Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers Home > Features > Editor's Picks > Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
Solo cruising. Cruising solo. Somehow those two words, no matter the order, seem to evoke furrowed brows and looks of pity in many cruisers who are coupled or traveling with friends or family. Those of us who make the choice to cruise alone have a hard time figuring out why we are met with that reaction, except to deduce that those who look upon us as poor friendless souls have never experienced the liberation of a solo cruise, of not having to be responsible for anyone's pleasure but one's own.
I am a frequent "solo cruiser," and although I often travel with a friend or family member, I just as often travel with neither. Cruise Critic's Editor Carolyn Spencer Brown also cruises solo, and while we are very different (I am single and "of an age," she is a married lady whose husband has a busy career of his own), we both appreciate the experience of breathing it all in, of making our own choices, of being able to amble and contemplate life (and our cruise experience!) on our own terms.
There is, to us, a difference between being a solo cruiser and a single cruiser. While single cruisers tend to want to find others with whom to congregate, those who choose to cruise solo have to be comfortable with the concept that they are responsible for their own good time, whatever path that takes. To be alone is a choice. That choice, however, doesn't always guarantee a fabulous cruise vacation. In this coupled-up world, a solo can find it difficult to negotiate the obstacles inherent on most larger cruise ships, from harried and inattentive maitre d's to programs and activities that make it difficult for a solo to participate.
And then there's the issue of cost.
A solo or single cruiser creates "spoilage" in cruise-speak -- in other words, not only an empty bed that doesn't add booking revenue, but also a missing body to add auxiliary revenue from drink sales, casino use, shore excursions and spa treatments. With rare exception, a single or solo can expect to pay between 150 and 200 percent of the published cruise fare to cover the cost of the "missing" guest. What's worse, at least two major cruise lines -- NCL and Princess Cruises -- are now making solo guests pay double the non-commissionable fees (NCF's) that every guest is charged at the discretion of the cruise line. (These are not government-mandated fees and taxes, which by law can only be charged per person.)
For the North America-based solo, it's primarily the luxury lines that offer the best deals and the most amenable services, but European cruise lines, from big-ship to small, high-end ones, have been proactive in this area for a long time. Depending on what drives you, you can find bargains and benefits on the lines (and in some cases, individual ships) that we have chosen as the best for solos. Here are some pointers first:
Are you a solo lady who likes dancing? Many lines and ships offer the "gentleman host" program, but usually on cruises longer than 14 days (Cunard's an exception; it offers hosts on all trips). They are actually selected on the basis of their dancing ability, and they love to trip the light fantastic. Solo men who love to dance won't have a problem finding ladies (they outnumber males traveling alone by about three to one!)
Are you interested in creating enduring friendships? Many cruise lines have solo get-togethers and even if they don't, you can use your areas of interest (bridge play, perhaps, or wine and cuisine theme cruises) to meet people with similar hobbies.
Even solos need community. Get out there! We know one lady who, even though she has the means, refuses to book herself a balcony cabin. "I spend too much time alone that way," she says. "I miss the camaraderie of sailaways up on deck, or the joys of coming into a port with others who are as enthusiastic as I am." Don't be shy about expressing to your maitre d' exactly what kind of dinner arrangement you'd like, either.
Finally, you can, in fact, double your financial ability to cruise by using the "Find a Partner" program offered by many lines. This service connects single, non-smoking cruisers of the same sex who might be interested in sharing a cabin. It's not ideal for everyone, but it sure can help the bottom line.
Holland America Line
Why: Holland America Line, more than any other big-ship cruise line, is renowned for catering to solo guests. There are plenty of programs that don't require partners, and activities that can be delightfully solitary or a means to meet others (the culinary programs, from hands-on workshops to wine tastings, are tons of fun!). The Single Partner's Program, its roommate-matching service, matches non-smoking guests of the same sex with others who want to share -- and guarantees you'll pay just the double occupancy price, even if no partner can be found.
