Options For Outings

Once the ship pulls into port, you can venture on a shore excursion with other guests or strike out on your own. Fellow solo travelers tend to join shore excursion trips, so that's an easy way to make friends with whom you can plan future activities onboard. Blow bubbles and explore dive sites in the aquarium-clear waters of Bonaire with a scuba dive buddy, embrace your curiosity on a cultural tour of Kyoto, learn to surf in Oahu or explore the Greek ruins in Athens. Back on the ship, you'll have plenty of shared memories with your shipmates.

Your Own Team Of Experts

As a solo traveler onboard, it's often easy to get to know the staff. Crew members usually hail from all around the world and often share your love of travel. They're experts at recommending the best things to do no matter your interest and are also savvy when it comes to helping guests choose excursions and making the most of the ship's features. On one cruise, a staff member showed me which lounge chair area was bound to get the most shade throughout the day.

Dining is one of the most common conundrums for solo travelers, especially if you're not keen on ordering room service each evening. Fortunately, the maître d' often has a good eye for matching solo travelers at a dining table together as long as you simply let staff know in advance. If you'd like your solo vacation to double as a complete retreat, bring a book along and enjoy dining in your own company. Don't be afraid to enter the specialty dining restaurants, either.

It's A Good Value

Going solo on a cruise can offer a great deal for travelers. Solo cruise vacations are becoming increasingly popular and select Royal Caribbean ships have studio staterooms . These rooms are designed specifically with solo travelers in mind, and you can say goodbye to single supplement fees. If you'd rather go with another option, there's nothing wrong with paying a bit more and having a larger stateroom to yourself.

Ready To Travel Alone?

If you want to enjoy the freedom of a solo trip without the heavy planning logistics, a cruise is a great way to get your feet wet. You'll have the benefit of planned meals, activities and excursions whenever you want, along with plenty of ways to satisfy your wanderlust. A solo vacation is a great way to come to center; you'll return home feeling rejuvenated and filled with the confidence that all you need is yourself to have a wonderful time.

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The 5 best cruise lines for solo travelers

Editor's Note

Thinking of taking a cruise as a solo traveler? Here's the bad news: With many lines, you could end up paying twice as much as someone traveling with a companion.

Most cruise ship cabins are designed for two, and the cruise rates you see advertised for these cabins are per person, based on double occupancy . That means the rates are only available to customers who will be sharing the cabin with a second paying passenger.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter .

If you want to occupy one of these cabins alone, you'll pay a premium that, in cruise world lingo, is known as the "single supplement." Often, that premium is 100%. In other words, even if you don't have a second person in your cabin, you'll be paying an extra fare as if you did.

Still, all is not lost if you're a singleton wanting to experience life at sea. Spurred by increasing demand, a growing number of cruise lines are adding cabins designed specifically for solo travelers (with pricing that, by definition, is based on single occupancy). Some lines routinely offer lower single supplement charges than others, or they reduce or waive single supplements during promotions.

Of course, it's not just a low price that makes for a good solo cruise. Just as important for many people traveling alone is the opportunity to meet other like-minded solo travelers through meet-and-greet receptions and organized group dining for solo cruisers. Some cruise lines do a better job with this than others.

Looking at all these criteria — price, cabin options and a welcoming environment — I've identified five lines going the extra mile for cruisers traveling alone. Here are my top picks for the best cruise lines for solo travelers.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Credit Norwegian for kicking off the trend of more solo cabins on cruise ships. In 2010, the big-ship line debuted an entire zone of small "studio" cabins for one — 128 in all — on its then-new, 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic. It was such a hit that other lines began to follow.

Just 100 square feet but superbly designed to maximize storage space, the solo rooms on Norwegian Epic are clustered around an exclusive Studio Lounge. It has a bar and television area where solo travelers can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Norwegian has since added similar solo cabin areas with exclusive lounges to seven more new ships, including its two newest vessels, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima . Both ships have a 73-cabin solo complex that spreads across two decks.

The bigger Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss all have an 82-cabin solo complex, while two older ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — have solo areas with 59 cabins.

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii-based Pride of America.

Having sailed in one of Norwegian's cabins for one, I can confidently declare them among the coolest solo digs at sea. I particularly love the futuristic "Jetsons"-like design and the multicolored mood lighting.

One big caveat: They're all inside cabins without an ocean view, although most have a window that looks out onto a corridor. On Norwegian Bliss, the solo cabins have a virtual porthole that offers a live view of the outside world via an LED screen.

Related: Why a windowless inside cabin isn't so bad

A bigger caveat, perhaps, is that these solo cabins have become so popular they often sell out far in advance, and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has taken a page from Norwegian's playbook in recent years by adding solo cabins to both new and older ship classes . The line's Quantum-class vessels, which began debuting in 2014, offer up to 28 of these dedicated studio cabins, which measure from 101 to 119 square feet.

Unlike Norwegian's solo digs, some cabins are ocean-view rooms with balconies. Others have a virtual balcony that, at first glance, looks like a veranda but is really just a digital screen projecting a real-time view of the outside. (It sounds corny, but it works.)

Other Royal Caribbean ships with solo cabins include some of the line's giant Oasis-class vessels, including Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas . Several of Royal Caribbean's older Voyager-class and Radiance-class vessels also have solo cabins. But some of these ships have just two or three.

While the solo cabins on Royal Caribbean ships don't come with a dedicated solo lounge, solo travelers will find Royal Caribbean-hosted meetups for solo travelers on the vessels, which is a great way for single travelers to find others in the same boat, so to speak. There's also quite a bar scene on Royal Caribbean ships, with rows of bar seats in many bars that are a great place to find other solo travelers.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean ships are particularly known for their wide range of onboard activities, from big-production shows to rock-climbing walls and surfing pools, that you can enjoy just fine as a solo traveler.

Silversea Cruises

Unlike Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Silversea hasn't created a specific cabin category for solo travelers. But the luxury line is known for catering to them with single supplements of just 10% to 25% on select sailings. Occasionally, during short-term promotions, the line even will waive the single supplement entirely.

Silversea also hosts welcome receptions for solo travelers at the start of every voyage to kick off the mingling process.

Operating relatively small, intimate vessels that carry just a few hundred passengers, Silversea is known for drawing a social crowd that likes to mix and mingle, particularly at dinnertime — a boon for people like me who don't like to eat alone.

Head to the main lounge just before dinner on a Silversea ship, and there's a good chance you'll be pulled into a conversation with a group of complete strangers who will extend a dinner invitation. This has happened to me so many times on Silversea ships that I almost count on it.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

On Silversea's expedition sailings, you can also share meals with ship naturalists and expedition guides who join passengers in public dining venues. From my experience, they are always amenable to a friendly dining companion and some good conversation.

Virgin Voyages

Of course, there's always the rebellious startup line Virgin Voyages , backed by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, which draws fun-loving folks (but not just millennials ). It's shaping up to be a leader in the solo cruise market, judging from my experience when I sailed on its first ship, Scarlet Lady .

The vessel boasts 46 cabins specifically designed for lone travelers — as do its newer sisters, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady . That's a big number for a ship with just 1,330 cabins overall. We haven't yet sailed in one of their solo rooms, but based on what we saw when we toured Scarlet Lady, they might just become the coolest digs-for-one around.

The solo accommodations on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady include 40 windowless, 105-square-foot Solo Insider rooms on each vessel that are sleek and stylish with full-size beds, large flat-screen televisions, curvy vanities and high-design bathrooms. Six similar-looking Solo Sea View cabins on each vessel measure about 130 square feet and offer windows.

Note that the solo cabins with windows are at the front of the ships, facing forward. While that's a spectacular location for sightseeing, seasoned cruisers know that cabins in this location can be bumpy in rough seas. I love a little movement when I cruise (how else do you know you're at sea?), but if you don't, consider yourself warned.

Meanwhile, for solos, you'll find that Virgin's hopping bar scene — and adult-focused atmosphere — is perfect for solos looking to meet up with other single travelers. With a ban on children under 18, you won't find families with kids on this line. It's all about solo travelers, couples and friend groups looking to have a good time and engage with their shipmates on board.

Related: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any ship

Solo travelers looking for an upscale river cruise can often find a deal from Tauck, a high-end tour company with a European cruise division. It markets more than half a dozen river vessels.

Tauck often eliminates its single supplement completely on its least-expensive category of cabins (Category 1) and reduces single supplements for other cabin categories (with savings up to $1,000 in select categories).

On board, Tauck directors and cruise directors take special care of solo travelers, and communal tables at mealtime make it easy to meet other travelers.

Cruisers traveling alone can seek out others at the bar (no worries about the bar tab — drinks are included) or escape to a quiet sun deck spot with a book when they're tired of socializing. Daily shore excursions and tours are included, so you'll always have a group ready to explore with you on land.

River cruising in general is ideal for solo travelers, and other river lines also waive or significantly lower single supplement charges. Avalon Waterways waives its single supplement charge for some cabins on every cruise departure in Europe, and AmaWaterways charges a single supplement of just 50% for solo travelers booking non-suite cabins. It also has four ships in Europe that each have two dedicated solo cabins that carry no single supplement.

Bottom line

As someone who often cruises alone when writing about ships, I've found that smaller ships often are better for mixing and mingling than bigger ships .

On small ships, you'll see the same people again and again — on tours, in lounges, around the pool and so forth; this increases the odds you'll strike up a conversation and soon become fast friends. On big ships with thousands of passengers, you might go days without seeing the same person twice.

The lines that operate small ships are also more prone to offering discounts for solo travelers, which results in a higher percentage of individual cruisers onboard. That said, for the most part, the lines operating bigger ships are offering the most dedicated solo cabins. They also offer more onboard activities, from Broadway shows to rock-climbing walls, that you don't need companions to enjoy.

Not that you should worry too much about making friends at sea. Cruisers, in general, are social people. In fact, many passengers cruise specifically to meet others. I can't tell you how many times I've been sitting alone in a corner of a cruise ship lounge, minding my own business, when another passenger (or two or five) stopped by and struck up a conversation.

Whether you choose one of our top cruise lines for solo travelers or another line that suits your fancy, you're bound to have a good time with as much or as little alone time as you desire.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

The Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

By Meena Thiruvengadam

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Solo cruising has never been this good. Not only are more cruise lines adding solo cabins, but the single-traveler cabins aboard ships are also getting more spacious and luxurious.

And just because a cruise line doesn’t offer a solo cabin doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to pay more to cruise alone, either. Some cruise lines waive or reduce single supplements that can double a solo traveler’s bill. These deals become especially frequent during the first quarter of the year,  a discount period known as “ wave season .” 

River cruise lines are being especially savvy in courting solo travelers by “offering more attractive opportunities for those who like to travel in style by themselves,” says Joshua Harrell, chief marketing officer for the WorldVia Travel Group and the Travel Quest Network.

Whichever cruise line you choose, you’ll want to book early: The travel insurance search engine Squaremouth says its sales show a 64 percent increase in solo cruise travel this year from 2019.

Here's everything you need to know about single bookings aboard some of the best lines for solo cruisers.

All cruises featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian debuted a studio cabin in 2010 and was the first major cruise line to create accommodations for one. These cabins come in at just under 100 square feet—enough space for a full bed. They don’t offer sea views, but the cruise line does include access to a lounge where they can meet other solo travelers over snacks.

Norwegian's solo cabins are now on several ships, including the Norwegian Epi c, Norwegian Breakaway , Pride of America , and Norwegian Prima , which is set to debut this summer.

