Top Cruise Lines for Solo Cruises
Best Cruises for Singles and Solo Cruise Holidays
A cruise holiday is one of the best options for a solo traveller to see the world, offering safe and secure accommodation, impeccable service with fantastic food, and endless opportunities to socialise with other holidaymakers – whether they're singles with a passion for cruising or otherwise. With so many cruise lines now offering luxurious staterooms and suites specifically designed for individual cruisers, and some fantastic solo cruise deals to boot, there are some excellent options available for anyone wondering what the landscape is like when it comes to cruise holidays for singles.
But, what are those options? Well, if you're looking for the best singles cruise – and more information on cruise ships for solo travellers – you're in the right place. While it's definitely worth checking out the latest cruise deals while you're here, we've compiled a list of the best cruises for singles below – that includes cruises for singles over 50, solo cruises from Southampton, singles cruises for young adults looking to see more of the world, and everything else. When it comes to solo cruises, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy.
Best Cruise Lines and Cruises for Single People
Almost every major cruise line offer solo cruise deals that you can take advantage of, but there are some that are better than others – and that is even more true when you take into account the activities and itineraries onboard. P&O solo cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) solo cruises are among the most popular, but you can find out more about those – and a few other options you may want to consider if you're planning on solo cruising around the Caribbean or Mediterranean (or anywhere else in the world, of course) – below.
Well, it can be expensive due to the single supplement some cruise lines apply to solo travellers, because they're one person in a two person (or maybe more) cabin. However, this isn't something every cruise line applies — several of the cruise lines below have done away with single supplement charges. You can also find out more about the top budget friendly cruises right here!
Solo Cruises With Norwegian Cruise Line
Known for their laid-back approach to cruising, with an emphasis on being free to choose whichever way you want to cruise while onboard, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a fantastic choice for solo travellers. Cruises for solo travellers might sound daunting, but NCL cruise ships are well-equipped to make sure you enjoy yourself. With award-winning solo accommodation, stylish lounges reserved exclusively for single passengers, and a wonderful array of activities to help you socialise with your fellow passengers, you're really in for a solo cruise experience like no other with NCL.
Norwegian Cruise Line single cabins
When it comes to creating comfortable cabins and sophisticated staterooms for solo travellers, NCL really have gone above and beyond. The studio staterooms on NCL ships boast a sleek, modern interior design with a full-sized bed, flat-screen TV, and innovative design that makes the most of the space available. Located in an area with a private keycard, all of your neighbours will be single cruisers too – so, it should be a lot easier to get to know each other during your voyage.
Norwegian Cruise Line solo activities
Whether you want to get stuck into an activity that will get your adrenaline pumping, or you're more in the mood to lounge poolside, NCL offers a wide range of activities that solo cruisers and singles can enjoy while onboard. From a fun pub crawl to a calm drink in the Studio Lounge, you'll have more than enough opportunity to share a drink with your fellow singles; or, you can pamper yourself in the onboard spa, enjoy an evening of entertainment in the theatre, and work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center. The choice really is yours to make.
Norwegian Cruise Line solo pricing
When cruising with NCL, you'll be pleased to know that traditional double occupancy rates don't apply to solo cruisers. So, thanks to the fantastic selection of specially-designed Studio staterooms for singles, you won't have to pay an extra supplement as a solo traveller. And, while available, you will also be able to book regular cabins and suites at a reduced rate!
To find out more about what you can expect when you sail on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, check out some of this cruise line's best cruise ships for solo travellers below:
Solo Cruises With P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises are industry-leading experts when it comes to providing no-fuss cruises for singles with a touch of class – all while still feeling like a home away from home. With a range of comfortable solo cabins across almost every ship in its impressive fleet, equipped with single beds and en-suite bathrooms at a fraction of the price, you'll find P&O solo cruises among the most affordable out there. And, on top of this excellent value, you'll be able to enjoy the impeccable service of friendly staff throughout – all of which will help you make your cruise as sociable or as quiet as you'd like!
P&O Cruises single cabins
While there are some ships in P&O Cruises' fleet that offer a limited number of single occupancy cabins, ships such as P&O Azura come equipped with both inside and outside solo cabins – so, you won't have to worry about missing a moment of sensational scenery while sailing. That said, every single cabin available is stylish and comfortable, with all the amenities you need to have a relaxing holiday. You'll also find a room service menu available in every stateroom; so, don't worry if you're not sure you want to head to one of the dining venues alone one day – although, solo guests can dine alone in these venues, or share tables with other travellers!
