Which Cruise Lines Have Single Occupancy Cabins for Solo Travelers

Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line lead the way with dedicated single occupancy cabins, offering solo travelers affordable, well-designed staterooms without the burden of double-occupancy fees. Other standout options include Virgin Voyages’ Solo Loft cabins and Holland America’s single-friendly Guarantee rates, making it easier than ever to sail solo in comfort and style.

Key Takeaways

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Offers Studio cabins designed solo travelers.
• Royal Caribbean: Features single cabins on select ships with no extra fees.
• Celebrity Cruises: Provides solo cabins with access to exclusive lounges.
• Virgin Voyages: No single supplement on many sailings—budget-friendly for solo cruisers.
• Holland America: Limited solo cabins; book early to secure availability.
• MSC Cruises: Offers solo cabins on newer ships across global routes.

The Rise of Solo Cruising: Why Single Occupancy Cabins Matter

Traveling solo has never been more popular. According to a 2023 report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), nearly 12% of all cruise passengers are solo travelers—a figure that has nearly tripled over the past decade. Whether it’s a retiree exploring bucket-list destinations, a digital nomad seeking ocean views with Wi-Fi, or a young professional embracing “me time,” solo cruisers are reshaping the industry. However, for years, solo travelers faced a frustrating reality: paying double the fare for a cabin designed for two. This phenomenon, known as the “single supplement,” often made cruising financially unviable for individuals traveling alone.

Thankfully, the tide is turning. Cruise lines are finally recognizing the growing demand for single occupancy cabins—private staterooms designed specifically for one person, without the hefty price penalty. These cabins eliminate the single supplement, offering solo travelers a fair, comfortable, and often stylish way to explore the world. From boutique river vessels to megaships with 5,000 passengers, the options are expanding rapidly. This guide dives deep into which cruise lines offer true single occupancy cabins, what to expect, and how to make the most of your solo adventure at sea.

Why Cruise Lines Are Embracing Single Occupancy Cabins

The Solo Traveler Boom

The surge in solo travel isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural shift. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that solo travelers spent over $100 billion on leisure trips in 2022, with cruise bookings growing at twice the rate of group travel. Social media, remote work, and changing family dynamics are key drivers. Millennials and Gen Z travelers, in particular, value independence and personalized experiences. For cruise lines, ignoring this demographic means missing out on a massive revenue stream.

From “Single Supplement” to “Solo-Friendly”

Traditionally, cruise pricing was based on double occupancy: two people sharing a cabin paid a base fare, with each person billed at 50%. Solo travelers were charged the full base fare (100%) plus additional fees—sometimes totaling 200% of the per-person cost. This “single supplement” could add $1,000–$5,000+ to a cruise, making it prohibitive. By offering dedicated single cabins, lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean now charge solo travelers a fairer rate, often just 10–25% more than half the double-occupancy fare.

Design Innovations and Amenities

Modern single cabins are no longer afterthoughts. Cruise lines are investing in purpose-built staterooms with features tailored to solo travelers:

• Full-size beds (not twin beds)
• Enhanced privacy (soundproofing, private balconies)
• Tech-friendly spaces (USB ports, smart TVs)
• Proximity to social hubs (bars, lounges, activity areas)

For example, Virgin Voyages’ “Solo Insider” cabins include access to a private lounge with free drinks, creating a built-in social network.

Top Cruise Lines with Dedicated Single Occupancy Cabins

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The Pioneer

NCL leads the industry in solo travel innovation. Their “Studio” cabins debuted in 2010 on the Norwegian Epic and now span 10 ships, including the Norwegian Encore and Prima-class vessels.

• Cabin Features: 100 sq ft, full-size bed, floor-to-ceiling window, private bathroom
• Price Advantage: No single supplement; fares start at $800–$1,200 for a 7-night Caribbean cruise
• Perks: Keycard access to the Studio Lounge (free coffee, snacks, evening cocktails) and organized solo meetups

Pro Tip: Book early—Studio cabins sell out fast, especially on popular routes like Alaska or the Mediterranean.

Royal Caribbean International: Expanding Options

While Royal Caribbean doesn’t have a dedicated solo cabin brand, they offer single-occupancy staterooms on 8+ ships, including Symphony of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.

