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Cruises offer singles a safe, fun, and all-inclusive way to meet new people or enjoy a relaxing solo vacation. Solo cruising is easier and more popular than ever. Here’s why.
13 TIPS
A cabin just for you. Many cruise lines now offer dedicated solo cabins. You don’t have to find roommates or pay for a larger room. See our rundown of cruise lines and single support at bottom.
Booking solo. Solo cabins are limited and sell out fast. Avoid the high season and don’t wait to put down a deposit.
Booking standard. If you can’t get a solo cabin or miss a solo promotion, wait until 60 days or less before sailing. If ships aren’t full, they’ll start discounting cabin rates and may waive all or part of the single supplement.
Single discounts. Cruise lines may offer reduced single supplements (the amount over the per-person price ). Instead of paying for two in a cabin, a single supplement may be 50% (not 100%) or less.
Convenient socializing: In addition to a variety of bars, ships host mixers, singles meetups, and group trivia games that make meeting people easy.
Safe Environment: Gated ship security allows solo travelers to explore and relax with peace of mind.
No Planning Stress: Your lodging, transport, and meals are bundled together, so you do not have to stress over daily logistics.
Group Excursions: Guided shore tours let you explore foreign ports alongside other travelers who share your interests.
Built-in Entertainment: Comedy shows, live music, and dance parties happen every night just steps from your room.
Flexible Dining: You can choose large shared tables to chat with new friends or sit alone for a quiet meal.
Predictable Budget: Most food and entertainment are paid for before you board, making it easy to manage your spending.
See Multiple Places: You visit different cities or islands while only having to unpack your suitcase one time.
Guaranteed “Me Time”: You can easily retreat to an adult-only deck, a spa, or a quiet lounge whenever you want privacy.
Pricing and Solo Options for Major Cruise Lines
The Vibe: Industry leader in solo travel with dedicated studio staterooms and private Studio Lounges on select ships.
Solo Pricing & Options: Offers Studio, Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Balcony rooms. These are priced specifically for one person rather than standard double occupancy, though solo travelers in standard cabins may still face a supplement depending on demand.
The Vibe: Modern luxury and stylish single accommodations.
Solo Pricing & Options: Features dedicated single staterooms (including Edge-class ships with Infinite Verandas) starting around 131 to 184 square feet. Single supplements for regular double-occupancy rooms typically hover around 100% extra if no solo cabins are available, but dedicated single rooms offer much lower entry pricing.
The Vibe: Vibrant, activity-filled mega-ships suited for active solo travelers.
Solo Pricing & Options: Offers a limited inventory of dedicated interior solo staterooms primarily on Quantum-class ships. Standard single supplements on other ships generally range from 150% to 200% unless booked during specific solo promotions.
The Vibe: Adults-only, social, and party-forward atmosphere ideal for singles.
Solo Pricing & Options: Offers “Insider” and “Sea View” solo cabins. When solo cabins sell out, Virgin frequently runs limited-time promos dropping single supplements down to 25% or waiving them entirely on select sailings.
The Vibe: Carnival didn’t get the memo that singles are a quality market segment. Singles are welcome on the “party” cruise line with a lively atmosphere and singles events. But Carnival offers no singles cabins or deals.
Solo Pricing & Options: Singles pay double the per-person double-occupancy rate (essentially paying for both spots in the room). You do however only pay government taxes, port fees, and daily prepaid gratuities for one person instead of two.
The Vibe: Classic, refined, and quiet environment.
Solo Pricing & Options: Features dedicated Single Oceanview staterooms on Pinnacle-class ships (Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam) with no single supplement.
7. Luxury & River Lines (Windstar, Silversea Cruises, and AmaWaterways)
The Vibe: Upscale, intimate, and destination-heavy.
Solo Pricing & Options:
Windstar Cruises: Frequently drops single supplements to 120% on select departures.
Silversea: Regularly offers reduced single supplements starting around 125%.
AmaWaterways: Select river cruise categories feature a reduced single supplement of 150%.