Holland America

Holland America's solo cabins are larger than Norwegian's, but you'll have to settle for a twin bed. Still, solo cruisers on Holland America’s Koningsdam , Niewuw Statendam , Rotterdam , and Ryndam ships can expect between 127 and 172 square feet of space onboard.

Best of all, each of Holland America’s solo suites comes with an ocean view. 

The pool deck on board Royal Caribbean's new Odyssey of the Seas ship

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has more single cruise cabins than the average cruise line. Half of the ships in its fleet offer solo cabins, but if you’re looking for a private balcony, you’ll want to book the Anthem of the Seas , Quantum of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas , Harmony of the Seas , Spectrum of the Seas or the line's newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas .

In addition to a private balcony that's perfect for sipping morning coffee, each of the single suites on these ships are nearly 200 square feet.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania is taking solo cruising to a whole new level with its newest solo suites. Its latest ship, Vista , debuting in 2023, includes six 270-square-foot solo cabins, each with a balcony and amenities including free laundry, room service, premium lounge access, and a bottle of Champagne. Each cabin features a memory foam bed, a separate seating area, and a private balcony.

The line is planning to add solo cabins to several additional ships this year, giving travelers even more options to sail solo. 

Celebrity Cruises

If you're a solo cruiser who's in it for the view and not the private balcony, check out Celebrity Cruises' Infinite Veranda solo cabins. These cabins feature giant windows that create a space similar to a sunroom.

Infinite Veranda cabins are available on Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Apex , and the new Celebrity Beyond . Each ship has a range of single cabins: Celebrity Edge has 16 of them, while Celebrity Beyond has double that, with 32 solo rooms. 

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages doesn’t just give solo travelers their own suite—it also gives them butler service.

Atlas' first solo suites hit the seas this year onboard its debut ship, World Navigator . Each suite clocks in at just over 180 square feet and comes equipped with a queen-size bed, a 42-inch TV, and a shower complete with L'Occitane bath products. There's even a separate closet just for your shoes.

Cunard Line

If you're looking to make a transatlantic voyage, Cunard offers solo cabins on the Queen Mary 2 , the iconic ship known for its transatlantic crossings between London and New York. Although they only offer a twin-size bed, solo suites onboard the Queen Mary 2 are around 180 square feet and include ocean views. Two other Cunard ships, the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria , also offer single cabins, but some are interior rooms without ocean views. 

This luxury cruise line doesn’t offer solo suites, but it also doesn’t charge solo cruisers double the price to book a cabin of their own. 

Caitlin Morton

Laura Kiniry

CNT Editors

Chloe Sachdev

Silversea, an all-inclusive cruise line known for its small, opulent ships and its discerning butler service, caps its single supplement at 25 percent of the cruise fare on select voyages. Of course, you’ll want to book early: Silversea’s solo cruise rates go up as departure dates get closer.

Ama Waterways' AmaCello features solo cabins

Ama Waterways

Ama Waterways has four ships with solo cabins: AmaDolce , AmaDante , AmaLyra , and AmaCello , which all sail European itineraries. On other ships, single supplements are 25 percent of the cruise fare for itineraries in Europe and Asia.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways waives single supplements on its European river cruises and on some itineraries in southeast Asia. About 10 percent of Avalon passengers are solo cruisers, but you’ll want to book early to join them. Only a portion of each ship’s staterooms are reserved for solo cruisers on each itinerary.

• Cruise Tips / Cruising / Solo Cruising

A Complete Guide to Solo Cruising in 2023

by Prof. Cruise · May 20, 2023

Having recently disembarked from my most recent solo cruise aboard the Celebrity Solstice (my sincerest regrets and condolences to the families of all those who drowned in my tears on the gangway), I figured it was time to update one of my most popular cruise guides, my Guide to Solo Cruising. I’ve lost count of the number of solo cruises I’ve taken, but it’s well into the double digits. And if my kid would just go off to college already, I’d be in the triple digits in no time (his teacher stopped taking my calls after multiple requests that she recommend he skip 5th-12th grades)!

This guide will cover the reasons one might choose to cruise solo, things to consider when booking a solo cruise, how to get the best price on a solo cruise (including how to avoid paying a solo supplement), ships by line that offer solo cabins, tips specific to introverted and extroverted solo cruisers, and additional resources for solo cruisers.

So, let’s begin with reasons to book a solo cruise…

Reasons to Book a Solo Cruise

Because 10 years ago, after 9 hours of labor, the doctor held up your spawn and instead of saying “it’s a boy!” or “it’s a girl!” she said, “it’s a bity teenager!”  You swear your son was born with pimples, uprolled eyes, a patchy mustache, and a full set of braced teeth and that his first words were, “seriously, mom!”  You need a break from mommying.  Seriously.

So you put your husband in charge of trying to pry from the pouty lips of Sir Grump-A-Lot a single thing he did in 4th grade today, “nothin,” while you invite your bestie to join you for a week at sea.

But because you’re a prolific sweater who insists on wearing “ natural deodorant ” if you remember to bring some at all and because, to save space in your suitcase, you pack only one set of workout clothes you air dry in the shower, she replies, “yeah, I’d love to, but I’m busy that week.”    

That’s why I cruise solo, but there are many other reasons one might choose to cruise alone :

• Some have a spouse who can’t take too much time off work. Oh wait, that’s also me.
• Some may be hoping to meet and marry a cruise ship captain.  Me again (yes, I’m already married, but he married me knowing I’d leave him for Lenny Kravitz or a cruise ship captain).
• Some enjoy their own company above the company of others.  Yep, me.  What can I say, I’ve never met another person in their 40’s who loves MTV reality shows as much I do.  Outraged me to outraged me: “I can’t believe Chris cut off Lux’s hair!”

But enough about me.  Let’s move on from the why of solo cruising to the logistics of solo cruising. 

Questions to ask Yourself Before Booking a Solo Cruise

In addition to all the standard questions one has to consider when booking a cruise such as, “where do I want to go?” and “which cruise line do I want to sail on?” and “how long can I be gone from work before my boss notices my desk is being occupied by the blowup doll I ordered solely for this worthy purpose and not for anything unsavory,” there are some additional questions you’ll need to ask yourself first before booking a solo cruise:

• Do I want to book as part of a hosted singles cruise?  
• Do I want to book a studio cabin intended for solo cruisers?
• Do I want to book a standard double occupancy cabin and go it on my own?

Let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Hosted Singles Cruises

Hosted singles cruises are organized by and booked through outside travel agencies and not individual cruise lines.  They are a good option to consider if you’re traveling single and looking for structured opportunities to meet people and socialize.  A dedicated host for the singles group will travel on the cruise with you and facilitate special activities, cocktail parties, meals, and excursions.

Benefits of Hosted Singles Cruises

• Dedicated host .
• Roommate matching services.   If you’d like to save on cost by sharing a cabin with a same-gender roommate, most agencies that offer singles cruises will provide a free matching service if you book a singles cruise through them.
• Special activities not available to those who didn’t book with the singles group.
• Organized meals where you’ll be seated with other singles.
• Pre-cruise communication with fellow single cruisers (usually via a message board or Facebook group), so you can begin acquainting yourself with others prior to your sailing.

Drawbacks of Hosted Singles Cruises

• Cost.   Because additional resources and services are offered, you will pay more for a hosted singles cruise.
• Limited itineraries offered. If you’re committed to a hosted singles cruise, your options will be very limited in terms of dates, itineraries, and ships.

How to Book a Hosted Singles Cruise

The two best known agencies offering hosted singles cruises are SinglesCruise.com and Vacations To Go . They are comparable in terms of cost and services offered, so my recommendation is to check into both of them and compare dates, itineraries, and ships to find the cruise that works best for you.

Both companies offer some sailings geared toward a particular age range, so if you’re in your 40’s and looking for a younger man who can keep up with your rigorous cruising schedule (me again), you’ll want to book a 20’s and 30’s group.

If you like the thought of organized activities for single/solo cruisers, but don’t want to share a cabin, don’t want to pay so much more for a hosted singles cruise, or want more flexibility, you might consider booking a studio cabin intended for solo cruisers.

Studio Cabins for Solo Cruisers

Cruise companies are finally starting to recognize solo cruisers as an important stakeholder and source of revenue and, as such, many lines now offer studio or solo cabins designed for solo/single cruisers. Some even offer special lounges exclusively for those staying in solo cabins.

The list below includes the number of studio or solo cabins currently offered by cruise line and ship. If you don’t see a ship listed, it doesn’t currently have singles cabins.

Carnival Cruise Line Solo Cabins

Carnival does not currently offer solo cabins on their ships. However, the line will be unveiling new ships soon, so stay tuned to see if this changes.

Celebrity Cruise Line Solo Cabins

• Celebrity Apex: 24 solo cabins
• Celebrity Ascent: 16 solo cabins
• Celebrity Beyond: 32 solo cabins
• Celebrity Edge: 16 solo cabins
• Celebrity Silhouette: 4 solo cabins

Costa Cruise Line Solo Cabins

• Costa Diadema: 21 solo cabins
• Costa Fascinosa: 17 solo cabins
• Costa Favolosa: 17 solo cabins
• Costa Fortuna: 14 solo cabins
• Costa Magica: 14 solo cabins
• Costa neoRomantica: 6 solo cabins
• Costa Pacifica: 17 solo cabins
• Costa Serena: 17 solo cabins

Cunard Cruise Line Solo Cabins

• Cunard Queen Elizabeth: 9 solo cabins
• Cunard Queen Mary 2: 15 solo cabins
• Cunard Queen Victoria: 9 solo cabins

Disney Cruise Line Solo Cabins

There are not currently any studio or solo cabins on Disney ships.

Fred Olsen Cruise Line Solo Cabins

• Fred Olsen Balmoral: 64 solo cabins
• Fred Olsen Black Watch: 43 solo cabins
• Fred Olsen Bolette: 52 solo cabins
• Fred Olsen Boudicca: 43 solo cabins
• Fred Olsen Braemar: 40 solo cabins

Holland America Cruise Line Solo Cabins

• Holland America Koningsdam: 12 solo cabins
• Holland America Nieuw Statendam: 12 solo cabins
• Holland America Prinsendam: 3 solo cabins
• Holland America Rotterdam: 12 solo cabins

MSC Cruise Line Solo Cabins

• MSC Bellissima: 32 solo cabins
• MSC Grandiosa: 15 solo cabins
• MSC Meraviglia: 32 solo cabins
• MSC Virtuosa: 15 solo cabins
• MSC World Europa: 22 solo cabins

Norwegian Cruise Line Solo Cabins (NCL)

• Norwegian Bliss: 82 solo cabins
• Norwegian Breakaway: 59 solo cabins
• Norwegian Encore: 82 solo cabins
• Norwegian Epic: 128 solo cabins
• Norwegian Escape: 82 solo cabins
• Norwegian Getaway: 59 solo cabins
• Norwegian Pride of America: 4 solo cabins
• Norwegian Prima: 73 solo cabins
• Norwegian Viva: 73 solo cabins

Oceania Cruise Line Solo Cabins

• Insignia: 14 solo cabins
• Nautica: 14 solo cabins
• Regatta: 14 solo cabins
• Sirena: 14 solo cabins
• Vista: 6 solo cabins

P&O Cruise Line Solo Cabins

• P&O Arcadia: 6 solo cabins
• P&O Arvia: 32 solo cabins
• P&O Aurora: 4 solo cabins
• P&O Azura: 18 solo cabins
• P&O Britannia: 27 solo cabins
• P&O Oriana: 2 solo cabins
• P&O Ventura: 18 solo cabins

Princess Cruise Line Solo Cabins

Princess does not currently offer solo cabins, but this can change. Keep asking for them and stay tuned. Princess does sometimes offer a very low solo supplement for a regular cabin. I booked a recent solo cruise on Princess with only a 9% solo supplement which ended up being the lowest solo fare I could find on any line during the week I wanted to cruise.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Solo Cabins

• Adventure of the Seas: 5 solo cabins
• Anthem of the Seas: 26 solo cabins
• Brilliance of the Seas: 3 solo cabins
• Harmony of the Seas: 15 solo cabins
• Jewel of the Seas: 3 solo cabins
• Mariner of the Seas: 2 solo cabins
• Odyssey of the Seas: 12 solo cabins
• Ovation of the Seas: 28 solo cabins
• Quantum of the Seas: 28 solo cabins
• Radiance of the Seas: 3 solo cabins
• Serenade of the Seas: 3 solo cabins
• Spectrum of the Seas: 28 solo cabins

Virgin Voyages Solo Cabins

• Resilient Lady: 46 solo cabins
• Scarlet Lady: 46 solo cabins
• Valiant Lady: 46 solo cabins

Benefits of Booking a Studio or Solo Cabin

• Studio Lounge. On some ships, if you book a studio cabin, there’s a special lounge designated only for those in studios.
• Studio host. Sometimes there’s even a host who will organize meals and activities.
• Privacy. No flashbacks about your grad-school roommate from hell (that would have been me – sorry Maria).
• This is a good alternative to a hosted singles cruise as it will be less expensive and may offer some of the same benefits.

