Why Luxury Cruises Are Perfect for Solo Travelers

Imagine gliding over the ocean, surrounded by world-class amenities and stunning views — all while having the freedom to explore new places at your own pace. 

Research commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) shows that over one in three travelers (37 percent) prefer to travel alone — a number that has risen steadily in recent years. 

As we set sail toward the golden age of solo travel, luxury cruises offer the ideal escape for those seeking a unique blend of independence, elegance, and excitement. A chance to enjoy gourmet meals, unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment or explore far-off destinations — all while having the flexibility to do it on your own terms. 

Your Journey, Your Way

Solo cruising is the kind of travel experience where your choices define the adventure. Want to spend the day exploring exciting ports of call? You’ve got it. Prefer to stay onboard, trying a cocktail while lounging poolside? That’s on the menu too.

The beauty of solo cruising lies in its versatility. From quiet mornings spent sipping freshly brewed coffee on your private balcony to lively evenings filled with entertainment, every moment is yours to shape. There’s no itinerary to compromise on, no schedules to sync with — just you, the open sea, and the luxury of doing exactly what you want.  

Culinary Excellence That Fits Your Lifestyle

On a luxury cruise, dining is an experience as much as it is a meal. Whether enjoying a Michelin-starred meal as the sun dips below the horizon or trying Italian food paired with a perfectly aged wine, every bite feels like part of the adventure.

For solo travelers, it’s all about freedom and choice. Take your time with a quiet, candlelit dinner by the window, or enjoy a relaxed bite at a casual dining spot — it’s your call.

Not in the mood for large crowds or noisy dining halls? Many cruise lines now offer “flexible dining,” where you can turn up when you like, sit where you want, and skip the pre-assigned tables altogether. Want an earlier dinner for a peaceful atmosphere or a later one to catch the stars? The choice is yours. Prefer company? Cruises like Cunard make it easy for solo travelers to join shared tables with other guests, blending great conversation with exceptional cuisine.

Socialize, Mingle, and Make New Connections at Sea

While the tranquility of solo travel is a major draw, luxury cruises also offer countless opportunities to step into the social scene. From themed evenings and lively cocktail receptions to coffee meetups, there’s no shortage of chances to meet fellow travelers. Share a laugh during a hands-on cooking class or bond over a shared love of wine during a tasting event. Or try your hand at painting in an art class and find yourself chatting with like-minded guests who inspire new ideas. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of cruising solo is the balance between freedom and community. You set the pace of your journey — join conversations over a gourmet meal when you’re in the mood to connect or retreat to a quiet corner to unwind and recharge. It’s your time, your choice.

For those new to solo travel, larger ships provide an ideal combination of lively social settings and serene spaces to find solitude whenever you need it. Norwegian Cruise Line, a pioneer in solo cabins, offers exclusive lounges and events designed just for singles. This includes their Studio Lounge, where guests can meet and mingle with other travelers. Holland America Line hosts solo traveler meetups, while Royal Caribbean International organizes solo traveler events, including cocktail mixers and group excursions.

Cunard has also pulled out all the stops when it comes to pleasing solo travelers. Their Queen Elizabeth cruise has a special games deck perfect for solo travelers looking to join one of the many tennis or croquet tournaments. Onboard the Queen Mary 2, solo travelers can spend some time at Illuminations, the ship’s planetarium, while those choosing to sail on Queen Elizabeth can head to the Winter Garden to meet fellow travelers. 

If you’re looking for a more intimate, yet still social experience, smaller ships provide the perfect balance — offering a welcoming, sociable vibe without feeling overwhelming. For example, the Seabourn Cruise Line (which offers a reduced single supplement starting at only 25% above current fares) also offers solo traveler programs, including special events and activities designed to make you feel connected while maintaining a personal, cozy environment. 

Tailored Experiences Just for You: Solo Travel Made Perfect

Luxury cruises are all about offering journeys that are as unique as the individuals who embark on them. For the adventurous, this might mean zip-lining through tropical jungles or scuba diving in coral reefs. For those craving cultural depth, it could be a private tour of historic ruins or a hands-on cooking class in a picturesque Mediterranean port.

For example, on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, solo travelers can enjoy a variety of exclusive activities organized by the Onboard Social Hosts. These events include daily invitations for dinners, often accompanied by guest lecturers and officers, as well as cocktails by the pool, spa pampering, specialty restaurant dinners, and off-ship excursions. 

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of activities that will fit solo travelers. Celebrity Cruises offers scuba diving expeditions in places like the Great Barrier Reef or the blue waters of the Caribbean, while Crystal Cruises offers helicopter rides over stunning destinations such as Alaska’s glaciers.

Need help putting together the perfect solo itinerary? Expert concierges on board can make your vision a reality, whether it’s reserving a table at a renowned restaurant, organizing a private wine-tasting experience, or securing a luxurious spa appointment.

