Complete Guide to Solo Cruising 2025: How to Avoid Single Supplements and Meet People

Picture this: You're standing at the ship's railing, watching dolphins play in the turquoise water, sipping your morning coffee exactly how you like it. No compromises. No coordinating schedules. Just you, the open sea, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Solo cruising has exploded in popularity, with single travelers now representing 25% of all cruise bookings according to 2024 Cruise Lines International Association data. Yet many people hesitate to book that dream cruise alone, worried about paying double for a cabin or eating dinner by themselves every night.

Here's the thing: cruising solo in 2025 is easier, more affordable, and more social than ever before. The industry has finally caught up with solo travelers' needs.

Quick Answer: Solo Cruising Essentials

Can you cruise alone affordably? Absolutely. Here's what you need to know:

• Single supplements range from 10% to 100% extra, but many cruise lines now offer solo cabins with NO supplement
• Norwegian Cruise Line leads with 200+ studio cabins designed specifically for solo travelers (0% supplement)
• Best time to book: 6-12 months in advance for lowest solo rates, or last-minute deals 30-60 days out
• Meeting people: Solo travelers' meetups, shore excursion groups, and communal dining make socializing easy
• Safety considerations: Cruises are among the safest solo travel options, with 24/7 security and controlled environments

Bottom line: You'll likely spend 25-50% more than the per-person double occupancy rate, but with strategic planning, you can minimize or eliminate single supplements entirely.

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Understanding Single Supplements: What You're Actually Paying For

Let's break down the math that frustrates solo travelers.

Cruise pricing is based on double occupancy, meaning the advertised rate assumes two people sharing a cabin. When you cruise alone, you're typically charged 150-200% of the per-person rate, effectively paying for the "ghost passenger" who isn't there.

Why do cruise lines do this? It's not arbitrary pricing. Cruise lines calculate revenue per cabin, not per passenger. They lose money on cabin revenue when only one person occupies a space designed for two, even though you're not eating twice as much or using twice the resources.

Here's a real-world example from a 7-night Caribbean cruise:

Cabin Type	Double Occupancy (per person)	Solo Traveler Cost	Single Supplement
Inside Cabin	$599	$1,198	100%
Oceanview	$799	$1,438	80%
Balcony	$999	$1,699	70%
Solo Studio	$899	$899	0%

Notice how the supplement percentage often decreases with more expensive cabins. That's because cruise lines have more flexibility with premium cabin pricing.

The Good News: Solo Cabins Are Changing Everything

The cruise industry has invested heavily in purpose-built solo cabins since Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept in 2010. These aren't leftover spaces or cramped afterthoughts.

Modern solo cabins typically measure 100-150 square feet and include full bathrooms, comfortable beds, and smart storage solutions. More importantly, they come with zero single supplement and often include exclusive perks like a private lounge for solo travelers.

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7 Proven Strategies to Avoid or Minimize Single Supplements

1. Book Cruise Lines with Dedicated Solo Cabins

Norwegian Cruise Line remains the gold standard for solo cruisers, with studio cabins on 15 ships in their fleet. You'll pay the same rate as one person in a double occupancy cabin would pay, with no supplement.

The studios come with access to the Studio Lounge, an exclusive space where solo travelers gather for complimentary coffee, continental breakfast, and evening cocktails. It's designed specifically for meeting other solo cruisers without forced socialization.

Other cruise lines offering solo cabins:

• Royal Caribbean: Single occupancy cabins on select ships (Quantum and Oasis class)
• Holland America: Single staterooms on Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam
• Cunard: Single cabins on Queen Elizabeth with reduced supplements (25-50%)

Pro tip: Solo cabins book up 6-9 months in advance, especially for popular itineraries. Set up price alerts on PurpleMangos' port finder tool to track availability for your desired destinations.

2. Target Repositioning and Transatlantic Cruises

Longer cruises often have lower single supplements because cruise lines struggle to fill cabins on 14+ day voyages. You might find supplements as low as 10-25% on repositioning cruises.