Drawbacks of Booking a Studio or Solo Cabin

• Limited availability . Because there are relatively few of them, they tend to book up fast. You might have to sit at your computer three days in advance of their release hitting the refresh button on repeat – like I do when Olive Garden’s Never Ending Pasta Pass goes on sale each year – to snag one.
• Tiny room . Solo rooms are generally very “cozy.” While they would be the perfect spot to hibernate for the winter, waking only for meals and the occasional game of trivia to keep your mind sharp, if you’re claustrophobic, pack an extra suitcase of shoes, or like to start your morning with a square dance routine in your skivvies to get your blood flowing and bowels loosened, you might find them stifling.
• Studio/solo cabins aren’t always less expensive than just booking a standard room and paying the solo supplement (more on that coming). Always compare options to make sure you’re getting the best price for the experience you’re looking for.

Booking a Standard Double Occupancy Cabin as a Solo Cruiser

Due to pesky family obligations, I require a good deal of flexibility when booking a solo cruise, so this is the option I normally go with. As a single, you can book and pay for a standard double occupancy room all for your lonesome, or in my case, for sweet serenity.

Benefits of Booking a Standard Double Occupancy Cabin as a Solo Cruiser

• You get a big bed all to yourself! You can sleep vertically across the large queen or king-sized bed. This offers no advantage in terms of comfort – it’s just fun to do. Because you can! But before you settle in, jump up and down a few times to test out the springs, then declare, “hope you’re enjoying picking Play-Doh out of the carpet, sucker” in reference to Mr. Cruise who is holding down the fort at home, before perfectly sticking your dismount and cheering loudly for yourself.
• You can do your own thing. There will still be lots of opportunities to socialize and meet people if you choose, but you’re under no obligation and can do exactly what you want. Which for me means ordering every room service dessert at 4am.
• No awkward encounters with a roommate. No need to warn your cabin-mate, “might want to stay out of the bathroom,” about the biohazard resulting from the extra desserts. Instead you can loudly declare, “it’s a plunger job!” and check another #cruisegoal off your list.
• No one will know how weird you are. See above.

Drawbacks of Booking a Standard Double Occupancy Cabin as a Solo Cruiser

• You won’t be part of an organized singles group. While most lines do offer at least one informal “solos meet-up” event during the sailing, you’ll miss out on the other benefits of being part of a designated singles group such as being paired up with other solos for meals.
• The solo supplement. You’ll likely have to face a monster more terrifying than Godzilla: The Solo Supplement.

What is the Solo Supplement?

Because cruise lines are in the business of maximizing profits, they want to fill ships with as many passengers as possible at the maximum fare the market will bear. As most cabins hold at least two passengers, when cruise lines set the per person price for a two person cabin, they do so with the understanding that they will receive double that fare for that room. So if a double occupancy cabin is listed at $600 per person, the cruise line expects to receive $1200.

If a solo traveler booked the same room – a room that could have been booked by two people – for the same per person rate of $600, the line would miss out on the second $600. Instead, the solo traveler is almost always expected to pay the full $1200 for the room. The extra $600 is referred to as the “solo supplement.”

However, having one person in a $1200 room paying $600 or $800 is preferable to having the room sail vacant, which brings me to my tips for minimizing or avoiding the solo supplement.

Tips for Avoiding the Solo Supplement

Thankfully, my breath is more atomic than even a gorilla-whale who emerges from the Pacific Ocean to destroy major urban areas, so I have some tips for how to battle The Solo Supplement.

First, be flexible and consider booking last minute if possible. If there are lots of unsold rooms as the sailing date approaches, lines will sometimes lower or drop the supplement in order to fill every cabin.

Second, plan to sail during shoulder seasons or other less popular times of the year. The cruise lines would rather have one person paying to occupy a room than no one at all, so if a particular itinerary isn’t anticipated to sell well they will sometimes lower or completely drop the solo supplement. I’ve noticed this more for sailings the first two weeks of December, the first two weeks of January and in either May or September for cruises to Alaska.

Similarly, consider either really short or really long sailings as there tends to be less demand for them.

Third, go here for a handy, easy to read list of current sailings with either a low or no solo supplement. Check back regularly and be ready to jump at a good opportunity – it will sell out fast. It also helps to have a good travel agent who can also be on the lookout for you.

And finally, even if you do end up having to pay the solo supplement, consider a less expensive cabin category such as an inside. Or book a cheaper guarantee cabin, meaning you’re guaranteed a certain category of cabin (inside, ocean view, or balcony), but the cruise line selects the specific cabin within that category. Look for bargains!

You can see my complete guide to getting the best deal on a cruise HERE .

Now that we’ve covered the why and how of solo cruising, let’s move on to some tips for maximizing your onboard experience. I’ve divided these into, “tips for extroverted solo cruisers” or those looking to socialize and paaaaaaartay and “tips for introverted solo cruisers” or those looking for time to read something other than, “ Walter the Farting Dog ,” which you’ve read to your kid on repeat for the past six months because it Never. Stops. Being. Funny.

The following was my reading material on my last solo cruise, but to each his (or her) own:

Tips for Extroverted Solo Cruisers

• Consider a hosted singles cruise or booking a studio cabin with a singles lounge and host. These will offer more opportunity to interact with other single/solos.
• Prior to your sailing, join your roll call group on Cruise Critic or on Facebook (search for your ship, then select “groups” to see if there’s one for your cruise – if not, you can start one!). Roll call groups allow those on a particular sailing to get to know each other and organize activities in advance.
• Eat dinner in the main dining room as opposed to the buffet or specialty restaurants. Consider a set dining time (as opposed to “anytime dining”) if you want to sit at a table with the same people every night. This may offer a better chance to make close friends. If you’re not on a hosted singles cruise or in a studio with a singles host who has arranged your dining, be sure to stop by and speak with the maître d’ on embarkation day to make sure you’re seated at a table with other singles/solos. If you’d rather meet lots of different people, consider “anytime dining,” where you show up to eat anytime during dinner hours. When you arrive, request to be seated with other singles/solos. Once you make friends, you can arrange to meet at a specified time for dinner and request to be seated together.

• Attend the ship’s solo meet and greet and any organized roll call events . Every cruise I’ve been on has had at least one solo/singles event. And generally roll calls will have a meet and greet and other activities such as slot pulls or cabin crawls. These are all a great way to meet people and make friends.

• Book ship excursions . If you book through the ship, you’ll be with a larger group of people, and more likely to meet other singles to hang out with. If you book a private excursion, you’ll likely be with a much smaller group. This can be fine unless you’re stuck with, like, a honeymooning couple only interested in the sights of each other or a family who intentionally didn’t invite their eccentric aunt and is not interested in you as a stand-in.

• Hang out at the bar. I know, it’s 2023 and no one meets face-to-face anymore. It’s awkward and your avatar has much better legs. But you might just find someone who loves fru fru martinis and MTV as much as you do. Or you’ll get drunk by yourself and feel even more alone. But let’s remain optimistic!

• Participate in interactive ship activities. Hit up trivia, a book club, or a group fitness class. And remember, the other participants at Zumba aren’t laughing with you, they’re laughing at you.

Tips for Introverted Solo Cruisers

• Avoid eye contact at embarkation. Or risk getting stuck with Prof. Cruise for the next seven days. See my latest victim below:

• Request a private table for one in the dining room. If you have a set dining time, be sure to meet with the maître d’ on embarkation day to request a private table , otherwise you will probably be seated with others. If you have anytime dining, just show up and ask for a table for one. I prefer “anytime dining” when I sail solo so I have the most flexibility. When I’m too tired from reading all day to brush my teeth, I can request a private table and when I want to brag about my casino win, I can dine with others.
• Explore ports on your own. If you don’t like crowds, you’ll probably want to avoid most ship excursions. Prior to sailing, research things to do in port so you can venture out safely on your own. I hear Prof. Cruise has some very helpful port posts (#shamefulpromotion).

• Purchase an internet plan so you won’t be stuck playing on your phone’s calculator as an attempt to avoid social interaction, “if I weighed 146 pounds at embarkation, how much will I weigh after 23 pounds of dessert and cheese?”

• Chose non-interactive ship activities. Attend an enrichment lecture, see a production show, or watch a movie under the stars. There are plenty of activities for singles not looking to mingle.

• Order room service. If you work with the public in some capacity back on land and are rightfully surly and going solo to avoid “entitled idiots,” you’ll want to steer clear of all elevators and anything that requires standing in line. In fact, consider taking advantage of 24/7 room service and never leaving your cabin at all.

Resources for Solo Cruisers

If you’ve found this guide mildly offensive, too wordy, and decidedly unhelpful or if you have questions about a specific line or cruise or just want to network with other experienced solo/single cruisers, I’d suggest the solo cruisers board on Cruise Critic or one of the many Facebook groups dedicated to solos. I also encourage you to share your tips for sailing solo in the comments below so I can steal them. I mean, so we can learn from each other! Feel free to also share this guide with any groups you already participate in.

Final Thoughts on Solo Cruising

Go. Bravely venture out on your own for the first time after the loss of your beloved spouse and cruising partner. Go. Cruise solo hoping to meet a spouse and cruising partner. Go. To a destination on your bucket that your wife refuses to visit because it dips below 70 degrees at night. Go. Hide your cruise addiction by sailing alone and calling it a “work trip?” Sure. Go. Because your kid was up all night ralfing and your husband who slept through the whole thing is particularly susceptible to guilt. Go! Now!

Whatever your reason for sailing solo, go.

And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points): Review my guide to getting the best deal on a cruise and my 20 tips for saving money on a cruise ship.

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Cool article, it sounds like it’d be fun for me to cruise by myself! But actually, I like having my wife with me, she’s nice to look at 🙂 Great resource for solo cabins with no surcharge, with many of them booking into “regular” rooms. If there’s no surcharge (and the cost would be the same whether it’s single or double occupancy) could my wife and I each book a room but stay in one of them together? Then we can use the other room like a closet, or to have tea parties with other guests or whatever! Thanks

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Are you needing a cruise vacation but need help finding a travel buddy? Don’t let that stop you from embarking on an incredible adventure! Cruising solo is a fantastic way to explore the world, meet new people, and create lifelong memories. Here’s everything you need to know about cruising solo and making the most of your solo voyage.

