Compare & book Solo cruising(2,277)
What is solo cruising?
Solo cruising means sailing on your own rather than with a partner, family or group. It’s an increasingly popular way to see the world, giving travellers the freedom to explore independently but never in isolation, socialising as much or as little as they like.
Best of all, you can visit multiple destinations in one trip, with accommodation, dining and transport all taken care of. Plus, you’re firmly in control of your holiday, with space to yourself and zero compromise required, whether you fancy sipping mojitos by the pool or sating your wanderlust on shore.
Just don’t confuse solo cruising with singles’ cruises. The latter are typically geared towards people looking for a romantic connection and include structured social events like speed dating.
What are the best cruise lines for solo cruising?
Solo cruisers have more choice than ever before, with cruise lines across all categories seeking to entice them by offering solo cabins, waiving or reducing single supplements and hosting social events specifically for those travelling alone.
If you want a value-friendly option, the all-inclusive line Marella is a popular pick, thanks to its single cabins and social events. Those looking for smaller, more approachable ships might choose Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which goes the extra mile to make solo guests feel welcome.
For an extra dose of luxury, Cunard is a solo-friendly option that has welcomed the likes of Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor, while Celebrity Cruises has expansive, resort-style ships with plenty to keep you entertained. At the very top of the market, Crystal offers those travelling alone the chance to indulge in ultra-luxury.
There are lots of good options for river cruising, too. Riviera Travel stands out due to its impressive line-up of solo cruises and the world’s first solo-exclusive river ship, the MS George Eliot.
An increasing number of expedition lines are getting in on the act as well. Lines like HX and Ponant are seeking to make bucket-list-worthy itineraries more affordable for solo travellers by reducing or waiving solo supplements on select departures.
What are the best destinations for solo cruising?
Today, you can find solo-friendly sailings across the world’s oceans and rivers. That means the ‘best’ destination depends on what you’re looking for, whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched serenity, world-class museums or something more intrepid.
That said, certain regions remain consistently popular for good reason. The Mediterranean has plenty to please solo travellers looking for destination-rich itineraries, with lots of port days spent exploring cosmopolitan cities like Barcelona and Rome or hopping between the myth-steeped islands of Greece.
River cruises are also a savvy option because the ships tend to be smaller and more intimate, and you often get a pleasant mix of relaxation and cultural immersion. Popular options include the Danube, with glittering European capitals like Vienna and Budapest, and the Douro, cradled by terraced vineyards that produce world-renowned vintages.
The Caribbean has also long attracted solo travellers who want to switch off completely. From the turquoise waters of Barbadian beaches to the lush vegetation of the volcanic island of Saint Lucia, it’s an idyllic region for an escape from the churn of everyday life.
If you want something well and truly off the most-sailed routes, you can also find solo deals to remote destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands or the Kimberley.
Cruises from/to Alicante
Amalfi Coast Cruises
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Cruises from Edinburgh 2025, 2026, 2027
Norwegian Fjords Cruises
Elbe River cruises
Dutch Waterways cruises
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Antarctica Cruises
Seine River cruises
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FAQs
Do solo travellers pay more to cruise?
They can if a cruise line applies a single supplement. Essentially, this is a premium charged when one person occupies a cabin meant for two paying guests. In some cases, those sailing solo are charged up to twice as much for the privilege of travelling independently.
However, increasingly, select cruise lines are reducing single supplements significantly or waiving them altogether. Many also offer purpose-built solo cabins, which means guests don’t have to pay for a double cabin they don’t need.
See the recommended cruise line section for the full lowdown on the most cost-effective options for solo sailors.
How far in advance do I need to book a solo cruise?
There are a couple of different ways you can approach this. If you’re keen to book a single cabin, the earlier the better. Around six to 12 months before you sail is ideal. That’s because single cabins are among the most in-demand, sometimes selling out within days or even hours of a new itinerary being released, particularly if it’s for a popular destination or peak season.
