Solo travel is the art of traveling by yourself.
You might be surprised to learn that solo travel is on the rise, particularly among female travelers, who often prefer traveling alone. With millions of people continuously choosing to explore the world around them independently, the solo travel industry’s value is expected to reach approximately $1.3 trillion by 2027.
There are numerous benefits of solo travel, too — from building self-reliance and interpersonal skills to reducing stress and anxiety. Traveling alone can take you on a rewarding journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
A solo cruise is an excellent vacation choice if you’re looking to experience exciting destinations around the world and make new friends along the way.
Sometimes you don’t want to wait for a travel partner to see a destination. Maybe you just like the introspective time that a solo vacation can provide.
Either way, traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to rough it, backpack, or do all the planning yourself. You can still enjoy an exceptional solo vacation with all the traditional perks and amenities of a group trip.
If you’re considering taking a cruise vacation by yourself, here are some solo cruise tips to help make your journey an unforgettable experience.
What Is a Single Supplement?
A single supplement is a fee that hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, and the like often charge solo travelers. This fee makes up for, or “supplements,” any lost profit these businesses would’ve otherwise gained if solo travelers shared various costs (e.g., flights, rooms, tours, etc.) with other people.
While this is a typical practice for businesses used to charging prices per person for double occupancy (PPDO), it still puts solo travelers at a glaring financial disadvantage.
Luckily, solo travelers can avoid paying a single supplement by:
- Taking advantage of solo cruise deals.
- Requesting fee waivers.
- Booking specialized travel and accommodation options.
- Traveling in low seasons.
- Joining small group tours.
What Are The Best Cruises for Solo Travelers?
The best cruise for solo travelers depends on the experiences you most want out of a vacation. Here are some tips to steer you in the right direction toward your ideal cruise ship solo experience.
Sky Lounge
Solo Cruises That Match Your Interests
Snorkeling at St. Croix
Are you a thrill-seeker looking to cross items off your bucket list? Want to see the capital cities of Europe without hotel-hopping and planning all your own accommodations and train travel? Are you more interested in hiking or history? If you’re a history buff, you can tour thousand-year-old churches in Italy or see the ancient ruins of Greece up close.
Bottom line: there are different itineraries for travelers of all kinds, from introverts who prefer fewer social activities to extroverts who thrive on meeting new people.
Solo Cruises With Exciting Destinations
Passengers ride a Zodiac boat toward resting sea lions in the Galapagos Islands
Craving time in the sun against the backdrop of white sand beaches and crystalline waters? Consider a 7- or 10-night Caribbean cruise, where snorkeling and diving shore excursions are bound to introduce you to people with similar interests and a thirst for adventure.
Alternatively, you can choose the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll share life-affirming adventures with fellow like-minded travelers every day, gathering together in the evenings to swap stories.
There is no shortage of options for guests who are looking to travel solo this cruising season.
Read: Best Places for Solo Travel in Europe
Solo Cruises for Women
Studies show a global increase in female solo travelers, particularly women based in Asia, giving them much-needed time and space to explore destinations off the beaten path.
As more women embrace the freedom of traveling alone, solo cruising has become an appealing way to see the world with confidence and ease. Solo cruises for women provide an opportunity for personal growth, independence, and meaningful exploration.
On board, female guests can pursue their interests through wellness programs, enrichment experiences, and entertainment, while shore excursions offer opportunities for discovery.
For many women, solo travel is more than just a vacation — it’s an intentional chance to gain self-reflection, empowerment, and positive personal transformation.
Solo Cruises For Seniors
Man hiking with backpack on
On a cruise, seniors can enjoy a worry-free vacation featuring world-class accommodations and a travel experience tailored to their interests.
There are many cruise lines with exceptional activities on board to suit everyone, from thrilling entertainment and live music to guest speaker series and guided meditations.
On solo cruises for seniors, accessible staterooms and excursions for all types of mobility levels ensure that older guests can see as much of the world as they desire.