P&O Cruises solo activities
It doesn't matter whether you're sailing solo with P&O Cruises, or travelling with friends and family, everyone can enjoy the fantastic selection of activities and array of entertainment available on a P&O cruise ship.
From social mixers to games nights and dance workshops, there are countless ways to spend you days and evenings at sea – and you're certain to find something to suit your tastes. Single cruisers specifically will find a selection of activities and events available on each itinerary; so, you'll have plenty of chances to socialise and mingle with other single cruisers throughout your voyage.
Absolutely! If you're looking to see some spectacular destinations around the world and make new friends along the way, this is a great way of doing that. You'll have comfortable (and secure, importantly) accommodation, excellent food and service, and the chance to socialise with like-minded travellers as much (or as little) as you like. If you want to meet new people, but you're anxious about it, solo cruising can be an excellent way to break ice and make friends in an inclusive environment.
If you want to learn more about how you can do this with P&O specifically, you can find out more about this cruise line in our ultimate P&O Cruises guide here.
P&O Cruises solo pricing
With only a limited number of cabins available at a reduced single supplement cost on many itineraries, you'll need to make sure you're booking well in advance to enjoy the cheapest prices. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep an eye on the latest last minute cruises – you could very-well find a fantastic deal there!
To find out more about what you can expect when you sail with P&O Cruises, check out some of the best cruise ships for solo travellers in this fleet below:
Solo Cruises With Fred. Olsen
If you're a solo traveller, cruising with Fred. Olsen Cruises is a fantastic option – particularly if you're looking for upcoming cruises for single seniors. Offering everyone a more traditional cruising experience, you can expect to enjoy singles-specific get-togethers and pre-arranged dinners with other solo travellers throughout your voyage. And, when it comes to stepping off onto shore, you'll have the choice to join an expert-led cruise around your destination's best spots, or to explore independently. With a selection of comfortable single balcony suites available on every suite, among other options for solo travellers, you'll have ample space to relax and all the amenities you could need for your getaway.
Fred. Olsen Cruises solo cabins
Across the Fred. Olsen fleet, you'll find an impressive number of single occupancy staterooms – including a selection of spacious balcony suites and incredible inside cabins. This is what makes Fred. Olsen stand out from other cruise lines, really; there aren't many cruise lines that offer balcony suites specifically to solo travellers. And, with every single cabin or suite having all the amenities you need to enjoy your cruise holiday on these more intimately-sized ships, you'll find yourself more than comfortable throughout your voyage.
Fred. Olsen Cruises solo activities
On a Fred. Olsen Cruises ship, you're free to be as social or has isolated as you like. There will be meetings organised specifically for solo travellers if you want to socialise with like-minded guests, but there's also a wide range of other social activities to enjoy. From dance classes (with dance hosts specifically there to whisk solo travellers around the dancefloor) to arts and crafts sessions, you'll find yourself with plenty of chances to socialise with other travellers while onboard. All the details will be available in your Daily Times each morning, so don't worry if you don't know what to expect going into each day – that's part of the fun!
Fred. Olsen Cruises solo pricing
Solo cabins and suites on Fred. Olsen ships are available at no extra cost, which is great news for single cruisers; however, this does mean they sell out quick – that and the intimate size of Fred. Olsen Cruises' fleet of ships. Twin rooms are also available to book if you're a solo traveller, but you will be charged a single supplement charge on top of the standard fare for these. So, if you have your eye on a Fred. Olsen cruise you want to enjoy, it might be worth booking your stateroom sooner rather than later.
To find out more about what you can expect on a Fred. Olsen Cruises ship, check out the full fleet below:
Solo Cruises With Cunard Cruises
Cunard really are experts when it comes to transatlantic cruises and a firm favourite if you're looking for a traditionally-elegant cruise holiday; so, with spacious single staterooms and a round-the-clock programme of activities for single cruisers to enjoy, this cruise line is easily one of the best cruise lines for solo travellers right now. On any one of the incredible cruise liners available, you'll be able to experience a sophisticated solo cruise holiday – a luxurious getaway to some sensational destinations – that's as social (or as quiet, of course) as you want it to be.
Cunard Cruises solo cabins
With 24-hour room service, complimentary toiletries, and even a bottle of sparkling wine when you arrive, Cunard's single staterooms are among the most comfortable available. And, offering both single inside and single oceanview cabins, Cunard gives you the choice between cosy comfort that's close to all the action onboard and spectacular sea views from your cabin anytime. Whichever one you choose, all the cabins come with all the amenities Cunard offer and everything you need to have a sensational cruise holiday.
