Does Princess Cruise Line Have Solo Cabins Find Out Here

Does Princess Cruise Line Have Solo Cabins Find Out Here

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Yes, Princess Cruise Line offers dedicated solo cabins on select ships, designed specifically for solo travelers seeking comfort and value without the dreaded single supplement fee. These well-appointed staterooms provide privacy, modern amenities, and access to exclusive solo traveler events, making Princess a top choice for independent explorers.

Key Takeaways

  • Princess offers solo cabins on select ships for solo travelers.
  • Book early as solo cabins sell out quickly.
  • Enjoy dedicated lounges and social events for solo cruisers.
  • Solo cabins are compact but well-designed for comfort.
  • Compare pricing to standard cabins for best value.
  • Check itinerary availability as not all routes include solo cabins.
  • No single supplement on many sailings—saving you money.

Does Princess Cruise Line Have Solo Cabins? Find Out Here

Let’s be honest – cruising solo used to be a tough sell. For years, the cruise industry was built around couples and families. If you were a solo traveler, you either paid a massive single supplement (often 50% to 100% extra) or squeezed into a double cabin meant for two people. It felt unfair, expensive, and downright isolating.

But times are changing – and fast. More people are embracing solo travel. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a retiree seeking adventure, or just someone who values quiet time with a book on a balcony, the demand for affordable, comfortable solo cabins has never been higher. That’s why so many cruisers ask: Does Princess Cruise Line have solo cabins? The short answer? Yes – and they’ve been making serious strides in recent years to welcome solo travelers. But it’s not as simple as booking any cabin and calling it a day. There’s a lot to unpack, from cabin availability to pricing, perks, and real-life experiences. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s explore everything you need to know about solo cabins on Princess Cruises – straight from someone who’s been there, done that.

Understanding the Solo Traveler Market on Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises didn’t always cater to solo travelers. For decades, they followed the traditional cruise model: double occupancy, shared cabins, and hefty single supplements. But in 2015, they made a bold move – launching a dedicated solo cabin program across several ships. This wasn’t just a marketing gimmick; it was a direct response to growing demand.

Does Princess Cruise Line Have Solo Cabins Find Out Here

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Why Solo Travel Is Booming

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), solo travelers now make up over 10% of all cruise passengers, and that number is rising. Why? A few key reasons:

  • More women traveling solo – Safety, independence, and self-care are top priorities.
  • Retirees and empty nesters – With kids out of the house, many people are exploring the world on their own terms.
  • Digital nomads and remote workers – Cruising offers Wi-Fi, workspaces, and global destinations – all while avoiding the hassle of constant flights.
  • People seeking connection without compromise – Some travelers want to meet others, but not be tied to a partner or group schedule.

Princess’s Early Steps: The 2015 Solo Cabin Rollout

In 2015, Princess introduced dedicated solo cabins on the Regal Princess, followed by the Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess. These cabins were designed from the ground up for one person – no sharing, no single supplement (in most cases), and no awkward “I’m in the way” moments. The cabins were small but smartly laid out, with full-sized beds, private bathrooms, and even balconies on select ships.

One cruiser, Sarah from Oregon, shared her experience: “I’d avoided cruising for years because I didn’t want to pay double. When I saw the solo cabins on Royal Princess, I booked immediately. It was the first time I felt like I wasn’t a second-class passenger.”

The Solo Lounge: A Game-Changer

But Princess didn’t stop at cabins. They created the Solo Traveler Lounge – a dedicated social space where solo cruisers could meet, mingle, and participate in activities. Think coffee hours, trivia nights, and mixology classes. It’s not forced socialization; it’s an invitation to connect on your terms.

On the Sky Princess, I attended a “Solo Mixer” in the lounge. Within an hour, I was chatting with a retired teacher from Australia, a software engineer from Berlin, and a retired firefighter from Florida. We ended up doing trivia together and shared dinner that night. No pressure, no awkwardness – just good vibes.

Which Princess Ships Have Solo Cabins?

Not all Princess ships have solo cabins. The good news? The program has expanded significantly. The bad news? Availability varies by ship, itinerary, and sailing date. Let’s break it down.

Does Princess Cruise Line Have Solo Cabins Find Out Here

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Ships with Dedicated Solo Cabins (as of 2024)

Princess currently offers solo cabins on **11 ships** across their fleet. These are the main ones:

  • Royal Princess
  • Regal Princess
  • Caribbean Princess
  • Sky Princess
  • Enchanted Princess
  • Discovery Princess
  • Island Princess
  • Grand Princess
  • Crown Princess
  • Emerald Princess
  • Sapphire Princess

Note: The Ruby Princess and Star Princess do **not** have solo cabins. Always double-check when booking.

