Sailing solo? No problem! Cruise lines have recognized the growing trend of solo travelers and have tailored their offerings to create unforgettable experiences for those venturing out on their own. Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat on a small ship or the excitement of a big ship packed with amenities, there’s a solo cruising experience just waiting for you. Get ready to embark on the best cruises for solo travelers – the solo adventure of a lifetime!
About Cruising Solo
- Explore the world as a solo traveler in style and luxury with top picks for cruises in 2023!
- Enjoy exclusive cabins, lounges & socializing opportunities on Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Silversea Cruises & Virgin Voyages.
- Experience European river cruising without breaking the bank with no single supplement fees from Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways!
Norwegian Cruise Line: A Solo Traveler’s Paradise
Norwegian Cruise Line is a popular choice among solo travelers, and it’s easy to see why. Here are some reasons why:
- They offer unique Studio Cabins designed specifically for solo travelers.
- They have exclusive lounges where solo travelers can meet and socialize with each other.
- There are plenty of opportunities for solo travelers to participate in group activities and events, ensuring that you’ll never feel alone on your journey.
Prepare to establish new friendships and experience the world alongside fellow adventurers!
Travel Advisory: Make Sure You Know Passport Requirements for Cruises
Studio Cabins
Designed with the solo traveler in mind, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Studio Cabins offer a comfortable haven to call your own. These compact cabins are perfect for those flying solo, featuring funky, multi-colored lighting and a private bathroom.
When you’re inclined to socialize as a solo cruiser, consider visiting the exclusive Studio Lounge. Here, you can engage with other solo cruisers over a beverage of your choice.
Exclusive Lounges
For Studio Cabin guests, the private Studio Lounge is your sanctuary. With key-card access, this swanky lounge offers complimentary refreshments, snacks, and a wine vending machine for your enjoyment. As a solo traveler, you’ll appreciate the chance to socialize with other studio guests in this exclusive space, making connections that can last a lifetime.
Socializing Opportunities
Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line, you’re never far from a friendly face. The cruise line hosts singles meetups and a variety of onboard activities designed for solo travelers to connect with others. From the Solo Gathering at the Studio Lounge to special events and socials for passengers traveling alone, there’s always an opportunity to make new friends and share unforgettable experiences.
Royal Caribbean: Expansive Options for Solo Cruisers
If you’re in search of diverse experiences and adventure, consider Royal Caribbean as an exceptional choice for solo cruisers. Offering an extensive selection of solo cabin options and numerous onboard activities catering to various preferences, you’ll constantly find engaging activities and interesting people on your solo journey.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something cheap, check out these solo cruise deals, which are always updated to help you find the best value.
Solo Cabin Choices
Royal Caribbean offers an array of cabin types for solo travelers on their royal caribbean ships, including interior rooms, virtual balcony staterooms, and even studio ocean view staterooms with balconies on select ships. No matter your preference, you’ll find the perfect space to call your own as you explore the world solo.
Meetups and Activities
Stay busy and connected with Royal Caribbean’s variety of onboard activities designed for solo cruisers. Some of the activities include:
- Trivia contests
- Dance classes
- Escape rooms
- Pool parties
There’s always something happening to help you meet new friends and make lasting memories.
The cruise line, known for its celebrity cruises, also organizes self-led cruise solo meetups on cruise lines for solo travelers, providing an opportunity for you to interact with other solo travelers and exchange experiences.
Silversea Cruises: Luxury and Social Opportunities
For those in search of a more luxurious solo cruising experience, Silversea Cruises is a commendable option among the best cruise lines. Combining the best of both worlds, Silversea offers low single supplements and welcome receptions, allowing you to indulge in the finer things in life while connecting with fellow passengers.
Low Single Supplements
Silversea Cruises allows solo travelers to relish the luxury of cruising without the substantial cost typically linked with single supplements. On select voyages, Silversea offers reduced cruise fare with single supplements of just 10% to 25%, making it more affordable for solo travelers to indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Welcome Receptions
Begin your Silversea voyage with a warm welcome at the Champagne reception, where singles make up around 7% of the passengers. The small ship atmosphere fosters a sense of camaraderie, making it easy to strike up a conversation and connect with fellow solo travelers as you embark on your luxurious journey.
Virgin Voyages: Designed for the Solo Adventurer
Virgin Voyages is a cruise line that prioritizes the needs of the solo adventurer. With a variety of solo cabins and an adult-focused atmosphere, you can explore the world on your terms while connecting with like-minded individuals.
Solo Cabin Offerings
Choose the perfect cabin for your solo adventure on Virgin Voyages. Options include Solo Insider rooms and Solo Sea View cabins, providing a range of accommodations to suit your preferences. Whether you’re after a cozy retreat or a room with a view, Virgin Voyages has you covered.
