Cruising solo: costs, cabins and making the most of it
Single supplements, cabins built for one, solo meet-ups and safety: how to plan a solo cruise that feels easy and sociable.
Cruising is one of the friendliest ways to travel alone. You unpack once, meals are handled, and there is always something happening — but you choose how much of it to join. Plan a few details well and a solo cruise can be both easy and genuinely social.
The single supplement, explained
Most cabins are priced for two people, so a solo traveller often pays a single supplement — a surcharge for occupying a double cabin alone. It can be a percentage of the second fare or, in the worst case, the full second fare. Ask how your line calculates it, and compare lines, because policies differ widely.
Cabins built for one
A growing number of ships offer dedicated solo cabins: smaller, purpose-built and priced without the dreaded supplement. They may be inside cabins with virtual windows or compact outside cabins, and they are usually limited, so they sell out early. If a solo cabin is unavailable, a guarantee cabin or a lower-category double can still reduce the supplement.
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Solo cabin | Often no supplement | Travellers who value price and simplicity |
| Double cabin, solo | Supplement applies | Those wanting more space or a balcony |
| Guarantee cabin | Varies, sometimes lower | Flexible travellers who do not mind location |
| Sharing with a friend | Split fare | Two people who travel well together |
Solo cabins are usually the first to sell out on popular sailings — if you see one at a good price, it rarely pays to wait.
Meeting other solo travellers
Ships know solo guests want company, and many run solo meet-ups, often early in the cruise, in a lounge or bar. Going once costs nothing and opens the door to dinner companions and port-day buddies. Look for the daily programme for the time and place, and do not be shy about introducing yourself.
Staying safe and comfortable
- Keep the same basic habits you would on land: lock your cabin, use the safe and stay aware in bars.
- Tell a new acquaintance you will meet them somewhere public, not at your cabin.
- Choose a cabin near busy areas rather than at the end of a long, quiet corridor.
- Save the ship's contact information and a photo of the daily schedule on your phone.
Dining on your own terms
Solo dining is more flexible than people imagine. You can ask for a table for one and eat at your own pace, choose a shared table to meet people, or book a set dining time with the same companions each night. Buffets and casual venues make low-pressure meals easy, and specialty restaurants are worth it if you enjoy a quieter evening. Our guide to dining on a cruise covers the options in detail.
Excursions and port days
Shore days work well solo. Small-group tours are sociable and safe, while independent exploring gives you total freedom. If you wander alone, agree a clear return point, keep cash for taxis, and watch the time — a solo traveller who misses the ship has no one to vouch for the delay.
Practical tips
- Shop early for solo cabins and sailings with low supplements.
- Join the solo meet-up on day one; it is the easiest social door to open.
- Eat at a shared table when you feel like company, and alone when you do not.
- Pre-book one or two excursions so port days have a plan.
- Build in downtime — the freedom to do nothing is the whole point.
Travelling solo on a cruise gives you full control of your days, with company always a few steps away when you want it.
See our cruise dining guide for the venues that suit solo travellers best.