How To Choose Your First Solo Cruise
Selecting an ideal first solo cruise starts with finding a cruise line that fits your lifestyle and interests, from welcoming accommodations to engaging experiences on board, opportunities to connect with other travelers, and exploring destinations that most interest you.
Choose a Cruise Line That’s Solo-Friendly
Iconic Suite on Celebrity Edge
Not all cruise lines are the same. If you’re planning a much-deserved vacation and you want to travel solo, pick a line that welcomes single travelers.
Single Stateroom with Infinite Veranda on Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Cruises has beautiful single staterooms, many with a private veranda, and offers hosted social events for solo travelers. Celebrity is also one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly solo cruise lines in the business.
Look for a vast range of excursions on offer, giving you the perfect bonding opportunity to make new friends and join a safe, inclusive environment on board.
Choose a Cruise Line With Amazing Facilities and Entertainment
Martini Bar
Opt for a cruise liner with facilities and entertainment options on board that are second to none, including:
- Thoughtful outdoor decks and relaxing gathering spaces.
- Exceptional spas, fitness centers, and wellness experiences.
- Outstanding live theater productions and music performances.
- World-class dining venues and specialty restaurants.
- Enrichment programs, guest speakers, and interactive classes.
All this adds up to Celebrity Cruises being the best cruise line for solo travelers, something that’s been recognized by the travel industry. Celebrity was the proud winner of the 2022 Solo Traveler Magellan Award, presented by leading travel industry publication Travel Weekly.
With dazzling entertainment on every ship, from getting a front row seat at the Martini Bar and watching the mixologists at work to taking in one of our state-of-the-art shows, Celebrity consistently makes solo guests feel right at home.
Celebrity’s Single Staterooms by Ship
Celebrity’s single staterooms start at 131 square feet, giving you plenty of space to move around. Not only are our single staterooms spacious, but they’re also outfitted with the same modern, sleek design and luxurious amenities guests have come to expect from all staterooms on our elite cruise ships.
With every new ship, Celebrity has added more staterooms to its fleet that are solo-traveler friendly — and many of them even have a private veranda. Don’t miss out on the trip of a lifetime just because you don’t have a travel partner who can go with you.
Celebrity Edge Series
Single Stateroom on Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Edge® is home to 16 solo staterooms. On Edge-series ships, the larger single stateroom is a generous 184 square feet with an Infinite Veranda® that’s perfect for solo cruise guests.
The Infinite Veranda isn’t like a normal cruise ship balcony. With the push of a button, the doors to your veranda seamlessly open and fold into the sides of the room, bringing the outdoors in, making it perfect for those who love to soak up the sun and savor phenomenal views from their own private space.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex cruise ship
With 24 featured single staterooms on board and instant open-air access to the sea with the simple push of a button, Celebrity Apex® paves the way for exceptional solo traveler experiences. Unwind in thoughtfully designed accommodations that blends indoor and outdoor living, giving guests the best of both worlds with the touch of a button.
Celebrity Beyond
The exclusive spaces on Celebrity Beyond® were made with the solo traveler in mind, making you feel even more at home while traveling the world in style.
Here’s what else solo guests can experience in their exceptional accommodation on board Celebrity Beyond:
- Diverse stateroom options, including AquaClass, Concierge Class, Ocean View, Inside, Go Green, Accessible, and so much more.
- Suites within The Retreat®, which come with exclusive dining venues and lounges.
- 32 Edge staterooms with Infinite Verandas.
- Premium king-sized bed with Cashmere™ mattresses and eXhale® bedding.
- In-room automation, from adjusting lighting to the shades and AC.
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent℠ sets the bar high in world-class accommodations for every traveler — even ones cruising solo.
Much like Beyond, Celebrity Ascent also boasts 32 single staterooms for solo travelers that have their own Infinite Veranda, eXhale bedding, Cashmere mattresses, plus other outstanding suites and stateroom options to make you feel right at home.
Celebrity Silhouette
Celebrity Silhouette® has gone above and beyond with redesigning its accommodations, plus providing four Single Inside Staterooms that are perfect for solo guests.