Special Extras: Singles are invited to meet and mingle at a cocktail mixer and on voyages of 14 days or more, gentleman hosts are available for dancing.
Discounts available: Apart from the Single Partner's Program, discounts depend on the sailing, the time of year and the ship involved. Rates can run from 150 percent to 200 percent for solos.
Peter Deilmann Cruises
Why: The placid, slow pace of a European river cruise is ideal for a solo traveler to refresh and reflect. The atmosphere is convivial and inclusive, making it easy to meet fellow guests with similar interests, since land excursions comprise a great portion of the trip. Most of Deilmann's eight river boats are elegant five-star vessels, and three of them have single-occupancy cabins. Meanwhile, the line's ocean cruise ship, MS Deutschland, offers 36 inside and outside cabins dedicated to single travelers.
Special Extras: There are no special programs for singles, but even MS Deutschland carries fewer than 600 guests so it's easy to meet and mingle.
Discounts Available: Rates in single cabins on the three boats (Katharina, Chopin and Heidelberg) that offer discounts range from 125 percent to 155 percent; on MS Deutschland, the single cabin rate is 130 percent. There are other great deals as well, including free airfare to some destinations. Get on the cruise line's mailing list to find the best fares.
Silversea Cruises
Why: Silversea doesn't offer "single" cabins but its occasional special fare deals means that a solo traveler can sail alone without a huge penalty. We love its Solo Traveler Savings Program; this is specifically geared to singles, who make up about 10 percent (pretty significant in cruising) of its passengers. Another plus: With just 296 passengers on Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, and 382 apiece on the newer Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, solo cruisers find it easy to feel at home. Some of the enrichment programs and special interest cruises ensure a compatible mix of people with like interests, solo or not.
Special Extras: A cocktail reception is held on every voyage. Sailings with a large number of solos have Social Ambassadors onboard as dance partners and shore excursion escorts, and gentlemen hosts are found on most voyages of over 10 days.
Discounts available: Solo Traveler Savings, offered on selected sailings, can mean that solos can pay 110 to 125 percent of the regular fares, although the line is quick to point out that these fares are "capacity controlled and subject to availability." In other words, book early!
Crystal Cruises
Why: Crystal is perhaps the most popular luxury line for solos, who make up to 15 percent of its passengers on some sailings. Solos are attracted by the wide range of activities onboard, plus singles' parties, gentleman hosts and supplements that can be as low as 25 percent for certain categories. Many luxury-minded solos also choose Crystal because it features assigned dining room seating, which is unique in this market segment (most luxury lines have an open single-seating dining room); this set-seating dining policy means you dine with the same folks every night. And finally, while Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are as spacious as super-liners, they carry only 940 and 1,080 passengers respectively; a sense of community prevails onboard.
Special Extras: Crystal's unique activities include the Creative Learning Institute, with choices that range from acting workshops, language lessons and astronomy classes to a Computer University.
Discounts Available: Certain sailings offer special discounts; look at itineraries in January for the best values. Single parents also get a break, as the second child in a cabin is free.
Fred. Olsen Cruises
Why: This well-known British company, now in its fifth generation of ownership by the same family, has long catered to its traditionally over-50 passengers. In this sense, it actually creates -- and designs
-- cabins for its solo travelers. The line offers primarily U.K.- based cruises to a mostly British market but is eager to attract North Americans and offers Caribbean trips in winter that it markets to new world travelers. Fred. Olsen's sedate atmosphere, which caters to a mature demographic, will be a welcome change for those who choose to avoid the more raucous nature of most mass-market lines.
Special Extras: During recent refurbishments of both Balmoral and Braemar, both were be fitted with 50 staterooms for singles. We don't mean that one bed will just be removed; these cabins will be designed for the solo traveler. Other improvements? The casinos were be replaced with gorgeously elegant "quiet rooms" and the line's first ever pubs were created.
