Solo Cruising At Its Finest: Everything You Need To Know!

• Freedom at sea: Travel your way, set your own pace, and enjoy the independence of seeing the world solo.

• Designed for one: Discover smart solo cabins, from Norwegian’s Studios to Virgin Voyage's Solo Sea View rooms.

• Socialising made easy: Join hosted meet-ups, shared dining tables and curated group excursions.

• Adventure without compromise: From river journeys to ocean adventures, there are a variety of solo cruise offers to choose from

Most cruise ships are known to be family-friendly, couple-friendly and child-friendly, but how many are solo-friendly? If you’re someone who prefers to travel alone, you’ll be familiar with cost issues, cabin dilemmas and maybe the worry of being a little lonely.

But you’ll be surprised how many cruise lines offer single cabins, roommate matching services and crew members who are attentive to your solo needs!

In this ultimate guide to solo cruising, we detail what solo cruising is, how popular it is, what you can expect on a solo cruise and answer some of the most popular questions on solo cruising…

What is a Solo Cruise?

A solo cruise is simply a cruise holiday taken by one person, no partner, no group, yet designed (or chosen) so you don’t feel disadvantaged. More and more cruise lines are offering solo rooms on cruise ships, as well as hosting a range of solo cruise offers and onboard events.

How Popular Are Solo Cruises?

In March 2025, our very own Cruise.co.uk survey found that solo cruisers accounted for about 5% of the market, and of those, around 70% said they'd encourage friends or colleagues to travel solo. This signals an increasing trend towards solo travellers truly embracing cruising, and cruise lines are responding to this increasing popularity! 

In short: you’re not alone - solo cruising is no longer niche, and more options exist than ever!

Where to Go On a Solo Cruise

When you’re cruising solo, your destination choices can shape your experience. Here are some pointers:

• Shorter itineraries (3-7 nights): These can be good if you’re trying solo sailing for the first time. Less risk, lower cost.

• Classic cruise destinations: Such as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean are great options for adventurous solo travellers keen to make friends and get stuck into tons of activities while onboard. 

• More adventurous or remote itineraries: Such as Canada & Alaska, Asia, and polar regions may appeal if you’re confident travelling solo and seeking a more unique experience at sea. 

Best Cabins for Solo Cruisers

Choosing the right cabin is central to a fantastic solo cruise experience. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Dedicated solo cabins

Some cruise lines now offer cabins built specifically for one person (no double-occupancy price). For example, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has “Studio” accommodations: inside studios, ocean-view and balcony solo staterooms, with a dedicated lounge for solo guests. 

2. Low or no single-supplement cabins

If you can’t find a dedicated solo cabin, look for cabins where the single supplement is waived or low. Many lines now offer “solo-friendly” cabins without the heavy extra cost. 

3. Cabin location and amenities

When choosing a cabin, it may be worth considering:

• A cabin close to social spaces or lounges (for easy mingling)

• A cabin with a balcony or good view (for comfort and personal downtime)

• Deck level that makes disembarkation and excursions easier

• Small but efficient design (studios tend to be compact)

Best Excursions For Solo Cruisers

Shore days are the heart of any cruise, and when you’re travelling solo, they’re a brilliant way to meet people, explore new places, and create memories that are entirely your own. Whether you prefer to wander local markets, join an organised tour, or try something a little more daring, there’s an excursion out there that’s perfect for solo travellers.

Think cooking classes in Italy, snorkelling trips in the Caribbean, or walking tours through ancient European cities, all designed to connect you with your destination and fellow explorers along the way. The best excursions for solo cruisers blend freedom, fun and easy social opportunities without ever feeling forced.

Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Join a group tour: Ideal for meeting others while exploring — from city sightseeing to wine tasting, these shared experiences make socialising effortless.

• Take an active adventure: Try a guided hike, kayak trip or cycling tour for a fun, energetic day with like-minded travellers.

• Book a cultural experience: Learn to cook local dishes, join an artisan workshop or take a photography tour for something more hands-on.

• Choose relaxed exploration: Visit a beach club, local café or scenic viewpoint and enjoy some well-deserved me-time.

• Attend onboard-organised solo meet-ups before port days: You might find a friendly group to share your next adventure with.

