Updated June 22, 2024
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best cruise ships for single travelers that offer solo cabins like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, MSC, Holland America Line, and Oceania.
Traveling solo can be an exciting and enriching experience, especially when cruising. Many cruise lines now cater specifically to solo travelers, offering dedicated solo cabins with unique amenities and communal spaces to enhance the journey.
Best cruise ship for solo travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line stands out for its extensive solo traveler accommodations, offering Solo Balcony, Oceanview, Inside rooms, and Studios. Each Solo Stateroom includes access to the exclusive Studio Lounge, a private lounge shared only by solo guests.
Amenities in the lounge include complimentary coffee, espresso, snacks, a bar equipped with beer and wine, and various snacks served daily. The rooms themselves come with a TV, safe, hair dryer, and an ice bucket upon request, alongside 24-hour room service and a continental breakfast menu.
Starting January 2024, Norwegian expanded its solo staterooms to over 1,000 cabins across its 19-ship fleet, including the Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss, and Pride of America.
The Norwegian Epic has 128 studio cabins, while the Breakaway and Getaway each have 59, and the Escape and Bliss each feature 82. Pride of America has four, added during a recent refurbishment.
What sets Norwegian’s solo cabins apart is the Studio Lounge, offering a cozy hangout with sofas, large screen TVs, and a bartender at certain times. This space offers a sense of community among solo travelers, making it easier to meet and mingle with fellow passengers.
Norwegian’s Studio Lounge provides a dedicated space for solo travelers to relax, socialize, and participate in activities designed for single travelers. Making this cruise lines one of the best cruise ships for single travelers.
Norwegian offers a variety of dining options across its fleet, with solo travelers able to enjoy both communal and private dining experiences.
Norwegian offers a wide range of onboard activities, from entertainment shows to fitness classes, ensuring solo travelers have plenty to do.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a diverse range of shore excursions, including adventure activities like zip lining and snorkeling, cultural and historical tours of cities and archaeological sites, and culinary experiences such as food tours and wine tastings.
Relaxat at beaches and spas, wildlife safaris, and family-friendly excursions to theme parks and interactive museums.
Best cruise ship for solo travelers: Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers 28 dedicated studio cabins on all of its Quantum-class ships, including Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas.
These cabins range from 101 to 119 square feet and include innovative “virtual balcony” cabins, which feature 80-inch floor-to-ceiling LED screens projecting live outside images, and rooms with actual 55-square-foot balconies.
Harmony of the Seas, the only Oasis-class ship with single-occupancy cabins, features 15 solo rooms, including inside and ocean-view options, starting at 96 square feet. While smaller than those on Quantum-class ships, they provide a cozy and functional space for solo travelers.
Royal Caribbean’s solo cabins are designed to offer comfort and a sense of connection to the ocean with the virtual balcony feature. These ships provide a variety of entertainment and dining options, ensuring solo travelers have plenty to do and see.
Royal Caribbean provides diverse dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining, ensuring solo travelers have plenty of choices.
Royal Caribbean organizes meetups and social events for solo travelers, making it easier to meet people on your solo cruise.
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum and Oasis-class ships provide diverse activities, including rock climbing, surfing simulators, and live performances. Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise ships for single travelers in terms of activities and entertainment.
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of shore excursions, including adventurous activities like zip lining, scuba diving, and hiking, as well as cultural and historical tours of iconic landmarks and cities.
Experiences such as food and wine tastings, along with family-friendly outings to theme parks, interactive museums, and wildlife encounters.
Best cruise ships for solo travelers: Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers solo cabins in the Insider and Sea View categories, meaning no balcony but a well-designed and functional space. Insider Solo cabins are 105 square feet, featuring a cozy bed nook, a compact closet, and all essential amenities, including a TV, desk, and fridge.
Virgin Voyages’ focus on style and modern amenities makes it an appealing choice for solo travelers looking for a trendy and vibrant cruise experience. The ship’s design encourages social interaction while providing ample options for privacy and relaxation.
Virgin Voyages offers numerous dining options, including The Galley, The Pizza Place, The Dock House, The Social Club Diner, and the Sun Club Cafe.
The only shared dining experience is at the Korean BBQ restaurant, Gunbae. Virgin offers one of the best dining experiences for single Glen travelers on cruise ships. This is one of the best cruise ships for single travelers in terms of dining.
