What Cruise Lines Offer Single Cabins for Solo Travelers

Several major cruise lines now offer dedicated single cabins, making solo travel more affordable and comfortable. Lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages provide spacious, well-designed staterooms just for solo travelers, eliminating or reducing single supplements and enhancing the onboard experience.

Key Takeaways

• Norwegian Cruise Line offers solo cabins on most ships with no single supplement.
• Royal Caribbean features Studio Staterooms designed for solo travelers on select ships.
• Celebrity Cruises provides dedicated single cabins with access to exclusive solo traveler events.
• MSC Cruises has affordable single staterooms and flexible dining for solo guests.
• Holland America offers solo cabins with social mixers and shared dining options.
• Viking Ocean Cruises waives single supplements on select sailings for solo travelers.
• Book early to secure solo cabins, as availability is often limited per sailing.

The Rise of Solo Travel and the Search for Single Cabins

In recent years, solo travel has surged in popularity, with more people embracing the freedom, flexibility, and self-discovery that come with exploring the world on their own. According to industry reports, solo travelers now make up a significant portion of cruise bookings—estimated at over 10% and growing—yet many cruise lines still cater primarily to couples and families. This imbalance has left solo cruisers facing a frustrating dilemma: either pay exorbitant single supplements (often 50% to 100% more than the per-person double occupancy rate) or endure the awkwardness of sharing a cabin with a stranger. Fortunately, the tide is turning. A growing number of cruise lines are recognizing the demand for single cabins for solo travelers, introducing dedicated staterooms designed specifically for one. These cabins eliminate the single supplement, offer enhanced privacy, and often come with exclusive perks for solo cruisers.

For solo travelers, the appeal of cruising is undeniable: all-inclusive pricing, curated excursions, onboard entertainment, and the ease of unpacking once while visiting multiple destinations. However, the financial barrier of single supplements has long been a deterrent. Now, with the emergence of purpose-built single cabins for solo travelers, the cruise industry is finally catching up with the solo travel trend. Whether you’re a retiree seeking a relaxing getaway, a digital nomad looking for a floating workspace, or an adventure enthusiast eager to explore remote islands, there’s never been a better time to sail solo. This guide explores the cruise lines leading the charge in offering dedicated single cabins, the benefits they provide, and practical tips to help you choose the perfect solo cruise experience.

Why Single Cabins Matter: The Solo Traveler’s Dilemma

For years, solo cruisers have faced a stark choice: pay a hefty single supplement or share a cabin. Neither option is ideal. The single supplement—often 100% of the per-person double occupancy rate—can double the cost of a cruise, making it financially unfeasible for many. Sharing a cabin, on the other hand, introduces privacy concerns, scheduling conflicts, and the risk of personality mismatches. Enter single cabins for solo travelers: a game-changing solution that addresses both the financial and experiential challenges of solo cruising.

The Financial Burden of Single Supplements

The single supplement is a relic of a bygone era when cruising was predominantly a couples’ activity. Cruise lines priced cabins based on double occupancy, assuming two people would split the cost. When one person booked, the line still needed to cover the full cabin cost, hence the surcharge. While some lines now offer reduced or waived supplements during promotions, these are often time-limited and subject to availability. Dedicated single cabins eliminate this issue entirely by pricing the stateroom at a flat rate—no hidden fees, no surprise charges. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Studio cabins start at just $799 for a 7-night cruise, compared to $1,598 for a standard cabin with a 100% supplement.

Privacy and Comfort Without Compromise

Single cabins are designed with solo travelers in mind. They often feature:

• Compact but efficient layouts: Space-saving furniture, fold-down desks, and smart storage solutions maximize comfort without sacrificing functionality.
• Enhanced privacy: No shared bathrooms, no scheduling conflicts over showers or lights.
• Solo-centric amenities: Some lines, like Royal Caribbean, include perks like private access to a lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks.

Take the case of Jane, a 58-year-old teacher from Chicago, who booked a 10-day Mediterranean cruise on Holland America Line. “I was hesitant about sharing a cabin,” she shared. “But their single staterooms felt like a boutique hotel room—cozy, quiet, and all mine. I could read, journal, or nap without worrying about disturbing someone else.”

The Social Advantage

Contrary to the myth that solo travel is lonely, many cruise lines with single cabins foster community. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Studio Lounge hosts nightly socials, game nights, and mixers exclusively for solo travelers. Similarly, Princess Cruises offers Solo Traveler Meetups at embarkation and during the cruise. These events help solo cruisers connect, share tips, and even form friendships that last beyond the voyage.

