Cruising Solo: 5 Tips For Solo Cruise Travelers

Setting foot on a cruise ship can be the ultimate in relaxed luxury travel, enjoying five-star facilities and dining while waking up to a new adventure every day. For solo travelers, the thought of cruising without company can feel daunting, but times are changing.

With solo travel an increasing trend, some of the world’s biggest cruise lines are introducing new accommodations, slashing solo supplements, and offering other benefits to solo travelers in an attempt to win their loyalty.

Cruise Critic’s Kerry Spencer said solo travelers can expect more choice and activities than ever before, from dedicated activities and cocktail parties to seminars and dance hosts. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or considering your first solo voyage, these five tips will help you make the most of your time.

1. Choose a line with solo cabins

A few cruise lines at all price points offer dedicated single traveler staterooms. Although they tend to be smaller in size and are usually interior cabins without a porthole, window or balcony, they are often the best value for single travelers. Bear in mind that a line with dedicated solo traveler staterooms is also more likely to host events geared towards that group.

Norwegian Cruise Line even has a dedicated keycard-access lounge where solo travelers can meet and mingle. On top of its new studio accommodation, this puts Norwegian at the top of the list for solo travelers to consider.

Saga Cruises also has a good offer for solo cruisers with around 20% of its staterooms dedicated to single travelers, although the line is exclusively for the over 50 market. According to Cruise Critic, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages and Cunard are other good options to consider.

The only downside to solo staterooms is that they tend to be among the first accommodation grades to sell out.

2. Pay a supplement, but don’t pay double

The default pricing for a cruise is always based on double occupancy, meaning solo travelers would need to pay almost double to secure a ticket at the advertised rate. The final price isn’t exactly double, as port fees and gratuities (if included) are charged per traveler.

But if you’re flexible with departure ports, dates, and itineraries, there are plenty of options out there that don’t require such a hefty surcharge. Many cruise lines offer ‘no solo supplement’ deals outside of high season, and on cruises that aren’t selling quickly.

3. Go to the solo traveler meetup

Most cruise lines organize meetups for solo travelers, usually on the first day of the cruise. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other solo travelers, share experiences, and perhaps make some new friends.

These events are typically casual and relaxed, often taking place in one of the ship’s lounges or bars. They may be hosted and directed, or run on a much more informal basis.

Regardless of how involved you want to be with activities throughout your cruise, this is the best chance to connect with like-minded individuals who are also exploring the world on their own.

Solo traveler meetups are also often held at ports of call, so that people interested in seeing the sights together can make arrangements.

4. You don’t have to dine alone

Dining is such a major part of a cruise vacation that it’s become a major point of differentiation between lines, especially in areas with a lot of competition such as Mediterranean cruises.

Many cruise lines offer communal dining tables specifically in the buffet restaurants so that solo travelers don’t have to eat alone. The same is true in main dining rooms, where you can ask to be seated with others, or on your own if you prefer. If you prefer a more private dining experience, room service is usually available, often at no extra charge.

5. Relaxation is perfectly acceptable

Although there are plenty of activities available, traveling solo means you have the freedom to do what you want, when you want. If you want to spend a day lounging by the pool, reading a series of novels, or indulging in a spa treatment, go for it.

Just because you are traveling alone doesn’t mean you should feel pressured to join every activity aimed at solo travelers. Solo relaxation is a perfectly acceptable way to enjoy your cruise vacation.