Cabins & Deals
How Much Does a Solo Cruise Really Cost?
Budgeting Without the Price Shock
Planning your budget is about more than just the ticket price. Learn what a solo cruise really costs, where you can find hidden savings, and how to calculate the total price of your independence on the high seas.
Solo cruise costs vary based on cabin choice, ship size, and timing, but the base fare is only part of the story. Learn how to calculate the true total cost, from supplements and gratuities to hidden extras, so you can plan your trip with total financial clarity. Compare real-world pricing and discover where your money actually goes when you sail alone.
The Reality Check: Total Cost vs. Base Fare
When you see a cruise price advertised, it’s usually just the "per person" ticket for the room. For a solo traveler, the final bill is influenced by the Single Supplement and daily onboard expenses.
What stays the same:
Onboard Extras: You pay the same as any other guest for drink packages, Wi-Fi, and excursions.
Gratuities: These are charged per person, per day. You only pay for yourself.
Port Fees: You only pay one set of taxes and fees.
What changes:
The Room Rate: Depending on whether you book a Solo Studio or a Double Cabin, you might pay anywhere from 100% to 200% of the advertised “per person” price.
Average Price Ranges
Budget (Inside/Solo Cabin): $150 – $250 per night.
Mid-Range (Balcony/Modern Ship): $300 – $500 per night.
Luxury (All-Inclusive/Small Ship): $600 – $900+ per night.
The “Hidden” Half: Always budget an additional 25%–40% of your fare for tips, drinks, and shore activities.
Pricing Grid: Estimated Solo Cruise Budget (7 Nights)
This comparison shows how different travel styles impact the final "out-of-pocket" cost for a solo traveler.
| Expense Item | The Budget Solo (Inside) | The Standard Solo (Balcony) | The Luxury Solo (All-In) |
| Base Fare (Solo Occupancy) | $900 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| Port Fees & Taxes | $150 | $180 | Included |
| Daily Gratuities | $112 ($16/day) | $126 ($18/day) | Included |
| Drinks & Wi-Fi | $350 (Basic) | $500 (Premium) | Included |
| Excursions (2-3) | $200 | $450 | $600 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,712 | $3,056 | $5,100 |
The Solo "Savings" - Where You Actually Spend Less
While the supplement is an added cost, cruising alone offers several "stealth" ways to keep your bank account balanced compared to traveling in a pair.
The Single Drink Package Rule: Many lines require every adult in a cabin to purchase a drink package if one does. As a solo traveler, you only buy it for yourself, saving you hundreds if your hypothetical partner wouldn’t have been a big drinker.
Solo-Only Perks: Lines like Norwegian (NCL) often provide “Studio Lounge” access, which includes free espresso and snacks that would otherwise cost extra at specialty cafes.
Dining Flexibility: Solo travelers often find it easier to grab a seat at the bar or a small “deuce” table at peak times without a reservation, avoiding the need to pay for upcharged “Priority Dining” just to get a seat.
Loyalty Points Acceleration: Some cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean) award double loyalty points per night to solo travelers paying a full single supplement. This helps you reach higher status tiers (with free laundry, drinks, and discounts) twice as fast as couples.
Variable Factors: What Moves the Needle?
Seasonality: Sailing the Caribbean in January is often 40% cheaper than in July.
Ship Age: Older ships rarely have dedicated solo cabins but often have lower single supplements to fill space. Newer ships have the “Studio” tech and lounges but higher base prices.
Itinerary Length: Short 3–4 day “booze cruises” often have higher supplements because the line relies heavily on onboard spend. 10+ day sailings often offer better solo value.
Planning Your Investment
A solo cruise is an investment in your own freedom and experience. While the “single supplement” is the biggest variable, your daily habits: like choosing a balcony over an interior or a luxury line over a budget one, will ultimately define the total cost. By looking at the “Total Price” rather than just the “Lead Rate,” you can choose the cruise that fits your wallet as perfectly as it fits your bucket list.
Explore More in the Cabins & Deals Series
Everything You Need To Know To Plan And Enjoy Your Solo Cruise
The Cheapest Ways to Cruise Alone
These include sailing during less popular seasons, choosing repositioning or longer itineraries, and monitoring sailings where single supplements are reduced or removed.
When to Find Solo Cruise Deals
Deals may come in the form of reduced single supplements, discounted solo cabins, or onboard credit rather than a lower headline fare
Pricing Mistakes Solo Travelers Make
Taking time to compare options and understand pricing mechanics usually leads to better outcomes.
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FAQ: Common Cost Questions
Is a solo cabin always the cheapest option?
Surprisingly, no. Sometimes a cruise line will heavily discount an “Inside Double” to the point where, even with a 50% supplement, it is cheaper than a dedicated “Solo Studio.” Always compare both.
Do I pay double for the drink package?
No. Drink packages are sold per person. As a solo traveler, you have the advantage of only paying for exactly what you use.
How much should I set aside for tips?
Budget roughly $16 to $20 per day for automatic gratuities. This covers your cabin steward and dining staff.
Are shore excursions more expensive for solos?
The price is the same, but you don’t have someone to split the cost of a private taxi or rental car with. Stick to ship-organized tours or group walking tours to keep costs down.
Are there extra costs for solo travelers in the dining rooms?
No, dining in the main restaurant and buffet is included in your fare. In fact, being solo can be a “budget win” because you aren’t paying for two people at specialty upcharge restaurants, and it’s often much easier for the crew to find a single seat for you at the bar or a small table during peak times.
Do I get more loyalty points if I pay a higher solo price?
In many cases, yes! Some lines, like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, reward solo travelers who pay a single supplement with double loyalty points for every night spent onboard. This means you can reach the “free perks” tiers (like complimentary laundry or drinks) twice as fast as guests sharing a cabin
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