What to Expect on a Cruise: Solo Cruises

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. Not only are more cruise lines adding solo cabins, but the single-traveler cabins aboard ships are also getting more spacious and luxurious. Since solo cruising is becoming more and more popular, more cruise lines are incorporating single studio cabins into their ship designs. Single studio cabins are designed for those are cruising alone as the rooms are smaller and are made for a single passenger.

Final Thoughts on Cruising Solo

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. Cruise lines increasingly cater to single travelers through special programs focusing on social interaction and enjoyment. These offerings provide a welcoming environment for those cruising solo to meet like-minded passengers and participate in curated activities. Solo staterooms, explicitly designed for single travelers, are becoming a staple on many ships. These cabins are often smaller, more affordable, and purposefully located to grant easy access to the ship’s amenities.

Can you cruise as a single person?

If you are interesting in dining with others in the main dining room, you can share a table. Sharing a table is very common and a great way to meet new people, while enjoying a meal together. 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. Celebrity’s ships are equipped with high-speed WiFi so it’s easy and convenient to start a WhatsApp group to arrange activities and meet-ups with newfound friends. Get to know your cruise director, who you’ll often see walking around the ship.

Why is solo cruising so expensive?

Best cruise lines for solo travelers 2024 - The Independent

Best cruise lines for solo travelers 2024.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:18:50 GMT [source]

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. Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or new to cruising alone, Holland America is committed to providing an exceptional experience for solo cruisers.

You’ll Get Some Alone Time

However, if you want to meet new people and make new friends on your cruise, that’s very possible. Most cruise ships have activities, events and venues for solo cruisers to meet new people. 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.

Some lines routinely offer lower single supplement charges than others, or they reduce or waive single supplements during promotions. Shore excursions are an excellent opportunity for solo cruisers to meet and engage with others. Onboard mixers and group activities are designed to help solo travelers connect before disembarking. Solo cruisers can take advantage of these pre-shore excursion gatherings to find other solo travelers with similar interests. Certain cruise lines -- particularly river lines like Uniworld -- and travel agents offer deals for solo cruisers in the way of reduced single supplements or discounts on solo cabins. Assigned seating can be a great option for solo cruisers, allowing them to meet and interact with other passengers.

What is a single supplement, and how can I avoid paying it?

On the plus side, you get to decide exactly what you do, where you go, and what you eat — without having to consider anyone else. We wouldn’t suggest paying double just to get a few more points, but know that if you end up doing it, you can get a benefit. You’ll need to check the specific terms of your cruise line’s program to see if they offer the double points.

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for their studio staterooms catering to solo cruisers, which removes the single supplement fee. Royal Caribbean also provides studio staterooms designed for solo travelers, ensuring value and comfort without the additional cost of single supplements. 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.

Pre-Cruise Preparing Tips for Solo Cruisers

With the push of a single button, you can turn your nicely appointed ocean view cabin into one with a balcony that brings the fresh air right inside. Priced for one, the fares of solo cabins are far more reasonable than what you'd pay to stay by yourself in double-occupancy digs, albeit with a little less space. Cruising by yourself is a great way to relax, rejuvenate, and score some alone time. Going on a solo cruise allows you to do exactly what you want to do at your own pace and on your own schedule. Additionally, you'll want to gravitate toward activities where you and your fellow cruisers can cut loose, act silly and use teamwork to form bonds; anything that requires you to participate is key.

Traveling on a cruise ship with like minded people who may also be traveling solo provides plenty of opportunity to meet new people. When traveling solo whether you’re over 30, 40, or 50, it’s your time to explore on your terms. 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.

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. Participating in these activities keeps you busy and helps you make friends and feel part of a group.

This section offers concrete strategies for solo cruisers to tackle these challenges. Holland America occasionally offers a reduced single supplement, making it advantageous for solo cruisers to monitor such deals. Always review the pricing structure of your chosen cruise line to ensure you receive the most cost-effective option for your solo adventure.