Why repositioning cruises work for solo travelers:

• Fewer families and couples (more solo travelers and retirees)
• Longer time to build friendships with fellow passengers
• Significantly lower per-night costs
• More sea days for relaxation and ship exploration

A 14-night transatlantic crossing might cost $1,200 for a solo traveler, working out to just $85 per night including accommodations, meals, and entertainment. That's cheaper than most hotels.

3. Book Last-Minute Deals (If You're Flexible)

Cruise lines would rather sell a cabin at a reduced single supplement than sail with it empty. 30-60 days before departure, you'll often find solo-friendly deals.

According to CruiseCritic's 2024 pricing analysis, last-minute solo bookings save an average of 35% compared to advance solo rates. The trade-off? Limited cabin selection and itinerary choices.

Best practices for last-minute solo booking:

• Sign up for cruise line email alerts specifically for solo deals
• Be flexible with departure ports and dates
• Have your passport ready and bags packed
• Consider travel insurance that covers cancellation (even on last-minute bookings)

4. Choose Smaller Ships and River Cruises

Boutique cruise lines and river cruises often have more flexible pricing structures for solo travelers. While they're typically more expensive overall, the single supplements are often lower.

Viking River Cruises, for example, offers single supplements starting at 25% on select departures. Their smaller ships (190 passengers) create an intimate atmosphere where solo travelers naturally connect during shore excursions and meals.

5. Book Guarantee Cabins and Request Matching

Some cruise lines offer cabin share programs where they'll match you with a same-gender roommate. If they can't find a match, you often get the cabin to yourself at the shared rate.

How it works:

• You book a "guarantee cabin" without choosing a specific cabin number
• The cruise line assigns your cabin closer to departure
• If they find you a compatible roommate, you split the cost
• If they don't, you pay the double occupancy rate but get the cabin alone

Royal Caribbean and Carnival both offer variations of this program. The catch? You have limited control over cabin location and type, and you might end up with a roommate if you were hoping for privacy.

6. Travel During Shoulder Season

September through early December (excluding Thanksgiving) and January through March (excluding President's Day) typically have the lowest single supplements.

You're also more likely to find solo-specific promotions during these periods. Holland America ran a "Solo Traveler September" promotion in 2024 with 50% reduced supplements on select Alaska and Caribbean cruises.

Check the PurpleMangos weather tool to compare seasonal conditions for your destination. Sometimes shoulder season offers better weather than peak season anyway.

7. Consider Group Bookings Through Solo Travel Communities

Solo travel groups like Solo Cruisers and Singles Travel International negotiate group rates that include reduced or waived single supplements. You'll travel with other solo travelers but aren't obligated to spend time together.

These groups typically book entire blocks of cabins, giving them negotiating power with cruise lines. You might pay just 25-40% more than double occupancy rates, significantly better than booking independently.

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Meeting People as a Solo Cruiser: Your Social Strategy Guide

One of the biggest concerns solo travelers express isn't the cost—it's the fear of eating alone or feeling isolated. Let me put that worry to rest.

Cruises are inherently social environments, and solo travelers often report making more meaningful connections than couples or families who stick to their own groups. According to a 2024 survey by Cruise Critic, 89% of solo cruisers said they never felt lonely during their voyage.

Organized Solo Traveler Meetups

Most major cruise lines now host official solo traveler gatherings on embarkation day or the first sea day. These are typically held in a lounge or bar, with a cruise staff member facilitating introductions.

What to expect:

• Casual atmosphere with light appetizers or drinks
• Name tags with your name and hometown
• Brief introductions (30-60 seconds each)
• Exchange of cabin numbers or social media info
• Often leads to informal dinner groups or shore excursion buddies

Don't skip this meetup. It's your easiest path to finding your cruise community.

Shore Excursion Strategy

Small group shore excursions are networking goldmines for solo travelers. You'll spend 4-8 hours with the same people, naturally leading to conversation and connection.

Book excursions through the cruise line rather than independently. You'll have more opportunities to meet fellow passengers, and the cruise line's excursions are guaranteed to get you back to the ship on time.

