Solo Cruising

Choosing a cruise line that caters for solo travellers can be a great option, especially if you’re somebody who wants to socialise with other like-minded travellers. Some have exclusive lounges and bars only available to those travelling alone so you can get together for a chat or a drink. Even if you’re not keen on becoming a social butterfly for the duration of your holiday, a solo-friendly cruise line is more likely to have better solo occupancy stateroom options like balcony rooms. These rooms are often cheaper and relatively spacious, so you can still experience the luxury of the staterooms without paying over the odds.

You might be tempted to unwind in your stateroom after busy days ashore. However, spending time in public spaces on the ship is a great way to meet new people. Whether you want to make friends and stick with them throughout the cruise or just spend time with them on evenings or shore excursions, it’s good to have the option of being around others. This can be particularly important to remember when you’re on a cruise for a longer duration.

Staying safe when travelling alone is probably at the forefront of your mind, but don’t let that put you off taking part in any shore excursions. So long as these are booked directly through the cruise line or a trusted independent company, you can be sure that the excursion has been checked for safety. Plus, you’re much more likely to spend your day surrounded by other guests on your ship rather than people you might not see again.

Sticking to the same restaurant for at least some of your cruise is a great way to socialise with the staff. They’ll quickly get to know you and your preferences, so you can feel more at ease eating on your own. Plus, it can help it feel more like an occasion rather than something to get out of the way quickly.

Even if you’re not on the cruise to lounge around doing nothing, it’s important to factor in at least some time to relax in whatever way suits you. Slowing down even just for one afternoon can help you appreciate the amenities and the open ocean as you sail between ports. Just because you’re on your own, doesn’t mean you need to be on the move for the entire holiday!

If it’s a good deal you’re after, Virgin Voyages could be your golden ticket. Not only do they offer budget-friendly solo cruise deals, but they also offer upgrades to bigger rooms so that you can enjoy a more spacious spot on the cruise that’s all yours. Additionally, solo cruisers looking for a great selection of destination stops are likely to be satisfied with the itineraries available with this line. Guests can even enjoy the bustling social scene on Virgin Voyages, which allows those travelling alone to make friends and share experiences. Typically you will find solo sailor gatherings on board Virgin Voyages, including the likes of hosted dinners throughout your trip.

NCL were one of the first cruise lines to pave the way for solo cruising, building ships with cabins and lounges specifically tailored to these guests. Now, solo cruisers have the pick of the bunch when it comes to stateroom types onboard many NCL ships, with ocean-view rooms, balcony rooms and studios all available to book. Many of their ships also have an exclusive Solo Lounge only accessible to guests travelling on their own. Here, you can mingle, grab a drink at happy hour and get stuck into regular events.

From staterooms with virtual balconies to solo cabins with 55-square-foot open-air terraces, you can travel in style as a solo guest onboard many Royal Caribbean ships like Quantum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas. With full-sized beds and plenty of space, each of these cabins is designed for maximum comfort without the hefty price tag. Plus, there are plenty of solo-friendly activities to get involved in onboard, so you’ll never be bored.

Beautiful solo cabins? Check. Private balconies? Check. Social events for solo travellers? Check. Celebrity Cruises are known for offering their celeb-like experiences to every guest, and solo travellers are no exception. From state-of-the-art spa facilities and treatments to first-class entertainment and drinks, solo guests are welcomed into everything with open arms.

As a single guest on Holland America, there are plenty of extra perks to get excited about. The Single Partners Program is just one of these and is available on most ships and itineraries. The program hosts events like cocktail mixers and games exclusively for solo guests to mingle and get to know each other. The social opportunities don’t end there either since you can request to dine with other single guests. Holland America’s solo cabins also offer a great place to get some shut-eye or simply relax and look out to the ocean in solitude.

Although Silversea doesn’t offer specific solo cabins on their ships, they do offer discounts for singles every now and again. This can significantly reduce your fare, which means you can experience the wonder of a Silversea Cruise without splashing out for the dual occupancy room just for you. Since their ships are smaller than other lines, it’s also much easier to talk to people and get to know them throughout the cruise.

If you’re looking for a holiday where relaxation is on the cards at every turn, then look no further than a solo cruise to the Caribbean. Whether you spend your days sunning yourself on the beaches of Aruba and Jamaica with no distractions, or you’d prefer to get stuck into some solo activities like scuba diving and hiking, this part of the world has it all to offer.

For something a little more unique, why not tick Alaska off your solo travel bucket list? Spend your days unwinding or enjoy shore excursions like whale watching or glacier hiking. Either way, this spectacular destination is a must-see, and you do it your way if you’re travelling there on a solo cruise.

The Med truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re eager to explore culture-rich cities like Barcelona and Venice, indulge in traditional Mediterranean cuisine, or lounge on the warm sandy beaches, this couldn’t be a better destination for the traveller who knows exactly what they want from their vay-cay.

A cruise to Asia is perfect for the solo cruiser who’s itching for unique experiences and adventure. Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle in Bali, spend time in bustling Vietnamese markets and discover the incredible cuisine all across the continent. What’s not to love?

Whether your itinerary takes you down the West Coast through San Francisco and California, or across eastern states like New York and Florida, a cruise across the pond can be a great option for solo travellers. In just one trip, you can wander around huge metropolitan cities, laze on beaches, visit incredible theme parks and everything in between. This is a popular option for travelling alone because with so many options, this is the best way to make sure you do everything that’s on your checklist.

What could be better than exploring the Norwegian Fjords at your own pace? With so much natural beauty all around, solo guests are free to be captivated by the spectacular views from the comfort of their cruise ship. And at each port call, solo guests can spend time doing whatever they want. Whether that’s strolling around the postcard-ready towns and villages or hiking over the fjords, it’s all on offer.