Many major cruise lines are catering to the increasing demand of solo travelers. Cruising has customarily been designed almost exclusively for couples and families; however, with the increase in solo travelers in recent years, cruise lines have re-thought and re-designed some features as well as pricing structures to appeal to those who are traveling independently. Now cruise lines offer more cabins designed specifically for solo cruisers and that are priced less than their double occupancy counterparts. Some cruise lines even offer events and gatherings geared at solo cruisers.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line was one of the first cruise lines to cater to solo travelers with strategically designed solo cabins on Norwegian Epic. Norwegian now has over a hundred solo cabins on several of its ships, the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, and Pride of America. The solo cabins are equipped with everything you might find in a double occupancy room, plus solo travelers get access to the exclusive Studio Complex and Lounge to mingle with other solo travelers while enjoying large-screen TVs, a coffee-bar, bartender, and pre-dinner gatherings.
Holland America
Another great cruise line for solo travelers is Holland America. The cruise line’s two largest ships, Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, have twelve solo cabins, all with ocean views. Holland America also hosts a variety of programs and activities that solo travelers can enjoy, such as culinary workshops and wine tastings. Holland also features a Single Partners Program, on most of its ships with games and cocktail mixer events.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Cruise’s Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas each have a good number of dedicated studio cabins for solo travelers. And solo travelers will appreciate all of the singles-friendly activities onboard Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships, from SCUBA training and fitness activities to cooking classes and wine tastings.
Crystal Cruises
With up to 25 percent of passengers being solo travelers on some cruises, Crystal Cruises knows how to cater to its solo traveling guests. All of its solo cabins have ocean views, and many with verandas. Solo travelers appreciate all of the singles-friendly activities onboard including art classes, fitness lessons, and educational seminars, as well as parties exclusively for single guests. The cruise line also has hosts on-hand to dance or dine with solo travelers. Crystal Cruises will occasionally offer special deals for solo travelers.
Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn is a luxury cruise line known for its smaller ships with cozy atmospheres, making it ideal for solo travelers. A Seabourn tradition is for its officers and staff to host tables and invite guests to dine with them, for which solo travelers receive special consideration. Seabourn will also escort single diners across the dining room to their tables.
