Sailing Solo! 16 of the Best Singles Cruises Solo Travelers Can Enjoy

Adventure and fun, party of one.

Ahoy, solo travelers! Don't worry about coordinating schedules with anyone else for your upcoming vacation. Instead, enjoy planning your dream travel experience—we've got the best singles cruises for your next trip!

You do not need a travel buddy or partner in order to enjoy a cruise. In fact, according to research commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line, "Solo travel is climbing in popularity" with over one in three travelers claiming they "prefer to go it alone."

In a 2023 press release, Gary Anslow, head of UK and Ireland Business at NCL, said, “We can see from the survey that enjoying the beauty of travel on your own enables a truly authentic experience and provides for self-discovery and growth. Plus, meeting fellow solo travellers can even lead to long lasting friendships.”

Ships from MSC Cruises, Viking, Virgin Voyages, NCL, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and more have plenty of entertainment and activities onboard for passengers to take advantage of and meet other guests. Some even have deals for single travelers. Whether you're looking to embark on an adventure on your own or are in need of a little me-time, here are over 15 of the best cruises for sailing solo.

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16 Best Singles Cruises Solo Travelers Can Enjoy

The MSC Seascape

The MSC Cruise ship has plenty of entertainment for thrill-seeking solo travelers. The ship is home to the first robotic arm ride at sea. The amusement ride called the Robotron takes entertainment to new heights, literally, sending riders flying nearly 175 feet above the sea, giving them a 360° view of the horizon as they hang over the edge of the deck. In addition to the Robotron, the MSC Seascape features a VR 360° flight simulator, VR motorcycles, an MSC formula racer simulation game, an Immersive XD Cinema and six entertainment productions. When guests aren't flying or racing, they can visit one of the 11 dining venues, as well as the MSC Aurea Spa, the casino or one of the 19 bars and lounges onboard. MSC Cruises is offering a deal for solo guests, giving them 80 percent off the single supplement fee on all ships and itineraries when a new booking is made by May 31, 2023, and sailed by May 31, 2023.

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The Disney Wish

Disney's innovations make storytelling immersive and memorable onboard the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The Disney Wish isn't just for Disney fans, but for individuals who appreciate good food and top-notch service. Apart from cinematic and theatrical dining experiences, adult passengers can dine at Paolo and Enchanté. The latter offers "innovative international cuisine" crafted by three Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement. Guests sailing on the enchanting Disney Wish can escape to areas that are designated just for adults, unwind at the Senses Spa, ride Disney's first-ever attraction at sea, the AquaMouse, and, of course, enjoy the magical entertainment that Disney is known for.

The Scarlet Lady

Set sail onboard the Scarlet Lady, one of Virgin Voyages’ ships that are for just adults. The Scarlet Lady and its sister ship, the Valiant Lady, "are primed for solo adventures with plenty of amenities and activities travelers can enjoy on their own or to meet others." The "Insider" and "Sea View" cabins are said to be priced attractively for passengers who are traveling alone. Single travelers can meet other sailors at the Korean BBQ restaurant Gunbae, where guests are seated at tables of six. They can also mix and mingle with other passengers at trivia or parties. For those looking for a little R&R, there's always the Redemption Spa.

Norwegian Prima

The Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships in NCL's Prima Class. Like other ships in NCL's fleet, the Norwegian Prima features studio accommodations. The NCL rooms were "specifically designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind." Guests staying in the keycard access-only studio area, also have access to their own private studio lounge, which allows them to meet other passengers and enjoy daily (complimentary) happy hour. When guests aren't mixing and mingling with other passengers, they can try the first freefall dry slide at sea, The Drop, hit the racetrack on the Prima Speedway, take a dip in one of the ship's infinity pools or play mini golf at sea.

Celebrity Beyond

Beyond ready for an escape on your own? Celebrity's third ship in the company’s Edge Series was "designed to give guests endless opportunities to disconnect from the world"...but thankfully wifi is included! The "Edge Single Staterooms with Infinite Verandas" were designed for solo travelers and the number available was doubled for the Celebrity Beyond. Single Staterooms are also available on the Celebrity Apex, Edge, and Silhouette. Onboard the Celebrity Beyond, passengers will find Daniel Boulud's first-ever fine-dining restaurant at sea, along with the Sunset Bar (a chic, Moroccan-inspired space designed by Nate Berkus), the Magic Carpet, a Martini Bar, where talented bartenders put on an impressive show at night, a huge rooftop garden and floating pools that take guests beyond the edge of the luxurious ship.

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Viking River Cruise

The Rhine Getaway is a popular choice with solo guests, according to Viking Cruises. Travelers can explore European countries without the hassle of booking trains or hotels. Even better, Viking's Rhine Getaway includes one shore excursion in each port of call minus embarkation and disembarkation ports. Viking will make special solo traveler fares available on occasion.