Here’s what you can expect from the world-class accommodations on board Celebrity Silhouette:
- Suites, AquaClass, Concierge Class, Veranda, Ocean View, Inside, Single Inside, Go Green, and Accessible staterooms.
- Premium Cashmere mattresses with eXhale bedding in suites and staterooms.
Silhouette’s fresh and innovative design offers solo guests a comfortable, elevated experience that keeps them coming back time and time again.
7 Tips for Making New Friends During Your Solo Cruise
Craft Social
Just because you’re cruising solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone, unless you want to be, of course. Here are seven ways to make friends — and memories — while on board.
1. Get to Know the Crew During Your Solo Cruise
One of the best things about sailing is the friendly, engaging crew from all around the world. Many guests enjoy talking with them and learning about the area of the globe they’re from.
World Class Bar
Finding a bartender you get along with so you can have your own “local” bar on the ship is an easy way to feel comfortable in a lounge while doing some solo cruising.
Get to know your cruise director, who you’ll often see walking around the ship. If they know you’re a solo cruise passenger, they may give you some insider tips on upcoming activities or entertainment you won’t want to miss out on.
2. Join New, Dedicated Events for Solo Travelers
View of Eden aboard Celebrity Cruises
Meet fellow solos in a friendly environment on a cruise that offers gatherings and meals just for new solo travelers.
If you need help with reserving shore excursions, the cruise team can facilitate bookings should you meet a potential buddy to join you for trips and tours on land.
Some cruise liners even have a special solos’ table at dinner on the first night, and an unhosted solos’ table every night thereafter for anybody enjoying the company of new friends for dinner. This is the perfect opportunity to get together with other people traveling alone.
Travelers watching sea lions in the Galápagos Islands
If you’re sailing with us, check the time in your Celebrity App or Celebrity Today daily program and head for the Sky Lounge (on Millennium and Solstice-series ships) or luscious Eden on Edge-series ships, where you can meet fellow solo travelers. Our friendly Activity Team will take it from there and help break the ice.
3. Make Time To Meet New People
You might be tempted to unwind in your stateroom after busy days ashore. However, spending time in public spaces on the ship is a great way to meet new people.
Celebrity Edge
Strike up a conversation and make some new friends on the very first night of the cruise. Perch at the bar for drinks if you feel awkward sitting alone at a table. Get chatting on shore excursions, and join group activities on board.
Celebrity ships are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, making it easy and convenient to start a WhatsApp group to arrange activities and meet-ups with your newfound friends.
Casino
4. Say Yes to Dining With New People
Joining people for dinner is a great way to make friends and have a fun meal at the main restaurant or in a specialty restaurant on board.
People laughing while eating
People will likely be intrigued by you traveling on your own and will enhance their own dining experience by wanting to get to know you better. Even couples like to socialize and meet new people on vacation. Since you’re all travelers who enjoy seeing the world, it’s easy to swap travel stories.
The solos’ table is also always an option. Sitting here is a great way to meet other adventurous solo travelers and exchange stories.
Read: Best Cruises for Singles Over 50
5. Opt for an Assigned Seating Time for Dinner
As a solo cruise traveler, you may benefit more from doing a traditional assigned seating time instead of dining at different times.
With an assigned seating time, you’ll be seated at the same table each night with other cruise passengers and the same crew waiting on you. It will give you some familiarity as your tablemates, server, and sommelier get to know you and your dining preferences — and sparkling personality!
Woman raising glass for a toastIf
You don’t feel totally compatible with the other folks at your table, you can always talk to the maître d’ and ask for a different table.
If you’re seated at a table on your own and feel self-conscious, have a book or journal on hand. A journal is a lovely way to pass the time at dinner, allowing you to reflect on the day and write about all the amazing things you saw in port or did on the ship.
Read: Solo Travel Tips
6. Book Shore Excursions Through the Cruise Line
Alaska
Celebrity’s shore excursions highlight the best parts of a destination and provide unforgettable experiences. Bond with fellow passengers by exploring the port together. You’ll have the chance to run into them again on the ship for more fun and conversation.