Choose the Right Cruise Line

When it comes to cruising solo, not all cruise lines are created equal. Some cruise lines cater more to families or couples, while others offer a more solo-friendly atmosphere. Please look for cruise lines with designated solo traveler cabins or provide special events and activities for solo cruisers. These cruise lines understand the needs and desires of solo travelers and offer a welcoming environment for you to enjoy your vacation.

Take Advantage of Special Programs for Solo Travelers

Many cruise lines offer special programs and activities exclusively for solo travelers. Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Norwegian Cruise Line have all implemented special programs designed to make solo travelers feel welcome. For example, on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you can participate in cocktail receptions with fellow passengers and meet with the cruise director and other crew members.

Plan and Do Your Research

Before booking your solo cruise, take the time to research the destinations , activities, and amenities offered by different cruise lines. Consider what you value most in a vacation – relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences – and choose a cruise that aligns with your interests. Additionally, check out the onboard activities and entertainment options to ensure that there will be plenty of opportunities for you to socialize and meet fellow travelers.

Embrace the Freedom

One of the most significant advantages of cruising solo is its freedom. You have complete control over your itinerary , dining choices, and activities. You can take this opportunity to indulge in the things you love most. Whether lounging by the pool, exploring new cities, or trying out exciting onboard activities , the choice is

What is Cruising Solo?

Cruising solo is a unique experience, allowing individuals to embark on a voyage alone without needing a travel partner or worrying about the single supplement fee. It is a popular option for solo travelers who seek adventure, relaxation, and the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals on a cruise ship . Cruising solo allows you to create your itinerary, participate in various activities, and enjoy the serenity of traveling alone. Whether exploring pristine destinations, dining at your own pace, or participating in themed events, cruising solo offers many possibilities for a memorable vacation. So, why not set sail and discover the joys of cruising without needing a travel companion?

Benefits of Cruising Solo

Cruising solo offers a unique and rewarding travel experience that is becoming increasingly popular among solo travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the concept, there are many advantages to taking a solo cruise.

One of the significant benefits of cruising solo is the variety of accommodations available for single travelers. Many cruise lines now offer dedicated cabins or staterooms specifically designed for solo travelers, eliminating the need to pay a single supplement . This makes cruising more affordable and accessible for those who prefer to travel alone.

Additionally, cruise lines offer a wide range of benefits for solo travelers. From dedicated activities and events to meet fellow solo travelers to solo traveler meetups organized by cruise directors, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize and make new friends. This is particularly advantageous for solo travelers who enjoy meeting like-minded individuals from all over the world.

Another advantage of cruising solo is the freedom and flexibility it offers. You can choose your own dining time and table preference, allowing you to dine at your own pace and meet new people. Additionally, plenty of activities are on board to keep you entertained, from fitness classes and spa treatments to live shows and themed parties.

In conclusion, cruising solo benefits those who prefer to travel alone. With dedicated accommodations and a wide range of activities and events, solo travelers can enjoy a fulfilling and enriching cruise experience while meeting fellow travelers. So, if you’re considering your next travel adventure, consider cruising solo for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.

Cruise Lines That Offer Single Supplement Deals

Cruise lines that offer single supplement deals are making solo travel more affordable and accessible than ever before. These cruise lines recognize the growing trend of solo travelers and have taken steps to accommodate their needs. By providing dedicated cabins or staterooms specifically designed for solo travelers, these cruise lines eliminate the need for solo travelers to pay extra fees. This not only saves solo travelers money but also allows them to enjoy all the amenities and activities of a cruise without having to share their space with a stranger. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the concept, choosing a cruise line that offers single supplement deals can enhance your solo travel experience and allow you to meet fellow solo travelers and make new friends along the way.

Royal Caribbean offers a fantastic cruising experience for solo travelers with innovative solo cabins on various ship classes, including their Quantum and Oasis-class vessels. These dedicated solo cabins provide a comfortable and convenient option for solo cruisers.

The solo cabins on Royal Caribbean ships feature various amenities, such as ocean-view rooms, balconies, and even virtual balconies, which display high-definition real-time views. This allows solo travelers to enjoy the beauty of the sea right from their cabins.

Several ships within the Royal Caribbean fleet offer solo cabins, including the Quantum-class vessels like Anthem of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas. The Oasis-class ships, such as Harmony of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, also provide solo cabin options.

Traveling solo on a Royal Caribbean cruise is made even more enjoyable with the availability of these dedicated solo cabins. Whether you prefer an ocean-view room, a balcony, or a virtual balcony experience, Royal Caribbean has you covered. Explore the world at your own pace and embark on an unforgettable solo adventure with Royal Caribbean.

Holland America

Holland America is dedicated to providing an exceptional cruising experience for solo travelers. With their Single Partners Program, Holland America ensures that solo cruisers feel welcomed and included throughout their journey. This program offers a variety of events and dining options specifically designed for solo travelers to socialize and connect with fellow passengers.

Holland America offers 12 solo cabins on their biggest and newest ships for solo cruisers looking for a comfortable and private space. These cabins feature ocean views and have amenities comparable to double-occupancy cabins. This allows solo travelers to enjoy the same comfort and luxury as their fellow passengers.

Regarding pricing , Holland America understands the unique needs of solo cruisers. While single supplements can be as high as 100 percent over the standard per person double-occupancy fare on some cruise lines, Holland America strives to offer competitive pricing for their solo cabins. This ensures that solo cruisers can enjoy their vacation without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or new to cruising alone, Holland America is committed to providing an exceptional experience for solo cruisers. Their Single Partners Program and solo cabins make it easy for solo travelers to connect with fellow passengers and enjoy all the amenities and activities available on board. So, embark on a solo adventure with Holland America and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a top choice for solo travelers looking for a great experience when cruising solo. NCL understands the needs of solo cruisers and offers an extensive inventory of single cruise cabins, known as studios, on their ships.

One of their most popular ships, the Norwegian Epic , features 128 studios, providing ample availability for solo travelers. Other NCL ships also have studio units available for solo cruisers, providing a wide range of options for solo travelers.

One of the standout features for solo cruisers on NCL ships is the exclusive Studio Complex and Lounge. This space is designed for solo travelers, providing a social hub to meet and mingle with fellow solo cruisers. It’s a great way to make new friends and create lasting memories while enjoying your cruise .

In addition to the exclusive lounge, NCL’s studio cabins offer all the amenities and comfort you would expect from a regular cabin, making solo cruising a breeze. The accommodations are cozy and well-appointed, ensuring that solo travelers have a comfortable and private space to relax and unwind after exploring.

With their extensive inventory of single cruise cabins and the exclusive Studio Complex and Lounge, Norwegian Cruise Line is a fantastic choice for solo travelers looking to embark on a memorable cruise. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of cruising solo while still having access to all the perks and amenities NCL has to offer.

Pride of America

The Pride of America, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, is a magnificent cruise ship that stands out for its Hawaiian-themed decor and luxurious amenities. This ship offers a unique cruising experience, providing solo travelers with a wide range of activities and dining options to enjoy.

With its vibrant and colorful design, the Pride of America embodies the spirit of Hawaii. From the moment you step on board, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and beauty of the islands. Throughout the ship, you’ll find Hawaiian artwork, vibrant fabrics, and tropical motifs that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Solo cruisers aboard the Pride of America will find plenty of activities to keep them entertained. From exhilarating water sports and cultural excursions to relaxing spa treatments and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to unwind, the ship offers a variety of options to suit your preferences.

When it comes to dining, the Pride of America excels in providing solo travelers with a wide array of choices. From casual buffets and specialty restaurants to elegant dining rooms, each offering a diverse menu of international and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, you’ll never be short of delicious options. Whether you prefer to dine solo or join a group, the ship’s dining venues cater to all preferences.

With its stunning Hawaiian-themed decor, extensive activity options, and diverse dining choices, the Pride of America ensures that solo cruisers have a memorable and enjoyable experience as they explore the beautiful Hawaiian islands.

Other Cruise Lines to Consider

When it comes to cruising solo, Celebrity Cruises should definitely be on your radar. Celebrity Cruises is recognized as a solo-friendly cruise line and offers a range of amenities and features specifically tailored for individual travelers. One of the standout features for solo travelers on Celebrity Cruises is their single staterooms. These cabins are designed for single occupancy, providing solo cruisers with their own private space.

In addition to single staterooms, Celebrity Cruises also hosts social events and gatherings specifically for solo travelers, creating opportunities to connect with fellow passengers. These events allow solo cruisers to make new friends and mingle with like-minded travelers.

For those who love to explore and go on excursions, Celebrity Cruises offers a wide range of options to suit all interests. From cultural tours and adventures to culinary experiences and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Furthermore, Celebrity Cruises prides itself on providing an inclusive environment for all travelers. The cruise line is known for its LGBTQ+ friendliness and ensures that all guests feel welcome and respected on board.

Solo travelers on Celebrity Cruises can also indulge in top-notch spas and fitness facilities, enjoy dazzling entertainment shows, and savor delicious cuisine in the ship’s various dining venues.

In conclusion, when it comes to cruising solo, considering other solo-friendly cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line , as well as the standout features of Celebrity Cruises, like their single staterooms, hosted social events, range of excursions, inclusive environment, top-notch spas and fitness facilities, dazzling entertainment, and LGBTQ+ friendliness, will ensure an enjoyable and memorable cruise experience for solo travelers.

What to Expect as a Solo Cruiser

As a solo cruiser, there are certain things you can expect and look forward to on your journey . From an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere to a range of cabin options designed for single occupancy, cruise lines have recognized the needs and interests of solo travelers. You can expect solo-friendly cruise lines offering dedicated amenities and features tailored for individual travelers. These include single staterooms that provide solo cruisers with their own private space, social events and gatherings for connecting with fellow passengers, and a wide range of excursions and activities to suit all interests. Additionally, cruise lines are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all travelers, including LGBTQ+ individuals, feel welcome and respected. So get ready to embark on a solo adventure where you can indulge in top-notch amenities, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories.

Fellow Passengers and Crew Members

Fellow passengers and crew members are essential to the solo cruising experience, providing opportunities for social interaction and friendship. Onboard, solo cruisers can expect to encounter a diverse mix of individuals across various age groups and demographics.

Cruise lines strive to create social environments that foster connections among passengers. From organized activities and gatherings to designated areas like studio lounges and single cabins, solo cruisers have numerous avenues to meet and mingle with others who share their enthusiasm for travel.

Crew members , including cruise directors and staff, also significantly ensure a welcoming atmosphere for solo cruisers. They go the extra mile to make passengers feel comfortable, often organizing events and providing support to facilitate social interactions.

The demographic makeup of fellow passengers can vary depending on the cruise line and itinerary . From families and couples to seasoned cruisers and solo travelers, a wide range of ages and backgrounds are represented onboard. Cruise companies like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America cater to different demographics, ensuring that solo cruisers have ample opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

Solo cruisers can expect a vibrant social scene filled with activities and opportunities to bond with fellow passengers and crew members. Whether it’s dining together, exploring the destinations, or partaking in theme cruises, solo travelers can forge new friendships and create unforgettable memories.

Dining Options and Meal Time Etiquette

When it comes to dining on a cruise, solo travelers have a variety of options to choose from. Most cruise lines offer assigned seating in the main dining room and specialty restaurants catering to different tastes and preferences.

