Five percent of people who cruise aboard Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) more than 50-member cruise line brands are opting to go solo — a number that has roughly doubled compared to a decade ago, the organization found. “This increase in demand has driven cruise lines to create more opportunities for solo cruise by retrofitting existing cabins to include solo cabins, providing ‘solo-only’ areas and more,” says Sally Andrews, vice president of strategic communications and public affairs for CLIA. “Some cruise lines have reported that as many as 20 percent of their passengers are traveling solo.”
Julie Sayer, an independent cruise and vacation consultant in Tampa, Florida, says solo cruising was a trend before the pandemic, but it has really taken off after COVID. “Just because [travelers] don’t have a significant other or travel companion, they still want to see the world and go.”
If that sounds like you, there’s likely a solo cabin out there with your name on it.
Cruise lines offering solo cabins and solo activities
From ocean liners to small ships, solo cabins are becoming increasingly available. This is important because passengers avoid paying single supplement surcharges or full price on double-occupancy-based cabins.
“Solo travel has been on the rise for several years, which is why since 2016 with the introduction of our Pinnacle Class ships, we’ve offered dedicated single staterooms for our guests,” says Michael Smith, senior vice president, guest experience and product development, at Holland America Line.
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to introduce studio stateroom accommodations designed for solo travelers (with no single supplement fee required) in 2010. The line now offers studio staterooms on nine of its 19 ships, including the new Norwegian Viva, which debuted in August 2023.
Solo passengers can book single staterooms aboard Holland America’s Rotterdam cruise ship.
Michel Verdure / Courtesy of Holland America Line
In addition to Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines, cruise lines known for ample single staterooms include Celebrity (Celebrity Beyond has 32 single staterooms, all with verandas), Royal Caribbean Cruises, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and P&O Cruises.
In response to the growing demand for solo options, Oceania Cruises recently debuted retrofitted solo staterooms on each vessel in its small-ship fleet. “Our guests and travel partners wanted more options for solo travelers and more diverse tour offerings, and we are delighted to deliver,” says Nikki F. Upshaw, senior vice president of global sales at Oceania. Oceania’s newest ship, Vista, offers six solo staterooms with oversized private verandas.
There are more solo cabins coming down the pipeline, too, including aboard Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess, which will have four solo cabins — a first for one of the line’s new builds — when it launches in 2024.
Most of the ships with solo staterooms also offer designated lounges, events and classes for passengers traveling alone. For example, aboard participating Oceania ships, guests receive a list of the scheduled solo gatherings at the start of the day. Holland America Line also schedules events such as trivia contests and exercise classes to encourage people to meet.
FAQs
“Some cruise lines have reported that as many as 20 percent of their passengers are traveling solo.”
Why is solo cruising so expensive? ›
Most cruise ship staterooms are designed for two people. To make up for lost revenue from addons like drink packages, shore excursions, and other extras, some cruise lines will charge single travelers who book a double occupancy stateroom a "single supplement" fee on top of the base per person fare.
Are cruises worth it solo? ›
A solo cruise travel is a great idea because cruises can be both isolating and very social; you can relax and have alone time in your cabin or at the spa, while having opportunities to mingle with people at one of the many shows and events on board.
Why are single cabins so expensive? ›
Some ships have single rooms, often inside cabins but occasionally balcony ones, but quite often they're as expensive as single occupancy rates in a bigger cabin. It's apparently to make up for the revenue they lose on extras such as shopping, casino, excursions, drinks etc.
What is the male to female ratio on singles cruises? ›
WHAT ARE THE AVERAGE MEN TO WOMEN RATIO ON A SINGLES CRUISE? Most of our typical singles cruises are very close to a 50/50 ratio which is what we strive for and again will ultimately depend on who signs up for any particular cruise.
What is the average age on a singles cruise? ›
The organizing company may simply pair same-sex travelers up or offer a roommate matching service. There are a few more points to be aware of: Most cruises have a wide age range on board, although the average tends to be from 30 to 50.
What cruise line is best for older singles? ›
8 Best Cruises for Seniors
- Viking River Cruises.
- Cunard Line.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
- AmaWaterways.
- Silversea Cruise Line.
- Azamara Cruise Line.
- Oceania Cruise Line.
- Plan Your Senior Cruise With AAA.
And how much cash should you take on your next cruise? We're here to help you figure it out! Experts say the average cruise passenger spends anywhere from $52 to $89 per day, but the amount you'll spend will, of course, vary based on cruise line, ship, experience and your individual preferences.
What cruise line was the least expensive per person? ›
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival specializes in budget-friendly fun, offering frequent, significant discounts on already low prices. In fact, itineraries for around $200 per person are the norm.
Should a woman go on a cruise alone? ›
As a girl who has traveled alone on a cruise ship, I can confidently say that it can be a safe and enjoyable experience. Cruise ships provide a secure environment with strict safety measures in place. There are usually plenty of staff members around to assist and ensure the well-being of all passengers.
- It should go without saying — embrace being alone. Don't be afraid to chat with new people. ...
- If you prefer some quiet time, stay on the ship during port days. ...
- Book your onboard dining as early as possible. ...
- 4. Make sure the cruise line fits you. ...
- Check for single-supplement fees.
For the most part, cruise ship employees don't hook up with passengers, for fear of losing their jobs. But it definitely happens. I'd say about 5% of officers, staff or crew that frequent the passenger areas end up being with a passenger or passengers at some point in their cruise ship careers.
What cruise lines don't charge a single supplement? ›
5 of the best cruises with no single supplement
- Uniworld River Cruises - Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto. ...
- AmaWaterways - Impressions of the Seine & Paris. ...
- Tauck River Cruises - The Blue Danube. ...
- Ponant - Croatia & the Adriatic Coast. ...
- Cunard - The Norwegian Fjords.
There are several ways to avoid paying a solo supplement or having the single supplement waived:
- Book your tour or accommodations with a company that doesn't charge a solo supplement. ...
- Roommate Matching Service. ...
- Book late! ...
- Book early! ...
- ASK for a waiver! ...
- Take advantage of Search. ...
- Set up a Google Alert for these searches.
If a cruise line advertises a single supplement of 125% or 150%, the solo traveler is getting a better deal than they normally would, even though it's a premium compared to two people in a cabin.
Are cruises suitable for single people? ›
Look forward to a sociable solo cruise
Cruising on our ships is always a friendly experience, whether you're going solo, or travelling with friends and want a single cabin to enjoy your own space. You're free to join in with as much or as little as you like on board.
Do many singles go on cruises? ›
Of course! People go on cruises alone all the time, in fact solo cruising is one of the most popular forms of vacation travel for those who love flexibility and freedom. In fact, our cruise ships have dedicated solo cruise cabins to accommodate single/solo travelers.
How many single men go on cruises? ›
According to Kirk Frederick, director of guest programs for the line, just 13% of the passengers come aboard alone, and almost all of them are women (on the average Crystal cruise, the ratio is 125 single women to two single men).
Do people make friends on cruises? ›
Relaxation, fun and friendship are what cruises are all about! The chances are that you'll come away from your cruise with a whole list of new friends without even trying.
