It can be daunting to book your first cruise for one so here's our top tips for your preparation, onboard time and excursions. We’ve also listed the cruise companies who will expertly cater to your needs onboard and ensure you have a fantastic holiday to remember.
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Top tips
Preparation
- The cheapest way to sail will be with those companies who offer solo cabins. This means you're avoiding the single supplement charge added onto a double room.
- Do your research at the time of booking. Sometimes double suites are extremely discounted as companies look to sell the most popular rooms so compare the prices before you buy.
- It may sound obvious, but only pack what you can carry. Whilst your luggage is sorted for you onboard, you need to be able to get it to the port.
Onboard
- Choose your dining time and location to suit your mood. If you're heading to the main dining room, the earlier sittings will most likely be filled with children and so if you're aiming to avoid this, head there later. There are often community tables available too.
- If you can choose the same dining time each night, you'll see the same faces and make a rapport with your neighbours.
- If you'd prefer to be left alone in a peaceful environment, speciality dining is your best bet.
- Look out for solo events which are held by many cruise companies. They're a great way to have conversations with new people and allow you to have a rapport with others for the rest of your cruise.
Excursions
- As you leave the ship, take a note of your location and an emergency phone number (these can be given to you by reception). You never know when these may come in handy.
- Excursions run by the ship staff are a great way to go if you're by yourself. You will meet like-minded people and will be safe and looked after whilst in unknown areas throughout the day.
Best cruise companies for solo travellers
Celebrity X
Travel Weekly awarded Celebrity the 2022 Solo Traveler Magellan Award. Their newest ships (Celebrity Silhouette and the Edge series) have several gorgeous, single staterooms, many with verandas. There's a solo welcome dinner on the first night and then a solo table in the main dining room for the rest of the cruise for anyone who would like to share their meal with others.
Cunard
Gorgeous single rooms are available on Cunard's Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. If you want a larger cabin, you can also book a double room at a supplemented price for just one guest. There's plenty of options for dining too, with both single and shared tables, plus room service and complimentary afternoon tea. Meet up opportunities are frequent over coffee or cocktails and there's a variety of classes to attend such as dance sessions and cooking tasters.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL offers a range of solo staterooms on all of their nineteen ships so there’s something for every budget. Choose from a solo inside, outside or balcony room on every itinerary worldwide. They’ve also gone a step further to ensure all cruisers have a space to relax with their Solo Lounge. When cruising alone, you’ll have exclusive access to this area with complimentary drinks and room service throughout the day and a great chance to meet others along the trip. Each itinerary has a whole range of meet ups and there’s plenty to keep even the most adventurous cruiser busy with their excellent range of excursions and onboard classes.
Royal Caribbean
Ten of Royal Caribbean’s fleet have solo staterooms available, with the best range of choice on the Quantum class ships. Another option, if you’re happy to take a chance, is to watch out for a double room at a single occupancy price on some last minute cruises, giving you much more space for your money. Your time on the ship can be spent in any way you like, with so much to choose from onboard. There’s the chance to ride amazing water slides or to relax in the beautiful spas, plus a whole range of exciting excursions on offer. Being by yourself means you make the decisions on the best way to holiday.
Have a wild adventure on Royal Caribbean's ships
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages are known for their seemingly spontaneous parties, so if you’re looking to meet new people while partying the night away, their ships are for you. Virgin buck the cruising trends: join the shared table at Gunbae Korean restaurant, enjoy their onboard pub crawls or treat yourself to their complimentary gym classes. Each of Virgin Voyages’ ships have inside and sea view cabins, plus, if you join their email list, you’ll be informed when double cabins become available without the single supplement charge.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
