Solo Cruising: Choosing the Right Cruise Line

What better way to see the world than by cruise ship. Imagine waking up to a new city to explore everyday, or not having any dishes to clean after every meal, or even having someone else clean your room. And let’s not forget about all Broadway level shows to see for free. 

If you have cruised before, you know that cruising is different than just booking a hotel somewhere. Different cruise lines have different vibes. Some have solo rates or even solo cabins. Where they are going and what is happening on board can make or break a vacation. 

Unlike a trip to Rome where you can book a hotel and wander around at your own pace with minimal planning, cruises take a bit more preparation. 

So where should you start when it comes to solo cruising?

First, would be the cruise line. I have seen in several social media groups of people asking about what brand is better for solo travelers. While you can cruise on any cruise lines, some brands have actually started to think about solo travelers. 

Virgin Voyages was the cruise line I chose for my first cruise, and I was traveling solo. Now, when I booked this cruise, I booked it because of the no kids policy and the party vibe. But I later learned why this is a great solo cruise line as well.

 On embarkation day, right before the sail away party, there was a solo social meet up. These are organized by Virgin Voyages to help solo travelers meet other solo travelers, and are held a few times throughout the cruise. I made so many friends through these meetings and still talk to some of them to this day. 

Lunch with new friends in Santorini, Greece

But this isn’t the only thing they do for solo sailors. They offer solo cabins as well. These cabins are much smaller than traditional cabins, but just as comfy. They have either an interior cabin with no window or an oceanview with a small porthole. 

While they do offer a solo rate, these are last minute cruises that they need to fill and sail out within a matter of a couple of weeks. The upside to these rates is that you can get a balcony cabin with a hammock. Be warned, even if you are able to choose your room, some rooms may have an obstructed view. 

Another great cruise line would be Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL. Not only are they known for a great focus on solo sailors, they also have the luxury of “freestyle cruising” where you can cruise as you want. 

NCL actually has a solo rate for standard rooms in interiors, oceanviews and balconies. They also have a solo studio cabin as well. Studios are designed for one person like the solo cabins on Virgin. But one other great perk of the studios is access to a lounge for those staying in those particular cabins. 

Similarly to Virgin, solo meetups also happen. Crew members organize these, but also set up group dining, show reservations and so much more. 

Celebrity has also jumped into the solo cruising crowd with other great offers and events for solo travelers. Known for a more sophisticated energy on board than its parent company, Royal Caribbean, there are still plenty of things to do onboard. 

Celebrity offers solo interior and infinite balcony cabins. Built for one person, these are great options compared to booking for two. And if you are not familiar with infinite balconies, these are basically a floor to ceiling window that can be lowered to create a balcony. Warning: these cabins are only on Edge class ships (Edge, Apex, Beyond, Accent, Xcel). 

Another question I see often is: “Do you need a travel advisor if you are cruising solo?”

I mean with the independence of traveling solo, why would you need to have someone plan your vacation? 

Some travel advisors actually specialize specifically in solo travel. In many cases, these advisors travel solo themselves and understand firsthand the unique concerns solo travelers may have, from choosing the right cruise line and cabin type to finding itineraries and onboard experiences that best fit your travel style. 

I did not use a travel advisor for my trip to Greece and I highly regretted it. I got to Greece later than expected and missed a lot of sights in Athens. If I had a travel advisor, they may have told me to get there days earlier and not just a day before.  

While solo cruising can feel intimidating at first, especially if you have never traveled alone before, questions about safety, dining, meeting people, choosing the right cruise line, and even selecting the right cabin can quickly become overwhelming.

But solo travel does not have to mean figuring everything out by yourself.

Whether you are looking for the perfect adults-only getaway, a social cruise experience, or simply the freedom to explore the world on your own terms, we are here to help make the process easier and far less stressful.

If you are thinking about taking your first solo cruise—or your next one—click the link below and send us a message. Let us help you find the right cruise line, itinerary, and experience that fits your travel style so you can focus less on the stress and more on the adventure ahead.