Cruising Solo Tips: Our Complete Solo Cruise Guide

Table Of Content

• Why A Cruise Is An Ideal Solo Vacation
• Will I have to share a cabin if I cruise by myself?
• You don’t have to dine alone
• The Ultimate Guide to Cruising Solo
• Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries
• Can I find reduced single supplements or deals on solo cabins?
• Ready To Travel Alone?

There are many onboard activities that can be booked for free via the Virgin Voyages Mobile App. Solo travelers can enhance their cruise experience by strategically selecting shore excursions and networking with other solo cruisers. This way, they discover new destinations and connect with like-minded individuals.

Why A Cruise Is An Ideal Solo Vacation

It's all about solo travelers, couples and friend groups looking to have a good time and engage with their shipmates on board. Unlike Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Silversea hasn't created a specific cabin category for solo travelers. But the luxury line is known for catering to them with single supplements of just 10% to 25% on select sailings. Occasionally, during short-term promotions, the line even will waive the single supplement entirely. There’s so much to do on a cruise ship, some specifically geared toward solo travelers or even singles. Embarking on a solo cruise adventure can be as exhilarating as it is daunting, with single supplement fees and the quest for camaraderie being among the primary concerns.

Will I have to share a cabin if I cruise by myself?

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. On small ships, you'll see the same people again and again — on tours, in lounges, around the pool and so forth; this increases the odds you'll strike up a conversation and soon become fast friends. On big ships with thousands of passengers, you might go days without seeing the same person twice. The vessel boasts 46 cabins specifically designed for lone travelers — as do its newer sisters, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady. We haven't yet sailed in one of their solo rooms, but based on what we saw when we toured Scarlet Lady, they might just become the coolest digs-for-one around.

You don’t have to dine alone

While you’ll have plenty of time on the ship to explore and do everything, time in port is much more limited. If you’re stopping at a place where there is a lot to experience, being able to move faster on your own can be a big benefit. If you’ve sailed before, but only with friends or as a couple, then it’s a strong possibility you shared some responsibility during the cruise.

The Ultimate Guide to Cruising Solo

Cruise lines double down on solo cabins - Travel Weekly

Cruise lines double down on solo cabins.

Posted: Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Most voyages of more than 10 days also have gentleman hosts onboard as dance partners and shore excursion escorts. Solo travelers on Celebrity Cruises can also indulge in top-notch spas and fitness facilities, enjoy dazzling entertainment shows, and savor delicious cuisine in the ship’s various dining venues. Furthermore, Celebrity Cruises prides itself on providing an inclusive environment for all travelers. The cruise line is known for its LGBTQ+ friendliness and ensures that all guests feel welcome and respected on board.

They’ll help ensure that you end up back on your ship when it’s time to set sail again. Whether you have a few close friends or a wide social circle, a cruise is a great time to make new connections. On a Windstar Cruise, you travel with fewer than 350 guests, so you can be alone when you want and have company when you feel like it.

Can I find reduced single supplements or deals on solo cabins?

Most people don’t go ziplining or scuba diving every day and new situations are great for bonding. You can chat with other travelers while you wait for a whale watching tour or walk through a historic downtown area. Many cruise lines organize hosted social events specifically for single travelers. For example, some cruises feature cocktail receptions that allow singles to mingle in a relaxed setting. Building a community onboard is crucial for solo cruisers and can greatly enhance the cruise experience.

If they know you’re a solo cruise passenger, they may give you some insider tips on upcoming activities or entertainment you won’t want to miss. Just because you’re cruising solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone, unless you want to be, of course. Celebrity Beyond has 32 solo staterooms with an Infinite Veranda, as does the new Celebrity Ascent. Celebrity Apex features 24, while Celebrity Edge is home to 16 solo staterooms. Celebrity Silhouette will also have 4 inside single staterooms perfect for solo guests. NCL's Norwegian Prima features 73 studio staterooms, specifically designed and priced for solo ...

With its vibrant and colorful design, the Pride of America embodies the spirit of Hawaii. From the moment you step on board, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and beauty of the islands. Throughout the ship, you’ll find Hawaiian artwork, vibrant fabrics, and tropical motifs that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The reality is that other guests often chatty because they’re relaxed and on vacation. This is a great way to chat and enjoy the company of others, while you are eating dinner. If you don’t like the idea of eating in the main dining room alone or if you want a change, you can always try and alternative dining venue.

Consider a 7- or 10-night Caribbean cruise, where snorkeling and diving shore excursions are bound to introduce you to people with similar interests and a sense of adventure. While you may be traveling alone, with fellow travelers and crew around, someone is always nearby if you need help or company. Many people are nervous about solo travel because it puts them in an unfamiliar place without a support system. Ships like Harmony of the Seas offer cozy hideaways starting at about 96 square feet, while options like studio balcony rooms treat guests to private outdoor spaces.

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. Meanwhile, for solos, you'll find that Virgin's hopping bar scene — and adult-focused atmosphere — is perfect for solos looking to meet up with other single travelers. With a ban on children under 18, you won't find families with kids on this line.

You’ll likely find that you0r fellow passengers are pretty friendly, especially when they are participating in the onboard activities. Some guided multi-day tours cater to solo travelers, which is a bit of an oxymoron when you consider that you'll have travel partners from sunrise until sunset for the duration of your trip. This is a great option for those who are nervous about traveling on their own but don't want to let their fear get in the way of going on a journey to somewhere new. Though most destinations are worth visiting as a solo traveler, there are some that are easier to navigate than others. One thing you can count on, however, is that you likely won't be the only one doing it.

A solo cruise is an amazing way to travel, whether you’re looking to see the world, get away from it all or meet new people! By preparing in advance and embracing the freedom of solo travel, cruisers will surely have an unforgettable vacation while cruising single. Solo cruisers should select shore excursions that cater to their interests and allow flexibility. They can benefit from joining small group tours, which typically provide a more personalized experience, making interacting with fellow participants and guides easier. For instance, if you book a balcony stateroom for one person as a solo cruiser, you will be charged the rate for two people (while only paying the port taxes for one person).

We've doubled the number of Solo Staterooms across our fleet by adding Solo Balcony and Oceanview rooms, in addition to Inside rooms and Studios. So come aboard with friends or family - or take time to meet new people, then watch the sunset from your private balcony. First, you should know that cruise line rates are based on double occupancy and cruise ship staterooms are designed for two people. The single supplement is a fee that cruise lines charge when a solo traveler occupies that cabin.

Regarding pricing, Holland America understands the unique needs of solo cruisers. While single supplements can be as high as 100 percent over the standard per person double-occupancy fare on some cruise lines, Holland America strives to offer competitive pricing for their solo cabins. This ensures that solo cruisers can enjoy their vacation without breaking the bank.

The great thing about solo cruising, is that you can easily go from one activity to the next. You’ll never have to wait on anyone, which is a big reason why so many people enjoy cruising by themselves. A few years ago we were docked in Cozumel, Mexico and met a lady in the elevator as we were heading into port. She explained that her husband had gone on a scuba diving excursion, and she didn’t feel like staying on the cruise ship.