Best Cruise Lines For Solos 

Some cruise lines truly understand what independent travellers want: cabins designed for one, inclusive social spaces, and friendly crews who make you feel right at home from the moment you step onboard. Whether you’re sailing for peace and quiet or hoping to meet new people along the way, these cruise lines go the extra mile to make solo cruising seamless and social:

Cunard

Known for its refined tradition and ocean-going liners, Cunard offers solo travellers quality cabins and refined service. While the number of dedicated solo cabins may be fewer compared to some “newer” solo-first lines, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and other ships provide ocean-view and inside cabins that can be used by singles, with the benefit of an elegant voyage, social opportunities in lounges and enrichment programmes. 

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has introduced “Infinite Veranda” solo cabins on its Edge-class ships, along with other single-occupancy staterooms. The cruise line is ideal for modern, stylish travellers, and solo guests will appreciate the design, ambience and social options onboard. 

Norwegian Cruise Line

The cruise line that claims to take single cruising to a whole new level with their unique studio accommodation, designed specifically for the solo traveller, with no single supplement (perfect!). 

Each Norwegian Cruise Line solo studio cabin has a full-sized bed, one-way window to the corridor and separate areas for the toilet, sink and shower, which are located in a private keycard-access complex with its own studio lounge and bar, too!

Virgin Voyages

This adult-only line offers a great, vibrant onboard atmosphere - perfect for active solo cruisers! Virgin Voyages offers dedicated solo cabin options on each ship, cabins designed for one, with smart use of space and plenty of onboard communal venues made for mingling. 

Royal Caribbean 

Royal Caribbean has expanded its solo-traveller offerings, especially on its Quantum-class and other newer vessels, equipped with studio cabins, some solo-balcony rooms, and social spaces geared toward single travellers. 

Consider Solo River Cruises

If you’re after a slightly smaller ship solo cruise experience, you should seriously consider a river cruise! With river cruise ships carrying as few as 140 - 200 guests, the atmosphere is intimate, cosy, and personal, ideal for meeting fellow travellers without feeling lost in the crowd.

The small ship size means the crew can really get to know you, ensuring that any special requests are noticed and taken care of, from dining preferences to excursion tips. River cruises also make it easy to connect with others: open-plan seating at mealtimes encourages conversation, guided shore excursions often cater to small groups, and many lines now organise optional solo meet-ups or mixers.

At the same time, the relaxed pace and smaller ports mean you can enjoy plenty of personal time to explore, reflect, or simply soak in the scenery.

To sum up, all solo cruises are all about choice, freedom and adventure. Choose a cabin built for you, pick a ship and line that understands solo guests, and set sail with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a solo supplement?

A solo supplement is an additional charge that cruise lines sometimes apply when only one person occupies a cabin. Traditionally, cabins are priced for two guests, so travelling alone could mean paying extra.

However, many cruise lines now offer solo cabins or reduced/no single supplements, allowing you enjoy your holiday without the extra cost.

What kinds of activities do cruise lines offer for solo cruisers?

Cruise lines make it easy and fun to socialise as a solo traveller. Activities onboard often include hosted meet-ups for singles, group dinners at dedicated tables, cocktail mixers, games, workshops, and themed events. 

Excursions are another way to connect, with small-group sightseeing, cooking classes, wine tastings, or adventure tours. There’s also plenty of time for independent exploration, so you can mix socialising with quiet moments whenever you like.

What solo rooms are available on cruise ships?

These are cabins specifically priced for one person, often with a single bed or full-size bed for one, and without paying a double occupancy rate. Some lines call them “studio” or “solo” cabins and may include exclusive lounges for solo guests.

Are solo cruises fun?

Absolutely! Many solo travellers say they enjoy meeting interesting people, enjoying flexible scheduling, and experiencing new destinations at their own pace. Many cruise lines now cater well to singles, through dedicated cabins, social lounges and tailored excursions.

Where can I find the best solo cruise deals?

The best way to find a great-value solo cruise is to speak directly with your Cruise.co.uk consultant. Our experts can guide you through the best cruise line solo offers and find you a solo cruise deal which fits your style, budget, and preferred travel dates.