Solo cruises rated: The top singles-friendly cruise lines for independent explorers

23.02.2024 - 23:41 / euronews.com / Portia Jones

Solo travellers can set sail on an array of solo-friendly cruise lines to mingle at sea or enjoy solace aboard a swanky ship.

Once a niche market, solo travel has surged in popularity, prompting cruise lines to cater to this growing demographic with tailored experiences and amenities.

According to a study by Travelport, solo travel made up nearly 18% of global bookings in the travel industry.

Cruising giant Norwegian Cruise Line has also seen an increase in guests booking accommodations as a single occupant in non-studio staterooms.

Akvile Marozaite, CEO of the Expedition Cruise Network, says, “Cruising has always been a perfect form of travel for solo travellers due to its inclusive, safe, and self-contained nature.”

“Travellers on intimate cruise ships can find an in-built community of like-minded passengers onboard, so it is easy to make friends for life with bonds built from the shared experience of visiting incredible, remote destinations.”

From introducing single cabins and scrapping single supplements to onboard activities designed for socialising, cruise liners are trying to entice solo travellers with several key benefits as the demand for single occupancy rises.

Here are some of the best cruises for solo travellers.

Grand Circle Cruise Line recently earned the title of the Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

The award-winning cruise line offers the lowest single supplements in the industry across all trips and free single supplements on all pre- and post-trip extensions.

They operate an impressive fleet of privately-owned river ships throughout Europe, where you can explore in small groups (38 on average) aboard Grand Circle's 86- to 162-passenger ships.

Their Discovery Series events take you into the heart of their destination's culture, providing a glimpse at its people's day-to-day lives.

Local Program Directors also accompany cruisers throughout the trip, with up to four Program Directors available to each group.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has taken the lead in solo cruising and has nearly 1,000 dedicated solo staterooms across its diverse 19-ship fleet.

This year, the popular cruise line will open for sale three new solo stateroom categories, including Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony, for sailings in 2024.

With pricing and availability dependent on the destination and demand, solo travellers can expect to pay less than a traditional double occupancy room.

Seafaring guests in the new solo stateroom categories will also have access to the key card entry-only studio lounge, available on select ships, which features a dedicated space for solo travellers to relax and a bar serving drinks and snacks.

Solo cruisers can enjoy activities