Top 5 cruises for solo travellers

Best single cruises with RACV’s Travel Partners

Solo cruising is a trend that’s here to stay. And in response, cruise lines are becoming increasingly more inclusive with rooms, amenities, activities, and on-board experiences designed especially for solo and singles cruises.

Taking yourself on an adventure at sea makes you the captain of your own ship — you can do what you want, when you want. And no matter what route you’re on, it’s the perfect opportunity to be fully present in every moment, whether you’re mingling with like-minded people or reconnecting with yourself over a quiet sunset drink. 

Get to know what cruising solo is all about with the best cruises for solo travellers from our trusted travel partners.

  • Why go on a solo travellers cruise

    There are so many great benefits of embarking on a solo traveller cruise, including:

    • Freedom to do what you want, when you want
    • Plenty of “me time” to rejuvenate
    • Communal dining so your meals will always be shared with like-minded people
    • Solo travellers get peace when it comes to safety
    • Countless activities and excursions to keep you busy

    If you’re looking for your next adventure, embarking on a solo travellers cruise on one of these top five solo cruises could be where it all starts!

  • Solo supplements explained

    Embarking on a cruise on your own is typically more expensive (per person) than sharing your cabin with a friend.

    This is because cruise lines build their cabins assuming two people will share them.

    Instead of sharing the cost of a cabin with another traveller, a Solo Traveller pays a supplement for Solo use. 

1. Oceania Cruises

With small and easy to navigate ships, Oceana Cruises is known for its warm and welcoming on-board atmosphere, appealing to experienced and first-time solo travellers alike. 

Explore new places independently or on excursions with like-minded guests. With regular cocktail receptions and mixed dining tables, new faces will become friends in no time. 

  • Suitable for: singles seeking small vessel cruises which promise great food and indulgent culinary experiences.  
  • Solo perks: Solo staterooms and a program of solo-cruiser gatherings. 
  • Single supplements: Yes, but lower on average than other cruise lines.

2. Holland America Line

Whichever one of Holland America’s cruises has your name on it, the cruise line prides itself on catering for every type of solo traveller, giving you the freedom to choose your own adventure day by day.

There are a whole host of activities on offer, from competitive sports challenges and trivia nights, to lectures and cooking demonstrations to help you recalibrate and capitalise on your ‘me’ time. 

  • Suitable for: 50+ singles looking for premium experience at a mid-range price point.
  • Solo perks: the Singles Partner Program, where you share a cabin with another passenger of the same gender and pay a per-person double occupancy rate.  
  • Single supplements: yes, except for Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam ships which offer solo cabins priced for one.

3. Ponant

Elegant French cruise line Ponant carries a maximum of 64 passengers in its single, shared, or personal double cabins. 

During small group excursions and themed get-togethers, meeting and mingling with fellow passengers is effortless. The crew are attentive, and the food and wine, which includes French classics, is top notch. If you’re hoping to be inspired, you're spoilt for choice, with exceptional destinations including the Arctic, Mediterranean and Carribean.

  • Suitable for: well-travelled over 50s looking for a 5-star setting.
  • Solo perks: small boat cruises make for a more intimate cruising experience.
  • Single supplements: single supplement waived on certain departures.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line

Visit bucket-list worthy destinations with Norwegian Cruise Line, the first cruise line to fit out its ships for singles cruises. 

The Studio Lounge, available exclusively for guests in Solo Studio rooms, is where you’ll be able to relax and trade stories with like-minded travellers, help yourself to complimentary beer and wine throughout the day, enjoy the big-screen TV, and order room service if the mood strikes. And, if you’re lucky enough to score a Solo Balcony room, you’ll be treated to a first-class view from your own private balcony.

  • Suitable for: the young and the young at heart. Some ships host a pub crawl, and there’s always a Friends of Dorothy happy hour. 
  • Solo perks: private key card access to the sociable Studio Lounge, a dedicate space for Studio guests.
  • Single supplements: No single supplement on Studio Staterooms and reduced supplements on other solo room categories.

5. Silversea

Sail in ultra-luxury aboard Silversea’s small, well-appointed ships. Each voyage kicks off with a champagne welcome reception, to help you break the ice with fellow solo travellers from the get-go.

Voted the best luxury cruise line, all-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite, personalised butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, plus a suite of onboard activities to keep you entertained and enrich your journey.

  • Suitable for: ultra luxury small ship experience with itineraries including iconic cities to remote, unspoilt shores. 
  • Solo perks: champagne welcome reception, and with a staff to guest ratio of almost 1:1, the personalised service you’ll receive is second to none.
  • Single supplements: yes, single supplements at only 25% above Silver Privilege Fares.

 

Book your next cruise getaway with RACV Travel and Experiences

We work closely with trusted cruise lines to get access to the best deals in market. On top of this, as an RACV Member you get extra savings on ocean cruises – the more you spend, the more you save.

Before you and your set sail on a cruise of a lifetime there are a few things you’ll need to take care of:

Travelling solo gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel however you want. However, it also means you won’t have someone you know with you to help in an emergency situation. This is why travel insurance is such an essential part of your next singles cruise.

Travel insurance that covers cruises will protect your luggage on board, provide cancellation cover if the unexpected happens and cover emergency and medical expenses. Most importantly though, it gives you peace of mind, so that you can enjoy your trip without worrying about the ‘what ifs’.

Wherever your next cruise adventure takes you, be sure to pack travel insurance. RACV offers a 3 international Travel Insurance plans so you can choose the level that suits your travel plans. All plans include access to 24/7 overseas emergency assistance and international travel insurance policies to suit every solo traveller, offering you the security and insurance cover you need wherever you are heading. Discover the policy that’s right for your cruise, now.

  • Family Cruises: 5 Best Cruises for Kids

    Family cruises are a great way to explore and spend time together, but choosing the right one can be tricky. Read our guide to the best family-friendly cruises.

  • Packing for cruises

    Working out what to take on a cruise can be overwhelming. RACV has put together a simple packing list so you can remember all the essentials. Learn more.

  • Travel Insurance for Cruise Ships

    A cruise can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you want to make the most of it. Give yourself some peace of mind with RACV Travel Insurance for cruises.

The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.