Adult-Focused Atmosphere
With an adult-focused atmosphere, Virgin Voyages is perfect for solo travelers looking to connect with other singles. The cruise line prioritizes wellness, entertainment, and a playful environment, creating the perfect setting for meeting new friends and enjoying your solo voyage to the fullest.
Upscale River Cruises: Tauck’s Solo Traveler Offerings
Consider Tauck’s upscale river cruises for a more personal solo cruising experience. With no single supplement cabins, communal dining, and daily shore excursions, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow passengers as you explore the beauty of European rivers.
No Single Supplement Cabins
Tauck makes European river cruising more accessible for solo travelers by offering Category 1 cabins with no single supplement on all sailings. These full-size suites provide ample space and comfort, allowing you to enjoy your solo voyage without the added expense often associated with single occupancy.
Communal Dining and Excursions
On Tauck river cruises, solo travelers can enjoy communal dining, where they are seated at tables of four or more, ensuring no one has to dine alone.
Daily shore excursions offer opportunities to explore with fellow guests, fostering connections and shared experiences that create lasting memories.
Small Ships vs. Big Ships: Which is Better for Solo Travelers?
Both small and large ships present their distinct advantages for solo travelers. Small ships provide a more intimate setting, making it easier for solo travelers to connect with others. On the other hand, big ships offer more amenities and activities, catering to a wide range of solo traveler preferences.
Small Ships
Small ships offer a cozy atmosphere and often cruise to more unique destinations, providing a more intimate environment for solo travelers to mingle and meet new friends. With fewer passengers onboard, it’s easy to form close connections with fellow cruisers and enjoy the personalized service that small ships are known for.
Big Ships
Big ships are packed with amenities and activities for solo travelers, ensuring there’s never a dull moment onboard. From dedicated solo cabins to a wide range of onboard activities, big ships cater to every preference and interest.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a relaxation enthusiast, there’s something for every solo traveler on a big ship.
Tips for Solo Cruisers: Navigating Onboard and Ashore
While managing a cruise as a solo traveler may seem intimidating, a few practical tips can aid in maximizing your solo voyage. From dining options to safety precautions, we’ve got you covered.
Dining Tips
Solo travelers have a variety of dining options to choose from on most cruise lines. If you prefer to dine with others, consider requesting a table with other solo travelers or opt for more casual dining venues like the Lido buffet or sandwich bars. Alternatively, many cruise lines offer hosted tables, allowing solo travelers to dine with fellow cruisers in a social setting.
Safety Tips
Maintaining safety while cruising solo holds equal importance to enjoying your vacation. Be aware of your surroundings, follow local customs, and stay vigilant when using ATMs in foreign ports.
Additionally, always keep an eye on the time to ensure you don’t miss the ship’s departure. These precautions will contribute to a secure and pleasurable solo cruising experience.
Exploring European River Cruises for Solo Travelers
European river cruises present a distinct and engaging experience for solo travelers. With companies like Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways, you can explore the enchanting waterways of Europe while enjoying the comforts and camaraderie of a small ship.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways caters to solo travelers by waiving single supplements on select European river cruises. With immersive excursions and comfortable accommodations, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the beauty and history of Europe’s rivers while connecting with fellow solo travelers.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways offers solo travelers the opportunity to explore European river cruises with a range of solo cabins and reduced single supplement fees on select sailings. With daily excursions and an intimate ship atmosphere, you’ll be able to connect with fellow passengers as you experience the charm and culture of Europe’s waterways.
Summary
Solo cruising has never been more popular, and cruise lines are rising to the challenge by offering a variety of options to accommodate solo travelers. From dedicated solo cabins and exclusive lounges to communal dining and intimate small ship experiences, there’s a cruise line and itinerary perfect for every solo adventurer. So, why wait? Set sail and discover the limitless possibilities of solo cruising!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it fun to go on a cruise alone?
Yes, solo cruises can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience! You get to explore wonderful destinations without waiting for a travel partner and make new friends in the process.
What’s a good singles cruise?
For a great singles cruise, look no further than Holland America, Oceania, Cunard, Viking, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises – all top-rated luxury cruise lines perfect for single travelers in their 60s and older with a large travel budget.
What are some safety tips for solo cruisers?
Stay aware of your surroundings, follow local customs, be vigilant with ATMs, and never miss the ship’s departure – these are essential safety tips for solo cruisers!
How can I make the most of dining experiences as a solo traveler?
Make the most of your solo dining experiences by connecting with other travelers, taking advantage of casual dining venues, and attending hosted dinners. It’s a great way to meet new friends and enjoy delicious food!
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum.