Discounts Available: Yes.
Seabourn
Why: The cozy atmosphere on Seabourn's small ships assures solos that they won't be overlooked, and getting to know fellow guests is easy.
Special Extras: One of Seabourn's lovely traditions is to have its officers and entertainment staffers host tables at dinner -- not only on a formal evening but on just about every night. Solo travelers receive special consideration when it comes to invites -- so you really don't have to dine alone if you don't choose to. As well, single ladies will be escorted across the dining room by the maitre d', a nice touch.
Discounts Available: Depending on the sailing and the time of year, Seabourn offers capacity-controlled discounts ranging from 100 to 125 percent on "run of the ship" A-category suites. Assignments will be made about 30 days before sailing. If you want to select your own suite, however, you can ... for 175 percent. But, warns the cruise line, book early, because once the allotted suites are gone, it's 200 percent for a solo.
Costa Cruises
Why: Costa Cruises actually has single cabins on many of its ships, but unfortunately they are not available outside of Europe. All but Costa Atlantica, Costa Mediterranea and Costa Victoria have them (though in the case of Costa Fortuna and Costa Magica, they're actually doubles sold as singles, and aren't sold as such when the ships are outside Europe).
Special Extras: Europe's most popular cruise line offers singles' meet-and-greet parties on board, and the full range of other traditional shipboard activities that encourage social interaction among solo passengers. And Europeans love to dance; Costa's newest ships (Magica and Concordia) have the largest dance floors on the seas. While they don't as a rule have dedicated gentlemen hosts, there are plenty of opportunities to take to the dance floor for everything from merengue to polka!
Discounts Available: When you book a dedicated single cabin in Europe you do pay a supplement, but it doesn't equal 200 percent. Unfortunately, if you book as a solo in the Caribbean, you will most likely pay the double fare. U.K. residents can save further with a single supplement discount for bookings after December 1, 2009. Reduced supplements range from an additional 30 to 50 percent of the double-occupancy rate.
Hurtigruten
Why: Have you ever considered taking a ferry for a cruise vacation? The small ships of Hurtigruten are actually part of the Norwegian highway system, delivering goods and people to the towns along the west coast of the country, places where highways cannot be built. You can travel 13 days from the Arctic Circle to Bergen in the south (or reverse) or just do a four-day trip from Tromso to Bergen (or reverse). It's an incredible voyage; the ships are unique, offering charming accommodation and three meals a day. However, do beware that most meals and beverages, including coffee, is priced on an a la carte basis.
Special Extras: There are no special activities for solo passengers, but the congenial, relaxed ambience and excitement over the magnificent scenery make it easy to meet people.
Discounts Available: All May sailings have no single supplement. Check for special senior savings as well.
Cruise West
Why: This line's small ships, cozy atmosphere and unique itineraries make solo travel easy and seamless. Although there are no events specifically for solos, the limited number of guests and open seating are conducive to meeting and getting to know your fellow cruisers. The intensive educational and ecological nature of most trips means that singles will almost surely find like-minded individuals with whom to spend time.
Special Extras: There is nothing specifically for singles but open-seating dining means you can choose your meal companions every night.
Discounts Available: Cruise West offers a "singles share" program which matches same-sex individuals to share an upper-level category stateroom or suite. Although usually successful, if no match is found, there will be no single supplement. Both Spirit of '98 and Spirit of Discovery offer single cabins; Spirit of Alaska and Spirit of Columbia allow solo guests to travel in Alaska from May to September without supplement. On other trips, supplements vary depending on the location, time of year, ship and itinerary, up to 195 percent of the twin rate.
P&O
Why: When it launches in spring 2010, P&O's Azura will have dedicated single cabins for solo cruisers.
Special Extras: At this point, P&O hasn't been able to give information that will be specific to single travellers on Azura, but we do know the cabins will be situated on Deck 6 and will have a "boutique hotel style" feel to them. Special touches include complimentary water and a "pamper pack" on arrival.