Assigned seating can be a great option for solo cruisers, allowing them to meet and interact with other passengers. Whether seated at a large table with fellow travelers or at a smaller table with a few other individuals, you can enjoy engaging in conversations and making new friends. This option allows for a more social dining experience, perfect for solo cruisers looking to connect with others.

On the other hand, specialty restaurants offer a more intimate and exclusive dining experience. These restaurants typically require reservations and may come with an additional cost . However, they provide the perfect setting for solo travelers seeking a quieter, more personalized dining experience.

Regarding mealtime etiquette as a solo traveler, it’s important to be mindful and respectful of your fellow passengers. While it’s perfectly okay to dine alone, it’s also a good idea to be open to conversing with those around you if the opportunity arises. Also, it’s important to arrive on time for your assigned dining time or reservation, as a delay can disrupt the flow of service for others.

Overall, cruise lines aim to create a warm and inclusive dining atmosphere for all passengers, including solo travelers. By exploring the various dining options and practicing good mealtime etiquette, solo cruisers can enjoy delicious meals, make new connections, and have a memorable dining experience onboard.

Studio Lounge for Singles Cruises with Holland America’s Line

Holland America’s Line goes above and beyond to cater to solo cruisers by offering a Studio Lounge designed for their needs. The Studio Lounge provides a comfortable and inviting space for solo travelers to socialize and meet fellow single cruisers.

This exclusive lounge is perfect for solo cruisers to connect and form new friendships. It offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where like-minded individuals can share their experiences and enjoy each other’s company. Whether you’re looking for a travel buddy or want to meet new people, the Studio Lounge provides the ideal setting to interact with fellow solo travelers.

Holland America’s commitment to solo cruisers continues after the Studio Lounge. They also offer a range of activities and events tailored specifically for singles, ensuring that solo travelers have plenty of opportunities to have fun and make new friends throughout their cruise experience.

With the Studio Lounge, Holland America’s Line recognizes the importance of socializing and connecting with others for solo cruisers. So, if you’re planning a singles cruise with Holland America, rest assured that you’ll have a dedicated space and plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with fellow single travelers in the welcoming and inclusive environment of the Studio Lounge.

Plenty of Activities to Keep You Busy

When cruising solo, plenty of activities are available to keep you busy and entertained. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Holland America cater to solo travelers by offering various options to suit every interest.

There are numerous classes for those looking to learn something new or engage in group work. From cooking and bridge to painting and crafts, these classes provide opportunities for interaction and a chance to develop new skills. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, you’ll find like-minded individuals to share your passion with.

If you prefer outdoor activities, there are plenty of options to choose from as well. Shuffleboard and mini-golf are popular choices for collecting points and competing with fellow passengers. These activities not only provide opportunities to socialize but also a chance to form new connections while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the cruise ship.

Participating in these activities keeps you busy and helps you make friends and feel part of a group. Whether through learning together in a class or bonding over a game of shuffleboard, solo cruisers have ample opportunities to connect with others and establish meaningful connections on their cruise vacation .

So, whether you’re an extrovert looking to socialize or an introvert looking to enjoy your time on board quietly, plenty of activities are available to keep you busy and engaged throughout your solo cruise experience.

Extra Mile from Travel Agents, Cruise Directors, and Seasoned Cruisers

When it comes to cruising solo, travel agents , cruise directors, and seasoned cruisers all go the extra mile to enhance the experience for solo travelers. Travel agents are crucial in offering guidance and assistance before and during the trip. They help solo cruisers choose the right cruise line and cabin category that caters to their preferences and needs. They also provide valuable information about the activities and amenities available on board to make the most of their cruise vacation.

Cruise directors are vital in organizing activities and events specifically for solo travelers. They understand the desire for solo cruisers to connect with others and create a sense of community on board. From singles meet-ups to solo traveler excursions, these events offer opportunities for solo travelers to socialize, make new friends, and explore the destinations together.

Seasoned cruisers also contribute to a welcoming and friendly atmosphere onboard. They understand the solo cruising experience and are often more than willing to engage in conversations and share their knowledge and experiences. Their presence creates a sense of camaraderie and makes solo cruisers feel part of a community.

Overall, travel agents, cruise directors, and seasoned cruisers understand the unique needs of solo travelers and go above and beyond to ensure they have a fantastic experience. Their commitment to going the extra mile helps solo cruisers feel supported, connected, and part of the vibrant cruising community.

Pre-Cruise Preparing Tips for Solo Cruisers

Preparing for a solo cruise can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. Making the most of your time alone before the vacation is important to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some pre-cruise preparation tips for solo cruisers:

1. Spend time alone: Before setting sail , take some time to enjoy your own company. This will help you get in the right mindset for solo travel and allow you to relax and recharge before the vacation.

2. Research price options : Researching different cruise lines and their single supplement policies is essential for solo cruisers. Some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Holland America offer single cabins or reduced single supplement fees, making it more affordable for solo travelers.

3. Understand room configurations: Familiarize yourself with the different cabin categories and their configurations. Some cruise lines have dedicated solo cabins or studios, while others offer double-occupancy cabins for single travelers. Knowing the options available will help you choose the accommodation that suits your needs and budget.

4. Research onboard options: Look into the amenities and activities onboard. Many cruise lines have a wide range of activities specifically for solo travelers, such as singles meet-ups and solo traveler excursions. This will ensure you have plenty of options to socialize and meet fellow passengers.

5. Join roll call groups on Cruise Critic: Cruise Critic is a popular online community for cruise enthusiasts. Joining roll call groups for your specific cruise allows you to connect with fellow solo cruisers before the trip. This can help you find a travel companion or get to know other travelers who will be on board.

Solo cruisers can ensure a well-planned and enjoyable vacation by following these pre-cruise preparation tips. Whether you want to relax or socialize, solo cruising offers a unique and enriching experience.

Cruising Solo FAQs

What does cruising alone mean.

Cruising alone means taking a trip on a cruise ship without the company of any friends, family members, or significant other. It’s an opportunity for solo travelers to explore and experience destinations in a safe and secure environment.

Is solo cruising worth it?

Absolutely! Solo cruising offers a unique opportunity for travelers to explore and experience destinations in a safe and secure environment. Traveling alone allows you to discover new places, meet new people, and indulge in whatever activities you like. Plus, many cruise lines offer special amenities and packages for solo travelers, making your cruise vacation more affordable.

What is singles or solo cruises?

Singles or solo cruises are a great way for solo travelers to explore and experience destinations in a safe and secure environment. A single cruise is designed specifically for travelers cruising alone by offering them special amenities, packages, and activities that they would otherwise not have access to onboard traditional cruises. 

Can you cruise as a single person?

Yes, it is possible to cruise as a single person! Many cruise lines offer discounts and amenities specifically for solo travelers.

Is cruising alone safe?

Absolutely! Cruise lines have taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of all passengers, including solo travelers. Most ships have 24-hour security for added protection, and many offer a variety of activities and services designed specifically for solo cruisers. Additionally, seasoned cruisers tend to take extra measures to watch out for their fellow passengers, so you can rest assured that help is nearby if you ever need it.

Can an introvert enjoy a cruise?

Absolutely! Cruising is a great way for introverts to explore and experience destinations in a safe and secure environment. There are plenty of activities specifically designed for solo travelers, such as spa visits, fitness classes, and exploring the beauty of nature on shore excursions. Plus, many cruise lines offer special amenities like anytime dining options, allowing passengers to enjoy meals without worrying about assigned dining.

Is cruising alone more expensive?

The short answer is yes, cruising alone can be more expensive than traveling as part of a group. Many cruise lines charge a single supplement fee for solo travelers, which can add up to several hundred dollars extra. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of solo cruising. Some cruise lines offer special discounts to solo travelers, and travel agents may be able to find you the best deals.

What age can you cruise alone?

The minimum age to cruise solo varies depending on the cruise line. Generally, passengers must be 21 or older to travel without a parent or guardian. 

Why is solo cruising so expensive?

Cruise lines often charge solo travelers a single supplement fee, adding up to several hundred dollars extra. Additionally, many cruise lines offer special packages and amenities for couples unavailable to solo cruisers.

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Solo Cruise Guide: Best Cruising Tips For Singles

If you’re a solo traveler considering taking a cruise, be aware that you could be paying for two. Cruising alone isn’t for everyone, but you’ll have plenty of company if you aren’t an introvert.

I recently took my first solo cruise and opted to book a balcony instead of the studio cabin available on my vessel.

In this article, you’ll learn what it’s like to cruise solo, how to pick a cabin, and the pros and cons of sailing alone. While some cruise lines offer studio cabins, are they the “deal” they are cracked up to be?

Paying A Single Supplement

If you’re cruising solo or with an odd number of people, you need to decide on a cabin choice. All staterooms, except single staterooms, charge a single supplement (or for the 2nd person) when you cruise as a single.

Some cruise lines offer vessels with studios or single cabins, which usually include a double bed instead of a queen. These are advertised as studios with no need to pay the supplement.

If you choose a regular cabin, you’ll pay for two people, but usually one pay one port fee and taxes. Onboard, you’ll also pay one set of gratuities. Occasionally, cruise lines offer a sale where you pay 150% instead of 200%.

So, should you search for a ship with solo rooms instead?

Which Cruise Lines Have Solo Cruise Cabins?

Norwegian cruise line.

The Norwegian Breakaway and Breakaway-plus vessels have revolutionized solo staterooms by adding an exclusive area for those booked in studios. While these inside cabins are small at 99 sq. feet, you’ll have access to a studio lounge and a chance to meet other solo travelers.

Norwegian might be a good choice if you like to meet new people or buddy up and do excursions with others. Their studio complex provides a space to meet and mingle.

The Breakaway class (Breakaway and Escape) has 59 solo rooms, while the Breakaway-Plus (Bliss, Encore, Escape, and Joy) has 82. Some of the cabins can connect, too.

Royal Caribbean

Alternatively, Royal Caribbean offers studios on its Quantum-class and Quantum-plus vessels. Unlike most lines, which only provide interior solo cabins, you have a choice with RCI. Select an inside if you’re on a budget or splurge for a solo balcony.

The Spectrum, Odyssey, Anthem, Quantum, and Ovation of the Seas vessels have 28 studio staterooms, 12 of which are balconies. So, if you’re tired of cruising in the inside cabins, you can enjoy the scenic views of Alaska from your private balcony.

With only 12 on each ship, you’ll need to book early to secure one of these coveted staterooms. The interior cabins are the same sized as Norwegian’s Breakaway studio rooms. However, the balconies are roomier at 119 sq. feet.

Due to their smaller size, you’ll sleep in a double bed instead of a queen, have no sofa, but will enjoy a full-sized bathroom. An alternative to the studios are the inside virtual balconies.

I’ve viewed an inside stateroom on the Quantum of the Seas, which was surprisingly very nice. With a floor-to-ceiling screen live streaming the view outside, you can feel like you have a balcony without paying the higher cost.

While the studios have much smaller square footage, you’ll enjoy the same size bathroom.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Silhouette is the only vessel in the fleet that offers solo cabins, and there are only four. You’ll find these inside category rooms on deck 9 or the Panorama deck next to the main elevators. Celebrity’s category IS cabins measure 102 sq. feet.

Holland America Line

Three of Holland America’s ships feature solo cabins. You’ll find them on the Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam. The 12 Ocean view staterooms are on the main deck or deck 1 and at the ship’s bow.

Due to the ship narrowing at the front, the rooms vary in size from 129 to 172 square feet. The double bed is pushed against the window, offering plenty of space for solo travelers. However, there is no sofa.

