If you’re a young adult searching for an exciting and affordable getaway or an experienced traveler seeking new friendships, cruise lines offer excellent value to solo travelers.
Cunard and Azamara offer dedicated solo staterooms at substantial savings, while Tauck and Riviera Travel provide full-size lower deck cabins without a single supplement. Fred Olsen’s ships are renowned for their welcoming atmosphere and inclusive activities – especially for first-time cruisers.
Cunard
Cunard is one of the oldest cruise lines in history, boasting three ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – renowned for their luxurious accommodations, exquisite ballrooms and fine dining establishments.
The line’s luxurious itineraries provide plenty of entertainment and activities onboard, from Broadway shows to rock climbing walls. Additionally, you’ll have ample chances to interact with other cruisers.
Solo travelers on Cunard sailings can take advantage of discounts or waived single supplements, giving them the chance to travel solo for less money without compromising on quality of vacation.
Silversea
Silversea is a boutique cruise line with smaller ships. This makes it easier to socialize and find people you click with while on board the vessel.
For instance, they host a welcome reception on each voyage that allows solo travelers to network and get acquainted.
On board their ships, guests can enjoy butler service in every suite as well as an exceptional culinary experience.
Silversea’s cuisine is world-class, as they’re part of Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux and Slow Food International. Additionally, they offer their Black Rock Dining experience where you can grill your own meat or seafood on preheated volcanic rock.
Azamara
Azamara appeals to a select group of guests who appreciate luxury amenities in an inviting setting. The smaller ships allow them to visit many less-visited ports around Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean without feeling crowded.
The company follows a “Stay Longer, Experience More” philosophy with their range of destination immersion itineraries. Each excursion is carefully curated to include visits to private homes, villas and markets where you’ll get an authentic local experience.
Azamara’s Insider Access excursion program is a must-have, providing travelers with the unique opportunity to visit local insider’s homes and talk with them about their life in the country. Additionally, it’s an excellent opportunity to network with fellow travelers and gain insight into the destination.
Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise line to offer staterooms and common areas tailored specifically for solo travelers. Their elegant, custom-designed single studio staterooms – with no single supplement – can be found on eight of its 18 ships.
One of the advantages of booking a studio cabin on Norwegian is that you gain access to an exclusive area called Studio Complex and Lounge, where you can connect with other solo cruisers.
Additionally, many Norwegian ships feature The Haven suite complex. This luxurious “ship within a ship” caters to luxury passengers with private lounges, pools and other luxuries.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is a Swiss-based line that operates 21 ships for passenger voyages to destinations throughout Europe, the Caribbean and South America. Many of their vessels are modern megaships, but MSC also provides customers with comfortable midsize cruisers.
MSC Cruises offers a wide range of cruise itineraries, including country-intensive Voyages that let guests explore smaller ports and get acquainted with the culture. Solo travelers on these trips have plenty of chances to connect with other passengers in an informal atmosphere.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has long been a favorite destination for solo travelers due to its spacious Oasis and Quantum ships that provide an array of activities and entertainment tailored specifically for them.
Some of the largest Oasis-class vessels boast multiple pool areas, water play zones, rock climbing walls and surfing pools. Furthermore, they come equipped with large casinos, full-service spas and Broadway-quality theater shows.
Additionally, several Royal Caribbean ships feature studio cabins designed specifically with solo travelers in mind. These range from small rooms of just 96 square feet up to larger suites that measure up to 10 times that size.