Cabin Types and Locations

On ships with solo cabins, you’ll typically find three options:

  • Interior Solo Cabin – Smallest, most affordable. No window, but cozy and private.
  • < Oceanview Solo Cabin – Features a window or porthole. Slightly more space. Great for light-sensitive travelers.

  • Balcony Solo Cabin – The holy grail. Private balcony, full-sized bed, and more room. Limited availability, so book early.

Location matters. Solo cabins are usually clustered in one section of the ship (often Deck 12 or 14) near the Solo Traveler Lounge. This makes it easy to pop in for a coffee or join an event. But some solo cabins are scattered – especially on older ships like Caribbean Princess. I once had a solo cabin on Deck 9, a 5-minute walk from the lounge. Not a dealbreaker, but something to consider if you want convenience.

New Ships: The Future of Solo Travel

Princess’s newest ships – Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess – have **more solo cabins than ever**. Discovery Princess has 28 dedicated solo cabins, including 8 balcony options. These ships also feature upgraded lounge spaces, better Wi-Fi, and more solo-friendly dining options.

One thing I loved on Discovery Princess: the solo cabins are near the Wake View Bar, which has a relaxed vibe and great sunset views. Perfect for unwinding after a day ashore.

Cost and Value: Are Solo Cabins Worth It?

Let’s talk money. The big question: Do solo cabins actually save you money? The answer: sometimes, but not always. It depends on the cruise, the cabin, and the time of year.

Single Supplement vs. Solo Cabin Pricing

Without a solo cabin, you’d pay a single supplement – typically 25% to 100% of the per-person double occupancy rate. So if a cruise costs $2,000 per person for two people, you might pay $3,000 to $4,000 as a solo traveler in a double cabin.

With a solo cabin, you usually pay a **flat rate** – often close to the double occupancy price, sometimes even less. But it varies. Here’s a real-world example from a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Sky Princess (2023):

Cabin Type Double Occupancy (Per Person) Single Supplement (Total) Solo Cabin Price (Total) Savings
Interior $1,200 $2,100 $1,300 $800
Oceanview $1,500 $2,625 $1,600 $1,025
Balcony $2,000 $3,500 $2,200 $1,300

As you can see, solo cabins offer **significant savings** – especially for balcony cabins. You’re paying a premium over double occupancy, but far less than the single supplement.

When Solo Cabins Aren’t the Best Deal

There are exceptions. During peak season (Christmas, New Year, summer), solo cabin prices can rise. Sometimes, Princess runs promotions like “2 for 1” or “No Single Supplement” on select sailings. In those cases, booking a double cabin as a solo traveler might actually be cheaper than a solo cabin.

Tip: Always compare. Use Princess’s website to check both options. Filter by “Solo Cabins” and “Double Cabins (Solo Traveler)” to see which gives you the best value.

Hidden Costs and Perks

Solo cabins don’t come with extra fees, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Gratuities – Still charged per person, but only one set. No double tipping.
  • Wi-Fi – Solo travelers often get better value. Princess offers “Social” and “Premium” packages. The “Social” plan (~$20/day) is perfect for email and messaging.
  • Dining – You can dine alone at any time, or join the Solo Traveler Dining Table in the main dining room. I did this on Enchanted Princess – met two new friends and shared stories over dinner.

Real-Life Experiences: What Solo Cruisers Say

Numbers are great, but what do actual solo travelers think? I reached out to cruisers on Facebook groups, Reddit, and travel forums to get the real scoop.

The Good: Independence and Comfort

Most solo travelers rave about the peace and quiet. No snoring roommate. No arguments over the thermostat. Just you, your space, and the ocean.

Lisa, a solo cruiser from Texas, said: “I booked a balcony solo cabin on Royal Princess. Every morning, I had coffee on my balcony, watched the sunrise, and read a book. It was the most relaxing week I’ve had in years.”

Others love the community feel. The Solo Traveler Lounge isn’t just a room – it’s a hub. Many cruisers form “solo squads” and do excursions, dinners, and even future cruises together.

The Not-So-Good: Size and Availability

Let’s be real – solo cabins are small. Even the balcony ones are compact. If you’re used to a spacious suite, it might feel tight. One cruiser, Mark from the UK, said: “The cabin was clean and functional, but I had to step over my suitcase to get to the bed. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.”

And availability? It’s limited. Solo cabins sell out fast, especially on popular routes (Alaska, Caribbean, Europe). I tried to book a solo balcony on Sky Princess for a 2024 Alaska cruise – sold out in 48 hours.