Princess Cruises

Princess offers singles-only nights along with activities that are catered to single travelers. But, for those solo travelers looking for some alone time, there's always the Sanctuary, which is an adults-only retreat (venues vary by ship, but The Sanctuary is available on the Sky Princess, the Sapphire Princess and others. It will also be onboard the Sun Princess, whose inaugural cruise is set to take place in 2024).

Adventures by Disney Expedition

"Adventures by Disney Cruises: These river and expedition cruise options are perfect for the solo traveler who is the ultimate Disney fan and loves to see the world," a spokesperson told Parade.com. The trips are led by a team of Disney-trained Adventure Guides, who partner with a team of expert naturalists on expedition cruises. Travelers can explore Antarctica & Patagonia, the Arctic, Central & South America, and the Adriatic with Adventures by Disney. Accommodations, along with transportation, transfers, attraction fees and most meals are included in guests' adventures.

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Holland America

Holland America has a "Single Partner Program,"  though it is not available on Grand Cruises. According to Holland America, every ship with the program hosts a solo travelers party for individuals to meet each other early during their cruise. "Solo travelers enjoy enriching activities with mixers, cocktail parties, games and more" and there are said to be "more than 40 activities to meet other singles" e.g. exercise classes, wine tasting, trivia contests and cooking demonstrations. Holland America cruise destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Australia & New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Pacific Coast and more! The Rotterdam is the 11th ship in its fleet. Music-loving solo travelers can enjoy B.B. King's Blues Club, the Rolling Stone Rock Room and Lincoln Center Stage.

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Spectrum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean offers studio staterooms on select ships, including the Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas. "The advantage of these studio staterooms is that they can be reserved by someone cruising alone without the usual single supplement fee, which doubles the cost of the cruise fare," per RCL. They have an inside studio stateroom, virtual balcony staterooms in addition to a super studio ocean view stateroom. The rooms are described as "the perfect option for someone who wants to cruise alone." The North Star observation capsule is available onboard the Spectrum of the Seas, along with the FlowRider surf simulator, RipCord by iFLY simulator, casino and more.

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Emerald Cruises

No need to pay double occupancy rates! Emerald Cruises has waived the single supplement on 2023 and 2024 Europe River Cruises. The offer applies to select Rhine, Main, Danube, and Rhone river cruises, and is available with 2024 Douro river cruises while supplies last. Emerald Cruises notes on its site that the tops cruises for solo travel are the Holland & Belgium in Bloom, Sensations of Lyon & Provence, Danube Explorer and Christmas Time on the Rhine.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Looking to splurge? This all-inclusive luxury cruise line sails around the world with destinations in Africa & Arabia, the Mediterranean, South Pacific, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Northern Europe and more. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a 0 percent single supplement special on 20 select sailings in Asia, Africa, Alaska, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, while on over 100 other cruises they are offering more specially reduced single supplements. The Seven Seas Grandeur, the sixth ship in its fleet, is set to sail in November of 2023. Just know that casual wear is "not appropriate" after 6:00 p.m. on Regent Cruises!

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National Geographic Explorer Expedition Cruises

Grey's Anatomy and Emily in Paris star Kate Walsh revealed on The Kelly Clarkson Show that she ended up meeting her fiancé Andrew Nixon "on a NatGeo expedition to Antarctica." While we wouldn't mind a movie-worthy meet-cute like Walsh's, a National Geographic expedition cruise is an exciting way for adventure seekers to explore Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, North America, the Caribbean, Australia, Central America and polar regions. Parade.com was told, "National Geographic Expeditions Cruises: National Geographic Expeditions are perfect for the solo traveler who wants to travel deeper into the destination and be inspired by the experience" and on some of the voyages, "National Geographic Experts join the sailings to provide their unique insights and expertise." The cost of National Geographic Expeditions includes meals, accommodations, and excursions that are indicated in the itinerary.

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Cruises coming soon...

Norwegian Viva

The Norwegian Viva, debuting in August of 2023, is the second ship in the Prima class. The NCL ship will feature 73 studio cabins for solo travelers, who will have access to the Studio Lounge and all of the elevated offerings of the Norwegian Prima, including the studio staterooms and lounge.

Celebrity Ascent

The Celebrity Ascent is the fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises Edge Series. The ship, which will depart on its maiden voyage on Dec. 3, 2023 from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, will feature 32 solo staterooms. The ship "will be Celebrity Beyond’s sister ship in every way, and then some," Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, has said.

Benefits of sailing solo

Cruising is an easy way for solo travelers to explore new places without the hassle of booking different hotels or modes of transportation. There is also no need to worry about unpacking anywhere but your stateroom.

When you're not off exploring a new port, you can take advantage of the entertainment and activities offered onboard, relax at the spa, and read or sleep on the pool deck.

Sailing solo also means you can pick whichever ship activities you prefer, plus it's an opportunity to meet other guests.

Just remember, not all ships offer studio staterooms or fares for solo travelers, so you might end up paying the same price as two guests staying in the same stateroom.

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