Solo Cruising - What Are Your Choices?
Published Wednesday, February 3rd 2016 - Updated Thursday, February 15th 2018You’ve decided to take that cruise…by yourself. That’s okay! You know it will be a great experience, and you can make all your own decisions during every part of the itinerary. But your biggest decision is determining which cruise line will be the most inviting and cost effective.
The bad news has always been that solo travelers were likely to pay more than the published fare on some cruises – usually 150 to 200 percent. The good news now is some cruise lines are starting to waive the added fees in an effort to fill beds. In the past, it was the luxury cruise lines that offered the best deals but that is changing as mega-ships are setting sail. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Getaway, Breakaway and Epic, and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas have added solo cabins to the fleets.
As a solo traveler today, you have some excellent options. But, and this is very important, you have to book early! Solo cabins and special promotions are limited so it’s best to book 9 to 12 months in advance of your desired cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line

Epic – First to offer studio cabins. The Epic has 128 of the cabins that are designed and priced for solo cruisers.
Breakaway and Getaway – Each ship features 59 studio cabins.
Escape – Features 82 studio units.
Pride of America – The ship exclusive to year-round Hawaii sailings has 4 studios onboard.
All the studios are inside cabins that include a corridor-facing window, and the solo cruisers get exclusive access to a social hangout called the “Studio Lounge.”
Norwegian Cruise Line has priced their studio cabins for the solo cruiser who will not have to pay an extra supplement for traveling alone.
Royal Caribbean International
Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas have 2 cabin categories for solo cruisers and there are 28 studio cabins on each of the ships. There are 16 interior staterooms featuring the industry-first “virtual balconies” that gives the solo cruiser an 80-inch display screen that show images of the ocean and ports. For those that like the real balcony, there are 12 studio staterooms with open-air balconies.
Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas each has 3 interior cabins for single-occupancy.
Royal Caribbean does not charge a supplement for the studios.
Siversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise line. Its ships do not have studio-type cabins but the cruise line will occasionally offer special fares so you can cruise alone and not have to pay a high fare increase. Solo fares can be as low as 125 percent of the published fare and if there are special sales being offered, the solo rate may go down to 110 percent.
Silversea ships only carry a few hundred passengers so the solo cruiser will have a much easier time to mix and mingle while also enjoying the enrichment programs offered during a cruise. If that’s not enough, some of the sailings that are more than 10 days hosts that cater to the solo cruiser.
Crystal Cruises
This is another all-inclusive, luxury cruise line and one of the most popular with solo cruisers. The main reason for its popularity is each sailing provides a variety of onboard activities including singles parties, seminars and workshops on a wide range of topics and specialties. You will also find assigned seating for main dining, seating with other singles at the specialty restaurants, and availability of hosts and hostesses throughout each cruise.
The supplement fare on Crystal Cruises varies depending on the cabin category selected and ranges from 25 percent up to 75 percent. There will also be special promotions for select sailings that reduce the supplement to 10 percent.
Seabourn
This cruise line is consistently ranked “best of the best” because of its unique, luxury cruise vacations. It also appeals to solo travelers because the small size of the ships allow for greater attention from the crew and makes it easy to get to know other cruisers.
As a solo cruiser, you’ll pay 50 percent more than the double-occupancy passengers and your cabin location will be selected by Seabourn. If you want to select your cabin’s location the supplement will be 75 percent.
Costa Cruises
The Italian cruise line has inside and outside single cabins available on a few of its ships, and its newest ships have 17 solo cabins.
While on board, you will be invited to the singles’ meet-and-greet parties. There are also activities that ensure single travelers are able to interact easily with others.
While Costa does add a supplement to solo fares it is usually about 30 percent of the double occupancy rate.
Viking River Cruises
Viking promotes itself as the world leader in river cruising and they are probably correct since many of the cabins in their fleet are sold out well in advance of the sailings. It has also added ocean cruise itineraries to its offers.
There are some single cabins available on Viking ships and the rates are typically 150 to 200 percent of the double occupancy rate. However, the good news is that at the time of this article being written Viking introduced new 2016 single rates that are much lower depending on the cabin category and itinerary. The special single rates are advertised as only being available for a limited time so it is best to call us and check details.
AmaWaterways River Cruises
Offering luxurious and comfortable ships, AmaWaterways takes you on European, Asia, and Africa river cruises. River cruising is an ideal way to explore destinations and cultures up-close and personal.
For a limited time, Ama Waterways is waiving the single supplement when you book a Category E stateroom on any Europe cruise.
Tauck River Cruise
Tauck may not be as well-known as Viking or AmaWaterways but like its competition, offers luxurious, all-inclusive river cruise itineraries.
When it comes to the solo traveler, Tauck does occasionally offer special savings on all itineraries. It’s always best to check with us to get specific details.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
This is an all-inclusive, luxury river cruise with unique décor in every stateroom.
At the time of writing this article, Uniworld is waiving or reducing its single supplement on several number of itineraries and departures. Check with us for details and timing.
Solo Cruising
Solo cruising is not only possible, it has also become popular and often much more cost effective. Many cruise lines are adapting to the needs of individuals sailing by themselves. So, you can cruise alone knowing that the ship’s crew has services and activities that will help you enjoy your vacation and be a big part of the cruise experience.
If you are a solo cruiser and want to check availability and pricing for a dream cruise vacation, we would like to hear from you. Please give us a call at 847.825.7761 and let’s talk! You can also contact us by leaving a reply below or on our website at http://www.funfilledtravelers.com/pages/contact
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Gerry Waller
Gerry combines his years of travel experience and passion for dream vacations to help clients get the most out of theirs. He provides thoughtfulness, patience, and careful attention to details in planning and accomplishing every client’s needs and desires for new and exciting vacation opportunities. Whether it is a luxurious cruise, relaxing resort and spa, or an adventurous escape from day-to-day lives, Gerry goes above and beyond to help turn vacation dreams into reality.
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