Solo Voyages: Cruises for Single Travelers Redefined
Cruising alone doesn’t mean going it alone. For today’s single travelers, cruise lines are offering more than upgraded cabins—they’re delivering thoughtfully curated experiences that celebrate independence, comfort, and connection.
Whether you’re widowed, divorced, never married, or just choosing to travel solo, modern cruises for singles have transformed into vibrant, empowering journeys.
From no-single-supplement pricing to adult-only ships and dedicated solo lounges, cruise lines now embrace the reality that not everyone travels as a pair—and not everyone wants to.
Virgin Voyages: A Singles’ Sanctuary at Sea
Virgin Voyages leads the charge with its adult-only, singles-welcoming environment. With 46 dedicated solo cabins, their ships offer a mix of privacy and vibrant social energy.
- Solo cabins include cozy Sea View and Insider options
- Group fitness classes, drag brunches, and themed nights spark natural interactions
- No kids, no formal dining—just curated spaces to meet fellow adventurous singles over cocktails or karaoke
Virgin’s itineraries to Mykonos, Ibiza, and the Greek Isles provide the perfect backdrop for new friendships—and perhaps more.
Silversea: Sophisticated Solo Travel Without the Surcharge
For singles who want luxury without paying double, Silversea Cruises frequently waives or reduces the single supplement—making five-star suites accessible for one.
- Small ships mean easy mingling in intimate lounges and curated shore excursions
- Solo traveler welcome receptions and free-flowing champagne help break the ice
- Popular routes include the Caribbean, South Africa, and Italy’s Amalfi Coast
If you’re a single professional or retiree looking for a relaxed, upscale setting where everyone is treated like a VIP, Silversea delivers a refined escape.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Community for Singles That Feels Natural
Norwegian was an early innovator in designing cruises for single adults—not just solo travelers. Their Studio Staterooms (available on many ships) come with access to the exclusive Studio Lounge, a social hub built just for guests traveling alone.
- Daily meetups, mixers, and solo-friendly excursions
- Group dining opportunities—no awkward third wheel vibes
- Active nightlife on ships like the Encore and Breakaway, perfect for single mingling
Whether you’re a single Gen Xer, empty nester, or digital nomad, Norwegian’s laid-back, social format creates a judgment-free, couples-optional environment.
Cruises for Singles Over 50, Divorced, or Widowed
For mature singles, solo cruising offers a restorative, confidence-boosting experience. Many operators (like Cunard, Holland America, and Viking) design events for travelers over 50, with a mix of:
- Enrichment lectures and wine tastings
- No-pressure social hours
- Ballroom dancing or bridge games
- Easy-paced excursions with like-minded peers
Single travelers often report that cruising provides the perfect balance of company when desired, solitude when needed, and destinations that rekindle a sense of wonder.
Singles Cruises with Romance in the Air
While most luxury lines prioritize comfort and socializing over matchmaking, dedicated singles cruise events (like themed sailings from Singles Travel International or Vacations To Go) offer:
- Dancing, cocktail parties, and dating mixers
- Age-specific itineraries (30s–40s, 50+, etc.)
- Cabins matched with roommates or offered with no supplement
- Icebreakers and excursions built for forming real connections
If you’re open to meeting someone while seeing the world, these cruises combine travel with chemistry—in a pressure-free setting.
Exotic Solo Travel: Cruises That Go Beyond the Usual
For the single traveler seeking the extraordinary, some cruise lines blend luxury and adventure:
- Silversea’s Africa coast itineraries mix wildlife, wine, and solo-friendly shore events
- Scenic and Viking offer single-traveler promotions for Antarctica, Patagonia, and Iceland
- AmaWaterways and Avalon frequently run river cruises in Europe with waived single supplements, perfect for exploring Vienna, Prague, or Provence as a single traveler
You don’t need a plus-one to pursue the world’s most stunning and soulful destinations.
Cruise Confidently, Single and Free
Cruising solo isn’t second-best—it’s a first-class experience for single adults ready to travel on their own terms. Whether you want elegant luxury, new friendships, or just a quiet balcony and the open sea, cruise lines are finally listening to what singles want: affordability, inclusion, and authentic connection.
For the modern single, the world is open—and the ship is waiting.