When you think of solo travel, you might picture yourself wandering the streets of Paris with a croissant in hand or backpacking through Southeast Asia with a map and no set plan. But there’s another, often-overlooked way to dip your toes into the world of solo adventures: solo cruising.
And honestly? We think it’s one of the best, most confidence-boosting ways to travel alone!
What Is Solo Cruising?
Solo cruising is exactly what it sounds like — taking a cruise without a travel companion. You have your own cabin, your own schedule, and the freedom to do exactly what you want, when you want.
For some people, this means complete independence: spending the day reading on deck, booking that once-in-a-lifetime excursion, or ordering room service just because. For others, it’s about making new friends onboard — something that’s surprisingly easy on a cruise ship with so many social spaces, group excursions, and shared activities.
Why Solo Cruising Is the Perfect First Step into Solo Travel
1. You’re Never Really Alone (Unless You Want to Be)
Cruises have a built-in social network. From meet-and-greet events to shared dinner tables, trivia, wine tastings, and shore excursions, it’s easy to strike up a conversation. But if you want to spend the day in your own little world, you can — no explanations needed.
2. The Logistics Are Already Done for You
One of the trickiest parts of solo travel can be planning all the transportation, accommodations, and activities on your own. A cruise simplifies all of that — your ship is your hotel, your restaurants, and your transportation between destinations, all in one.
3. It Feels Safe and Structured
For those dipping their toes into solo travel for the first time, a cruise offers that perfect blend of independence and structure. You can explore new destinations by day but return to the comfort (and safety) of the ship at night.
4. You Can Customize Your Experience
Want to join a group excursion and meet fellow travelers? Do it. Want to spend the day at the spa with no one else’s schedule in mind? Also an option. Solo cruising lets you build your own balance between “me time” and “meet new people time.”
Solo Cruising Options by Cruise Line
Cruise lines are catching on to the fact that solo travel is growing in popularity, and many now offer cabins or pricing options specifically for solo travelers! Let’s review what some of these options are:
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
One of the pioneers in solo cruising, NCL offers Studio Cabins designed just for one traveler. These cabins come with access to the Studio Lounge, a social space where solo travelers can mingle over coffee or evening cocktails.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages has become a favorite for solo travelers, especially with its Reduced Single Supplement offer on select sailings — sometimes up to 70% off the second-person fare in a Sea Terrace cabin. The adults-only, social-focused atmosphere makes it easy to meet other travelers through group dining, themed events, and the Virgin Voyages app, which helps connect solo sailors before and during the cruise.
Holland America Line
Certain Holland America ships feature single staterooms, plus they occasionally run promotions offering reduced or waived solo supplements on other cabin types.
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises
These mainstream lines don’t always have dedicated solo cabins on every ship, but they often run specials or reduced supplements for solo travelers — especially if you book early or work with a travel advisor who can spot the deals.
Explora Journeys
Luxury line Explora Journeys doesn’t offer dedicated solo cabins but instead provides reduced solo supplements — typically around 125–150% of the cruise fare (versus the standard 200% many lines charge). This means you can enjoy a spacious luxury suite without paying the full “two-person” price.
Other Luxury & Small Ship Lines (Seabourn, Silversea, Atlas Ocean Voyages)
These high-end lines sometimes offer special solo traveler promotions where the supplement is reduced or waived. They also tend to be more intimate ships, making it easier to connect with other guests and crew.
Tips for a Successful Solo Cruise
Join Pre-Cruise Groups: Many sailings have Facebook groups or Roll Calls where you can connect with other passengers ahead of time.
Pick Social Dining Options: Opt for shared tables or open seating to meet new people.
Attend Solo Meetups: Most cruise lines host events for solo travelers early in the trip — a great way to find your people.
Book Excursions: Group tours make it easy to explore ports with fellow travelers.
Balance Alone Time & Social Time: The beauty of solo cruising is the ability to choose how you spend each day.
Whether you’re dipping your toes into solo travel for the first time or you’re a seasoned independent traveler, a cruise offers an unbeatable combination of freedom, community, and convenience. With so many cruise lines offering solo-friendly perks, there’s never been a better time to set sail — just you, your suitcase, and the open sea.
If you would like some help planning your next solo cruise, our designated travel advisor would love to help you plan the perfect trip! Fill out our Travel Request Form and our travel advisor will reach out to you shortly!
Looking to travel with a group instead? We offer 2-3 group cruise opportunities per year with The Maxwells Travel! You can learn more about which group cruises are open for bookings HERE!
