Thinking of cruising solo? Our comprehensive guide answers all your questions, from finding the best cruise lines for solo travellers to onboard activities and special offers. Start your solo cruise adventure with Paramount Cruises today!
Is solo cruising a good option for me?
Absolutely! Solo cruising is an increasingly popular way to travel, offering a unique opportunity for personal enrichment, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, want the freedom to explore the world at your own pace, or are eager to make new friends, a solo cruise can be the perfect holiday for you. The beauty of a solo cruise is that you can truly tailor the experience to your preferences and make the trip exactly what you want it to be. A cruise can be a great way to step out of your comfort zone, experience new cultures, and gain new perspectives.
Which cruise lines are best for solo travellers?
Many cruise lines are now actively catering to the growing number of solo travellers, but some stand out for their dedicated facilities, services, and social atmospheres. Here are some of the cruise lines mentioned in the sources that are particularly suitable for solo cruisers:
- Virgin Voyages: Known for its adults-only cruises, Virgin Voyages offers a very sociable atmosphere with plenty of social events designed to help people connect. They have a mobile app to enable sailors to connect with each other. The vibe is geared toward a younger demographic, with modern ships and a focus on fun and relaxation.
- Fred. Olsen Cruises: Awarded “Best for Solo Travellers” by Cruise Critic UK, Fred. Olsen provides a more traditional cruising experience on smaller ships, creating a friendly, inclusive onboard community. They offer solo cabins, exclusive events for solo travellers, and a range of shore excursions for people who like to explore in a group. They are committed to making solo cruising easy for their guests.
- P&O Cruises: Caters well to solo travellers with dedicated single cabins, as well as a variety of onboard activities and opportunities to meet other guests. They offer organised events like coffee mornings and drinks receptions specifically for solo travellers, helping to create a more inclusive environment.
- Cunard: Known for its classic luxury and beautifully appointed single staterooms, Cunard ships offer a sophisticated experience for solo travellers. They also provide a wide range of activities and opportunities to socialise, with special events such as coffee mornings and drinks receptions.
- Oceania Cruises: Known for their elegant, smaller ships, Oceania provides a welcoming and refined atmosphere for solo cruisers. They encourage socialisation with welcome cocktail receptions and mixed dining tables. Solo staterooms are available on selected sailings.
- Celebrity Cruises: Offers a premium cruising experience with beautifully designed single staterooms, many with a private veranda. They also organise hosted social events to enable solo travellers to mingle. Their ships offer a range of options and a sophisticated atmosphere.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Stands out for its studio staterooms specifically designed for solo travellers, offering a more affordable and comfortable option for those cruising alone. They also provide access to a private lounge, providing an exclusive place for solo guests to meet and relax.
- Ambassador Cruise Line: Offers cabins designed specifically for solo travellers at a special single supplement price, and they host special events for solo guests, creating a welcoming onboard environment.
- MSC Cruises: Is known for offering discounts on single supplement fees on selected cruises, which can make a cruise a more affordable option for those travelling alone.
- Celestyal Cruises: Offer what they call a ‘Celestyal One’ fare with a reduced single supplement.
What are single staterooms, and why are they important?
Single staterooms are cabins specifically designed for solo travellers, and they are an essential feature for those who want a comfortable cruise without the added cost of paying a double occupancy supplement. These cabins provide a comfortable, private space without the need to pay extra for a double cabin. They often include all the amenities of a double stateroom, but are designed for just one person. Some cruise lines offer single cabins with a sea view or balcony, and a range of additional luxury additions to make it a special home away from home. These cabins are important because they provide a cost-effective solution for solo travellers, allowing them to avoid the extra expense of a single supplement.
Do cruise lines offer special prices for solo travellers?