Discounts Available: Although pricing will not be available until spring 2009, P&O has said that for these cabins there will be no single supplements. But of course, with only 18 single cabins, you will need to secure yours quick.
Cunard
Why: Cunard's ships have long attracted solo travelers to its traditional cruise ships and ocean liners, and the convivial onboard atmosphere means that solos can easily make friends, if they so choose, with their shipmates. As crewmembers are accustomed to seeing gentlemen and ladies entering dining areas alone, they are more accommodating of travelers' wishes to dine solo, without the pitying glances or questions that can sometimes come with such requests. Various ship-sponsored meet-up events let solo travelers mix and mingle, as well as share meals. Plus, gentleman hosts are available to whirl single ladies around the dance floor.
Special Extras: Solo travelers will never be bored with so many activities taking place onboard. You can attend lectures by experts in various fields, see a planetarium show on QM2, enjoy theatrical workshops and performances by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, play numerous rounds of team trivia, and bliss out in the spa.
Discounts Available: Occasionally Cunard runs deals through solo cruising-focused travel agencies, but rarely does it offer its own single supplement discounts.
Solo cruising. Cruising solo. Somehow those two words, no matter the order, seem to evoke furrowed brows and looks of pity in many cruisers who are coupled or traveling with friends or family. Those of us who make the choice to cruise alone have a hard time figuring out why we are met with that reaction, except to deduce that those who look upon us as poor friendless souls have never experienced the liberation of a solo cruise, of not having to be responsible for anyone's pleasure but one's own.
Are you a solo lady who likes dancing? Many lines and ships offer the "gentleman host" program, but usually on cruises longer than 14 days (Cunard's an exception; it offers hosts on all trips). They are actually selected on the basis of their dancing ability, and they love to trip the light fantastic. Solo men who love to dance won't have a problem finding ladies (they outnumber males traveling alone by about three to one!)
Why: Holland America Line, more than any other big-ship cruise line, is renowned for catering to solo guests. There are plenty of programs that don't require partners, and activities that can be delightfully solitary or a means to meet others (the culinary programs, from hands-on workshops to wine tastings, are tons of fun!). The Single Partner's Program, its roommate-matching service, matches non-smoking guests of the same sex with others who want to share -- and guarantees you'll pay just the double occupancy price, even if no partner can be found.
Why: Crystal is perhaps the most popular luxury line for solos, who make up to 15 percent of its passengers on some sailings. Solos are attracted by the wide range of activities onboard, plus singles' parties, gentleman hosts and supplements that can be as low as 25 percent for certain categories. Many luxury-minded solos also choose Crystal because it features assigned dining room seating, which is unique in this market segment (most luxury lines have an open single-seating dining room); this set-seating dining policy means you dine with the same folks every night. And finally, while Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are as spacious as super-liners, they carry only 940 and 1,080 passengers respectively; a sense of community prevails onboard.
Why: This well-known British company, now in its fifth generation of ownership by the same family, has long catered to its traditionally over-50 passengers. In this sense, it actually creates -- and designs
-- cabins for its solo travelers. The line offers primarily U.K.- based cruises to a mostly British market but is eager to attract North Americans and offers Caribbean trips in winter that it markets to new world travelers. Fred. Olsen's sedate atmosphere, which caters to a mature demographic, will be a welcome change for those who choose to avoid the more raucous nature of most mass-market lines.
Why: Costa Cruises actually has single cabins on many of its ships, but unfortunately they are not available outside of Europe. All but Costa Atlantica, Costa Mediterranea and Costa Victoria have them (though in the case of Costa Fortuna and Costa Magica, they're actually doubles sold as singles, and aren't sold as such when the ships are outside Europe).
Why: When it launches in spring 2010, P&O's Azura will have dedicated single cabins for solo cruisers.
