If you’ve ever tried booking a cruise alone, you’ve probably hit that frustrating moment—you find the perfect itinerary, great ship, good price… and then realize you’re basically paying for a second person who isn’t even coming.
Yeah, that’s the infamous single supplement.
Most cruise lines price cabins assuming two people will share the room.
So when you travel solo, you often end up covering the full cost anyway. Not exactly ideal if you just want a peaceful solo getaway.
But here’s the good news
More cruise ships are finally offering dedicated solo cabins—rooms designed just for one person, without that extra charge.
And in this guide, we’re breaking it all down—starting with the biggest names that actually make solo cruising easier.
Why Solo Cabins Are a Big Deal
Let’s keep it simple—solo cabins level the playing field.
Instead of paying double for:
- A second bed you won’t use.
- Extra space you don’t need.
- A “ghost passenger.”
You get a cabin built specifically for one traveler.
What makes solo cabins different:
- No single supplement fee.
- Smaller, more efficient layouts.
- Designed for comfort, not compromise.
And while most are interior rooms, some newer ships now offer:
- Ocean views
- Balcony options (yes, finally!)
The demand is growing fast—and on some ships, these rooms sell out first.
Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line is one of the standout options for solo cruisers, mainly because it genuinely caters to people traveling alone.
Instead of forcing solo guests to pay double, the line offers a large number of cabins designed specifically for one person, so you don’t get hit with that usual 100% single supplement.
What makes Ambassador Cruise Line stand out:
- Dedicated cabins designed specifically for solo travelers.
- No standard single supplement on these cabins.
- Wide range of options — from budget interiors to balcony singles.
- One of the highest numbers of solo cabins per ship in the industry.
Ships offering solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Types | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambience | Ambience Class | 89 | Inside, Ocean View, Balcony | ~120–180 sq ft |
| Ambition | Ambition Class | 78 | Inside, Ocean View, Balcony, Junior Suites | ~120–200 sq ft |
These cabins are designed for comfort and practicality, with smart layouts that make solo cruising feel more spacious and affordable.
Celebrity Cruises: Solo Cabins With a Premium Feel
If you want something a bit more upscale, Celebrity Cruises has stepped into the solo space—especially with its newer ships.
What makes them different:
- Larger solo cabins (around 140 sq ft).
- Located in prime areas (forward decks).
- Same modern design as standard cabins.
These aren’t “budget solo rooms”—they feel like proper upgraded spaces.
Ships offering solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Bed Type | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Beyond | Edge Class | Full | 32 | Edge Veranda (Solo) |
| Celebrity Apex | Edge Class | Full | 24 | Edge Veranda (Solo) |
| Celebrity Ascent | Edge Class | Full | 16 | Edge Veranda (Solo) |
| Celebrity Edge | Edge Class | Full | 16 | Edge Veranda (Solo) |
| Celebrity Xcel | Edge Class | Full | 16 | Edge Veranda (Solo) |
| Celebrity Silhouette | Solstice Class | Full | 4 | Interior Studio |
Even some older ships like Celebrity Silhouette now have retrofitted solo options.
Cunard: Classic Ocean Liners With Solo Options
If you love traditional cruising (think elegance and transatlantic crossings), Cunard Line has some solid solo choices.
What’s available:
- Oceanview single cabins
- A few interior options
- Twin beds in most rooms
Ships with solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Bed Type | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Mary 2 | Ocean Liner | Twin | 15 | Ocean View (Deck 2 & 3) |
| Queen Elizabeth | Vista Class | Twin | 9 | Mostly Ocean View + 1 Interior |
| Queen Victoria | Vista Class | Twin | 9 | Mostly Ocean View + 1 Interior |
Fun fact:
Queen Mary 2 added solo cabins by converting space from its casino and photo gallery.
Costa Cruise: Solid Options (Especially in Europe & UK)
Costa Cruise doesn’t always get as much attention, but they actually offer a decent number of solo cabins.
What makes Costa Cruises stand out:
- A good number of dedicated single cabins on several ships.
- Simple, no-frills solo options that help avoid high single supplements.
- Strong presence in Europe with diverse itineraries.
- Practical layouts that maximize space for one traveler.
Ships with solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Type Focus | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Fascinosa | Concordia Class | 17 | Interior Single | ~120–140 sq ft |
| Costa Favolosa | Concordia Class | 17 | Interior Single | ~120–140 sq ft |
| Costa Pacifica | Concordia Class | 17 | Interior Single | ~120–140 sq ft |
| Costa Serena | Concordia Class | 17 | Interior Single | ~120–140 sq ft |
| Costa Magica | Destiny Class | 14 | Interior Single | ~120–140 sq ft |
| Costa Fortuna | Destiny Class | 14 | Interior Single | ~120–140 sq ft |
These are great if you’re sailing in Europe or the UK market.