P & O Cruises

You’ll find P & O single cabins on many of their vessels. The Arcadia, Arvia, Azura, Britannia, Iona, and Ventura offer various studio categories.

As you can see, the staterooms vary in size, with the ones on the Arcadia and Britannia being the most spacious.

MSC Cruises

While MSC has a large fleet, you’ll find solo rooms on four of their vessels. MSC Bellissima, Grandiosa, Meraviglia, and Virtuosa feature 129 sq. foot studio interiors. They feature a twin bed that converts to a couch for multi-functional use.

While other lines like Princess, Disney, and Carnival Cruise don’t have single-occupancy cabins, should you forego these lines and seek rooms built for single travelers instead? Let’s investigate the overall cost and compare sailing in a studio vs. paying the single supplement.

Three of the four Cunard vessels have studio staterooms, and they are some of the largest in the industry. In fact, their solo rooms are more spacious than double occupancy staterooms on competitor lines.

Interestingly, the newest Cunard ship, the Queen Ann, doesn’t have studio staterooms.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin provides solo cabins on all three of its vessels. The Resilient, Valiant, and Scarlet Lady have category I1 Solo Insider cabins measuring 101 sq. feet and category V1 Solo Sea View measuring 130 sq. feet.

Most inside solo rooms are mid-ship, ideal for those suffering from motion sickness.

The Cost Of A Solo Cruise

Cruising in a solo cabin allows you to forego the single supplement. Hurray! But is it more cost-effective?

I recently took my mom on a cruise and had to weigh the cost of having her in a cabin alone or let her share with my husband and me. At 81 years old, she couldn’t sleep in a Pullman. Since  the Discovery Princess  didn’t have a sofa bed in a balcony cabin, we’d have to upgrade to a mini-suite.

In the end, it was cheaper to book two balcony rooms and pay the solo supplement than to have three in a mini-suite. We preferred mom have her own space since she sleeps early, and we didn’t have one bathroom for three people. 

We could find her on board with the  Ocean Medallion system if we chose to do different activities.

Fast forward nine months, and my husband couldn’t cruise for medical reasons. He suggested I try a few solo cruises if I could find good deals.

I booked two solo cruises with Princess and Holland America. Since Princess doesn’t have solo rooms, I paid the single supplement to cruise in a balcony cabin. However, even though the HAL Koningsdam had studio cabins, I chose to book a balcony instead. 

When I looked at the final cost, I paid USD 10 more for a balcony on the Koningsdam (and paying a single supplement fee) than booking a solo studio Oceanview room. This made me realise that although I wasn’t paying a single supplement on studio rooms, it’s built into the price.

The Oceanview solo cabins are at the very front of the vessel and much smaller at 129 to 172 sq. feet. It was a no-brainer to have a balcony over a non-balcony cabin, especially at a USD 10 difference.

So, I wondered if choosing a solo stateroom always had the single supplement built into the price. I checked out other cruise lines’ pricing on typical 7-day cruises. Here’s what I found.

Norwegian Encore:  A studio stateroom was 15% cheaper than an interior with a single supplement. The studio is smaller at 99 sq. feet, unlike the regular insides at 135 sq. feet. However, studio guests have access to an exclusive studio lounge.

Celebrity Silhouette  – I was surprised that the studio room came in at 15% MORE than a regular stateroom (with the single supplement).

Cunard Queen Mary 2  – The studio Oceanview had a savings of 10% over paying for two in a regular Oceanview.

Booking a studio cabin and not paying the single supplement doesn’t always provide the savings you’d think. Prices will vary by cruise destination, length, and number of available studio cabins.

Also, some vessels may not have the category of room that you desire in a studio. So, you can opt for the 10-15% savings or pay a bit more and enjoy a larger space.

Tips To Know About Solo Cruising

One of the most significant benefits of going on a cruise alone is that some cruise lines give you double loyalty points if you sail in a double occupancy room.

It’s a great way to attain a higher status, especially when loyal to one cruise line. The following cruise lines reward those who pay the single supplement in a double occupancy room. Note, you will not get double points when cruising in a solo or studio stateroom.

• Royal Caribbean – double points.
• Celebrity Cruises – double points based on room type.
• Azamara – double points.
• Princess Cruises – double points for cruises but not double the days.

Princess Cruises counts both the number of cruises and cruise days sailed. So, for my 3-day solo cruise with Princess, I got two cruise credits.

As you can see, you can level up quicker by doing multiple mini-cruises or booking an extended itinerary. When staying in a double occupancy stateroom and paying for two, your one cruise will count as two.

Holland America hosts single events, allowing cruise singles to meet other solo cruisers. With cocktail parties, wine tasting, and dance classes, you can still have fun on your own.

On longer itineraries of 30 days or more, they provide a social host who can act as a dance partner and company during the sailing.

Sometimes, cruise lines have special offers with no single or discounted supplement. Vacation To Go has a section of single cruises with discounts. There are also clubs like Singles Cruises that allows you to sail with other solo guests.

Cruising As A Solo Traveler

During my Holland America cruise, there was a meet and greet for solo and single guests on the first evening. Later on, there was a solo dinner.

Single guests can dine alone or share a large table in the main dining room. Traditionally, cruise lines offered early and late seating. However, many have now gone to anytime dining.

On the old program, it was easier to dine with other single cruisers, as the line often sat them together at the same table every night. It was a chance to make new friends and organize tours with fellow passengers.

With anytime dining, you will be seated with couples if you request a shared table. Alternatively, if you attend a singles or solo meet and greet, you can arrange to have dinner with other guests.

If you’re looking to do group activities with solo travelers, there are many online groups that allow you to connect before embarkation day.

Solo Cruise Conclusion

Going on a cruise alone might be overwhelming for some, yet others do it every day. If you’re worried about safety, you have the security of taking a cruise line excursion with other guests.

Whether you’re new to traveling alone or a seasonal single adventurer, solo cruising provides a way to see the world without being alone. 

While I always traveled on a cruise ship with someone else, cruising alone allowed me to do what I wanted. Cruise excursions were less expensive in ports as I was paying for one. I could also fly with just a carry-on since I was packing for one and not two.

While I just experienced my first solo journey, I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Tuesday 5th of December 2023

Thank you so much for this article. I have been considering doing a solo cruise for a while, thanks for all the research! It will definitely be put to use!

Karen Hosier

Deb, it was an interesting experience cruising solo and something I'd definitely do again.

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Solo Cruises

With everything arranged for you, from excursions to meals and activities, you can just picture your perfect cruise and go. As a contained ‘resort on the water’ with lots of group activities and excursions, you’re bound to meet like-minded people who are, quite literally, in the same boat. The world is your oyster on a solo cruise and many cruise lines offer solo cabins. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic boasts single ‘studios’.

Popular solo traveller cruise lines

Norwegian cruise line.

Mingle with fellow cruisers at a pub crawl or pamper yourself at the spa, whatever you desire, Norwegian Cruise Line makes solo cruising easy and enjoyable.

Celebrity Cruises

Bond with fellow passengers on a shore excursion or learn about the art of wine tasting, whatever your taste, Celebrity Cruises lets you enjoy in style.

Princess Cruises

Reserve a spot in a yoga class or get to know new people at the Casino, whatever you prefer Princess Cruises makes it easy to relax and meet new people.

Popular solo cruise destinations

Mediterranean.

Iconic landmarks, diverse cultures, and extraordinary history. There's so much to explore, and lots of people to meet when cruising the Mediterranean.

Relax on white sandy beaches, soak in the tropical sun and meet like-minded people on a land or sea shore excursion in the Caribbean.

Australasia

Marvel at the stunning coastlines of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Australasia is where nature lovers can come together and explore.

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Luxury Solo Cruises

We aim to find you the perfect escape, from our luxury solo cruises, that fulfils all your desires. Regardless of whether you’re choosing to travel alone, or with a group and simply want your own space.

Single travellers shouldn’t have to compromise on exquisite accommodations, or superlative experiences. And that’s why we work with the world’s leading cruise lines. Allow us to find you the very best premium cruises, luxury adventures and unique expeditions.

Cruising is perfect for solo travellers. The refined ships, that we recommend, offer all the space you could ever yearn for. All provide plentiful options for socialising should you wish to. Enjoy quiet moments in the sunshine, under the stars, or in a cosy corner with a good book. Or expand your social circle with sophisticated culinary affairs and convivial evenings.

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At the Cruise Village were here to help you find the itinerary, ship and onboard experience that matches perfectly with your needs and desires. Looking for something a little different to solely the cruise journey? We can curate a bespoke package exclusively for you. From luxury hotels to on-shore explorations with a difference, private transfers and home chauffeur pick-ups, we’re here to provide a seamless journey.

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I've sailed alone on 4 cruise lines. Here are my top 5 tips for taking a solo cruise.

Posted: August 2, 2023 | Last updated: August 3, 2023

• I've traveled solo on four cruise ships during my time as a travel reporter with Insider.
• Taking a cruise alone can be freeing and convenient — if you know how to do it right.
• These are my five top tips for travelers who are considering going on a solo cruise.

Traveling alone on a cruise ship can be liberating, convenient, and cheap — so long as you know how to do it right.

If you're reading this, you're likely already interested in traveling by yourself. You should own this sense of independence: Going alone means you won't have to compromise your itinerary.

But if you're unsure how to approach a solo cruise trip, you've come to the right place. As a well-practiced solo traveler , these are my top five tips for people interested in doing just that.

My cruises have been inaugural sailings or trips exclusive to media and booking agents.

As a result, my trips have been paid for or discounted by cruise lines.

Because these are work trips, my schedule is often packed from morning to night.

But I always try to find time for myself. After all, there's nothing better than some alone time with unfettered ocean views.

And I've left feeling socially fulfilled despite going alone on some trips.

1. It should go without saying — embrace being alone. Don't be afraid to chat with new people.

If you feel anxious or insecure eating alone at a restaurant, you might feel that way for the first few days of the cruise.

But if there's anything my years of traveling alone have taught me, it's that nobody is judging you.

It could be daunting at first. But past this anxiety, cruising alone provides a great opportunity to make new friends. If you're there to mingle, head to the bars, pools, or even mini-golf courses .

2. If you prefer some quiet time, stay on the ship during port days.

Port days and the opportunity to explore new destinations are exciting.

But if your priority is having the ship's amenities to yourself, it's also one of the best days to stay put.

Because almost everyone leaves the ship during port days, you should have no problem securing a highly coveted pool chair.

The lounges, buffets, pools, and popular onboard amenities are nearly empty on port days. So if you want to lounge by a quiet pool with a book and no screaming children in sight, consider spending your port day on the vessel or heading back early.

3. Book your onboard dining as early as possible.

This tip applies to cruisers traveling in groups, too. If you cruise to eat, prioritize booking the specialty restaurants you care about. The sooner you do, the more likely you are to secure your top restaurants and dining times.

This tip applies to shows as well.

During my two-night media sailing on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, the nighttime comedy shows were almost completely booked when I boarded the ship.

The more proactive you are, the more likely you are to catch the shows you want to see.

4. Make sure the cruise line fits you.

Make the most of your trip by booking a cruise line compatible with your interests. Do your research: Cruise lines target different demographics.

If you're looking for a quiet, peaceful children-free retreat, for example, consider avoiding a Disney cruise.

Instead, opt for the adults-only Virgin Voyages or Celebrity Cruises .

5. Check for single-supplement fees.

Some companies charge an additional "single supplement" for solo travelers booking a stateroom designed for more than one guest.

