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Unlike mega cruise ships like Royal Caribbean that cater to 1,000s of travelers the Grand Circle Ships only carry between 86 and 162 passengers at a time. This means you get an intimate experience and the chance to really get to know your fellow passengers. For solo travelers, you will find low single supplements and an intimate atmosphere that ensures solo travelers are warmly welcomed. Solo travelers have access to the Cruise Connections Lounges where they can relax and take advantage of Wi-Fi. Solo travelers are a niche group that make up to 25 percent of Crystal’s passengers. Solo-oriented activities onboard and low single supplements (as low as 10% for certain categories and cruises) attract solo visitors.
Destinations and Activities
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Although children are permitted on Azamara ships, families are openly discouraged, and there are no children’s programs on board.
SOLO CRUISES FOR SINGLES & SOLO TRAVELERS
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A bigger caveat, perhaps, is that these solo cabins have become so popular they often sell out far in advance, and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two. Norwegian has since added similar solo cabin areas with exclusive lounges to seven more new ships, including its two newest vessels, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima. Both ships have a 73-cabin solo complex that spreads across two decks.
Single Occupancy Staterooms
Several of Royal Caribbean's older Voyager-class and Radiance-class vessels also have solo cabins. To fast-track your friend-making process, opt for group excursions during your time ashore. They’re not only a fantastic way to see the sights but also a perfect opportunity to bond with your fellow cruisers over shared interests and adventures. But you don’t have to worry about this because Crystal offers a solo table at dinner each night, where you can choose to sit with other solo passengers.
How We Chose The Best Cruise Lines
However, in recent years cruising has gained popularity for solo cruisers as well. A seven-day Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard Princess Cruises' Sky Princess is an additional option for travelers hoping to explore another part of the world best seen from a ship. Upscale, bigger cruises on ships from Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity will likely appeal to cruisers in their 40s, McDaniel says. These cruises tend to be a bit more expensive, but "appeal because they have some really great excursions and might go off the beaten path. They're destination-immersive experiences." The eight-day Vienna Vibe cruise from U by Uniworld is a great option (note the cruise line is on hiatus until 2023). This cruise line was originally built to cater to millennials, and this itinerary includes excursions like a walking tour of Vienna and biking around Passau.
Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
The convivial onboard atmosphere means that solos can easily make friends with their shipmates if they choose. Cunard does try to accommodate passengers who wish to dine solo, but this depends on each voyage's occupancy. Carnival offers single mixers on its cruises, and you can also join the Facebook group for your sailing to meet other solo travelers on board before you travel. These cruises often have various activities onboard designed for meeting fellow solo travelers, so you won’t feel alone during your trip. Cunard is known for its luxurious and traditional British cruise experience, and they have not overlooked the needs of solo travelers. On Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria, a select number of Britannia Single staterooms are available to cater to solo passengers.
Why Are Solo Cruises so Expensive?
From group yoga to late-night parties with live DJs and the first tattoo parlor at sea, their ships provide plenty of spaces to socialize or indulge. Virgin’s solo cabins are slightly larger compared to other cruise lines, but their location at the front of the vessel isn’t ideal. A big caveat is that these single cabins are so popular in Norwegian that they book full, well in advance of other cabin categories. If you have your heart set on one of the studio cabins, book early to secure your spot. Oceania, Azamara and Holland America are tops on this list, especially on their shorter cruises that attract still-working professionals. The ships are large enough to have a mix of singles among the usual crowd of couples but small enough to provide a strong chance of actually meeting those other singles on board.
Best cruises for singles over 40
The operator journeys to a vast range of destinations considering there are only two ships in its fleet, with voyages going as far as Singapore, Brazil and New Zealand. MSC Cruises offers a variety of social opportunities and activities tailored to solo travelers. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet new people and engage in fun activities. The cruise line recognized the growing trend of individuals seeking to explore the world on their own terms and created the perfect experience for solo cruisers. Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the trend of studio cabins, built and priced for solo travelers, which can be found on several ships in their fleet.
Cabin Options for Solo Travelers
Only a portion of each ship’s staterooms are reserved for solo cruisers on each itinerary. There's also quite a bar scene on Royal Caribbean ships, with rows of bar seats in many bars that are a great place to find other solo travelers. The line's biggest and newest ships, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, offer 12 solo cabins. They are all ocean view rooms (perfect for that Holland America Alaska cruise you've been dreaming about) and range from 127 to 172 square feet. They feature all of the same amenities of a double-occupancy cabin, but with a twin bed.
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. You might be tempted to unwind in your stateroom after busy days ashore. However, spending time in public spaces on the ship is a great way to meet new people. Get to know your cruise director, who you’ll often see walking around the ship.
On board, you will find plenty of entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows, award-winning dining experiences, and a wide range of activities to suit your interests. Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s ships feature ample social spaces and activities to encourage mingling and interaction among passengers. Moreover, cruises provide a hassle-free vacation where you won’t need to worry about transportation, accommodation, and meals. You can enjoy a wide range of dining options, including buffet-style restaurants, specialty dining, and room service, all while traveling to incredible destinations.
Many cruise lines cater to solo travelers, offering a variety of destinations and experiences. Although Silversea Cruises doesn’t offer specific single cabins, they have low single supplements. Sliverseas single supplements start as low as 10% on selected voyages, making it more affordable for solo travelers to enjoy the luxury and comfort of their own private space. Norwegian debuted a studio cabin in 2010 and was the first major cruise line to create accommodations for one. These cabins come in at just under 100 square feet—enough space for a full bed.
The Studio Complex and Lounge is an exclusive area for solo travelers on select Norwegian ships. Cunard's Centenary World Voyages is even longer, at 117 nights aboard the Queen Mary 2. The cruise includes two transatlantic crossings and stops across Asia, South Africa, and Australia, departing and arriving in New York City. On a cruise this long, even the shiest solo traveler is bound to make a few friends. All guests ages 12 and up must be fully vaccinated against COVID days prior to travel. Some companies, she notes, do a great job of hosting single mixers, which adds to the social experience.
Solo staterooms are available on some ships, and that means passengers can avoid paying a single supplement altogether. Another great option is a three-day cruise to the Bahamas from Miami on Norwegian Sky. The ship was refurbished in 2019 and offers 10 dining options, a full-service Starbucks, and a casino for late-night bonding around the blackjack table with your new shipmates. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required upon boarding for guests ages 12 and up.
Several cruise lines, such as Holland America Line, offer single staterooms with slightly more space than a studio cabin. The organized activities and events onboard, such as themed parties, trivia nights, and group classes, provide easy opportunities for socializing and connecting with fellow passengers. Cruise lines have recognized the growing trend of solo travel and are now offering tailored itineraries, accommodations, and amenities to cater to solo travelers’ needs. One of the most fantastic ways to experience all of this without the potential stress of planning is by taking the best cruises for solo travelers. Celebrity frequently runs promotions in which they waive the single supplement for solo travelers, so keep an eye out if you can’t reserve a single cabin. Don’t worry about being lonely on Cunard—the cruise line hosts coffee mornings and drinks receptions for solo travelers and offers shared tables for people who don’t want to dine alone.
River cruising in general is ideal for solo travelers, and other river lines also waive or significantly lower single supplement charges. It also has four ships in Europe that each have two dedicated solo cabins that carry no single supplement. Of course, it's not just a low price that makes for a good solo cruise. Just as important for many people traveling alone is the opportunity to meet other like-minded solo travelers through meet-and-greet receptions and organized group dining for solo cruisers.