Top Cruise Lines Offering Dedicated Single Cabins

Several major cruise lines now offer single cabins for solo travelers, each with unique features and pricing structures. Below are the standout options, ranked by cabin availability, amenities, and value.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – The Pioneer of Solo Travel

NCL was the first major cruise line to introduce dedicated single cabins in 2010 with its Studio staterooms. Today, these cabins are available on all 18 of its ships, including the Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Prima.

• Cabin Features: 100 sq. ft., full-sized bed, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, USB ports, and access to the exclusive Studio Lounge.
• Perks: Complimentary snacks, drinks, and social events in the lounge; priority boarding for solo travelers.
• Best For: Budget-conscious solo travelers seeking a vibrant social scene.

Example: A 7-night Alaska cruise on the Norwegian Jewel starts at $849 for a Studio cabin, with no single supplement. The same cruise in a standard cabin would cost $1,698 with a 100% supplement.

Royal Caribbean International – Spacious and Luxurious

Royal Caribbean’s Interior Solo and Ocean View Solo cabins, available on ships like Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, offer more space than most single cabins.

• Cabin Features: 140–160 sq. ft., full-sized bed, private balcony (in select cabins), and access to the Solo Traveler Lounge.
• Perks: Complimentary breakfast and happy hour in the lounge; dedicated concierge for solo travelers.
• Best For: Solo travelers who want extra space and luxury amenities.

Tip: Book early—Royal Caribbean’s solo cabins sell out quickly on popular itineraries like the Caribbean and Europe.

Princess Cruises – The Solo Traveler’s Retreat

Princess Cruises’ Single Staterooms, available on ships like Sky Princess and Discovery Princess, focus on comfort and tranquility.

• Cabin Features: 140 sq. ft., full-sized bed, private bathroom, and a dedicated Solo Traveler Meetup program.
• Perks: Exclusive shore excursions for solo travelers; onboard social events with a focus on cultural immersion.
• Best For: Solo travelers seeking a relaxed, culturally rich experience.

Holland America Line – Elegance and Exclusivity

Holland America’s Single Staterooms, found on ships like Eurodam and Nieuw Statendam, cater to mature solo travelers.

• Cabin Features: 140–160 sq. ft., full-sized bed, private bathroom, and access to the Club Orange program (includes priority dining and concierge service).
• Perks: Complimentary wine tastings and cooking classes for solo travelers.
• Best For: Solo travelers who appreciate refined amenities and slower-paced itineraries.

Celebrity Cruises – Modern and Tech-Savvy

Celebrity’s Single Staterooms, available on ships like Celebrity Edge, feature cutting-edge design and smart technology.

• Cabin Features: 130 sq. ft., full-sized bed, Infinite Veranda (a hybrid balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows), and access to the Solo Traveler Lounge.
• Perks: Complimentary high-speed internet; priority access to specialty restaurants.
• Best For: Tech-savvy solo travelers who value innovation and design.

How to Book Single Cabins: Tips and Strategies

Booking a single cabin for solo travelers requires planning and strategy. Unlike standard cabins, these staterooms are often limited in number and sell out quickly. Here’s how to secure your spot.

Book Early—Very Early

Single cabins are a premium product, and cruise lines allocate only a small percentage of their inventory to them. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line reserves about 50–100 Studio cabins per ship, regardless of the vessel’s size. Booking 12–18 months in advance is recommended, especially for peak seasons (summer, holidays, and Alaska cruises). Use cruise line websites or trusted travel agents to set up alerts for cabin availability.

Be Flexible with Itineraries and Ships

Some ships have more single cabins than others. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships have over 20 solo staterooms, while older vessels may have only 5–10. Similarly, repositioning cruises (e.g., transatlantic or transpacific) often have more availability. Consider less popular destinations like the Baltic or Southeast Asia for better cabin options.

Leverage Promotions and Loyalty Programs

Many cruise lines offer promotions like:

• No Single Supplement: Occasionally, lines waive the supplement on standard cabins, making them competitive with dedicated singles.
• Loyalty Perks: If you’re a repeat cruiser, ask about discounts or upgrades for solo travelers.
• Group Bookings: Join solo traveler groups (e.g., Solo Traveler Society) for exclusive deals.

Example: Princess Cruises’ Solo Traveler Savings program offers up to 25% off single staterooms for members of their loyalty program.