These cabins are generally interior singles, offering a budget-friendly way to cruise solo without paying for a second guest.
Fred. Olsen: A Hidden Gem for Solo Travelers
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is one of the most solo-friendly cruise lines, offering a high number of dedicated single cabins across its smaller, more intimate ships.
With a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of solo options, it’s a great choice for travelers who prefer a quieter and more traditional cruising experience without paying double.
Why they stand out:
- A large number of solo cabins.
- Smaller, more intimate ships.
- More traditional cruise experience.
Ships include:
| Ship | Ship Class | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Focus | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balmoral | Balmoral Class | 64 | Interior & Ocean View Singles | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Bolette | Bolette Class | 52 | Interior & Ocean View Singles | ~120–150 sq ft |
That’s way more than most mainstream ships.
Holland America Line: Quiet Comfort for Solo Travelers
If you’re someone who prefers a relaxed, classic cruise vibe, Holland America Line has quietly built a solid option for solo travelers.
Their solo cabins are more like mini oceanview rooms, not tiny pods.
What makes them different:
- Larger size: 127–172 sq ft
- Ocean view layouts
- Located in quieter areas (usually forward decks)
These feel much closer to a “normal cabin” than most solo options.
Ships with solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Bed Type | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koningsdam | Pinnacle Class | Twin | 12 | Ocean View Studio |
| Nieuw Statendam | Pinnacle Class | Twin | 12 | Ocean View Studio |
| Rotterdam | Pinnacle Class | Twin | 12 | Ocean View Studio |
And here’s something interesting:
More ships like Oosterdam and Westerdam are expected to get solo upgrades soon, so this list is growing.
MSC Cruises: A Smaller But Solid Option
MSC Cruises doesn’t offer solo cabins across the entire fleet—but the ships that do have them are worth considering.
What to expect:
- Interior studio cabins
- Some ocean-view options
- Around 130 sq ft of space
Beds are typically twin-sized, with smart layouts to maximize space.
Ships offering solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Bed Type | Cabins (Approx) | Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSC Bellissima | Meraviglia | Twin | 32 | ~130 sq ft |
| MSC Meraviglia | Meraviglia | Twin | 32 | ~130 sq ft |
| MSC World Europa | World Class | Twin | 22 | ~130–150 sq ft |
| MSC World America | World Class | Twin | 22 | ~130–150 sq ft |
| MSC World Asia | World Class | Twin | 22 | ~130–150 sq ft |
| MSC Euribia | Meraviglia Plus | Twin | 15 | ~130 sq ft |
| MSC Grandiosa | Meraviglia Plus | Twin | 15 | ~130 sq ft |
| MSC Virtuosa | Meraviglia Plus | Twin | 15 | ~130 sq ft |
Not the largest selection—but still a good option, especially in Europe.
Norwegian Cruise Line: The Solo Travel Pioneer
When it comes to solo cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line basically set the standard.
They were one of the first to introduce studio cabins built specifically for solo travelers—and they’ve kept expanding ever since.
What makes NCL stand out:
- Dedicated studio cabin areas.
- Access to a private solo traveler lounge.
- Social meetups for solo guests.
These cabins are around 100 sq ft and are designed efficiently with a full bed.
Ships with the most solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Bed Type | Cabins (Approx) | Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Epic | Breakaway | Full | 128 | ~100 sq ft |
| Norwegian Luna | Prima Plus | Full | 93 | ~100–120 sq ft |
| Norwegian Aqua | Prima Plus | Full | 73 | ~100–120 sq ft |
| Norwegian Prima | Prima | Full | 73 | ~100–120 sq ft |
| Norwegian Viva | Prima | Full | 73 | ~100–120 sq ft |
| Norwegian Bliss | Breakaway Plus | Full | 82 | ~100 sq ft |
| Norwegian Encore | Breakaway Plus | Full | 82 | ~100 sq ft |
| Norwegian Escape | Breakaway Plus | Full | 82 | ~100 sq ft |
| Norwegian Breakaway | Breakaway | Full | 59 | ~100 sq ft |
| Norwegian Getaway | Breakaway | Full | 59 | ~100 sq ft |
| Norwegian Joy | Breakaway Plus | Queen | ~60 | ~100–120 sq ft |
| Norwegian Dawn | Dawn Class | Queen | ~50 | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Norwegian Gem | Jewel Class | Queen | ~50 | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Norwegian Jade | Jewel Class | Queen | ~50 | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Norwegian Jewel | Jewel Class | Queen | ~50 | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Norwegian Pearl | Jewel Class | Queen | ~50 | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Norwegian Star | Dawn Class | Queen | ~50 | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Norwegian Sun | Sun Class | Queen | ~40 | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Norwegian Sky | Sun Class | Queen | ~40 | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Norwegian Spirit | Sun Class | Queen | ~40 | ~120–150 sq ft |
| Pride of America | America Class | Full | 4 | ~100 sq ft |
Some older ships don’t have true studios—but they’ve been reclassified to offer solo pricing.