When you book a shore excursion, you know you’ll be spending your day surrounded by other travelers on your ship. Most ports have multiple ships calling at them each day, so it’s better to spend the day making new friends with the same people who will board your ship at the end of the day.
Zipline
Choose an excursion that features a hands-on activity. This gets people out of their comfort zone and provides easy conversation starters.
Chatting with others while hiking through a rainforest or waiting on a zip-lining platform can lead to fun conversations, too. Opting for a tour like a wine tasting or a cooking class is a great way to break the ice with fellow passengers.
San Francisco, California
If you go on a sightseeing shore excursion on a bus, try to sit up near the front so you’re close to the guide. They’ll usually be open to conversations and have a wealth of knowledge on the destination you’ll be visiting.
You can ask questions and also learn about what it’s like to live there. It’s a great way to have some socialization throughout your solo cruise day in port while also learning more about the city or town you’re visiting.
Galapagos Islands
The best part? All the details are taken care of for you. You’ll be conveniently guided right to your shore excursion transportation from the ship. You’re guaranteed to be back on the ship in time before it leaves for the next port.
7. Take Classes On Board
Cellar Masters
Classes and seminars on board give you the chance to see live demonstrations, learn about the art of certain crafts, and so much more.
Join in beverage and culinary programs on board and mingle with like-minded passengers who, like you, appreciate a glass of fine wine or an expertly prepared meal. You can even create your own wine blend on board.
If wine isn’t your thing, you can learn the art of bartending in a Mixology 101 class. Sample a martini flight at the Martini Bar. Into whisky? Try the Macallan Flight Experience, which lets you taste a trio of whiskies. Or join one of the gaming classes in the casino; once you’re confident enough to try your luck at the tables, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with other guests.
Yoga class
If you like to work out, the classes at Celebrity’s Fitness Center are a great way to meet like-minded travelers. Workout classes tend to attract a dedicated core of enthusiasts after the initial first-day rush, and you could find yourself making plans to meet new friends every day for yoga.
Start Planning Your Solo Cruise
Paris
With a solo cruise, travelers can combine the freedom of independent travel with the ease and comfort of a cruise vacation. From choosing the right itinerary and stateroom to meeting new people on board, cruising solo gives you a unique and rewarding way to explore the world, pursue your interests, and travel confidently on your own terms.
Ready to cruise solo? Browse itineraries and book your single stateroom with Celebrity Cruises today.
Solo Cruise FAQs
What is a solo cruise?
A solo cruise is a cruise a person takes on their own instead of with other people (e.g., a partner, family, group, colleagues, etc.). Solo cruises allow travelers to explore destinations at their own pace while enjoying numerous perks, from elevated accommodation to dining, entertainment, and activities on board and ashore.
What is the single supplement, and how can you avoid it?
A single supplement is an additional fee some cruise lines charge when one person occupies a stateroom designed for two guests. You can avoid or reduce a single supplement by asking for fee waivers, booking solo staterooms, choosing sailings with discounts for solo travelers, joining small group tours, or traveling during non-peak seasons.
Are solo cruises worth it?
Yes, solo cruises are worth it for travelers who value independence, flexibility, and a greater sense of self-discovery. This specialized vacation combines the ease of a cruise vacation with the freedom to explore destinations, join activities, meet new people, or spend time alone as you see fit.
Is it safe to cruise alone?
Yes, cruising alone is generally considered a safe way to travel. Cruise ships offer staffed public spaces, organized activities, and shore excursions in groups. Many women and seniors also choose solo cruises because they combine independent travel with the convenience and support of a structured vacation experience that gives them added peace of mind.
How do you meet people on a solo cruise?
You can meet people on a solo cruise by attending solo traveler gatherings, joining classes on board, dining with other guests, and participating in shore excursions. Spending time in public spaces and taking part in group activities that take you out of your comfort zone also creates natural opportunities to connect with fellow travelers who share your interests.