Work with a Specialized Travel Agent

Agents who specialize in solo travel often have access to unadvertised inventory or can negotiate perks like onboard credits. They can also help you compare options across multiple lines. Look for agents certified by organizations like ASTA or CLIA.

Beyond Cabins: Onboard Experiences for Solo Travelers

While the cabin is the cornerstone of a solo cruise, the onboard experience is equally important. Cruise lines with dedicated single cabins for solo travelers often go the extra mile to create a welcoming environment.

Social Events and Meetups

Most lines with solo cabins host regular events:

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Studio Lounge socials (cocktail hours, trivia nights, and dance parties).
• Princess Cruises: Solo Traveler Meetups (coffee chats, wine tastings, and shore excursion previews).
• Royal Caribbean: Solo Traveler Lounge (complimentary breakfast, happy hour, and game nights).

Tip: Attend the first-day meetup—it’s the best way to connect with other solo cruisers and plan group activities.

Dining Options for Solo Travelers

Many lines offer solo-friendly dining:

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Studio Lounge includes complimentary dining vouchers for specialty restaurants.
• Celebrity Cruises: Single Table for Solo Travelers at the main dining room.
• Holland America Line: Club Orange members get priority access to specialty restaurants.

Excursions and Activities

Look for lines that offer:

• Solo-only excursions: Princess Cruises’ Solo Traveler Tours (e.g., a private cooking class in Tuscany).
• Flexible scheduling: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program includes solo-friendly activities like rock climbing and escape rooms.

Data Table: Single Cabin Comparison by Cruise Line

Cruise Line	Cabin Name	Size (sq. ft.)	Starting Price (7-night cruise)	Key Perks	Best For
Norwegian Cruise Line	Studio	100	$799	Studio Lounge, social events	Budget-conscious, social travelers
Royal Caribbean	Interior Solo	140–160	$1,299	Solo Traveler Lounge, balcony access	Space seekers, luxury lovers
Princess Cruises	Single Stateroom	140	$1,199	Solo meetups, cultural excursions	Relaxed, culturally curious travelers
Holland America	Single Stateroom	140–160	$1,399	Club Orange, wine tastings	Mature, refined travelers
Celebrity Cruises	Single Stateroom	130	$1,499	Infinite Veranda, high-speed internet	Tech-savvy, design-focused travelers

Conclusion: Embrace the Solo Cruise Revolution

The era of solo travel on cruise ships is no longer a niche market—it’s a thriving, dynamic segment of the industry. With dedicated single cabins for solo travelers, cruise lines are breaking down the financial and social barriers that once made solo cruising a challenge. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant social scene of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Studio cabins, the spacious luxury of Royal Caribbean’s Interior Solo staterooms, or the tranquil elegance of Holland America’s offerings, there’s a perfect fit for every solo traveler.

As you plan your next adventure, remember that solo cruising isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the freedom to explore on your terms, meet like-minded travelers, and create memories that are uniquely yours. The key is to book early, leverage promotions, and take advantage of the exclusive perks designed for solo cruisers. With the right preparation, your solo cruise can be the most rewarding journey of your life. So pack your bags, embrace the open sea, and discover the world—one solo voyage at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines offer single cabins for solo travelers?

Several major cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, offer dedicated single cabins designed for solo travelers. These cabins eliminate or reduce single supplements, making cruising more affordable for individuals.

Are single cabins available on luxury cruise lines?

Yes, luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea now feature single-occupancy cabins or reduced single supplements. These options provide high-end amenities without the usual solo traveler surcharge.

Do any cruise lines offer solo cabins with social perks?

Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line provide solo cabins with exclusive lounges or social events to help single travelers connect. These perks make it easier to meet fellow passengers and enjoy a community experience.

Which cruise lines offer single cabins without a supplement fee?

NCL and Virgin Voyages are known for their “Studio” single cabins with no single supplement. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also run frequent promotions waiving the supplement for solo travelers in select categories.

Can solo travelers find single cabins on river cruises?

Yes, river cruise lines like AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and Avalon Waterways offer single-occupancy cabins or reduced supplements. These smaller ships often have a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for solo explorers.

Are single cabins on cruise ships smaller than standard cabins?

While some single cabins are compact, many modern options (like NCL’s Studios) are designed to maximize space with clever layouts. Most still include the same amenities—private bathrooms, TVs, and storage—as double cabins.