Oceania Cruises: Luxury Solo Options
Oceania Cruises offers a more premium take on solo cruising, with select ships featuring dedicated single cabins.
While the number of cabins is limited, newer ships like Vista and Allura include upscale veranda options, making them ideal for solo travelers looking for a more luxurious experience.
What’s available:
- Concierge-level solo veranda cabins
- Premium finishes and locations
Ships include:
| Ship | Ship Class | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Focus | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insignia | Regatta Class | 14 | Solo Ocean View | ~140–160 sq ft |
| Nautica | Regatta Class | 14 | Solo Ocean View | ~140–160 sq ft |
| Regatta | Regatta Class | 14 | Solo Ocean View | ~140–160 sq ft |
| Sirena | Regatta Class | 14 | Solo Ocean View | ~140–160 sq ft |
| Vista | Allura Class | 6 | Solo Veranda (Concierge Level) | ~200 sq ft |
| Allura | Allura Class | 6 | Solo Veranda (Concierge Level) | ~200 sq ft |
These are fewer in number, but much more premium.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises offers a solid range of solo cabins across several ships, making it a reliable choice for travelers cruising alone—especially in the UK and Europe market.
While most options are interior rooms, newer ships like Arvia and Iona also include more modern layouts and a greater number of single cabins.
Overall, it’s a practical option for solo cruisers who want variety without paying the full double-occupancy price.
What makes P&O Cruises stand out:
- A solid spread of solo cabins across multiple ships, especially newer ones.
- Good mix of cabin types, with some ships offering more modern single layouts.
- Strong focus on UK and European itineraries.
- Relaxed, easygoing onboard atmosphere that suits solo travelers.
Ships offering solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Focus | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P&O Arvia | Excel Class | 32 | Interior & Balcony Singles | ~130–150 sq ft |
| P&O Britannia | Britannia Class | 27 | Interior Singles | ~120–140 sq ft |
| P&O Iona | Excel Class | 20 | Interior Singles | ~130–150 sq ft |
| P&O Azura | Grand Class | 18 | Interior Singles | ~120–140 sq ft |
| P&O Ventura | Grand Class | 18 | Interior Singles | ~120–140 sq ft |
| P&O Arcadia | Vista Class | 6 | Interior Singles | ~120 sq ft |
| P&O Aurora | Aurora Class | 4 | Interior Singles | ~120 sq ft |
| P&O Oriana | Oriana Class | 2 | Interior Singles | ~120 sq ft |
These cabins are mostly interior singles, offering a practical and affordable way to cruise alone without paying the full double-occupancy price.
Princess Cruises: New to the Solo Game
Princess Cruises is a bit late to the solo cabin trend—but they’ve started adding them to newer ships.
What to expect:
- Interior single cabins
- Simple, functional design
- Limited availability (very few cabins per ship)
Ships offering solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Bed Type | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Princess | Sphere Class | Twin | 4 | Interior Single |
| Star Princess | Sphere Class | Twin | 4 | Interior Single |
Only 4 cabins per ship, so these are extremely limited.
Royal Caribbean: Solo Options With a Twist
If you want variety, Royal Caribbean is one of the best places to start.
They’ve added solo cabins across multiple ships, and they’re not all basic interiors.
What you’ll find:
- Studio interior cabins
- “Virtual balcony” rooms (screens showing real-time ocean views)
- Balcony studio cabins on select ships
Sizes range from 101 to 199 sq ft, depending on the ship.
Ships with solo cabins include:
| Ship | Ship Class | Bed Type | Cabins (Approx) | Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem of the Seas | Quantum | Full | 26 | 101–199 sq ft |
| Ovation of the Seas | Quantum | Full | 28 | 101–199 sq ft |
| Quantum of the Seas | Quantum | Full | 28 | 101–199 sq ft |
| Spectrum of the Seas | Quantum Ultra | Full | 28 | 100–200 sq ft |
| Odyssey of the Seas | Quantum Ultra | Full | 12 | 150–199 sq ft |
| Harmony of the Seas | Oasis | Full | 15 | 100–150 sq ft |
| Utopia of the Seas | Oasis | Double | 15 | 100–150 sq ft |
| Adventure of the Seas | Voyager | Twin | 5 | ~100 sq ft |
| Mariner of the Seas | Voyager | Twin | 2 | ~100 sq ft |
| Brilliance of the Seas | Radiance | Twin | 3 | ~100 sq ft |
| Radiance of the Seas | Radiance | Twin | 3 | ~100 sq ft |
| Serenade of the Seas | Radiance | Twin | 3 | ~100 sq ft |
| Jewel of the Seas | Radiance | Twin | 3 | ~100 sq ft |
One thing to note is that not all new ships include them (for example, Icon-class ships don’t).