Best excursions for meeting people:

• Food and wine tours (small groups, lots of conversation time)
• Adventure activities like snorkeling or hiking (shared experiences create bonds)
• Cultural walking tours (slower pace allows for chatting)

Avoid large bus tours where you're sitting in assigned seats with limited interaction time.

Dining Options for Solo Travelers

Traditional dining (assigned table and time) works beautifully for solo cruisers. The cruise line will seat you with other passengers, often other solo travelers or friendly couples.

Request a table for 4-6 people rather than a large table. Smaller groups encourage actual conversation rather than fragmented discussions. You'll see the same people every night, building genuine friendships over the course of the cruise.

Alternative dining strategies:

• Specialty restaurants: More intimate settings, often with communal seating options
• Main dining room open seating: Flexibility to dine with people you've met during the day
• Buffet: Easy to join others or eat quickly when you want alone time

Important: Don't feel obligated to be social 24/7. One of the best parts of solo cruising is the freedom to choose. Breakfast in your cabin with a book? Perfectly acceptable.

Onboard Activities and Classes

Participate in at least one activity daily during the first few days. This dramatically increases your chances of finding your people.

Best activities for meeting others:

• Trivia contests (teams naturally form)
• Dance classes (partners rotate frequently)
• Wine tastings (small groups, relaxed atmosphere)
• Fitness classes (regular attendees create a community)
• Port shopping talks (fellow cruisers planning similar shore time)

The key is consistency. Attend the same class or activity multiple times, and you'll start recognizing faces and building rapport.

Solo Traveler Lounges and Spaces

If your ship has a dedicated solo traveler lounge (Norwegian's Studio Lounge, for example), use it strategically. Pop in for morning coffee and you'll likely see familiar faces throughout the cruise.

These lounges often have communal seating, magazines, light snacks, and a more intimate atmosphere than the ship's main lounges. They're designed specifically to facilitate natural conversation without forced interaction.

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Safety Considerations for Solo Cruisers

Cruises are among the safest vacation options for solo travelers, but smart precautions still matter.

Onboard Safety

Modern cruise ships have 24/7 security, keycard access to cabin corridors, and surveillance cameras in public areas. According to FBI statistics, serious crimes on cruise ships are rare, with an incident rate of 0.18 per 100,000 passengers in 2023.

Basic safety practices:

• Keep your cabin locked and use the deadbolt when inside
• Don't share your cabin number publicly or on social media
• Meet new friends in public spaces initially
• Inform someone (family or cruise staff) of your general plans
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is

The CDC's cruise ship travel health information provides additional safety guidelines and health precautions.

Shore Excursion Safety

Stick with cruise line excursions for your first solo cruise, especially in unfamiliar destinations. They're more expensive than independent exploration, but you'll have the security of a group and guaranteed ship return.

If you do venture out independently:

• Research the port area's safety profile beforehand
• Stay in tourist-friendly areas during your first visit
• Keep valuables minimal and secure
• Share your itinerary with someone onboard
• Keep your phone charged and have emergency contacts saved

Check out PurpleMangos' destination guides for specific safety information and accessibility details for popular cruise ports.

Health and Medical Considerations

All cruise ships have medical facilities and staff, though services can be expensive. Travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation is essential for solo travelers.

Health preparation checklist:

• Bring 2x the medication you think you'll need
• Pack prescriptions in original bottles with your name
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions and medical history
• Know the location of the ship's medical center
• Consider travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage

Solo travelers should be especially diligent about health precautions since you won't have a companion to help if you get sick.

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Budget Planning: The Real Cost of Solo Cruising

Let's talk actual numbers. What does a solo cruise really cost when you factor in everything beyond the cabin rate?

