Cabins & Deals
How Solo Cabins Work:
A Guide to Single-Occupancy Staterooms
Designed for efficiency and value, solo cabins allow you to pay for a single bed rather than an entire double room. These modern spaces often include exclusive perks like private lounge access while eliminating the cost of an unused second berth.
Solo cabins, often called Studio Cabins, are revolutionary spaces designed specifically for the independent traveler. This guide explains how these cabins differ from standard rooms, the unique perks they offer, and how they help you avoid the dreaded single supplement.
What is a Solo Cabin?
A solo cabin is a stateroom specifically designed and priced for one person. Unlike a standard cabin, which is built for two guests and usually carries a "single supplement" fee if booked alone: a solo cabin is an "at-cost" room for one.
What they are:
Purpose-Built: Rooms designed with a smaller footprint (typically 100ā150 square feet) but high-efficiency storage.
Cost-Effective: A way to pay for exactly one “berth” (bed) without subsidizing a second, empty one.
What they are not:
They are not “leftover” small spaces or storage closets; modern solo cabins are high-end, stylish, and often located in prime areas of the ship.
They are not available on every vessel; while the trend is growing, solo cabins are still a premium commodity in terms of availability.
Key Takeaways
No Single Supplement: The primary benefit is financial; you pay a base fare for one person rather than double the price.
Exclusive Access: Many solo cabins are part of a “complex” that includes a private lounge for meeting other solo cruisers.
Efficient Layout: Expect a full-size or oversized single bed, a private bathroom, and smart storage, despite the smaller square footage.
Limited Inventory: Most ships only have 10 to 50 solo cabins, meaning they often sell out 6ā12 months in advance.
Solo Cabins vs. Standard Cabins: The Breakdown
The following grid highlights the typical differences you will find when choosing between a dedicated solo room and a standard double room for one.
| Feature | Dedicated Solo Cabin | Standard Double (as a Solo) |
| Pricing | Fixed price for one person. | Price for two minus “port fees.” |
| Square Footage | Typically 100ā130 sq. ft. | Typically 170ā220 sq. ft. |
| Bed Size | Full-size or Large Single. | Queen-size or two Twins. |
| Availability | Very limited (often <5% of ship). | High availability. |
| Social Perks | Access to Solo Lounges (often). | Standard public area access only. |
| Best For | Budget-conscious solo travelers. | Travelers who need extra floor space. |
Why Choose a Solo Cabin?
1. Financial Transparency
In a solo cabin, the price you see is the price you pay. You avoid the “Single Supplement,” which typically adds 50% to 100% to the base cruise fare when a single person occupies a double room.
2. Social Connectivity
Lines like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Royal Caribbean often group solo cabins together in a restricted-access hallway. This “neighborhood” feel makes it easier to meet neighbors. Some ships include a Solo Lounge, offering complimentary coffee, snacks, and a daily “happy hour” specifically for solo travelers.
3. Strategic Location
To maximize space, cruise lines often place solo cabins in central locations close to elevators or near the ship’s hub, meaning you are rarely stuck at the far ends of long corridors.
Ship Variation
Not all solo cabins are created equal. Your experience will depend on the "class" of the ship:
Modern Mega-Ships: (e.g., NCL Epic, Breakaway Class, P&O Iona) These have the most advanced solo “complexes” with shared lounges and interior “virtual balcony” views.
Older Ships: Some older vessels have been retrofitted with solo cabins. These are often repurposed from smaller interior spaces and may not include a dedicated lounge.
Luxury & Boutique Lines: Often provide standard-sized suites but waive the single supplement during specific “Solo Sales” rather than having a physically smaller cabin.
Choosing a solo cabin is the smartest way to maximize your travel budget while gaining access to a community of like-minded travelers. While you sacrifice a bit of floor space, the trade-off is often a much lower fare and exclusive social perks. If you value efficiency and cost-savings over having a queen-sized bed all to yourself, the solo cabin is the perfect “home base” for your adventure.
Explore More in the Cabins & Deals Series
Everything You Need To Know To Plan And Enjoy Your Solo Cruise
What Is a Single Supplement?
When you cruise alone in a standard cabin, the cruise line may charge a single supplement to compensate for the second guest who is not there.
How Much Does a Solo Cruise Really Cost?
Comparing total cost, not just the base fare, is the best way to understand the real price of a 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.
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Common Questions About Solo Cabins
Are solo cabins only inside rooms without windows?
No. While many are interior to keep costs low, many modern ships (like those from Celebrity or Royal Caribbean) offer Solo Oceanview and even Solo Balcony cabins.
Is the bed in a solo cabin too small for an adult?
Not at all. Most solo cabins feature a “full-size” bed (larger than a twin) or a high-end custom mattress designed for maximum comfort for one adult.
Do solo cabins sell out faster than regular rooms?
Yes. Because there are so few of them (often under 50 per ship), they are usually the first category to sell out, especially on popular routes like the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
Can I bring a guest into my solo cabin?
No. Solo cabins are strictly rated for single occupancy due to safety and lifeboat capacity regulations. If you decide to travel with a friend, you would need to upgrade to a standard double cabin.
Do I still get full loyalty points (latitudes/crown & anchor) in a solo room?
Yes. You earn loyalty points just like any other guest. In fact, some lines offer “double points” for solo travelers staying in standard double cabins, though this rarely applies to dedicated solo rooms.
Is the bathroom smaller in a solo cabin?
The bathroom is typically the same size as a standard cabin bathroom. The space-saving usually occurs in the living area and the width of the bed, not the functional bathroom space.
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