Traveling solo on a cruise ship is becoming more appealing to individuals as cruise lines adjust to growing trends. Traditionally, solo cruisers faced challenges such as paying a single supplement—an extra charge of 50 to 100% more than the regular fare that cruise lines impose to make up for lost revenue from a second passenger's onboard spending, according to Thrillist.
According to the Thrillist, Norwegian Cruise Line announced last year it would introduce nearly 1,000 new solo staterooms across its 19 ships. These rooms cater to individual travelers who prefer not to face higher costs due to the absence of a companion. Oceania Cruises also followed this trend when its new ship Vista debuted last year with six premium solo cabins featuring balconies and concierge service. In the realm of river cruises, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions are waiving single supplements on selected cruises this year, Thrillist reports.
The shift in cruise industry practices is supported by growing interest in solo travel. Alicia Pacini, founder and president of Unleashed Luxury Travel Concierge, tells Thrillist she has helped a record number of single travelers book cruises in recent years. She notes that many clients travel alone for various reasons, and the return rate is high. "My solo travelers almost always have another journey booked before they're off the ship," she tells Thrillist.
"Post-pandemic, I see that people are not waiting anymore," Pacini explains to Thrillist. "When they see something interesting, they're taking the leap and booking it." This change in attitude is helping drive solo travel growth, encouraging cruise lines to create more inclusive options.
The shift toward accommodating solo travelers is indicative of the travel industry's response to diverse needs. As more individuals explore the world independently, cruise lines have adapted by offering customized solutions, showing that solo adventures can be both rewarding and financially feasible.