Cunard Cruises solo activities
A Cunard cruise is a great way to recharge your batteries, but that doesn't mean you won't find yourself with the chance to mingle with other single travellers while onboard. Throughout your voyage, you'll find a selection of activities and meet-and-greets specifically for solo travellers – and, of course, you'll be more than welcome to enjoy all the other activities and events available during your cruise. So, there's nothing stopping you starting your day with a social coffee morning, going off on your own for a while to sun-soak and enjoy the swimming pools, and then meeting up with other single travellers for dinner. The choices will be yours, and Cunard will make sure you have plenty of options to choose from when you want to make them.
While most cruises have a wide age range onboard at any one time, the average tends to be between 30 and 50 — give or take a few years either way. You shouldn't let this put you off, though; there's no age limit on the top underrated cruise destinations, after all!
Cunard Cruises solo pricing
While single occupancy staterooms are available at no extra cost, they are limited and often sell out quite quickly on upcoming Cunard itineraries. So, if you want to avoid paying a single supplement on double occupancy rooms – which can make things quite expensive – you would be better off booking as early as you can to secure your spot.
If you want to find out more about what it's like to cruise with Cunard, check out Cunard's top cruise liners for solo cruises right here:
Solo Cruises With Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages believes that solo cruising isn't just about a nice holiday in the sunshine, it's about self-discovery and the chance to make unforgettable memories – creating moments that will last a lifetime and having the time of your life. Sounds pretty good, right? Well, you'll be pleased to know that singles cruises on Virgin Voyages' ships are as good as they sound. As an adults-only cruise line, you'll find yourself surrounded with like-minded individuals and met with an itinerary of onboard events designed to be as inclusive as possible – for solo cruisers, LGBTQ+ travellers, and everyone else onboard. Better yet, both the Solo Insider and Solo Sea View cabins available are competitively priced for solo travellers – and you'll get all the perks and amenities you need to have a truly sensational holiday too!
Virgin Voyages solo cabins
Virgin Voyages' super-yacht inspired cabins are second to none, offering some of the most comfortable cruising available right now. Complete with roomy Rainshowers and mood lighting, Virgin Voyages' solo cabins are the perfect place to rest and relax during your time onboard; and, 24-hour room service means you'll always have the chance to cure your late-night cravings with a snack or something sweet.
Virgin Voyages solo activities
With inclusivity at the forefront of everything Virgin Voyages does, you'll find an itinerary full of incredible activities and events to enjoy as a solo traveller on any one of this cruise line's incredible ships. From a "grog walk" (which is Virgin Voyages' version of a pub crawl) to sharing a delicious dish or two on a shared table, you'll be able to be as social or as isolated as you like. It's all about choice and enjoying the holiday you want to enjoy with Virgin Voyages; the options will be there, but there's no pressure to engage with anyone if you just want to spend a day lounging by the pool!
While this is never certain, it tends to be very close to a 50/50 split on singles cruises — and, with Virgin Voyages one of the most inclusive cruise lines out there right now, there's nothing to say you won't bump into solo travellers who fall outside the traditional gender norms too.
If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community and you want to cruise with like-minded travellers, you can find out more about the best cruise lines for gay cruises right here!
Virgin Voyages solo pricing
Virgin Voyages' solo cabins are quite competitively priced for single travellers, which is fantastic given the quality of these staterooms. However, they're also likely to sell out quickly; so, if you want to avoid splashing out on a larger room for yourself, you're better off booking sooner rather than later. Thankfully, on a lot of Virgin Voyages itineraries, the cruise line has waved away single supplements – meaning you won't have to pay an extra fee for booking a bigger room as a solo traveller.
If you want to know what life is like cruising with Virgin Voyages, check out the cruise line's fleet of ships below:
Book Your Next Solo Getaway with Iglu Cruise Today
If all of this 'cruise talk' has you itching for your next adventure on the seven seas, you can find all the latest cruise deals right here – some of which will offer additional discounts for solo travellers. Although, if you're new to cruising – especially solo cruising – it can all feel pretty scary; trying new things is daunting sometimes, we totally get it!
If you need a helping hand finding your way through the wonderful world of cruising while you're looking for your next solo adventure, check out these helpful blogs from the Iglu Cruise team below: