Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to be alone. That’s the whole point of singles cruises—you’re surrounded by other people who also booked a trip by themselves, which makes striking up conversations way less awkward than on a regular cruise where everyone’s paired off.
What Actually Happens on a Singles Cruise
I’ll be honest: when I first heard about singles cruises, I pictured some cheesy love boat situation with speed dating and forced mingling. It’s not that. Most singles cruises are really just regular cruises with a different passenger mix. The activities are the same—shore excursions, shows, dining, pools—but you won’t feel like the odd one out at dinner.
Some cruise lines run dedicated singles sailings, while others just have large singles groups that book together on regular voyages. The vibe varies a lot depending on which you choose. Dedicated singles sailings tend to have more organized social events, while group bookings on regular cruises give you the option to mingle or do your own thing.
Where Do Singles Cruises Go?
Pretty much everywhere regular cruises go. Caribbean itineraries are popular because they’re relatively short (4-7 days) and affordable—good for testing the waters if you’ve never done this before. Mediterranean cruises attract an older crowd and tend to be more culturally focused, with stops in places like Barcelona, Rome, and the Greek islands.
Alaska and Norway cruises work well for solo travelers who care more about scenery than nightlife. River cruises through Europe are another option, though they skew older and more expensive.
The Single Supplement Problem
Here’s the catch with cruising solo: most cabin pricing assumes two people. When you book alone, cruise lines often charge a “single supplement”—basically charging you for the empty bed. This can add 50-100% to your fare, which stings.
Some lines have started adding dedicated single cabins (Norwegian was one of the first), and these don’t carry the supplement. They’re small—really small—but if you’re just sleeping there, who cares? Singles cruises organized by travel groups sometimes negotiate reduced or waived supplements, which is one of their main selling points.
Who Books These Things?
The age range is wider than you’d expect. I’ve talked to people in their 30s who wanted to travel but couldn’t find friends with matching schedules, divorced folks getting back into travel, and retirees whose spouses didn’t like cruising. The common thread isn’t age or relationship status—it’s just wanting to see places without waiting for someone else to come along.
Tips for Your First Singles Cruise
Book a cabin with a balcony if you can swing it. Having your own outdoor space matters more when you’re traveling alone—it’s nice to have somewhere quiet to decompress.
Show up to the organized events, at least the first couple. Even if group activities aren’t your thing, it’s the fastest way to find people you click with. After that, you can do your own thing or hang out with your new cruise friends.
Don’t overthink the dining situation. Most ships have flexible dining now, so you’re not locked into a table assignment. Sit at the bar, grab a spot at a communal table, or eat on your balcony—whatever feels right that night.