Base Cruise Fare Breakdown

For a 7-night Caribbean cruise on a mainstream cruise line:

Expense Category	Cost Range	Notes
Cabin (with single supplement)	$1,200-$2,500	Varies by cabin type and season
Gratuities	$112-$196	$16-$28 per day, mandatory on most lines
Specialty Dining	$0-$300	Optional, but nice for variety
Beverages	$0-$400	Soda, alcohol, specialty coffee
Shore Excursions	$200-$800	3-5 excursions at $50-$200 each
WiFi	$0-$200	Essential for staying connected
Spa/Wellness	$0-$400	Optional indulgence
Shopping/Souvenirs	$100-$300	Varies by personal preference
Total Estimated Cost	$1,612-$5,096	Average: $3,354

Solo travelers often spend slightly less on extras than couples because you're making decisions based solely on your preferences. No compromise spending on activities or dining you don't want.

Money-Saving Strategies for Solo Cruisers

Book beverage packages strategically. If you drink 5+ alcoholic beverages daily, the unlimited package saves money. If you're a moderate drinker, pay as you go.

Bring your own wine. Most cruise lines allow 1-2 bottles per person. That's 1-2 bottles for you as a solo traveler, saving $20-40 on wine.

Skip specialty dining early in the cruise. Try the main dining room first. You might find it exceeds your expectations, saving you $150-300 on specialty restaurant fees.

Book shore excursions independently once you're comfortable with solo cruising. You'll save 30-50% compared to cruise line excursions.

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Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers in 2025

Not all cruise lines treat solo travelers equally. Here's your decision-making guide based on what matters most to you.

For Solo Cabin Availability: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian dominates the solo cruiser market with the most dedicated studio cabins in the industry. Their newest ships feature 82 studios each, with more being added.

Pros:

• Zero single supplement on studio cabins
• Exclusive Studio Lounge for socializing
• Flexible dining (no assigned tables)
• Casual atmosphere appeals to solo travelers

Cons:

• Studios book up quickly (6+ months in advance)
• Additional fees for many amenities
• Can feel crowded on sea days

Best for: Budget-conscious solo travelers who want guaranteed no supplement and social opportunities.

For Luxury Solo Travel: Cunard and Holland America

Cunard's single cabins on Queen Elizabeth offer reduced supplements (25-50%) with elegant, traditional cruising. Holland America provides similar options with excellent service and enrichment programs.

Pros:

• Lower single supplements than mainstream lines
• More sophisticated atmosphere
• Excellent solo traveler programming
• Destination-focused itineraries

Cons:

• Higher base prices
• Older demographic (if that matters to you)
• Fewer onboard activities than mega-ships

Best for: Solo travelers 50+ who value sophistication and destination immersion over party atmosphere.

For Meeting People: Royal Caribbean and Carnival

These mainstream lines have the most robust solo traveler meetups and activities. Larger ships mean more solo travelers onboard and more opportunities to find your crowd.

Pros:

• Multiple solo traveler events per cruise
• Diverse age range and demographics
• Extensive onboard activities
• Good value for money

Cons:

• Higher single supplements (75-100%)
• Can feel overwhelming on mega-ships
• More families and children

Best for: First-time solo cruisers who want plenty of social opportunities and activities.

For Adventure: Small Ship and Expedition Cruises

Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures, and similar lines offer reduced single supplements (25-50%) on adventure-focused itineraries.

Pros:

• Like-minded adventurous travelers
• Small ship intimacy (50-200 passengers)
• Included excursions (often adventure-focused)
• Easy to meet everyone onboard

Cons:

• Significantly higher base prices
• Limited entertainment and amenities
• Requires good physical fitness for many activities

Best for: Active solo travelers who prioritize destination and adventure over ship amenities.

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Accessibility Considerations for Solo Cruisers

Solo travelers with disabilities face unique considerations when choosing a cruise. You won't have a companion to assist with daily tasks, making accessible cabin features and ship services even more critical.

Accessible Solo Cabins: Limited But Available

Norwegian Cruise Line offers accessible studio cabins on select ships, though availability is extremely limited (typically 2-4 per ship). These include:

• Roll-in showers with fold-down seats
• Lowered closet rods and light switches
• Visual alert systems
• Wider doorways and turning radius

Book these 12+ months in advance. They're the first cabins to sell out.