While some cruise lines do not have specific pricing for single occupancy, many offer ways to reduce the financial burden for those travelling alone. Some, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, offer studio staterooms without the usual single supplement fee, making cruising more affordable. Others, like MSC Cruises, offer discounts on the single supplement, which can significantly reduce the cost of a cruise for solo travellers. Fred Olsen offer single cabins and may have special offers on twin cabins for sole occupancy. Also, Ambassador Cruise Line offers single cabins at a special single supplement price. Fred. Olsen also has a “Freedom Fare Price Promise” that applies when booking a single cabin which will be based on the equivalent twin cabin per person price. If the cruise price of your cabin grade booked is reduced, you will receive either a complimentary upgrade or onboard spend to the value of the price difference.
What kind of activities are available onboard for solo passengers?
Cruise ships are designed to offer a wide range of activities that are perfect for solo travellers, providing opportunities for both relaxation and socialisation:
- Social events: Many cruise lines organise coffee mornings, drinks receptions, and welcome parties specifically for solo travellers. These events provide a relaxed and informal way to meet other like-minded passengers.
- Onboard entertainment: Enjoy everything from live music and theatre shows to casinos and themed parties. These entertainment options are available for all guests and provide great opportunities to unwind after a day exploring or socialising.
- Fitness and relaxation: Most ships have gyms, swimming pools, spas, and whirlpools. These facilities allow you to maintain your fitness regime while on holiday, and also help you to relax and unwind.
- Group activities: Participate in group fitness classes, games, and bar crawls. These organised activities provide ways to engage with other guests in a fun and active environment.
- Dining options: Choose to dine at a shared table to meet new people, or enjoy meals alone. Many cruise lines offer flexible dining options, allowing you to choose the experience that you want.
- Enrichment activities: Engage in art classes, language lessons, or lectures. These activities offer intellectual and creative stimulation while also providing opportunities to meet people with shared interests.
Which cruise ships cater best to solo travellers?
Certain ships are better suited to solo travellers due to their facilities and overall atmosphere:
- Virgin Voyages ships are designed for adults with a sociable atmosphere and a variety of onboard events to help people meet. The design of the ship, with open social spaces and modern décor is designed to promote interaction between passengers.
- Norwegian Cruise Line ships, especially those with studio staterooms and exclusive lounges for solo guests are an excellent choice. These dedicated facilities make it easy for solo travellers to feel at home and connect with each other.
- Fred. Olsen’s smaller ships are easier to navigate, with a friendly community and dedicated solo traveller events. The more intimate atmosphere makes it easier for solo cruisers to feel at ease and participate in ship activities.
- Celebrity Cruises‘ Edge series ships have single staterooms with verandas, offering a touch of luxury and a premium experience for those travelling alone.
- P&O Cruises have ships such as Aurora and Arcadia which are exclusively for adults and offer specific activities, such as coffee mornings for solos.
Will I feel lonely on a solo cruise?
Solo cruising doesn’t have to mean being alone unless you choose it to be. Many cruise lines actively create opportunities for solo travellers to connect with others through organised social events and group activities. You’ll have the freedom to choose how much interaction you want. You may find you enjoy both the social aspects of meeting new people and having quiet time for yourself. With so much to see and do on board, and with varied opportunities to socialise, it is unlikely that you will feel lonely.
What are some tips for making the most of a solo cruise?
Here are some essential tips for planning and enjoying a fantastic solo cruise:
- Plan Ahead: While flexibility is great, having a basic plan of what you would like to do and see can help you feel more comfortable and confident, especially when you are on board or in a new port.
- Utilise the ship’s app: Some cruise lines, like Virgin Voyages, have mobile apps to connect with other passengers before and during the cruise. These apps can be invaluable for staying up to date, seeing what is going on, and meeting other passengers.
- Join in: Participate in onboard activities and social events. This is one of the best ways to meet new people and have a memorable cruise experience. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
- Be open to meeting new people: Take advantage of opportunities to connect with fellow travellers at welcome receptions, during onboard activities, or when on shore excursions.
- Explore independently: Take time to enjoy the ports of call and ship amenities on your own terms. The benefit of solo travel is that you can do exactly what you want, when you want.
- Book shore excursions: Booking excursions through the cruise line can help you connect with other travellers from your ship while exploring together.
- Take classes on board: Joining culinary or beverage classes can connect you with others with similar interests.
