No Plus One, No Problem: Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Cruising with P&O

• Accommodation Wins: Learn which P&O Cruises ships offer dedicated single inside, sea view, and balcony cabins to help you avoid the dreaded 100% supplement.

• The Social Scene: Discover how P&O Cruises fosters a community for solos through organised meetups, shared dining, and the ease of a UK-centric atmosphere.

• Ship Standouts: We break down which vessels suit the "Mega-Ship" lover, the social butterfly, or those seeking a peaceful, adults-only escape.

Solo cruising has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, moving from a niche market to one of the most popular ways to explore the world.

P&O Cruises has been at the forefront of this shift, recognising that many guests value the independence of having their own space while still wanting the social opportunities a cruise provides.

Whether you are looking for total solitude or a chance to build a new "cruise family," P&O Cruises offers a familiar, comfortable, and well-designed environment for solo adventurers.

New to solo cruising?

Read our ultimate guide to solo cruising to find out everything you need to know before setting sail, from choosing your first itinerary to mastering the art of the solo dinner.

Purpose-Built Cabins: Your Own Private Sanctuary

One of the primary concerns for anyone booking a solo holiday is the cost. P&O Cruises is one of the few lines in the industry that specifically builds ships with single travellers in mind, offering purpose-built cabins that help reduce or eliminate the traditional "single supplement."

Single Balcony Cabins

For those who want to wake up to a fresh sea breeze without paying for a double room, single balcony cabins are a fantastic option. You can find these modern retreats on Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Aurora, and Arcadia. They offer all the luxury of a standard balcony room but are perfectly proportioned for one.

Single Sea View and Inside Cabins

If you prefer a window to the ocean, Single Sea View rooms are available on Aurora, Azura, and Ventura. For the budget-conscious traveller who plans to spend most of their time exploring the ship or the ports, Single Inside cabins provide a cosy, efficient base and are available on almost every ship in the P&O Cruises fleet.

Pro Tip: On Britannia, many of the single cabins are grouped together on the Lido Deck (Deck 16). This creates a natural "solo community" where you are likely to bump into the same familiar faces in the corridor, making the ship feel smaller and more welcoming.

Social Hubs: The Best Venues for Solo Travellers

The biggest worry for many solo travellers is the "bar dread"—the feeling of walking into a venue alone. On a P&O Cruises ship, the atmosphere is designed to be inclusive, and certain venues are particularly well-suited for those travelling solo.

Brodie’s: The Great British Local

If you want to meet people, Brodie’s is your best friend. This classic British pub (found on most of the fleet) is the heart of the social scene. It is the home of the Pub Quiz, which is arguably the greatest icebreaker at sea.

If you are solo, simply ask to join a team; by the time the "General Knowledge" round is over, you’ll likely have a group of friends for the rest of the week.

The Crow’s Nest: Quiet Elegance

For the solo traveller who enjoys their own company, The Crow’s Nest is a sanctuary. During the day, its 180-degree panoramic views make it the perfect spot to sit with a book and a coffee.

In the evening, the sophisticated atmosphere and live pianist make it a very comfortable place to enjoy a cocktail at the bar without feeling out of place.

The Limelight Club: Dinner and a Show

Available on Britannia, Iona, and Arvia, the Limelight Club is a ticketed, intimate venue featuring great food and live performances from household names.

Because the seating is often arranged in a supper-club style, you are frequently placed on shared tables with other guests, making it a natural way to enjoy a high-quality meal and a show with new companions.

The 710 Club: The Music Lover’s Den

On the newer ships, the 710 Club (curated by Gary Barlow) is an atmospheric venue focused on world-class live music. The smaller, more intimate setting and the focus on the band mean you can easily sit at the bar and lose yourself in the music without needing a "plus one."

The Social Scene: Connecting with Fellow Solos

P&O Cruises is known for its friendly, British atmosphere, which makes it much easier to strike up a conversation than on many international lines.

Coffee Mornings and Daily Meetups

At the start of every voyage, P&O Cruises organises solo traveller meetups, often held as informal coffee mornings. These are excellent, low-pressure opportunities to find a partner for a shore excursion or someone to join you for a quiz. You can find the times for these in your Horizon daily programme.

Dining as a Party of One

Dining is often a hurdle for solo travellers, but P&O Cruises offers total flexibility. Club Dining allows you to request a seat on a larger table with other solo travellers, while Freedom Dining lets you choose between a quiet table for one or joining a shared table whenever you feel chatty.

Exploring Ashore: Solo but Not Alone

One of the joys of a P&O Cruises holiday is the freedom to explore each destination exactly how you choose. When the ship docks, you have several solo-friendly options.

Finding a "Shore Buddy"

The informal solo traveller meetups are the perfect place to find a companion for the day. It is common for guests to meet during these sessions and decide to head ashore together for a local walk or a casual lunch.

Group Shore Experiences

For total peace of mind, P&O Cruises offers a huge range of pre-booked shore experiences. While not "solo-only," they are very social; joining a guided tour means all logistics are handled for you, and you are surrounded by fellow guests who share your interests. It is a secure way to see the sights without the stress of navigating a foreign port alone.

Choosing the Right P&O Cruises Ship

The "best" ship for you depends entirely on the type of atmosphere you enjoy.

For the "Mega-Ship" Lover: Iona and Arvia

If you enjoy endless choice, multiple pools, and a vibrant, resort-style feel, the newest ships in the P&O Cruises fleet are ideal. They feature the Indulge Food Hall, which is perfect for a quick solo bite, and offer the most modern single balcony accommodation.

For the Social Butterfly: Britannia

Britannia remains a firm favourite for solos. Its layout is very intuitive, and the dedicated solo cabin area on the Lido Deck is a unique feature that fosters a real sense of community among single guests.

For the Quiet Escapist: Arcadia and Aurora

If you prefer a more traditional cruise experience without the high-energy buzz of families, these adults-only ships are the perfect fit. They offer a sophisticated, peaceful environment and tend to visit more boutique ports of call.

The Practical Advantages of P&O Cruises

Budgeting is far easier when you don't have to worry about exchange rates. On every P&O Cruises ship, the onboard currency is British Pounds. Furthermore, P&O Cruises maintains a no service charge policy, meaning daily gratuities are not automatically added to your bill.

If you want to lock in your costs entirely, you can upgrade to the All-Inclusive Classic or Deluxe drinks packages, covering everything from your morning Costa Coffee to evening cocktails.

Ready to start your solo adventure?

Travelling with P&O Cruises as a solo guest offers the perfect balance of independence and community. You have the freedom to set your own schedule, paired with the comfort of a familiar, British-style service.

To find the latest single cabin availability or to enquire about "no single supplement" deals, contact our cruise consultants today. Our specialists are ready to help you find the best ship and itinerary for your next solo escape.