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As a solo cruise traveller you traditionally pay significantly more for a double cabin. More and more cruise lines are breaking this pattern with compact solo cabins with no or minimal supplement, specifically designed for travellers on their own. This makes cruising affordable and accessible without having to compromise your freedom.
Special cabins for solo travellers
Cruise lines such as Mein Schiff and Norwegian Cruise Line offer cabins that are specially designed for solo travellers. These solo cabins are more compact than standard double cabins, but contain all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay. You have your own bed, bathroom, storage space and often a small worktop or seating area.
The size varies per cruise line and ship type, but on average solo cabins are between 7 and 12 square metres. That is smaller than a standard cabin, but comparable to a hotel room in a compact urban setting. For those travelling alone and mainly active on the ship during the day, this offers enough space. You can find more about cabins and accommodation on board on this website, where you can also compare the differences between cabin categories.
Many ships group solo cabins in their own zone, often close to social areas such as lounges or decks. This makes it easier to meet other solo travellers and creates an informal atmosphere, without forcing you into social contact.
‘ This is what makes the difference between an unaffordable and a realistic cruise. ’
No single supplement with solo cabins
Traditionally, cruise companies charge a single supplement of 50 to 100 per cent extra if you stay alone in a double cabin. This is because cruise lines base their prices on double occupancy per cabin. For solo travellers this has long meant a significant financial barrier.
Solo cabins, on the other hand, are offered at a fixed rate that corresponds to one person, without a supplement. With some cruise lines you even pay less than half the price of a standard double cabin, because the cabin is smaller and used more efficiently. This is what makes the difference between an unaffordable and a realistic cruise.
Do bear in mind: not all ships have solo cabins. On ships without this option you will still pay the single supplement if you travel alone. So when booking, check whether your cruise line and ship offer solo cabins.
Advantages of travelling with a solo cabin
A solo cabin offers several advantages. You keep full privacy and control over your own space, while being free on the ship to choose when and with whom you interact. This gives a unique combination of independence and social opportunities.
Many cruise lines organise activities especially for solo travellers, such as welcome drinks, group walks ashore or shared dinners. These events are optional and make it easier to make contact without having to push yourself. For those seeking social interaction without loneliness, this is a pleasant balance.
In addition, solo cabins are often located on easily accessible decks, close to lifts, restaurants or outdoor areas. This makes your stay practical and saves walking time, which is especially handy if you want to switch quickly between activities.
Practical tips for booking a solo cabin
Solo cabins are popular and often in limited supply. Book as early as possible, ideally as soon as the booking period opens. Early bookings also give you access to the best deals and locations on board.
Check in advance which cruise lines and ships offer solo cabins. Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, has the Studio concept, with its own lounge for solo guests. Mein Schiff offers similar options with shared social spaces. Not every ship within a cruise line has these cabins, so specify this in your search.
Consider the location of the cabin. Cabins midship and on middle decks are less affected by movement, which is more comfortable if you are prone to seasickness. Cabins near social areas make it easier to quickly connect with fellow cruisers.
Read the terms and conditions carefully. Some cruise lines offer discounts on solo cabins during certain periods or on less popular itineraries. This can make your trip even more affordable without sacrificing quality.
‘ “Many solo cruisers say they form friendships during their trip that last longer than the journey itself.” ’
Social dynamics on board as a solo traveller
A frequently heard concern among solo travellers is loneliness on board. The reality is that cruise ships are perfect for spontaneous encounters. Communal areas such as restaurants, bars, pools and excursions bring people together naturally.
If you are open to contact, it is easy to strike up conversations during meals or activities. Many solo cruisers say they form friendships during their trip that last longer than the journey itself. The structured environment of a ship makes this process more accessible than with many other forms of travel.
At the same time, you retain the freedom to take time for yourself. You are under no obligation to take part in group activities and can shape your day as you wish. This combination of sociability and autonomy makes cruises attractive to solo travellers who consciously choose their own pace.
Alternatives if there are no solo cabins available
If your ship does not have solo cabins, there are other options to keep costs down. Some cruise lines offer discounts on the single supplement during promotional periods. These can amount to 25 or 50 per cent less, making a double cabin more affordable.
Another option is to share a cabin with an unknown fellow traveller via cabin sharing platforms or cruise line programmes. This significantly lowers costs, but does mean you sacrifice privacy. For those who are flexible and mainly looking for an affordable way to cruise, this can work.
Inside cabins are generally cheaper than cabins with a window or balcony. If you are mainly active during the day and only use your cabin for sleeping, this is a practical choice that reduces the price difference.
Travelling with freedom and without compromises
Cruises as a solo traveller offer a unique type of holiday that combines independence with social opportunities. Solo cabins make this accessible without the financial barrier of a single supplement. You plan your own day, choose your own activities and decide for yourself when to interact with others.
This is perfect for travellers who organise their holiday consciously and want control over their experience. You do not have to take travel companions into account, but you can still enjoy the opportunities a cruise offers for encounters, comfort and variety.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find extensive information about cruises, cabin categories, booking strategies and practical tips for different types of travel. Discover more articles that help you plan your next trip smartly and consciously.
Frequently asked questions
Search explicitly for “solo cabins” or “single cabins” with cruise and travel providers and filter for itineraries that can easily be combined with a road trip or train journey (for example departure or arrival ports that are easily accessible by train or car). Look out for cruise lines that offer solo accommodation with no or low single supplement, so you keep comfort without high extra costs. Choose a ship with lively shared spaces and organised solo activities, so that after a day of solo travel you can still easily meet others. Book early, as solo cabins are limited and the most unique, comfortable options sell out quickly.
A solo cabin is ideal because there is no single supplement, while you still have your own cosy private space. Useful facilities include a smartly designed room with sufficient storage, good sound insulation and proximity to social areas such as lounges or decks. Cruise lines that offer solo cabins often organise special activities and meeting moments for solo travellers, which makes it easy to make contact. Tips for an enriching stay include: booking early, actively taking part in solo events and consciously seeking a mix between time for yourself and social moments on board.
Check whether the cabin and the ship are well lit and staffed along the routes you walk alone in the evening (corridors, stairs, decks) and where the nearest emergency exits and muster stations are. Check how you can quickly call for help (reception/guest services, emergency number on board) and whether there are 24/7 staffed points near your cabin. Ideally, choose a solo cabin in a busier, central area rather than at the end of a remote corridor, so that you are more visible and easier to reach. Ask in advance about safety protocols for solo travellers and share your travel plan and cabin number with someone at home or a trusted contact person on board.
Plan your days so that you do local excursions or walks in the morning and use the afternoon to relax in your solo cabin and reflect on your experiences. When booking your cruise, choose itineraries with plenty of ports of call that match your interests (culture, nature, cities), so that you can plan targeted outings. Make use of organised group activities on board to meet other solo travellers and possibly arrange something ashore together. Keep your evenings free for flexible choices: a local evening tour, an event on the ship or simply relaxing in your cabin, depending on your energy and mood.
