For solo travelers seeking a more intimate, personalised cruising experience, small ship cruises offer a unique and exciting opportunity. With an increasing number of cruise lines catering specifically to solo guests, 2025 promises to be a year full of exclusive deals, special accommodations, and solo-friendly amenities. Whether you’re a first-time solo cruiser or a seasoned traveler, these offers and trends are perfect for planning your next voyage.
Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
Small ship cruises are known for their intimate settings, perfect for solo travelers who want to avoid the large crowds of mega-ships. Here are some top cruise lines offering exceptional experiences for solo guests:
1. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Norwegian Cruise Line has been a pioneer in catering to solo travelers, offering nearly 1,000 solo staterooms across their fleet. These studios are designed specifically for solo guests and come with access to the Studio Lounge, a private space for socializing and relaxing. Norwegian’s ships also offer a variety of solo-friendly amenities, including flexible dining options and engaging onboard activities.
- Highlights: Solo cabins with no single supplement fees, Studio Lounge access, flexible dining.
- Best for: Solo travelers seeking a lively atmosphere and social opportunities.
(travel.usnews.com)
2. Saga Cruises
Saga Cruises caters specifically to travelers over 50, offering a range of solo-friendly cruises. The Spirit of Discovery, for example, features 100 cabins designed for solo travelers. This all-inclusive experience covers everything from beverages and gratuities to specialty dining and chauffeur services, making it ideal for those who want to travel in luxury without worrying about extra costs.
- Highlights: 100 solo cabins, all-inclusive package, ideal for over-50 solo travelers.
- Best for: Mature solo travelers looking for an all-inclusive, relaxing experience.
(en.wikipedia.org)
3. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers solo cabins on select ships, such as the MSC Lirica and MSC Magnifica, making it easier for solo travelers to find comfortable accommodations. They are currently offering a 50% discount on the solo traveler supplement for select Winter 2024-25 cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, making it an ideal option for those seeking a European adventure.
- Highlights: Solo cabins, 50% discount on solo supplements, Mediterranean and Northern European cruises.
- Best for: Solo travelers looking for European cruise deals.
(msccruises.co.uk)
4. P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises features 27 single cabins on their Britannia ship, including 15 with private balconies. With various itineraries across the globe, P&O offers an excellent option for solo travelers who want a bit more space and privacy.
- Highlights: 27 solo cabins, private balconies, variety of itineraries.
- Best for: Solo travelers who want the luxury of a balcony without paying for a double occupancy room.
(cruiseline.co.uk)
5. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers solo traveler cruises that are perfect for first-time solo cruisers. They feature “no single supplement” cruises, allowing solo travelers to enjoy all the luxury of cruising without the added cost. This is ideal for solo travelers looking for a friendly, welcoming environment.
- Highlights: Solo traveler cruises with no single supplement, friendly atmosphere, no hidden fees.
- Best for: First-time solo cruisers who want a no-hassle experience.
(thetimes.co.uk)
Current Offers for Solo Travelers
2025 brings with it a host of exclusive offers for solo travelers, allowing them to embark on luxurious cruises at discounted rates. Here are some of the best current offers:
1. Virgin Voyages:
Virgin Voyages is offering up to $3,500 off select 2024-2025 voyages for solo travelers. The cruise line is known for its adult-only vacations, designed specifically with solo guests in mind, offering a vibrant social scene and plenty of solo-friendly activities.
- Offer: Up to $3,500 off for solo travelers.
- Best for: Solo travelers seeking an adult-only, social cruise experience.
(virginvoyages.com)
2. MSC Cruises:
MSC Cruises is offering a 50% discount on solo supplements for selected Winter 2024-25 Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises. This is a great opportunity for solo travelers to explore Europe at a discounted price.
- Offer: 50% off solo supplements on select cruises.
- Best for: Solo travelers seeking a budget-friendly European cruise.
(msccruises.co.uk)
3. Riviera Travel:
Riviera Travel is offering solo travelers an eight-day Blue Danube cruise for £2,399. This all-inclusive deal includes flights, transfers, a drinks package, excursions, and Wi-Fi, making it an excellent value for money for solo travelers.
- Offer: £2,399 for the Blue Danube cruise with inclusions.
- Best for: Solo travelers looking for an all-inclusive European river cruise experience.
(telegraph.co.uk)
Tips for Solo Travelers
Traveling solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences, especially when cruising. Here are a few tips for making your solo cruise even better:
- Look for “No Single Supplement” Deals: Many cruise lines offer promotions where the single supplement is waived, meaning solo travelers can enjoy the cruise without paying extra for single occupancy.
(dailytelegraph.com.au) - Consider River Cruises: Smaller river cruise lines often have intimate ships with fewer guests, providing a perfect environment for solo travelers. Many river cruise lines also offer solo cabins and itineraries specifically designed for solo travelers.
(thetimes.co.uk) - Join Solo Traveler Groups: Many cruise lines organize social events and excursions specifically for solo travelers, giving you the chance to meet new people and explore destinations together.
(thetimes.co.uk)
Small ship cruises are the perfect way for solo travelers to explore the world with a more personal touch. With many cruise lines offering solo-friendly amenities, exclusive deals, and unique itineraries, there has never been a better time to embark on a solo cruise adventure. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive package or a relaxing river cruise, there’s an option that suits every preference. Take advantage of these exciting offers and make your next cruise one to remember.
As an expert solo traveler reach out at [email protected] to discuss
