Cabins & Deals
The Cheapest Ways to Cruise Alone
Master the Art of the Solo Deal
Cruising solo doesn’t have to break the bank. Learn the art of timing your booking, discover how to hunt for "zero-supplement" deals, & master the strategies that keep your onboard spending low without having to sacrifice the overall experience.
Cruising solo doesn't have to break the bank. Discover the strategic booking windows, the best "off-peak" routes, and how to track the price trends that lead to zero-supplement deals.
Strategic Savings: Beyond the Discount
Finding a cheap solo cruise isn't about luck; it’s about understanding how cruise lines fill their ships. When a ship is 90% full, they hike the single supplement to 100%. When it’s 60% full, they start getting desperate, and that’s where you win.
The Top Solo Savings Strategies:
Embrace Shoulder Season: Avoid summer and school holidays. Sailing the Mediterranean in October or the Caribbean in early December can slash your fare by 40%.
Repositioning Cruises: When ships move between seasons (e.g., crossing the Atlantic from Europe to the Caribbean), they often struggle to fill cabins. These cruises offer the lowest “price-per-day” in the industry.
The “Last-Minute” Gamble: After the final payment date (usually 90 days out), cruise lines drop prices to fill remaining berths. This is when the most “No Single Supplement” deals appear.
The Long Game: Longer itineraries (10+ nights) often have lower supplements because they appeal to a demographic that travels more frequently and is more sensitive to daily costs.
Onboard Savings: The "Solo Splurge" vs. The Budget Reality
Even if you snag a rock-bottom fare, the bill at the end of the week can still surprise you. Solo travelers are often targeted for "upsells" like specialty dining or drink packages. Here is how to keep your onboard account under control.
1. The “Drink Package” Math for One: Most cruise lines require all adults in a cabin to buy a drink package. As a solo traveler, you only have to buy it for yourself. However, unless you plan on having 6+ cocktails a day, it’s often cheaper to pay as you go.
Pro Tip: Look for ships with “Happy Hours” or “Bucket of Beer” specials which are much more solo-budget friendly.
2. Port Day Spa & Specialty Dining: When the ship is in port, the onboard spas and specialty restaurants are often empty. This is when they offer “Port Day Specials” with discounts up to 30%. Since you don’t have to coordinate with a group, you can snag these last-minute deals while everyone else is on an expensive excursion.
3. The DIY Excursion: Cruise line excursions are priced at a premium. As a solo traveler, you can often save 50% or more by booking small-group tours through third-party sites or simply using local transport to get to the beach.
Safety Tip: If you go solo in port, always aim to be back 2 hours before the ship sails!
Price Strategy Grid: When to Book What
| Strategy | Best for… | Savings Potential | Timing |
| Solo Studio | Low-cost predictability | 20–30% vs Double | 6–12 months out |
| Repositioning | Lowest price per day | 50% or more | 4–6 months out |
| Shoulder Season | Better weather, lower crowds | 30% discount | 3–5 months out |
| Last-Minute | Balcony upgrades for less | Variable (up to 70%) | < 90 days out |
Data Point: The 90-Day Window
Statistics show that nearly 65% of waived single supplement deals appear within the 90-day window before sailing. If you have a flexible schedule, waiting until the “Final Payment” deadline passes for other passengers is the most effective way to snag a balcony for an “inside” price.
Tracking the Trends: The Power of Flexibility
Prices in the cruise industry are dynamic. To get the best deal, you need to look at trends rather than one-off discounts.
Flexibility is Currency: If you can sail on a Tuesday or move your date by just one week, you can often save hundreds.
Monitor “Single-Friendly” Lines: Some lines (like Virgin Voyages or Costa) are more aggressive with solo deals than others.
Geography Matters: Transatlantic and Panama Canal crossings are the “budget king” routes for solos because they have many sea days which keeps the initial fare low.
Insider Secrets: Promotions and Hidden Discounts
Sometimes the best prices aren't labeled as "Solo Deals." They are tucked away in specific promotional windows or loyalty programs that savvy solo cruisers use to outsmart the system.
Singles’ Day (Nov 11th): Mark your calendar! This has become a massive global event for the cruise industry. Lines like MSC, Costa, and NCL often launch 24-hour flash sales specifically aimed at removing single supplements for 2026/2027 sailings.
Onboard Credit (OBC) is Solo Gold: Sometimes a line won’t drop the fare, but they will offer a high OBC (e.g., $200 per cabin). Since you are solo, you don’t have to split this credit. It can cover your daily gratuities or a specialty dinner, effectively lowering the “true cost” of your trip.
Loyalty Points Hack: Most cruise lines award points based on the cabin’s occupancy. As a solo traveler paying a supplement, you often earn double points per night. This fast-tracks you to higher tiers, unlocking free laundry, Wi-Fi, and lounge access—perks that save you significant money on future trips.
The “Fly & Cruise” Package Trap: Always compare. Sometimes booking the flight through the cruise line is cheaper for solos because they use fixed-rate contracts with airlines. This also covers your transfers, which can be pricey for one person in a taxi.
Expert Tip: If you are already on a ship and love it, visit the “Future Cruise” desk. Booking your next trip while still onboard usually triggers a reduced deposit and extra onboard credit that you can’t get on the website later.
The Smart Solo’s Playbook
Getting a great deal on a solo cruise is about playing the long game or being incredibly fast at the short game. If you want a specific “Studio” cabin on a brand-new ship, book early. If you want the most luxury for the least amount of money, wait for the 90-day window and be ready to pack your bags.
By staying flexible with your dates and keeping an eye on repositioning routes, you can see the world for a fraction of the “brochure price.”
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.
Pricing Mistakes Solo Travelers Make
Taking time to compare options and understand pricing mechanics usually leads to better outcomes.
How Solo Cabins Work
he main advantage of a solo cabin is pricing. You are paying for one bed, not two, which removes the need to cover the cost of an unused second berth
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FAQ: Scoring the Best Solo Deals
What is the single best month to find a cheap solo cruise?
Typically November (excluding Thanksgiving) and January. These “lull” periods between major holidays see the highest number of waived single supplements as ships fight for occupancy.
Are last-minute deals risky for solo travelers?
es and no. While you might get a massive discount on a standard cabin, the dedicated “Solo Studios” are almost always sold out by then. Last-minute is best for those who want a double cabin for a low price.
Do I save money by booking a "guaranteed" cabin?
Often, yes. By letting the cruise line pick your room (Category GTY), you get a lower fare. For solos, this can sometimes lead to an upgrade if the ship is undersold.
Is it cheaper to book directly or through a travel agent?
Agents often have access to “group blocks” or exclusive solo rates that don’t appear on the public website. It’s always worth checking both.
Do repositioning cruises include flights?
Usually not, and since they start in one port and end in another, “one-way” flights can be expensive. Always factor in the flight cost before assuming the cruise price is a total steal.
Can I get a deal by "room-sharing" with a stranger?
While some specialized solo agencies offer roommate matching to split the cost of a double cabin, most major lines have moved away from this. It’s usually better to find a “no supplement” deal for your own private space.
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