Requesting Assistance Services

All major cruise lines provide complimentary wheelchair escort services for embarkation, disembarkation, and tendering. As a solo traveler, don't hesitate to request these services.

Services typically available:

• Priority boarding for passengers needing extra time
• Wheelchair delivery to cabin
• Assistance with luggage to cabin
• Reserved seating in theaters and venues
• Dietary accommodation requests

Contact the cruise line's special needs department at least 30 days before sailing to arrange services and discuss your specific requirements.

Shore Excursion Accessibility

This is where solo travelers with disabilities face the biggest challenges. Many accessible shore excursions require advance booking and may have minimum passenger requirements.

Call the cruise line's accessibility department directly to discuss specific excursions. They can often arrange private accessible tours or modify existing excursions to meet your needs, though this may involve additional costs.

For detailed accessibility information on specific ports, check PurpleMangos' destination accessibility guides which include wheelchair accessibility ratings, accessible transportation options, and mobility-friendly attractions.

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Solo Cruising Packing Essentials

Packing as a solo traveler requires strategic planning since you won't have a companion to share items or borrow from.

Must-Have Items for Solo Cruisers

Power strip with USB ports: Cabins typically have limited outlets, and you'll need to charge multiple devices. Choose one with 3-4 outlets and 2-3 USB ports.

Magnetic hooks: Cabin walls are metal, making magnetic hooks perfect for hanging bags, lanyards, or damp swimsuits. Pack 4-6 hooks.

Door decorations: Helps you identify your cabin quickly and signals to other solo travelers that you're open to meeting people. Simple wreath or magnetic nameplate works well.

Portable door lock: Adds extra security to your cabin door. The Addalock portable door lock is TSA-approved and popular with solo travelers.

Collapsible water bottle: Stay hydrated without paying for bottled water. Most ships have water stations where you can refill.

Smart Packing for Solo Dining

Nicer outfits for formal nights: You'll want to feel confident dining alone on elegant evenings. Pack 2-3 outfits that make you feel great.

Small crossbody bag: Essential for shore excursions when you need hands-free security for phone, ID, and money.

Book light or e-reader: For enjoying your cabin in the evening without disturbing anyone (not applicable, but habits from shared travel die hard).

Health and Safety Items

First aid kit: Include motion sickness medication, pain relievers, antacids, band-aids, and any personal medications. You won't have a companion to run to the shop if you need something.

Copies of important documents: Keep photocopies of your passport, credit cards, and prescriptions separate from originals. Email yourself copies too.

Portable phone charger: Essential for full-day shore excursions when you won't return to the ship.

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Plan Your Solo Cruise Adventure with PurpleMangos

Ready to book your first solo cruise? PurpleMangos makes it easy to find the perfect destination and plan every detail of your accessible, solo-friendly adventure.

Our free port finder tool helps you compare single supplement rates across cruise lines and destinations. Filter by accessibility features, solo traveler amenities, and seasonal pricing to find your ideal cruise.

Check current weather conditions and seasonal trends with our weather planning tool to choose the perfect time for your solo adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Cruising

Is it weird to go on a cruise alone?

Not at all. Solo travelers represent 25% of all cruise bookings in 2025, and that number continues growing. Cruise lines have invested heavily in solo-friendly amenities and programming specifically because solo travel is mainstream.

You'll meet dozens of other solo travelers onboard, and the cruise environment makes it easy to be social when you want company and enjoy solitude when you prefer. Most solo cruisers report that they never felt out of place or uncomfortable traveling alone.

What is the cheapest way to cruise solo?

Book Norwegian Cruise Line's studio cabins 6-12 months in advance for zero single supplement. Alternatively, look for last-minute deals 30-60 days before departure on repositioning or transatlantic cruises, where you'll find supplements as low as 10-25%.

Choose inside cabins over balconies if your priority is affordability. The single supplement percentage is often lower on higher-category cabins, but the overall cost is still less for inside cabins. A $1,200 solo inside cabin costs less than a $1,700 solo balcony, even though the balcony has a lower supplement percentage.