• Cabin Features: 140–170 sq ft, full-size bed, balcony (on select ships), smart TV
• Price Advantage: 25–50% single supplement (lower than industry average)
• Perks: Access to the Solo Travelers Lounge on Oasis-class ships (board games, mixers, trivia)

Example: A 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Harmony of the Seas starts at $1,100 for a solo balcony cabin (vs. $2,400 for two people).

Virgin Voyages: Luxury Meets Community

Virgin’s “Solo Insider” program (available on Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady) redefines solo cruising.

• Cabin Features: 150 sq ft, “RockStar” bed, marble bathroom, balcony with hammock
• Price Advantage: 15% single supplement; includes $100–$300 onboard credit
• Perks: VIP Solo Sailor Lounge (free premium drinks, mixology classes, speed-dating events)

Insider Tip: Book a “Solo Sailor” package to get priority access to sold-out shows and dining reservations.

Holland America Line: Classic Elegance for Solo Travelers

Holland America offers single cabins on 6 ships, including Zuiderdam and Rotterdam.

• Cabin Features: 170 sq ft, queen bed, sitting area, large window
• Price Advantage: 50% single supplement (reduced from 100% in 2022)
• Perks: Explorations Central (free lectures, language classes, solo-friendly excursions)

Best For: Travelers who prefer a quieter, traditional cruise experience.

River Cruise Leaders: AmaWaterways & Uniworld

River cruise lines are ideal for solo travelers seeking intimacy and cultural immersion.

• AmaWaterways: 100% single cabins on 5 ships (e.g., AmaMagna). Cabins are 210 sq ft with French balconies. No supplement; includes free Wi-Fi.
• Uniworld: “Solo Traveler” cabins on 8 ships (e.g., S.S. Joie de Vivre). Cabins are 180 sq ft with king beds. 25% supplement; includes a welcome gift and private shore excursions.

Why River Cruising? With only 100–200 passengers, you’ll easily connect with others—and the smaller ships dock right in city centers.

How to Find and Book the Best Single Occupancy Cabins

Step 1: Use Cruise Line Filters

Most cruise line websites have a “solo traveler” filter. For example:

• NCL: Select “1 Passenger” in the booking engine to see only Studio cabins.
• Royal Caribbean: Use the “Solo Travelers” category under “Staterooms.”
• Virgin Voyages: Choose “Solo Sailor” during checkout.

Warning: Some lines (like Carnival) list “single cabins” but charge full double-occupancy rates—always check the supplement percentage.

Step 2: Leverage Travel Agents and Specialists

Experienced travel agents know which ships have last-minute solo deals. For example:

• SinglesCruise.com: Offers group sailings with pre-matched cabin mates and onboard hosts.
• CruiseCompete.com: Compares solo rates across 20+ agencies.

Pro Tip: Agents often have access to “guaranteed single cabins”—you’ll get a solo room even if it’s not listed online.

Step 3: Time Your Booking Strategically

Single cabins book up fast, but you can snag deals:

• Book 9–12 months ahead for peak seasons (summer, holidays).
• Wait for “solo traveler” promotions (e.g., NCL’s “Free at Sea” solo deals).
• Check for last-minute cancellations (30–60 days before departure).

Example: A 14-night transatlantic cruise on Norwegian Encore dropped from $2,400 to $1,600 for a solo traveler in April 2024.

What to Expect Onboard: Social Opportunities and Solo Perks

Built-In Social Networks

Modern cruise lines design solo experiences to combat loneliness:

• NCL’s Studio Lounge: Daily mixers, trivia, and karaoke nights.
• Royal Caribbean’s Solo Travelers Lounge: Board games, cocktail hours, and shore excursion meetups.
• Virgin’s “Sailor Socials”: Speed-dating events, dance parties, and group excursions.

Data Point: 78% of solo travelers in a 2023 CLIA survey said onboard social events made their trip “more enjoyable.”

Exclusive Solo Traveler Perks

Beyond cabins, lines offer unique benefits:

• Priority Dining: Skip the wait for popular restaurants (Virgin, NCL).
• Free Spa Access: Some lines offer solo travelers a free massage or sauna pass (Holland America).
• Private Shore Excursions: Small-group tours designed for solo travelers (Uniworld).

Pro Tip: Ask about “solo traveler meetups” at the guest services desk—they’re often not advertised.

Tech and Connectivity

Staying connected is crucial for remote workers and social sharers:

• Wi-Fi Packages: Most single cabins include free or discounted high-speed internet (AmaWaterways, Virgin).
• Charging Stations: USB ports and wireless charging pads (Royal Caribbean, NCL).
• Streaming Services: Access to Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify on cabin TVs (Carnival, Princess).

