Solo Cruise Basics
What Is a Solo Cruise?
A Clear Explanation for Travelers
Understand how solo cruising works, from dedicated solo cabins and pricing structures to the social experience on board. Learn the differences between standard and solo travel to help you plan your (first) independent voyage with confidence.
This guide is part of our Solo Cruise Basics series, a resource designed to help first-time solo travelers understand the logistical, financial, and social aspects of traveling alone at sea. One of the most common questions new travelers ask is: "What exactly is a solo cruise, and how does it differ from a standard vacation?" While many assume cruising alone is identical to traditional travel, it involves unique cabin types, specific pricing models like the single supplement, and tailored social opportunities. This page provides a factual breakdown of what a solo cruise is, what it is not, and what you can expect when booking a cabin for one.
What Is a Solo Cruise? A Clear Explanation for Travelers
A solo cruise is a vacation on a cruise ship where an individual travels alone rather than with a partner, friend, or group. While the traveler is solo, they are part of a larger shipboard community, sharing the vessel’s amenities, dining rooms, and entertainment with hundreds or thousands of other passengers. Solo cruising is a specific category of travel defined by the traveler's independence in booking, cabin occupancy, and daily itinerary.
This style of travel differs from "singles cruises," which are specifically organized events or themed sailings designed for people looking for romantic partners. A solo cruise is simply the act of cruising independently. It is not defined by the traveler’s relationship status, but by their choice to occupy a cabin alone. Common misconceptions include the idea that solo cruising is only for young people or that it requires constant social interaction; in reality, solo cruisers span all age demographics and can choose as much or as little social engagement as they prefer.
Key Takeaways
Use these key points to quickly understand the basics of booking and living on a cruise ship as a solo guest.
- Definition: A solo cruise is an independent travel experience where one person occupies a cabin and manages their own schedule.
Accommodations: Travelers stay either in dedicated “studio” cabins designed for one or in standard double-occupancy cabins.
Cost Structure: Solo travelers often pay a “single supplement” fee to cover the cost of the second “missing” person in a standard room, though some ships offer supplement-free cabins.
Social Experience: Solo cruising offers a choice between complete privacy and organized social opportunities, such as solo-traveler meetups or shared dining tables.
Inclusivity: It is a mainstream travel option available on nearly all major cruise lines, catering to various ages and interests.
Why do people choose to cruise solo?
Travelers opt for solo cruises for several practical and personal reasons. The primary driver is often the total autonomy over the vacation experience.
Schedule Flexibility: Solo cruisers decide when to eat, which excursions to take, and which onboard activities to attend without needing to consult a companion.
Social Preference: Some travelers enjoy the “structured social environment” of a ship, where they can be alone in a crowd or join group activities like trivia or fitness classes when they desire company.
Wait-Free Planning: Solo cruising allows individuals to book a trip based on their own availability rather than waiting for a friend or family member’s schedule to align.
Interest-Based Travel: A traveler may wish to visit a specific destination or attend a themed cruise (such as a bridge or craft cruise) that their social circle does not share an interest in.
How does solo cruising differ from group or couple travel?
The fundamental difference lies in the logistics of occupancy and the daily social dynamic. On a standard cruise, most services and cabin prices are predicated on “double occupancy” (two people per room).
| Feature | Solo Cruising | Group/Couple Cruising |
| Cabin Selection | Choice of studio or standard double rooms. | Standard double, triple, or quad rooms. |
| Pricing | May involve a single supplement fee. | Fare is split per person; no supplement. |
| Dining | Option for a private table or a shared “open” table. | Usually seated with the traveling group. |
| Decision Making | Fully independent. | Collaborative or consensus-based. |
What are the typical cabin options for solo travelers?
Cruise lines generally offer two ways for a solo traveler to book a stay. The availability of these options varies significantly by ship age and cruise line.
Dedicated Solo Cabins (Studios): Many modern ships now feature "Studio" or "Solo" cabins. These are smaller rooms designed specifically for one person. They are priced for one occupant, meaning there is no additional fee for a missing second guest. These areas often include access to a private "Solo Lounge" where independent travelers can mingle.
Standard Cabins with a Single Supplement: If a ship does not have dedicated solo rooms, or if those rooms are sold out, a solo traveler can book any standard double-occupancy cabin. Because the cruise line loses the revenue (onboard spending, drinks, excursions) of a second person, they charge a single supplement. This fee can range from 10% to 100% of the second person's fare.
