If you’re new to cruising, you might not know that cabins on most ships are designed for a minimum of two people.
That means the lines expect each room to bring in revenue in the form of at least two cruise fares. If you choose to sail by yourself in a cabin meant for two or more, you’re almost always charged the double-occupancy rate (the fare for one person plus a “single supplement”), meaning you’ll pay two full cruise fares even though it’s just you in the room.
With solo cruising on the rise, cruise lines are adding accommodations for one to their newest ships. Some have even outfitted older vessels to offer solo cruise cabins. Although they can be pricey, single cruise cabins usually represent some savings versus what you’d pay for a voyage in a cabin meant for two.
These are the best solo cruise cabins to book across the major cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean’s studio staterooms
These cabins, which can reach up to 199 square feet with 55-square-foot balconies, are outfitted with a mix of bedding types and plenty of space for one person.
Oceania’s Concierge Level Veranda staterooms
The cabins also each include an ultraluxurious Tranquility memory foam bed, a seating area that overlooks a private balcony and ample storage space.
Oceania has also outfitted four of its older vessels — Regatta, Nautica, Insignia and Sirena — with cabins for one. Each now has 14 solo ocean-view accommodations that offer 143 square feet of space.
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Celebrity’s Infinite Veranda solo rooms
Cruisers looking for a little bit more space on a line that falls somewhere between Royal Caribbean and Oceania will have luck with Celebrity Cruises’ Infinite Veranda solo cabins. Unlike traditional balconies, Infinite Verandas extend the overall square footage of the cabin, featuring a window that raises and lowers with the push of a button.
Passengers can find 16 of these 131-square-foot staterooms on Celebrity Edge, 24 on Celebrity Apex and 32 each on Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s studio cabins
What’s unique about NCL’s studios is that they allow occupants access to the studio lounge, where they can meet other cruisers sailing alone and partake in daily snacks. Studio cabins are available on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss, Pride of America, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.
Cunard’s ocean-view Britannia Single staterooms
Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria each have nine single cruise cabins, but they’re a mix of ocean-views and insides with no view. The line’s newest vessel, Queen Anne, has no solo cabins at all.
Holland America’s ocean-view single cabins
Each of the single rooms on these ships has an ocean view and a twin bed.
Virgin Voyages’ Solo Insider and Solo Sea View Cabins
These solo cruise cabins are a bit small at just larger than 100 square feet, but the Solo Insider and Solo Sea View rooms are cleverly appointed with full-sized beds and sleek, stylish furniture, decor and bathrooms.
MSC’s solo inside rooms for one
Currently, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Bellissima are outfitted with rooms for one. All of the solo rooms are inside cabins with a single bed and roughly 129 square feet of space.
Bottom line
Cruising solo might sound like a daunting feat, but many cruise lines are making it easier and more affordable by offering solo cruise cabins. If you want to snag accommodations for one, be sure to book early. The popular solo rooms sell out quickly, as many travelers wish to avoid being charged the single supplement.
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