Comparing Single Cabin Options: Data and Recommendations

Cruise Line	Ship(s)	Cabin Size (sq ft)	Single Supplement	Key Perk	Best For
Norwegian Cruise Line	10+ ships (e.g., Epic, Encore)	100	0%	Studio Lounge with free drinks	Social travelers, budget-focused
Virgin Voyages	Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady	150	15%	VIP Solo Sailor Lounge	Luxury seekers, young professionals
Royal Caribbean	8+ ships (e.g., Harmony, Odyssey)	140–170	25–50%	Solo Travelers Lounge	First-time cruisers, families
AmaWaterways	5+ river ships	210	0%	Free Wi-Fi, cultural lectures	River cruise enthusiasts
Holland America	6+ ships (e.g., Zuiderdam)	170	50%	Explorations Central	Traditional cruisers, retirees

Recommendations by Traveler Type:

• Budget-Conscious: NCL (0% supplement, social lounge).
• Luxury Lovers: Virgin (VIP perks, upscale cabins).
• First-Time Cruisers: Royal Caribbean (familiar brand, family-friendly).
• Cultural Explorers: AmaWaterways (river cruises, free lectures).
• Quiet Travelers: Holland America (elegant, low-key vibe).

Making the Most of Your Solo Cruise: Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid

Pre-Cruise Preparation

Maximize your experience before you sail:

• Join pre-cruise Facebook groups (e.g., “NCL Solo Sailors”) to meet others.
• Download the cruise app to book dining, excursions, and social events.
• Pack solo-friendly gear: A portable charger, noise-canceling headphones, and a reusable water bottle.

Common Mistake: Overpacking. Cruise cabins are small—stick to essentials.

Onboard Strategies

Break the ice and stay engaged:

• Attend the first solo meetup (usually on embarkation day).
• Book a “solo traveler” shore excursion—you’ll bond with others quickly.
• Use the “solo table” at dinner—many restaurants reserve tables for solo diners.

Pro Tip: Tip the cruise director to introduce you to other solo travelers during events.

Avoiding Pitfalls

Watch out for these solo travel traps:

• Hidden Fees: Some lines charge extra for single-cabin Wi-Fi or balcony access.
• Isolation: Don’t stay in your cabin all day—explore the ship and attend activities.
• Overpriced Excursions: Book through the cruise line for group rates, but research third-party options for unique experiences.

The era of solo cruising without compromise is here. With 15+ cruise lines now offering dedicated single occupancy cabins, solo travelers can finally enjoy the freedom, comfort, and community they deserve. Whether you’re drawn to NCL’s vibrant social scene, Virgin’s luxury lounges, or AmaWaterways’ cultural river journeys, there’s a perfect solo cruise waiting. The key is to research early, leverage solo traveler programs, and embrace the onboard opportunities. After all, the open sea—and your next adventure—is calling. Pack your bags, and set sail on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines have single occupancy cabins for solo travelers?

Several major cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, offer dedicated single occupancy cabins designed for solo travelers. These cabins eliminate or reduce the single supplement fee, making them a budget-friendly option for individuals cruising alone.

Are single occupancy cabins available on luxury cruise lines?

Yes, luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea offer single occupancy cabins or solo traveler fares. These upscale options often include spacious staterooms and exclusive amenities tailored for solo cruisers.

Do any cruise lines waive the single supplement fee?

Some cruise lines, such as Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, occasionally waive or reduce the single supplement fee for solo travelers in select cabins. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Studio cabins also include full exemption from single supplements.

What are the best cruise lines for solo travelers seeking single occupancy cabins?

Norwegian Cruise Line (with its Studio complex), Virgin Voyages (no single supplement), and Cunard Line (dedicated solo cabins) are top choices. These lines prioritize social spaces and solo-friendly pricing, enhancing the experience for single travelers.

Are single occupancy cabins smaller than standard cabins?

While some single cabins (like NCL’s Studios) are compact and optimized for solo use, others, like those on Regent or Oceania, are comparable in size to standard cabins. Always check dimensions when booking to ensure comfort.

Do budget cruise lines offer single occupancy cabins?

Yes, budget-friendly lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises occasionally offer single occupancy cabins or reduced single supplements. While options may be limited, these are ideal for solo travelers prioritizing affordability.