1. Introduction to Solo Cruising
Explore the growing trend of solo cruising and what it offers to individual travelers seeking unique experiences at sea.
2. The Rise of Solo Cruise Vacations
Tricia Haston, a 40-year-old single mom, had one thing in mind when she jetted off on her first cruise vacation in March 2022: some downtime. “Normally I have kids everywhere, all the time,” says the Blue Springs, Missouri, resident, who works at a high school. Therefore, when she embarked on her Caribbean trip on the Norwegian Escape, she wasn’t worried about being a solo traveler — in fact, that was the whole idea.
3. Amenities for Solo Travelers
Haston chose to sail with Norwegian Cruise Line partly because of the many amenities it offers individual passengers, such as a solos-only area on eight of its ships, including the newly launched Norwegian Prima. “When you’re in the Studio Lounge,” Haston shares, “it’s quiet in a good way. You have your own concierge, the lights are low, it’s very chill, and everyone’s friendly.” She enjoyed her time aboard so much that she planned another solo sail, this time on the Norwegian Getaway, which departed just four months later.
4. A Growing Market
Haston is part of a growing cohort of travelers who have increasingly embraced the solo cruise vacation, according to Sandi Valente, the travel advisor who facilitated Haston’s trips. “Norwegian has really created a niche,” she notes, remarking that its Studio Lounges provide solo travelers a space to connect, allowing them to feel just as comfortable as couples and families who comprise most cruise passengers.
5. Unique Cabin Offerings
Norwegian was also one of the first cruise lines to offer cabins specifically designed for singles, including 128 aboard the Norwegian Epic, which launched in 2010. While these cabins are only 100 square feet, they are more affordable, with no additional fees for solo occupancy.
6. Industry Adaptations
Since then, other cruise lines have responded to the demand for single-occupancy cabins. In the mid-2010s, Cunard introduced 33 single cabins across its three ships: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria. Recently, Oceania Cruises converted some of its smallest cabins into singles-only accommodations, enhancing the experience for solo travelers seeking comfy and cozy rooms.
7. Planning for Future Travelers
With the increasing interest in solo cruising, cruise companies are incorporating solo cabins into their deck plans for new ships. Princess Cruises will debut four solo cabins on its Sun Princess, launching in 2024, while MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia-class ships feature up to 34 solo cabins each, although most of these are interior rooms. Holland America Line has also included 12 solo cabins on each of its latest ships, offering ocean views for solo travelers.
8. Luxury Options for Solo Cruisers
Moreover, luxury is becoming a priority for solo cruising. The latest ships from Celebrity Cruises, including the recently launched Celebrity Beyond, boast up to 32 single staterooms, featuring Infinite Verandas that combine indoor and outdoor living. Additionally, Oceania’s forthcoming ship Vista will offer six Concierge Level Solo Veranda staterooms, ensuring a premium experience for single travelers.
A version of this story first appeared in the February 2023 issue of iBestTravel under the headline “Going It Alone.”