What social opportunities exist for solo cruisers?
While the travel is independent, cruise lines provide structures for those who wish to meet others.
Solo Traveler Meetups: Most daily itineraries include a “Solo and Unattached” or “Independent Travelers” social hour, usually held in a lounge before dinner.
Shared Dining: In the main dining room, solo travelers can request to be seated at a large table with other guests, which is a traditional way to socialize.
Onboard Activities: Classes, workshops, and team-based games (like trivia) provide natural environments for solo travelers to interact with others.
Shore Excursions: Group tours at various ports of call allow solo travelers to explore destinations in the safety and company of a guided group.
Factors That Change the Solo Cruise Experience
While the core definition of a solo cruise remains the same, your actual experience will vary depending on the type of ship, the destination, and the cruise line’s specific policies.
Ship Size and Style
Large Modern Ships: These are most likely to have “Studio” cabins and dedicated solo lounges. They offer a high degree of anonymity and a wide variety of social activities.
Small or Luxury Ships: These rarely have dedicated solo cabins. However, because they carry fewer passengers, the atmosphere is often more social, and the crew may find it easier to provide personalized attention to solo guests.
River Cruises: These ships are much smaller (usually under 200 guests). They often feature communal dining as the standard, making it almost impossible not to meet other travelers.
Regional Differences
North American and European Lines: These lines (like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, or P&O) have the most developed infrastructure for solo travelers, including organized “solo meetups” on the daily schedule.
Expedition Cruises: On trips to places like Antarctica or the Galápagos, the focus is on the destination. Solo travelers here usually bond over shared interests during shore excursions rather than through organized social hours.
Who This Information Is For
This information is for travelers planning to cruise alone and for anyone researching how solo cabin bookings and social life work on a ship
First-Time Solo Cruisers: This guide, past of our Solo Cruise Basics series, assumes you are looking for a safe, structured way to travel alone without the stress of navigating a foreign city by yourself.
Independent Travelers: This is for those who want a vacation where they aren’t “babysat,” but have the option to join a community when they choose.
What This Is Not: This information does not apply to “chartered singles cruises,” which are private events that take over a ship specifically for dating. This guide covers standard, “open-to-all” solo cruising.
Explore More in the Solo Cruise Basics Series
Everything You Need To Know To Plan And Enjoy Your Solo Cruise
Why People Choose to Cruise Alone
People choose solo cruising for many reasons, and most of them are not about avoiding others but about flexibility
Who Solo Cruising Is For (and Who It Isn’t)
Solo cruising works best for travelers who are comfortable spending time alone and making independent decisions.
What to Expect on Your First Solo Cruise
The first solo cruise often comes with mixed emotions. Excitement is common, but so is uncertainty, especially on embarkation day.
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Frequently asked Questions
Is solo cruising more expensive than traveling with a partner?
Typically, yes. Because most cruise ship cabins are designed for two people, a solo traveler booking a standard room must often pay a “single supplement” to compensate the cruise line for the empty bed. However, booking a dedicated solo studio cabin or finding a “no-single-supplement” promotion can bring the cost closer to the per-person rate of a shared cabin.
Will I be forced to sit with strangers at dinner?
No. Modern cruising offers “freestyle” or “flexible” dining. Solo travelers can request a “table for one” if they prefer privacy. Shared tables are an option, not a requirement, on most major cruise lines today.
Are solo cruises only for single people looking for a relationship?
No. Solo cruising is a method of travel, not a matchmaking service. While some “singles-themed” cruises exist, the vast majority of solo travelers are simply individuals, married or single: who enjoy traveling independently or have different vacation interests than their partners.
Is solo cruising safe for first-time travelers?
Cruise ships are often cited as one of the safest ways to travel solo. The environment is self-contained, with 24-hour staff, security, and medical facilities. Because you are in a managed environment with clear itineraries and transportation, the logistical risks of solo travel are significantly reduced compared to land-based solo travel.
How do I find cruises with low single supplements?
Travelers can find these by looking for older ships that struggle to fill capacity, booking during “shoulder seasons” (the periods just before or after peak season), or using travel agents who specialize in solo travel. Some lines also run specific promotions where the single supplement is waived entirely for certain sailings.
Or you can simply get in touch with us at SoloCruiseHub and we will help you find the best deal possible!
SoloCruiseHub.com is your trusted source for everything about solo cruising: Helping you choose the right ship, meet great people, and explore the world at your own pace.