On cruise lines like Silversea, the supplement starts at an additional 25% on top of the base fare. On Royal Caribbean, it could be double the cost of your trip.

Look for solo cabins instead.

Instead of paying this hefty add-on, see whether the cruise line has cabins for solo travelers. Companies like Celebrity and Oceania offer this.

Yes, they can be small. But you could save a significant lump of cash by opting for solo cabins.

But no matter the room, dining, or itinerary you decide to pick, just remember to relax and enjoy your solo time.

Bring a book, grab a drink, and head to an observation lounge. Enjoy the comforts of alone time. It'll certainly be more entertaining on a cruise ship than sitting alone at home. 

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15 Best Places for Solo Travel in Europe

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: March 27th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

The best places for solo travel in Europe beckon with the promise of adventure and connection. Europe is packed with exciting cultural attractions, imaginative activities, and friendly bars and cafés where it’s easy to strike up a conversation and get to know the locals.

Europe is generally safe for solo travelers, and plenty make the journey. Yes, you’ll need to navigate different cultures, currencies, and customs, but that’s all part of the fun of exploring.

So unleash your inner adventurer, whether you’ve always dreamed of trying tapas in Barcelona, visiting Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, or belting out ABBA’s greatest hits in Stockholm.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Friendly Amsterdam is a great city for solo travelers. Many people speak English, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation.

There are enjoyable ways to see the city, too, in a group of like-minded people. Join a guided cycling tour, or take a paddle boarding excursion along some of the quieter canals. Spend time browsing Amsterdam’s art museums , such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

Something no visitor to Amsterdam should miss is the poignant Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht. You’ll see the annex where the teenager and her family hid from the Nazis, and where Anne wrote her famous diary. It’s both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, and a visit here raises all kinds of debating points to discuss with your newfound friends.

After your visit, stroll the pretty neighborhood of Jordaan in Downtown Amsterdam and stop for refreshments in one of the famous brown cafés.

Berlin, Germany

Museum Island in Berlin, Germany

If you’ve never been to the cool, edgy German capital of Berlin before, by far the best way is to take a tour as there’s a vast amount to see. Take in the 18th century Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, where Parliament sits, and the remnants of the Berlin Wall that once divided the city.

Visit the Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie and learn about the struggle for human rights during the days of communism and the ingenious ways locals dreamed up to get over the wall.

Alternatively, Berlin is also known as one of the best cities for art in the world. Lose yourself on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where there are five superb museums dedicated to art and archaeology on an island in the Spree River.

Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

The capital of Catalunya is a buzzing, dynamic city, packed with art, culture, and nightlife, and a popular destination for solo travel in Europe.

Stroll the Ramblas and watch the street entertainers. Browse the colorful La Boqueria market, one of the best places to shop in Barcelona , where you can perch on a bar stool with a snack and watch the world go by.

Wander the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter and visit Le Seu, the towering cathedral. For more dazzling architecture, don’t miss the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s spectacular basilica, a complex riot of organic shapes, bright colors, slender columns, and impossibly tall towers.

One of the best ways to get chatting with locals in Barcelona is to go out for tapas. A great way to do this is to join a tapas tasting tour to sample local specialties and meet fellow foodies.

Seville, Spain

Plaza de España in Seville, Spain

Seville is an easy and safe place to explore on your own. Wander around the dramatic Plaza de España, designed for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929, and admire the elaborate architecture and intricate tiles.

Pre-book your ticket to the Royal Alcázar, an exquisitely beautiful palace dating back 1,000 years and still used by the Spanish royals today.

You’ll find some of the best tapas bars in the tangle of streets that’s the Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter. There are flamenco schools here, too, where the evocative sounds of the music float on the breeze. You could even join a 60-minute class for an initiation into the heel-clicking and dramatic hand movements.

In summer, locals head for the open-air pop-up bars along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, which bisects this beautiful Spanish city . This is a great place to sit and people-watch with a cold drink and strike up a conversation.

Stockholm, Sweden

Beautiful Stockholm drapes across 14 islands, so there’s water everywhere you look. There’s plenty to see here, and a guided walking tour of Gamla Stan, the old center, is the best way to get under the skin of the Swedish capital in like-minded company.

If you’re feeling brave, join one of the guided rooftop tours which take you over the roofs of some of the ancient buildings—complete with safety gear, of course.

Stockholm has some great museums to explore. Head for the Vasa Museum to admire the Vasa, a 16th century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and has been painstakingly raised from the bottom of Stockholm harbor.

ABBA fans can sing along to their favorite tracks with wild abandon at ABBA, The Museum.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s laid-back capital is enjoying a moment in the sun, as digital nomads from all over the world take up residence here to make the most of the enviable lifestyle and climate.

As such, there’s a cosmopolitan buzz in Lisbon , and you’ll hear an eclectic mix of languages spoken in the bars and restaurants.

Take in the sights, including the Castelo de São Jorge and the Jerónimos Monastery. One of the best things to do in Lisbon is to see the 16th-century Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s maritime power during the age of exploration.

For a fun and social activity, head to the superb Time Out Market, a dazzling display of food, drink, and flowers. There are also numerous little restaurants where you can sample Portuguese specialties.

At the center, there’s a cooking school. Here, you can join a class to learn how to make pasteis de nata, the delicious custard tarts that Portugal is famous for .

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a safe, friendly, and relatively compact city to explore, so you won’t have any problems getting around on a solo trip.

Some of the best things to do in Copenhagen include touring the grand Christiansborg Palace and gazing in awe at the lavish reception rooms and salons, as well as soaking up the lifestyle of the Danish royals at Amalienborg Palace.

Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark

Snap a shot of the Little Mermaid, perched wistfully on her rock, and stroll the leafy Tivoli Gardens, where locals come to picnic and listen to music. Drop into the Food Hall, where there are 15 different stalls offering street food from around the world, if you prefer not to sit at a table in a more formal restaurant.

If you only have a day in Copenhagen , you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet locals at colorful Nyhavn, the 17th-century waterfront packed with lively bars and restaurants.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges may seem like a city for romantics, but you can have just as much fun on your own. Take a canal boat ride along the network of waterways that criss-crosses the city, overlooked by half-timbered houses and window boxes crammed with scarlet geraniums.

Belfry in Bruges, Belgium

One of the best things to do in Bruges is to climb up the Belfry that overlooks Markt, the market square at the heart of the city, for fantastic views over the medieval rooftops. Reward yourself with a steaming bowl of Belgium’s national dish, garlicky moules-frites, or mussels with fries.

To meet like-minded travelers, join a tour that includes a chocolate-making demonstration, and taste some of the creamy truffles for which the city is famed. Or take part in a beer tasting experience and learn more about Belgium’s age-old brewing traditions.

Athens, Greece

Parthenon in Athens, Greece

Bring Ancient Greece to life with a visit to Athens , where the compact center is easy to explore. The best way to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon is with a guide, who will explain the context of this world-famous site.

Afterward, spend time in the beautifully laid out Acropolis Museum. There’s an excellent café at the top with uninterrupted views of the Parthenon.

At night, the tangled alleys of the popular Athenian neighborhood Plaka are buzzing with life and are safe to wander alone. Shop here for clothing, jewelry, and local crafts, and stop for a mezze feast in one of the vine-shaded tavernas.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is known as one of the safest countries in the world, and as such, is one of the best places for solo travel in Europe.

While the capital, Reykjavik , has some interesting sights and its fair share of cool bars, getting out of town is the best way to discover the wild scenery that’s been shaped by fire and ice.

There are dozens of choices. Join a horseback riding tour, or share the adrenaline rush of white water rafting with others. Take a guided hike to see some of Iceland’s plunging waterfalls , or a movie locations tour that incorporates the starkly beautiful countryside with insider gossip about the many movies and TV series that have been shot here.

Rome, Italy

Sitting in the sunlit Piazza Navona in Rome with a morning cappuccino while watching the world go by is one of Italy’s simple yet satisfying pleasures, especially for solo travelers.

Or join a behind-the-scenes tour of the Colosseum, once the location of brutal gladiatorial fights. Take a foodie tour around colorful Trastevere for an in-depth insight into Roman cuisine , led by a local.

Gaze in awe at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, and admire the splendors of the Vatican Museum. One of the joys of traveling solo is that you can take as long as you like to soak up these priceless treasures.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Stradun in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatians have a term, fjaka , which translates loosely as the great pleasure of doing very little, whiling away time with friends over a coffee. Take a seat in any of the hole-in-the-wall coffee shops or bars in the narrow streets of Dubrovnik leading off the Stradun and you’ll find locals happy to chat.

Later in the day, find a shady table in one of the many al-fresco restaurants in Dubrovnik’s Old Town for a glass of chilled white to wash down a platter of local cheese and air-dried ham.

Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Head to Fort Lovrijenac next to the old city and climb up to the top for sweeping views down over the terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic beyond. A kayaking tour is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik to explore the walls from the outside.

Tallinn, Estonia

Compact Tallinn is like a scene from a fairy tale, with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings and graceful spires. Join a walking tour to get more perspective on this enchanting city, then relax in Town Hall Square with a cold beer and watch the world go by.

For something different, one of the best things to do in Tallinn is to visit the KGB Museum in the Hotel Viru. This was Estonia’s first skyscraper, and when the country was still under Soviet rule, it served as a listening post for the KGB. You can see the secret room, still filled with gadgetry that the Soviets used to spy on the hotel’s guests.

Porto, Portugal

The beautiful old city of Porto , which clings to the south bank of the Douro River, is a great option for singles.

There’s plenty of things to do in Porto , from learning about the port wine production for which the city is famous to soaking up the atmosphere of the many riverside bars and restaurants. Fans of old books should visit the Livraria Lello, regarded as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

Check out the incredible scenery on a tour that takes you deep into the Douro Valley, where sinuous vineyards snake around the contours of the hills.

London, England

You’d need weeks to do London justice as there’s so much to see in Britain’s buzzing capital, one of the best places for solo travel in Europe.

A cruise along the Thames will show you the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the iconic Tower Bridge. There are galleries and museums galore; visit the Tate Modern and wander along the South Bank, soaking up the atmosphere and snacking from food trucks.

Portobello Road in London, England

Join a guided walking tour of the City, the oldest part of London. There are various themes, from literary London to haunted London and the atmospheric Jack the Ripper tour. Explore some of the street markets; you’ll recognize Portobello Road from various movies, while Petticoat Lane is great for antiques and Columbia Road is a gorgeous flower market.

Ready to set out and explore the cultural and culinary delights of Europe’s most exciting cities? Browse our Europe cruises and plan your adventure with Celebrity Cruises.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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An ultra-luxury cruise line wants travelers to live on its cruise ship for 4.5 months while it sails to 40 countries — for up to $1.7 million a suite

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' 140-night 2027 world cruise would sail to 71 destinations across 40 countries.
• Fares range from $91,500 to $840,000 per person, the latter a record for the company.
• The ultra-luxury cruise line's annual around-the-world voyages often sell out fast.

What would you do with $91,500? If your answer is incredibly niche and something like "move onto a ship for four months while it sails to six continents," Regent Seven Seas Cruises has you covered.

Like other luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas operates annual monthslong world cruises , many of which have sold out. If you've missed the opportunity to book its previous around-the-world voyages, here's your next shot: On Wednesday, the ultra-premium cruise line announced its newest global itinerary , a 2027 cruise to 71 destinations.

The 140-night sailing, known as the "World of Splendor," is an achievement in its own right. But not for any reasons you might expect: The most expensive cabin rings in at $840,000 per person, a record for the cruise line.

The Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brand’s 2027 plan isn’t exactly affordable compared to other comparable itineraries.

Luxury Crystal and premium Oceania Cruises revealed their 2026 world cruises this month. The sailings start at $84,000 and $59,700 per person, respectively.

The cheapest cabin on Regent Seven Seas' 2027 itinerary is $92,500 per person.

At least the fare also includes more than 486 excursion options, first-class flights, WiFi, and alcohol, as is typical with the all-inclusive cruise line .

To some travelers, the World of Splendor could be worth its cost.

After all, not everyone can set aside 4 ½ months of their life to traverse 35,668 nautical miles and six continents on a high-end ship.

At the start of 2027, the then-seven-year-old Seven Seas Splendor will depart Miami on the 40-country voyage.

From Florida, the ship would sail to South and Central American destinations, including through the Panama Canal, before heading to Los Angeles, according to a map of the itinerary.

On its way to Australia, the Splendor plans to dock at ports in Hawaii and French Polynesia.

After a few stops in cities like Sydney and Cairns, Australia, the vessel would continue east into Southeast and South Asia, bringing travelers to the likes of Indonesia and Thailand.

From there, the globetrotting guests will be off to the Middle East and Europe.

After a transatlantic crossing, the ship plans to dock in Bermuda before sailing north to New York, concluding the 140-day journey.

This is the first time the company has tapped its 746-guest Seven Seas Splendor for the global trip.

The Seven Seas Splendor is one of the cruise line's largest ships — bigger than the one it's using for its 2023, 2024, and 2025 world cruises.

A floating resort of Splendor's size has become a necessity for the company's extended voyages: Demand is high. And its around-the-world cruises tend to sell out — fast.

Splendor's initiation would also mark the first time a world cruise guest could book one of the cruise line's plushest 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite.

This is no dinky interior cabin. The Regent Suite has its own spa, a $200,000 Hastens mattress, original artwork from Pablo Picasso, and a private butler.

These luxuries make it the most expensive option on the ship: The cabin is $840,000 per person — about $1.7 million for two guests.

Don't worry, the 4 ½ months at sea would still be plenty lavish for all the other guests.

Travelers could spend their 140 days at sea gaping at the ship's $5 million art collection or luxuriating under its more than 500 crystal chandeliers.

Dinners would be just as extravagant: The Seven Seas Splendor's five restaurants serve high-end bites like lobster tempura, steak tartare with caviar, and ravioli with a Parmesan and truffle sauce.

Regent Seven Seas says the Splendor will be stocked with 13,000 pounds of lobster, 14,000 pounds of filet mignon, and 150 pounds of caviar to accommodate these meals.

Booze is included in the fare, which means the ship would also carry 200 varieties and 58,000 bottles of wine.

Despite their relatively hefty prices, the ultra-luxury cruise line has had no problem filling its previous around-the-world sailings.

Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, told Business Insider that the company is expecting "unprecedented interest" in the 2027 world cruise.

It wouldn't be unheard of. In the past four years, Regent Seven Seas' world cruises have continuously sold out in "record time" as the company, like many other cruise lines, has continued to see growing interest in extended cruises.

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Top Gun 3 Update: Jerry Bruckheimer Says Tom Cruise Has Been Pitched a 'Story He Liked' (Exclusive)

While Jerry Bruckheimer says Tom Cruise liked a story pitch for 'Top Gun 3,' he notes Cruise is "a very in-demand actor and he's got a lot of movies lined up"

Gareth Cattermole/Getty

Plans are in motion for Tom Cruise to take to the skies again in a third Top Gun movie.

Jerry Bruckheimer , the producer behind Cruise's 1986 hit Top Gun and the 2022 box office sensation Top Gun: Maverick , tells PEOPLE "we're working on" Top Gun 3 as he promotes his new movie with filmmaker Guy Ritchie , The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare .

"We pitched Tom a story he liked. But he's a very in-demand actor and he's got a lot of movies lined up, so we have to wait and see," Bruckheimer, 80, adds.

When asked what might surprise fans about Cruise, 61, Bruckheimer immediately points to the actor's work ethic. "How hard he works," he tells PEOPLE. "A lot of actors, they finish the day, they get in their car and they go home. Tom stays around, talks to the other actors, looks at the film that they shot, wants to know what's happening tomorrow. He's really engaged in every part of the process."

Scott Garfield/Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett

Top Gun: Maverick grossed nearly $1.5 billion at the worldwide box office following its release in 2022. The sequel was the highest-grossing movie at the domestic box office that calendar year and currently stands out as the fifth-highest-grossing movie of all time in the U.S. and 12th-highest in the world.

When asked what the movie's success more than 25 years after the first Top Gun means to him, Bruckheimer tells PEOPLE, "Oh, it's fantastic."

"Just the fact that we can entertain so many people around the world was something that we worked so hard on. It is just the best there is," he says. "Just to stand back in the theater and watch an audience applaud and cry and laugh. Laughter is the best thing in the world."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Paramount Pictures/Alamy

Bruckheimer's next movie, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, is   in theaters April 19. The producer teamed up with director Ritchie, 55, for a film that stars Henry Cavill as a British special ops agent during World War II.

"I've been a fan of his since [1998's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels ], way back when he was a young pup," Bruckheimer says of working with Ritchie. "It's been a long time trying to get him. Finally, [we] got him."

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Here’s the ‘ridiculous’ rule on cruise ships that travelers are blasting as a ‘rip-off’.

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When it comes to drinking on board a cruise ship , there is a rule that has even the most dedicated cruisers scratching their heads, claiming it is a “rip-off.”

Drink packages are a common offering on cruises, allowing guests to pay upfront to have the cost of alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants on board the ship covered.

But there is often a catch – and it can be a terribly frustrating one.

If one person wants to purchase the drinks package, everyone in the same stateroom has to, despite the packages being charged per person, per day and strictly not allowed to be shared.

Australian couple Christine and Dave Russell, who have been going on multiple cruises a year for the past decade, found out how pesky the rule was when Ms. Russell decided to stop drinking 12 months ago.

It meant on three Carnival cruises , Mr. Russell had to miss out on purchasing the drinks package because Ms. Russell would have been forced to pay $111 ($72 USD) a day.

“When you times that by two and only one person drinks, it’s a lot of money,” she told news.com.au.

“I’m not going to drink $100 a day in soft drink. I don’t generally drink soft drink anyway, I only ever drink water.”

Ms. Russell described the rule as “frustrating” and “annoying.”

Carnival’s policy is that its “Cheers!” drinks package, including up to 15 alcoholic drinks a day and other non-alcoholic beverages, must be purchased by each adult assigned to the same stateroom.

No sharing is permitted.

News.com.au reached out to a number of major cruise lines that sail in Australia with similar conditions – including Carnival Cruise Line, P & O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean – and not one could give a reason.

Carnival Australia, which is the parent company of seven cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand, including Carnival, P & O, Cunard and Princess, instead said it took its Responsible Service of Alcohol seriously and drink packages were optional.

“Our beverage packages are completely optional, and guests have the freedom to purchase beverages individually at competitive prices, allowing them to customise their cruise experience according to their personal preferences,” a Carnival Australia spokesperson said.

“Our beverage package conditions align with general industry standards which have been in place for many years, and mirror other hospitality industries when opting for a set menu or drinks package.

“Guests who are pregnant or don’t drink alcohol do not have to buy a beverages package, and we offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages.”

Adam Glezer of  Consumer Champion , who advocates for Australian customers with issues in the travel industry, told news.com.au the rule was “unreasonable” and “a profit making exercise.”

While he believes drink packages on cruises are a brilliant idea, he said cruise companies should not be pressuring people to buy them if they don’t want to.

Mr. Glezer, who is a cruiser himself, said it was “disappointing but not surprising” the cruise companies had failed to give a reason for the rule.

“They haven’t given a reason because there’s no explanation that would paint them in a decent light,” he said.

“I’m fighting for this to be changed because a drinks package should be optional per individual.”

“If someone drinks, they should be able to purchase the drinks package without others in the cabin being obliged to purchase the same package.”

“I’ve met a number of people that have been quite annoyed by the situation.”

He believes a cruise company who decides to buck tradition and “get rid of the ridiculous rule will have an edge on their opposition.”

Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Line, which had their first seasons in Australia this summer, have both ditched traditional drink packages.

Virgin instead allows guests to pre-pay their “Bar Tab” and get bonus on-board credit for doing so.

It promotes its offering as being different to other cruise brands, with “no restrictive drink packages with unreasonable rules here”.

Disney’s deals include packages of bottled wine and a refillable beer mug offering, where guests receive a 21 oz glass mug and can refill it for the cost of a 16 oz beer at any bar on the ship that serves draft beer.

Royal Caribbean has a slightly different take on the traditional rule that the same drink package must be purchased by those staying together.

If a guest within the stateroom does not drink alcohol then a ‘Refreshment Package’ must be purchased, including soft drinks, coffees, tea, juices and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Travelers have shared mixed reactions to cruise drink packages online, with some warning it is not worth it and others explaining how they got their money’s worth.

One Australian TikTok user, who goes by the handle “jasmintiexo,” created a detailed breakdown of every drink she ordered on a eight day Royal Caribbean cruise.

It showed she was able to get $US1151.50 (about $1760) worth of drinks for $US520 (about $795).

See how major cruise brands in Australia apply the rule on drink packages below.

Carnival Cruise Line

If purchasing the “Cheers!” alcoholic drinks package each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase it too, starting at $111($72 USD) per person, per day.

There is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks a day.

If the drinks package is part of an offer you have received from Carnival, then it is applicable to the 1st and 2nd adults in the cabin only; if the 2nd passenger is not 18 years of age, then the “Bottomless Bubbles” package (soft drink and juice) will be assigned at $7.50 (about $5 USD) per day.

Carnival Cruise Line told news.com.au: “If one of the guests sailing together chooses not to purchase a package, they always have the option to enjoy beverages ala carte.”

Celebrity Cruises

Guests must purchase the same drink package for all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom. Packages may not be shared.

A non-alcoholic drink package will be added instead for teens 13 to 17 years old, pregnant guests, and recovering alcoholics or guests with a medical issue that does not allow them to consume alcohol.

Alcoholic drink packages start at $US89 ($136) per person, per day.

Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the same drinks option.

Sharing is not permitted.

On a five to 14 night cruise, the “Beers, Wines and Spirits” package starts at $US72 ($110) per person, per day.

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P & O Cruises

If two or more guests aged over 18 years are sharing a cabin all guests must purchase the same drinks package.

There is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks a day. Sharing drink packages is not allowed.

Alcoholic drink packages start at $99 ($65 USD) per person, per day.

Princess Cruises

The requirement for alcoholic drink packages to be purchased by more than one guest is not included in the updated terms and conditions.

However in its FAQ, Princess Cruises states third and fourth guests in the same stateroom are not required to purchase or be defaulted to the selected package of first and second guests in a stateroom, implying the first two guests must purchase the same package.

Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages a day and must not be shared.

The alcoholic drink packages start at $110 ($72 USD) per person, per day.

Royal Caribbean

If purchasing the “Deluxe Beverage Package” it is required that it is purchased by all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom.

Packages cannot be shared.

If a guest within the stateroom does not drink alcohol then a “Refreshment Package” must be purchased.

This includes soft drinks, coffees, tea, juices and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Prices can change depending on the sailing.

The alcoholic drinks package is said to cost between $US56 ($86) to $US105 ($161) per person, per day, and the “Refreshment Package” costs $US29 ($44) per person, per day (both excluding gratuity).

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