Tips from Experienced Solo Cruisers

Here’s what seasoned solo travelers recommend:

  • Book early – At least 6-9 months in advance. Solo cabins are often the first to go.
  • Check the deck plan – Use Princess’s interactive deck maps to see cabin location. Avoid cabins near elevators or noisy areas.
  • Attend the first-day mixer – Held in the Solo Lounge. Great way to meet people right away.
  • Bring a power strip – Solo cabins have fewer outlets. A compact strip helps.
  • Try the dining table – Even if you’re shy. You might meet your next travel buddy.

Alternatives and Workarounds for Solo Travelers

What if your preferred ship or itinerary doesn’t have solo cabins? Don’t worry – there are options.

Booking a Double Cabin as a Solo Traveler

You can still book a standard double cabin and avoid the single supplement. How? Look for “No Single Supplement” promotions. Princess occasionally runs these on older ships or less popular sailings.

For example, in early 2023, Grand Princess had a 10-night Alaska cruise with no single supplement for interior cabins. A solo traveler could book a $1,500 cabin for the same price as a double occupancy rate – saving $1,500.

Tip: Sign up for Princess’s email alerts. They announce these deals first.

Roommate Matching (With Caution)

Princess doesn’t offer an official roommate matching program, but third-party services like CruiseMates and SoloCruiser do. You pay a small fee, and they connect you with another solo traveler of the same gender. You split the cabin cost – often 50/50.

Pros: Saves money, meets a travel buddy. Cons: You’re sharing space with a stranger. I tried this once – my roommate was great, but we had different sleep schedules. Not ideal, but it worked for a 7-night cruise.

Consider Other Cruise Lines

If Princess doesn’t have what you need, check out competitors with strong solo programs:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – “Studio” cabins on 6 ships. Dedicated lounge, no single supplement.
  • Holland America – Solo cabins on 5 ships. Similar to Princess, with a social lounge.
  • Cunard – Solo cabins on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. More formal, but elegant.

Each has pros and cons. NCL is more budget-friendly. Holland America is quieter and more traditional. Cunard is luxurious but pricier.

Final Thoughts: Is a Solo Cabin on Princess Right for You?

So, does Princess Cruise Line have solo cabins? Absolutely – and they’re getting better every year. With 11 ships offering dedicated cabins, a growing Solo Traveler Lounge program, and real savings compared to single supplements, Princess is one of the most solo-friendly mainstream cruise lines out there.

But it’s not perfect. Cabins are small. Availability is limited. And sometimes, a no-single-supplement double cabin is a better deal. The key is doing your homework – comparing prices, checking ship layouts, and reading reviews from fellow solo travelers.

For me, the solo cabin on Enchanted Princess was a game-changer. I had my own space, met amazing people, and came home feeling refreshed – not drained. And that’s the real value of a solo cabin: it’s not just about saving money. It’s about traveling on your terms. Whether you want to read in silence, join a trivia night, or explore a new port alone, you can do it – without feeling like you’re paying a penalty for being single.

If you’re thinking about booking a solo cruise with Princess, here’s my advice: start early, compare all options, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the Solo Lounge staff. They’re there to help you make the most of your trip. And who knows? You might just find your next travel partner – or at least a great story to tell.

Happy cruising – solo or not. The ocean is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line have solo cabins for single travelers?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line offers dedicated solo cabins on many of its ships, designed specifically for single travelers. These cabins provide a comfortable and affordable option without the burden of paying a single supplement fee.

What are the benefits of booking a solo cabin on Princess Cruise Line?

Princess Cruise Line solo cabins offer privacy, convenience, and social opportunities with other solo travelers. Guests can enjoy access to the exclusive “Solo Travelers’ Lounge” on select ships, where they can mingle and participate in special events.

Are solo cabins on Princess Cruise Line more affordable than regular cabins?

Yes, solo cabins are often more affordable because they eliminate the single supplement fee typically charged for solo occupancy of a double cabin. These cabins are designed to maximize space and comfort while offering cost savings for single travelers.

Which Princess Cruise Line ships have solo cabins available?

Several Princess ships, including the Royal, Regal, and Sky Princess, feature solo cabins. It’s best to check the specific ship and sailing date on the Princess website or consult a travel agent to confirm availability.

Can I book a regular cabin as a solo traveler on Princess Cruise Line?

Absolutely, you can book a regular cabin, but you may be charged a single supplement fee unless a special “no supplement” offer is available. Solo cabins are often a more budget-friendly and socially engaging choice.

Do Princess Cruise Line solo cabins include access to special events?

Yes, solo cabin guests are often invited to exclusive events and gatherings, such as meet-and-greets, cocktail parties, and group activities. These events are designed to foster connections among solo travelers throughout the cruise.

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