However, if you can afford to be flexible, last-minute deals can be worth waiting for. Cruise lines sometimes reduce or waive single supplements on double cabins around one or two months before departure, to help fill their remaining staterooms. Of course, these deals aren’t guaranteed, so it’s worth weighing the potential savings against the risk of missing out altogether.
Is it easy to make friends when solo cruising?
Yes, cruises can be a great way to meet fellow travellers, particularly if you choose your cruise line wisely. Many offer events specifically for solo sailors, such as welcome dinners or cocktail hours, to break the ice.
If you’re worried about socialising on board, here are three tips to make it easier:
Firstly, opt to sail on a mid-sized or small ship. These tend to feel more intimate and easier to navigate socially compared to mega vessels with 7,000 guests on board.
Secondly, consider a themed cruise, for instance, focused on music or history. That way, you can rest assured that you’re sailing with passengers who have a similar interest.
Lastly, take a class. Many cruise lines offer workshops in subjects like dance, cooking, photography and more. Joining in is an excellent way to meet a group that shares your appetite for trying new things.
What kind of travellers take solo cruises?
People opt to cruise solo for a huge range of reasons. Many solo travellers are happily partnered but choose to sail alone because their significant other doesn’t enjoy cruising or is unable to travel.
Some simply appreciate time to themselves, enjoy the freedom that solo travel provides or have a bucket-list trip in mind that they’re keen to do on their own terms. Others may be widowed or divorced, and a cruise provides a balance of socialising and alone time that appeals to them.
One thing that many solo cruisers do have in common, however, is a sense of independence. You’ll find quite a few are seasoned travellers, even if they’re first-time cruisers, giving them the confidence to go it alone.
Will I be bored on a solo cruise?
No, most travellers will find plenty to suit their interests when sailing solo. After all, cruise ships are designed to keep you entertained at sea, and you’ll be visiting multiple destinations with lots of opportunities to explore on shore.
That said, there are a couple of hacks to make sure you don’t feel restless. Firstly, select a destination-rich itinerary with lots of port days, as opposed to one with a significant number of sea days and a greater emphasis on relaxation.
You may also want to select a larger ship with plenty to do. While it may feel daunting at first, you’ll be rewarded with a wide range of amenities, from extensive spas and swimming pools to water parks and arcades.
Will I have to dine alone if I cruise solo?
While this depends on the specific cruise line, many offer plenty of options so you never have to dine alone, unless you so choose.
Many cruise lines have crew members on hand to make thoughtful introductions or host receptions for solo guests. Chances are you’ll find others who are in precisely the same boat (or should we say ship) as you, meaning they’re just as keen to share a meal and swap travel stories.
Larger ships also usually have a food hall or buffet venue with communal tables so you can eat with fellow travellers in a relaxed, informal setting. In more formal venues, you can sometimes request a seat at a shared table – some cruise lines even set one aside for solo guests.
Is solo cruising safe?
Compared to many forms of solo travel, cruising is a safer option because the logistics are handled for you and there are members of crew on hand to help should things go awry.
That said, there are common-sense precautions you should take. For example, make sure a family member or friend back home has a copy of your itinerary and knows which cruise line you’re sailing with. When travelling, keep your documents secure, and if anyone on the ship makes you feel unsafe, inform the crew.
When on shore, stick to well-lit areas and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist hubs. If you’re worried about getting back to the ship on time, opting for an excursion operated by the cruise line may put you at ease.
Beyond that, it’s simply a matter of following the same protocols as all other guests. For instance, you’ll be asked to join a mandatory muster drill on your first day. Pay attention to this safety briefing so you know exactly what to do should anything go wrong. It’s also a good idea to identify where the medical bay is in case you feel poorly.
You’ll certainly need to have comprehensive travel insurance with cruise cover, too. This will be crucial in emergencies, such as missing the ship or if you require medical evacuation while at sea.
