5 best cruises for solo travellers

Gone are the days where cruises were just for couples and families. The cruising world has changed  and it’s now better than ever for solo travellers looking for fun and adventure.

Modern cruise ships are now being designed to accommodate the influx of solo travellers looking to voyage on the high seas, with plenty of offers, services and experiences also tailored to single cruise-goers. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the top five single cruises which are RACV’s Travel Partners, so all you have to do choose which one to go on first.

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. Cunard Line

The king of luxury cruise lines, Cunard boast premium and personalised services for both groups and single travellers. With elegant formal nights, musical events, plays and guest speakers Cunard is great for travellers who prefer a touch of luxury when they travel. Cunard will go above and beyond to make your cruise experience great and with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, solo cruise-goers are made to feel very welcome.

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria lines are both well-suited to solo travellers with single-occupancy cabins available across the fleet along with the option to dine alone and plenty of solo activities available.

• Suitable for: Over 50s who are looking for luxury
• Solo perks: Single-occupancy cabins including staterooms with ocean views and Queen and Princess Grills.
• Single supplements: Single travellers who wish to stay in a double occupancy room can pay a sole occupancy supplement. Fares vary.

2. P&O Cruises

P&O is the South Pacific's largest cruise operator has been a much-loved cruise line since its beginnings in 1837. It’s Azura ship is perfect for singles, with 18 dedicated cabins for solo passengers that are priced for single travellers and have no single supplement. A lot of the ship’s other cabins are set up with twin beds that can be converted into a queen bed, making them ideal for solo travellers.

Activities and amenities on board are also well set up for adults including a pool exclusively for adults and evening cabaret and comedy show as well as plenty of fitness classes and spa experiences.

• Suitable for: Travellers of all ages.
• Solo perks: Travel wherever you want with over 85 destinations on offer.
• Single supplements: Yes, but not on single cabins.

3. Ponant

The French cruise line, Ponant is synonymous with luxury and has been cruising the high-seas for over 25 years. The line’s three-masted sailing ship, Le Ponant carries a maximum of 64 passengers which mean smaller excursion numbers, making it easier to meet new people and make new friends. While it’s new Le Laperouse fleet is set to have a hydraulic platform that enables easier boarding and entry to the sea for swimming and water sports.

These elegant yet casual voyages include trips to from the Arctic to Central and South America, Oceania to Atlantic and Northern Europe. Ponant also waiving the single supplement on a selection of lines, making it a great option for single travellers.

• Suitable for: Well-travelled over 50s
• Solo perks: Cruise sizes are kept small to allow for a more intimate cruising experience.
• Single supplements: Yes, but waived on certain lines.

4. Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises is an upmarket cruise line that is known for its friendly vibe and immersive itineraries. It’s Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest lines offer longer stays in port, more overnights and intimate shore excursions with no more than 25 fellow passengers help singles make new friends.

Azamara does fantastic singles rates on select voyages and the occasional no-single-supplement special – so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. With comfortable yet sleek social spaces including bars, restaurants, lounges, Casino and a Cabaret, Azamara lines are designed to pamper you while still feeling like a home away from home.

• Suitable for: Over 50s
• Solo perks: Great singles prices and offers.
• Single supplements: Yes, but waved on certain lines and reduced on others.

5. Coral Expedition Cruises

If you’re looking to explore coastal Australia, South East Asia or the Pacific, then Coral Expedition Cruises are for you. With onshore excursions such as bushwalking, snorkelling or kayaking, this boutique eco-tourism expedition line is perfect for active singles looking for adventure.

Coral has great singles offers including a standby single program and a single guest cabin-matching program. These packages are suitable for travellers who are flexible in their travel times and either want to travel in a single cabin or share a cabin with another guest of the same sex, both without any single supplements. As well as this, Coral’s Great Barrier Reef itinerary (which runs all year), is free of single supplements and has no more than 72 passengers on any of its ships, making it a great option for singles looking to meet new people.

• Suitable for: Those who love an adventure and are reasonably active.
• Solo perks: Small boats mean guests get to know each other well.
• Single supplements: Yes, if not on standby singles program or cabin-mate matching service.

How to prepare for your cruise

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

• Make sure you’ve packed all the essentials including your travel documentation, passports and visas
• Check out your shore excursions and prebook if you can,
• Take out travel insurance,
• Notify your bank that you’ll be travelling overseas. 

Why do I need travel insurance?

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.