Solo traveling can be quite liberating, and it's even more so when you're on a cruise. Imagine having loads of downtime to relax, recharge and maybe read all those books you've neglected for so long. When you cruise as a solo, you're able to dine when you want, choose the port experiences that you want and spend time doing the activities that you want to do, without compromising with other people.
In this coupled-up world, a solo traveler can find a few things difficult when cruising alone. Mega-ships can be so big that it can be hard to meet people and run into them again onboard. Snagging solo tables or finding dining companions if you do want company can be hard, especially in an era where social distancing has become the norm. Then there's the issue of cost: A solo can expect to pay between 125 percent and 200 percent of the published cruise fare to cover the cost of the "missing" passenger.
Some cruise lines make an effort to cater to solos. Some will greatly reduce or even waive single supplements to fill berths, or offer meet-and-greets or dining options for single cruisers. Several lines offer dedicated solo cabins, touting priced-for-one fares that generally run higher than the per-person cost for a double occupancy cabin, but lower than assuming the cost of the single supplement on a standard cabin. (See The Truth About Solo Cabins for more info on how fares for solo-dedicated cabins stack up.)
Here is a look at the seven best cruise lines for solo travelers who are ready for their own adventure.







Updated January 21, 2021