Saga Cruises: Solo Traveler Paradise (But With a Catch)
Saga Cruises is one of the best cruise lines for solo travelers, offering a huge number of dedicated single cabins—many with balconies.
Designed for guests aged 50+, these ships provide a relaxed, all-inclusive experience with no single supplement, making solo cruising simple and stress-free.
What makes them unique:
- A huge number of solo cabins (100+ per ship).
- Multiple categories (standard → suites).
- Balcony options available.
Ships offering solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Focus | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit of Adventure | Saga Class | 109 | Balcony Singles & Suites | ~150–250 sq ft |
| Spirit of Discovery | Saga Class | 109 | Balcony Singles & Suites | ~150–250 sq ft |
The catch?
They cater primarily to travelers aged 50+.
Virgin Voyages: Built With Solo Travelers in Mind
This is where things get really interesting.
Virgin Voyages didn’t just “add” solo cabins—they designed their ships with solo travelers in mind from the start.
What you’ll find:
- Stylish, modern solo rooms.
- Mostly interior cabins.
- Some forward-facing ocean view options.
Cabins are around 100+ sq ft, but the design feels much more premium.
Ships offering solo cabins:
| Ship | Ship Class | Solo Cabins (Est.) | Cabin Types | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlet Lady | Lady Class | 46 | Interior & Forward Ocean View | ~100–105 sq ft |
| Valiant Lady | Lady Class | 46 | Interior & Forward Ocean View | ~100–105 sq ft |
| Resilient Lady | Lady Class | 46 | Interior & Forward Ocean View | ~100–105 sq ft |
Each ship has 46 solo cabins, which is pretty generous.
Alright, now that you’ve seen which ships actually offer solo cabins, let’s talk about what really matters…
How to book smart without overpaying.
Because here’s the truth, most people don’t realize. A solo cabin isn’t always the cheapest option.
First Rule: Always Compare Prices (This Changes Everything)
Let’s say you find a solo cabin—great. But don’t book it immediately.
Sometimes:
- A regular cabin on sale.
- With a reduced single supplement.
Can cost almost the same… or even less
What experienced cruisers do:
- Compare solo cabin vs standard cabin pricing.
- Check if there’s a “solo deal” or reduced supplement promo.
- Look at different sailing dates (prices can vary A LOT).
I’ve personally seen cases where:
A balcony cabin with a discount = almost the same price as a tiny solo room.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
If you wait too long, solo cabins are usually the first to sell out.
Best time to book:
- Right when bookings open
- Or during early promotions
Worst time:
- Last-minute bookings.
Because solo cabins are already gone by then
Location of Solo Cabins (Most People Miss This)
Here’s something cruise lines don’t highlight clearly…
Many solo cabins are:
- Located in less central areas
- Smaller in size
- Sometimes near high-traffic zones
So always check:
- Deck plan
- Cabin location
- What’s above and below your room
Because saving money doesn’t help if you’re next to a noisy area.
Want to Meet People? Choose the Right Ship
Solo cruising doesn’t mean being alone the whole trip.
Some cruise lines make it super easy to socialize.
Best for meeting people:
- Norwegian Cruise Line → solo lounges + meetups
- Virgin Voyages → social, younger vibe
If you want:
- Quiet solo time → pick smaller or premium lines
- Social experience → pick ships with solo programs
Hidden Ways to Save on Solo Cruises
Here are some insider tricks most new cruisers don’t know:
Look for repositioning cruises
- Longer itineraries
- Often cheaper per day
- Fewer crowds
Book during “wave season” (Jan–March)
- Best cruise deals of the year
- More solo-friendly pricing
Use a travel agent (yes, really)
- They sometimes access exclusive solo deals.
- Can match pricing across cabins.
Watch for last-minute cancellations
- Occasionally, solo cabins reopen
When You Should NOT Book a Solo Cabin
This might surprise you…
Sometimes, a solo cabin is NOT the best choice.
Avoid solo cabins if:
- The price difference is very small
- You want more space
- You prefer a balcony
In those cases:
A discounted regular cabin = better value
Extra Costs You Don’t Need to Worry About
Here’s a small win for solo travelers
Even if you book a regular cabin:
- You don’t pay port fees for 2 people.
- You don’t pay gratuities for 2 people.
Only the base fare is affected by the single supplement.
Is Solo Cruising Worth It?
Let’s be honest—solo cruising used to feel unfair.
Paying double just to travel alone? Not ideal.
But now:
- More ships offer solo cabins.
- Prices are becoming more competitive.
- Experiences are improving.
And honestly, solo cruising has its own advantages:
- Total freedom
- No compromises
- Do exactly what YOU want