Unlock New Skills and Experiences at Sea

For those who love to learn, cruises offer a rich variety of lectures and seminars by renowned experts. You can attend a talk on the art of wine tasting aboard Celebrity Cruises or a cultural lecture about the regions you’re visiting on Holland America Line. These events are perfect for solo travelers seeking intellectual stimulation and the chance to connect with fellow guests over shared topics of interest.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn something new, cruises provide plenty of hands-on workshops and classes as well. Whether it’s cooking classes on Oceania Cruises, where you can master the techniques of Mediterranean cuisine, or painting classes on Norwegian Cruise Line, there’s something for every curious mind. These activities are perfect for solo travelers looking to meet new people while exploring a new skill.

For fitness enthusiasts, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships are an active traveler’s paradise, featuring rock climbing walls, fitness boot camps, and personal training sessions in cutting-edge gyms. Prefer a more tranquil approach? Seabourn offers yoga and meditation sessions on the deck, where you can find peace as the ocean stretches out around you.

Evenings onboard bring a different kind of magic. Enjoy live performances, such as Broadway-style shows on Princess Cruises, or grab a front seat for a concert, live DJs, and jazz ensembles at Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.  

Solo Cabins: Comfort, Privacy, and Everything in Between

Cruise lines are stepping up their game for solo travelers, creating dedicated cabins that let you sail the seas without paying for an empty bed. These carefully designed spaces cater to individual travelers, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability that’s hard to resist.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) pioneered the trend in 2010 with the Norwegian Epic, introducing 128 Studio staterooms tailored exclusively for solo adventurers. These compact cabins make brilliant use of space, featuring full-sized beds, clever storage solutions, and sleek, modern décor that feels more boutique hotel than cruise ship. And the perks don’t stop there—Studio guests also gain access to the exclusive Studio Lounge, a stylish hub perfect for mingling with fellow solo travelers or unwinding with a coffee.

Building on the success of the Norwegian Epic, NCL has since expanded its solo cabin offerings across its entire fleet. As of 2024, NCL has added nearly 1,000 new solo cabins, including Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Balcony categories, to all 19 ships in its fleet.  

Cruising Solo: Discover the VIP Treatment

Solo travelers are no longer an afterthought in the cruise world. Over the last few years, cruise lines have embraced the growing demand for single accommodations, introducing cabins designed to cater specifically to those sailing solo. And these aren’t just standard rooms—think ocean views, high-tech perks, and even exclusive spaces.

Royal Caribbean International now offers solo balcony cabins on its Quantum-class ships, such as Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas. Options for solo travelers include “virtual balcony” cabins with LED screens displaying live exterior views, as well as rooms featuring huge balconies for a more traditional experience.  

Holland America Line has so far introduced solo cabins on its Koningsdam, Rotterdam, and Nieuw Statendam ships, each offering 12 ocean-view staterooms with all the comforts and amenities you can expect from couple and family suites. MSC Cruises also offers interior and balcony solo cabins on its Meraviglia-class ships, including the MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa, and the newest vessel, MSC Euribia. 

And for those who love a touch of old-world luxury, Cunard Line has debuted single ocean-view cabins on its iconic ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. These classic ships now offer solo travelers a taste of Cunard’s legendary refinement, with cozy cabins overlooking the ever-changing horizon.

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More Freedom, Fewer Costs: Affordable Solo Travel Options

For solo travelers, the single supplement has long been a frustrating roadblock. Traditionally, cruise lines priced cabins for double occupancy, meaning solo cruisers were essentially charged for two people. This often made cruising an expensive option for those traveling alone, forcing many to pay double for a single experience.

Thankfully, the tide is turning. Luxury cruise lines are reimagining solo travel with dedicated cabins tailored specifically for single occupants and eliminating the need for a single supplement. 

Cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America have been pioneers in introducing solo cabins that are priced fairly for single occupancy. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, boasts a collection of Studio Cabins, perfect for solo travelers, with no additional fees. These cabins are not only stylish and efficient but also come with access to exclusive solo lounges, where you can socialize and meet like-minded guests.

The shift toward solo-friendly cruising doesn’t stop there. Viking Ocean Cruises and MSC Cruises frequently run promotions that reduce or eliminate the single supplement altogether, making luxury cruising more accessible than ever. Savvy travelers can also take advantage of early booking discounts and package deals to further offset costs.

Cruise lines are sweetening the deal by offering additional perks for solo travelers. Think priority embarkation, personalized 24-hour cabin service, and access to exclusive spaces and activities that cater to single guests. The downside of the solo travel trend? Solo cabins are so popular that they’re often the first category of accommodation to sell out, leaving solo travelers scrambling for alternatives. Booking early is key for travelers looking to secure one of these coveted solo cabins before they’re gone. Schedule your free cruise consultation to reserve your solo cabin before it’s too late!

For those considering a cruise solo for the first time, there’s never been a better time. With fair pricing, stunning cabins, and enticing perks, luxury cruises are breaking down financial barriers and proving that solo travel doesn’t have to mean compromise.

At Extraordinary Adventures, we’re dedicated to helping you find the cruise of your dreams! Whether you’re dreaming of Hawaii, French Polynesia, or anywhere else, we’re here to assist you with a free consultation. Let us help you discover the perfect cruise for your next extraordinary adventure!

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