Solo Cruising
Thinking about cruising solo?
New to solo cruising? We break down what to expect — from meeting fellow travelers onboard to understanding the single supplement, so you can budget with confidence.
Solo Cruising: Sailing Just for You
Cruising alone is one of the fastest-growing corners of the industry, and cruise lines have taken notice. Whether you’re traveling solo by choice or by circumstance, there’s never been a better time to set sail on your own terms.
Who Cruises Solo?
Solo cruisers come from every walk of life — there’s no single “type.” You’ll find recently retired travelers checking a bucket-list destination off their list, working professionals using a week at sea to fully unplug, widowed or divorced travelers rediscovering independent travel, and adventurous younger cruisers who don’t want to wait for a travel companion’s schedule to align with theirs. Many solo cruisers aren’t looking to be alone the whole trip — they’re looking for the freedom to set their own pace, paired with built-in opportunities to meet people if and when they want to.
What Solo Cruisers Can Look Forward To
Freedom over your itinerary.
No group votes on which excursion to book or what time to have dinner — every day is yours to shape.
Built-in social opportunities.
Many ships host solo traveler meetups, mixers, and shared-table dining specifically designed to help solo cruisers connect.
Solo-friendly cabins.
A growing number of ships (Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and others) now offer dedicated single-occupancy "studio" cabins, often clustered together with access to a private solo lounge.
A genuinely social atmosphere.
With activities, dining, and entertainment happening constantly, it’s easy to be as social — or as private — as you’d like, without ever feeling out of place eating or exploring alone.
The Big Question: What Will It Actually Cost?
This is where most first-time solo cruisers get caught off guard.
The single supplement.
Cruise fares are priced based on double occupancy — two people sharing a cabin. If you’re sailing alone in a standard cabin, most cruise lines charge a "single supplement," typically 150–200% of the standard per-person fare, since the line is losing revenue from the empty second berth.
Solo studio cabins solve this — sometimes.
Ships with dedicated solo cabins let you avoid the supplement altogether, since these rooms are priced for one person from the start. The tradeoff: they’re smaller, limited in number, and tend to sell out quickly, especially in peak season.
Watch for solo-friendly promotions.
Some cruise lines periodically run reduced or waived single-supplement deals, especially during slower sailing periods. It’s worth asking a travel agent or checking cruise line newsletters specifically for these.
Extras add up the same way they would for anyone.
Gratuities, beverage packages, and specialty dining are typically charged per person, not per cabin — so a solo cruiser doesn’t pay double for those, which helps offset some of the fare gap.
Common Questions Solo Cruisers Ask
“Will I feel out of place eating alone?”
Most main dining rooms and specialty restaurants happily seat solo diners, and many ships offer communal solo/shared tables specifically to make this easier.
“Is it safe to cruise alone?”
Ships are generally considered a very safe way to travel solo, with 24/7 security, medical staff, and a contained, predictable environment compared to solo travel on land.
“Which cruise lines are best for solo travelers?”
Lines with dedicated solo cabins and organized solo meetups are worth prioritizing if traveling alone is a priority, not an afterthought.
“Can I still do shore excursions alone?”
Yes — ship-sponsored excursions are group-based by nature, so you’ll often be paired with other cruisers regardless of how you booked.
Ready to Plan Your First Cruise?
Pair this guide with our Beginner’s Guide and FAQ to book your first voyage with confidence.