Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Solo cruises rated: The top singles-friendly cruise lines for independent explorers

best cruise lines for solo travelers

As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. All cruises featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Cruising has emerged as one of the most popular ways to travel in 2024.

Single Staterooms

Cruises offer a perfect blend of socializing, adventure, relaxation, and convenience, which makes them an attractive option for solo travelers. You’ll find them on the Niew Statendam, Rotterdam, and Koningsdam each offering 12 solo cabins. Solo travelers are a niche group that make up to 25 percent of Crystal’s passengers. Solo-oriented activities onboard and low single supplements (as low as 10% for certain categories and cruises) attract solo visitors. Book a trip on Virgin Voyages, one of the few cruise lines that doesn’t allow anyone under 18 onboard.

Cruises for Singles in Their 20s

The biggest perk of booking Norwegian Cruise Line’s single rooms is access to the exclusive Studio Complex and Lounge. The shared social space features a bar, TV, and an area for single passengers to mingle and meet other solo travelers. Oceania is taking solo cruising to a whole new level with its newest solo suites. Its latest ship, Vista, debuting in 2023, includes six 270-square-foot solo cabins, each with a balcony and amenities including free laundry, room service, premium lounge access, and a bottle of Champagne. Each cabin features a memory foam bed, a separate seating area, and a private balcony. Seabourn Cruises is ideal for solo cruisers who want a little luxury in their vacation.

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Engaging in these activities not only enhances your cruise experience but also helps you make new friends and connections. Oceania voyages make it easy to meet like-minded travellers with solo meet-and-greet events, large mixed dining tables, mixed shore excursions and single-traveller activities such as art classes. Destinations range from the Mediterranean and Scandinavia to South Africa and the tropics, meaning solo travellers have opportunities to see a large portion of the world alone.

Grand Circle Cruise Line Named #1 Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers in 2024 USA Today 10 Best Awards - PR Newswire

Grand Circle Cruise Line Named #1 Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers in 2024 USA Today 10 Best Awards.

Posted: Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

River cruising in general is ideal for solo travelers, and other river lines also waive or significantly lower single supplement charges. Avalon Waterways waives its single supplement charge for some cabins on every cruise departure in Europe, and AmaWaterways charges a single supplement of just 50% for solo travelers booking non-suite cabins. It also has four ships in Europe that each have two dedicated solo cabins that carry no single supplement. If you're looking to make a transatlantic voyage, Cunard offers solo cabins on the Queen Mary 2, the iconic ship known for its transatlantic crossings between London and New York. Although they only offer a twin-size bed, solo suites onboard the Queen Mary 2 are around 180 square feet and include ocean views. Two other Cunard ships, the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, also offer single cabins, but some are interior rooms without ocean views.

Officially, the best cruise line for solo cruisers is one you may not have heard of! Grand Circle Cruise Line is a small company that offers affordable river cruising experiences. The intimacy of Princess Cruises is something that all passengers value but it is particularly important to solo travelers as it enables them to meet new people with ease.

Still, all is not lost if you're a singleton wanting to experience life at sea. Spurred by increasing demand, a growing number of cruise lines are adding cabins designed specifically for solo travelers (with pricing that, by definition, is based on single occupancy). Some lines routinely offer lower single supplement charges than others, or they reduce or waive single supplements during promotions. Norwegian debuted a studio cabin in 2010 and was the first major cruise line to create accommodations for one. These cabins come in at just under 100 square feet—enough space for a full bed.

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Some ships have single cabins, host parties for single passengers, or even waive the single supplement fee (river cruises tend to do that most often). Some cruise lines like Silversea Cruises don’t offer solo cabins but nearly eliminate the single supplement, making them an attractive choice for cruisers. MSC Cruises offers a variety of social opportunities and activities tailored to solo travelers. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet new people and engage in fun activities. Holland America's solo cabins are larger than Norwegian's, but you'll have to settle for a twin bed.

of the best cruise lines for solo travellers

best cruise lines for solo travelers

However, in recent years cruising has gained popularity for solo cruisers as well. However, if you prefer to explore various destinations and participate in excursions, opt for a cruise with multiple port stops. Be sure to research each port and book your excursions in advance to secure your spot and make the most of your time ashore. When planning your itinerary, consider both the duration and destinations of your cruise. Longer cruises, such as a transatlantic crossing, can offer more opportunities to relax, socialize, and enjoy onboard amenities.

Expert travel tips, dream destination inspiration, and timely travel news delivered to your inbox daily. USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. Doug Parker is the creator and executive producer of Cruise Radio, a weekly podcast that shares cruise reviews and other cruise news.

An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on over 70 cruises and has experienced over 25 ocean, river, and expedition cruise lines combined. Solo travelers will find plenty of inclusive programming aboard Holland America Line, including wine tastings and lectures. Solo staterooms are available on some ships, and that means passengers can avoid paying a single supplement altogether. Guests aboard this line can cruise at an agreed-upon double occupancy rate or share a room with another member of the same sex and share the tariff. What stands out is that solo suites aboard this ship always have an ocean view. Through this initiative, they organise various activities, events, and meet-ups, creating a friendly and engaging atmosphere for solo travellers to bond.

Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines - in print and online. During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome. She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures.

With their comfortable staterooms and numerous itineraries, you can immerse yourself in European river cruise destinations while enjoying the company of fellow solo travelers. For a more upscale experience, you may consider exploring luxury options. Some high-end cruise lines offer staterooms with additional amenities and services catered to solo travelers.

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