Solo travel and cruises are two travel trends that have been increasing in popularity lately, and yet at first glance, they may not seem like they mix well.
More travelers than ever are venturing out solo for their vacations rather than traveling with friends, family, or significant others.
Cruising is also exploding in popularity right now after the industry was dealt a heavy blow due to travel restrictions for several years.
However, most cruise ship fares are based on double occupancy, with the option to add a third or even fourth passenger to the cabin for a lower price.
On most cruise lines, there’s no discount for solo travelers, so even if you’ll be the only one in your cabin, you’ll still have to pay the two-person rate. Some cruise lines offer a reduced single supplement (for example, 75% instead of 100%) but you’ll still end up paying quite a bit.
The following four cruise lines don’t charge single supplements.
Instead, solo travelers have the option to book single cabins on these cruise lines at a rate that is much more reasonable and less than a standard double-occupancy cabin.
1. Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian is one of the best cruise lines for solo travelers. Six of Norwegian’s ships offer “studio cabins” priced for just one person:
- Norwegian Epic
- Norwegian Breakaway
- Norwegian Getaway
- Norwegian Bliss
- Norwegian Joy
- Norwegian Encore
These studio cabins are only around 100 square feet but come with all the same amenities as a double occupancy cabin.
As a bonus, solo travelers staying in studio cabins will have access to a shared common area called the Studio Complex and Lounge which functions as a social gathering place with events to meet other solo travelers.
2. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean was just named America’s favorite cruise line, and offering cabins for solo travelers is just one more reason to love this popular cruise line.
The seven Royal Caribbean ships that offer studio cabins are:
- Quantum of the Seas
- Spectrum of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Odyssey of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
These cabins are priced specifically for single travelers. Unlike Norwegian, which only offers interior studio cabins, Royal Caribbean has a mix of interior, exterior, and balcony cabins for solo travelers.
Cabins range in size from 96 to 119 square feet.
3. Holland America Line
Finally, Holland America Line is another popular cruise line that doesn’t charge extra for passengers who are traveling solo.
Right now, only three Holland America ships offer solo cabins, and there are fewer of these onboard (only 12 per ship) compared to Norwegian and Royal Caribbean.
The Holland America ships with studio cabins are:
- Koningsdam
- Nieuw Statendam
- Rotterdam
Studio cabins are priced for just one person and are on the more spacious end, with cabins ranging in size from 127 to 172 square feet.
What About Other Cruise Lines?
Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America are the only major cruise lines to offer solo cabins priced for one person. Smaller cruise lines like Oceania Cruises also offer single cabins.
And other popular cruise lines occasionally offer deals for solo travelers.
Although rare, sometimes the single supplement may be waived or greatly reduced for specific voyages.
If you want to keep up with these offers and score a great deal, Cruise Specialists has a regularly updated list of cruises with waived or heavily reduced single supplements.
Other cruise lines may not offer solo traveler-friendly pricing, but many do host meet-ups and events for solo travelers onboard to meet other cruisers.
