Planning a solo holiday? You’re not alone. According to the travel association Abta, the number of people who are going on holiday toute seule rose from 6 per cent in 2011 to 16 per cent in 2023. And cruise lines are taking note.
“Since we launched our solo staterooms in 2010 with Norwegian Epic, they have been popular with single travellers,” said David J Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “After realising the growing demand, we have now expanded single-occupancy staterooms across our fleet.”
For those who are keen to travel solo, but feel apprehensive, a cruise could be the perfect way to start. All the hassle is taken out of the planning, and you’ll meet people at mealtimes, social events and on excursions.
What’s more, an increasing number of ocean and river cruise lines are offering dedicated solo accommodation and reducing single supplements – if not waiving them altogether – on selected sailings. Here is our pick of the best cruises for solo travellers.
Sail from Southampton
Best for: Convenience
If you’re unsure whether a solo voyage is for you, a mini-cruise allows you to test the water. MSC Cruises is offering a two-night sailing out of Southampton, which calls at Cherbourg, the gateway to Mont St Michel – the Unesco-listed medieval abbey and village. The ship, MSC Virtuosa, has a futuristic MSC Starship Club that is manned by “Rob”, a robot bartender that can mix drinks and chat with passengers in eight languages. Departs 1 June 2024. From £169pp, msccruises.co.uk
A great river
Best for: Taking it slow
Amadeus River Cruises has scrapped the single supplement on nine sailings this summer on the Seine, Rhone, Saône, Danube, Rhine and Moselle. Setting sail on 17 July 2024, the family-owned line’s Classical Rhine cruise onboard Amadeus Cara covers no fewer than four countries: Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Discover fairy tale castles and fortresses, and wine-growing villages.
From £2,469, including flights and all meals, amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk
An Iceland adventure
Best for: Immersive shore excursions
Azamara understands that more of us are choosing to travel by ourselves and it has introduced special solo rates on select sailings, including its Iceland Intensive Voyage. Beginning in Reykjavik, this 13-night cruise takes in guzzling geysers, geothermal pools and dramatic fjords. The line focuses on destination immersion so expect several late nights in ports. Back onboard, the 700-passenger Azamara Quest is compact enough to foster a sense of community without feeling crowded. Departs 1 July 2024.
From £1,659, excluding flights, azamara.com
Long-haul sailing
Best for: Sightseeing
Fancy city hopping in Asia? Pandaw’s seven-night Classic Mekong Expedition cruise could be the answer. On the sailings between Saigon and Siem Reap, highlights include Phnom Penh, the ancient capital of Cambodia (Oudong) and Vietnam’s Hang Pagoda. Pandaw has waived the single supplement on a range of dates, including for its Classic Mekong itinerary between 5 October 2024 and 1 February 2025.
From £2,955, excluding flights, pandaw.com
Bermuda Triangle
Best for: Party people
NCL pioneered the concept of contemporary solo cruising in 2010 when it became the first line to construct ships with staterooms and lounge areas specifically for single travellers. The line now has more than 1,000 solo cabins across its 19-ship fleet. For some rest and relaxation in the sun, look no further than NCL’s seven-day cruise to Bermuda, the tropical island famed for its pink sand beaches. Three sea days ensure you can enjoy all that Prima, NCL’s newest ship, has to offer, including five swimming pools and Broadway-style productions. Departs 6 April, 2025.
From £1,197 for a solo studio room, ncl.com
The magic of the Med
Best for: Solo-only events
Princess Cruises is synonymous with The Love Boat, the hit 1970s TV romcom that was shot on Pacific Princess. Today, the operator is becoming known for solo-friendly sailings such as its seven-day Mediterranean with Greece and Italy itinerary. Departing on 19 April 2025 onboard Sun Princess – the latest and largest Princess vessel – highlights include Santorini and Kotor in Montenegro (think of it as a pocket-sized Dubrovnik). Two seas days afford time to soak up the sun in the Sanctuary retreat, a great place to meet fellow passengers.
From £1,784, single occupancy, princess.com
Croatia calling
Best for: An intimate experience
Striking out on your own need not be lonely or expensive thanks to Cruise Croatia. This small ship company (vessels have capacity for just 38 passengers) offers single-occupancy cabins on every departure. On Cruise Croatia’s Split to Dubrovnik sailing, you’ll be able to discover the many sides of Croatia – from Dubrovnik’s Renaissance splendour to the peaceful island of Vis, wine-producing Korcula and Hvar’s buzzing restaurant and bar scene. Departs 10 May 2025.
From £1,460, including guided transfers, tours, breakfast, lunch, select dinners, and Wi-Fi, but excluding flights, cruisecroatia.com