Virgin Voyages promotes a social atmosphere with various communal spaces and organized events for solo travelers.
Virgin Voyages offers a variety of onboard activities, from fitness classes to entertainment shows, catering to solo travelers’ interests.
Virgin Voyages offers unique shore excursions focused on immersive and adventurous experiences, such as beach club parties, water sports, and wellness activities like yoga and meditation.
Travelers can also enjoy cultural tours, local culinary tastings, and vibrant nightlife excursions that reflect the lively spirit of Virgin Voyages.
Best cruise ships for solo travelers: MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises does offer solo cabins, but they can be hard to book due to limited availability. It’s advisable to book well in advance to secure a spot.
MSC’s solo cabins are designed to provide comfort and convenience, featuring modern amenities and access to the ship’s extensive facilities, ensuring a pleasant cruise experience.
MSC offers a range of dining experiences, from casual to gourmet, catering to solo travelers’ preferences.
MSC Cruises may offer meetups and activities for solo travelers, but specifics can vary by ship and itinerary.
MSC Cruises provides numerous activities, including entertainment shows, fitness classes, and enrichment programs.
MSC Cruises offers a wide range of shore excursions, including cultural tours of historic cities and landmarks, adventure activities like snorkeling, hiking, and zip-lining, and relaxing beach outings.
Also available are local food and wine tastings, as well as family-friendly activities such as visits to theme parks and wildlife reserves.
MSC is one of the cheapest cruise lines, if you book early you can secure a spot on one of the best cruise ships for single travelers.
Best cruise ship for solo travelers: Holland America Line
Holland America Line offers solo cabins on several of its ships, including the Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, and Ryndam. These cabins range from 127 to 172 square feet, featuring ocean views, twin beds, full-size beds, and modern bathrooms with massage showers.
Holland America’s solo cabins provide an elegant and spacious retreat for solo travelers, with thoughtful amenities and a classic cruising experience. The line’s emphasis on culinary excellence and enrichment programs makes it a great choice for solo cruisers seeking a refined and culturally rich journey.
Holland America is known for its culinary excellence, offering a variety of dining venues and options for solo travelers.
Holland America offers social events and meetups for solo travelers, enhancing the solo cruising experience.
Holland America offers a range of activities, including cooking classes, live performances, and educational programs, ensuring a fulfilling experience for solo travelers.
Holland America Line offers a variety of shore excursions, including cultural and historical tours of iconic landmarks, art galleries, and museums, as well as adventure activities like kayaking, hiking, and wildlife safaris.
You can also take part in culinary experiences with local food and wine tastings, and enjoy enriching activities such as guided nature walks and scenic cruises.
Best cruise ships for solo travelers: Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises has introduced dedicated veranda staterooms for solo travelers on its new ship, Oceania Vista, launched in May 2023. These six staterooms provide a luxurious and private space with stunning ocean views.
These staterooms include all the high-end amenities Oceania is known for, such as elegant furnishings, plush bedding, and modern conveniences, ensuring a comfortable cruise experience.
Oceania’s focus on luxury and gourmet dining makes it a top choice for solo travelers looking for a premium cruise experience. The dedicated solo staterooms offer a perfect blend of privacy and comfort.
Oceania Cruises provides gourmet dining experiences, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and diverse culinary options.
Oceania organizes events and gatherings for solo travelers, providing opportunities to meet and mingle.
Oceania provides enrichment programs, live performances, and a variety of onboard activities to keep solo travelers engaged.
Oceania offers a diverse array of shore excursions, focusing on immersive cultural experiences such as guided tours of historic sites, art museums, and local markets. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting, while food lovers can indulge in gourmet culinary tours and wine tastings.
You can participate in hands-on experiences like cooking classes and artisan workshops, providing a deep dive into the local culture and traditions of each destination.
Conclusion
Solo travelers have more options than ever when it comes to cruising, with dedicated cabins and exclusive amenities designed to enhance their experience.
Whether you choose the vibrant and social atmosphere of Norwegian and Virgin Voyages, the innovative features of Royal Caribbean, the elegance of Holland America Line, or the luxury of Oceania Cruises, there’s a solo cruise experience out there to suit every traveler’s style and preferences.
Book early to secure your spot on one of the best cruise ships for solo travelers and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.