Avoid the ‘single supplement’: How to cruise solo without paying twice the price

Cruisers go it alone for many reasons. Some don’t have a partner or friends with the time, budget or interest to set sail, while for others, it’s a choice to embrace quality me-time at sea and in port.

Whatever the motivation, solos are now in good company, as the cruise industry jumps on the party-of-one trend with single cabins, price promotions and opportunities to meet new people.

Some me-time cruising solo.Credit: Oceania

Twice as nice, not twice the price

Be aware that some cruise lines require solo travellers to pay a single supplement, which often means they will pay the same, if not more, than the price of two people sharing.

Look for “no single supplement” deals from Avalon Waterways, Pandaw, Ponant, Viking and other cruise lines. Not only will you be saved from paying twice the price, you’ll have an entire double cabin to yourself.

The other money-saving option is to book a one-person studio cabin. Usually smaller than a standard stateroom, they have most of the same amenities, including a private bathroom, at a lower price. Be quick, as they are often the first cabins to sell out.

Inside an NCL studio cabin.

Norwegian Cruise Line were the pioneers back in 2010 when they first offered solo cabins on Norwegian Epic. Due to popular demand, NCL recently announced the rollout of nearly 1000 new solo staterooms across their fleet. Solo guests have keycard access to a Studio Lounge, where they can socialise with other passengers who are travelling alone.

Following the post-pandemic boom in demand for solo staterooms, cabins for one and one alone are now being fitted in most new ship builds and renovations. Check out Oceania Cruises, Crystal, Celebrity Cruises and MSC.

Choosing the one

If you’re new to cruising by yourself, consider a special-interest themed voyage where you’ll meet like-minded people with a shared passion for, say, Elvis music, Broadway shows or stand-up comedy.

Travelling alone for the first time? Might be a good idea to book a short “tester” cruise, instead of committing to a month-long odyssey. Likewise, if you’re not sure how much of your own company you can take, it’s smart to choose a busy itinerary with plenty of port days, rather than a trans-Atlantic crossing.

As the sole decision maker and chief researcher of your cruise holiday, there’s no need to compromise on how you want to travel. Put some time and effort into comparing cruise and ship styles.

Are you more suited to a relaxing river cruise? An ocean voyage on a mega-ship that could be carrying more than 7000 people? Or an adventurous expedition to Antarctica or the Galapagos? Do you prefer the sunscreen-scent of summer in the Caribbean, or the taste of hot mulled wine on a Christmas cruise in Europe?

In good company

Once onboard, check the daily newsletter for social meet-ups. If it feels a bit awkward and forced to gather with a big group of solo travellers, join in other activities that attract a more diverse demographic – strike up conversations over a teppanyaki dinner, by the pool or in a line-dancing class.

Another option is “travelling alone, together” on an escorted group cruise. Melbourne-based travel agency Two’s A Crowd curates cruises exclusively for solo passengers, where everyone has their own cabin. Organisers say it’s a great choice that provides safety in numbers, company when you feel like it, and solitude when you need it.