Are solo cruises safe?

Yes, cruises are among the safest vacation options for solo travelers. Ships have 24/7 security, keycard access to cabin areas, surveillance cameras in public spaces, and medical facilities onboard. The FBI reports an incident rate of just 0.18 serious crimes per 100,000 cruise passengers.

Basic precautions apply: keep your cabin locked, meet new friends in public spaces initially, stick with cruise line shore excursions in unfamiliar ports, and trust your instincts. The controlled environment of a cruise ship is inherently safer than most solo land-based travel.

How do I meet people on a solo cruise?

Attend the solo travelers' meetup on embarkation day—this is your easiest path to finding cruise friends. Request traditional dining with assigned seating at a small table (4-6 people) so you see the same people nightly. Book small group shore excursions where you'll spend hours with the same passengers.

Participate in onboard activities like trivia, dance classes, or wine tastings where teams naturally form. Use the solo traveler lounge if your ship has one. Most importantly, be open to conversation—solo cruisers are typically friendly and looking to meet others.

What should I do if I get sick while cruising alone?

Contact the ship's medical center immediately. All cruise ships have medical facilities staffed with doctors and nurses 24/7. The staff will come to your cabin if you're too ill to visit the medical center.

Inform the guest services desk so they can check on you and arrange meal delivery if needed. This is why travel insurance with medical coverage is essential for solo travelers—shipboard medical care can be expensive. If you have serious health conditions, consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Can I share a cabin with someone to avoid the single supplement?

Yes, some cruise lines offer cabin share programs where they match you with a same-gender roommate. Royal Caribbean and Carnival both offer variations of this option. If they can't find you a match, you often get the cabin to yourself at the shared rate.

You can also book with a friend or family member to split the double occupancy rate, even if you're not a couple. Just be clear about expectations—separate beds, shared bathroom, and respect for each other's schedules and preferences.

Do I have to eat alone on a cruise?

Absolutely not. Traditional dining assigns you to a table with other passengers, often other solo travelers or friendly couples. You'll see the same people every night, building friendships over the course of the cruise.

Many solo travelers prefer this option because it guarantees social interaction without requiring effort to find dinner companions. If you prefer flexibility, choose open seating or anytime dining, which allows you to dine with people you've met during the day or eat quickly when you want alone time.

What's the best cruise length for first-time solo travelers?

A 7-night cruise offers the ideal balance for first-time solo cruisers. It's long enough to settle into the ship's rhythm and build friendships, but not so long that you'll feel trapped if you're not enjoying the experience.

Shorter 3-5 night cruises feel rushed and don't allow time for meaningful connections. Longer 10-14 night cruises are wonderful for experienced solo cruisers but can feel overwhelming for first-timers. Start with a week-long Caribbean or Mexican Riviera cruise to test the waters.

Are river cruises good for solo travelers?

Yes, river cruises can be excellent for solo travelers, though they're typically more expensive overall. Single supplements on river cruises range from 25-50%, significantly better than ocean cruises' 100% supplements.

The smaller ship size (100-190 passengers) makes it easier to meet everyone onboard, and the destination-focused itineraries attract like-minded travelers. Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways both offer reduced single supplements on select departures and have strong solo traveler communities.

What happens if I need to cancel my solo cruise?

Standard cancellation policies apply whether you're traveling solo or with others. Most cruise lines charge progressive cancellation fees: 15-25% if you cancel 90+ days out, 50% at 60-89 days, 75% at 30-59 days, and 100% within 30 days of departure.

This is why travel insurance is crucial for solo travelers—you don't have a companion to split the loss if you need to cancel. Look for "cancel for any reason" coverage that reimburses 50-75% of prepaid costs if you cancel for reasons not covered by standard policies.

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About the Author

This guide was written by the PurpleMangos editorial team, cruise travel experts specializing in accessible travel and solo cruising. Our mission is to make cruise planning easier and more inclusive through data-driven insights and practical advice.

Explore more solo travel guides and destination recommendations on PurpleMangos, where we help you plan the perfect accessible cruise adventure.