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Traveling the world without having to pack and unpack for a couple of times is ideal. That much is true when you are on a cruise and exploring from one destination to another.
Wouldn’t it be fun to sleep in Bratislava and wake up in Budapest as you can on the U River Cruises? What’s great about this is that you don’t have to carry all your stuff with you.
But cruises aren’t just for couples or families. They’re also great for singles.
Cruise ships are a great place to meet new people. Some ships have single cabins and host parties for single passengers. They even remove the single supplement fee which river cruises tend to do that most often.
For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line offers studio cabins for single travelers. This includes access in their lounge with complimentary espresso and snacks.
One of the benefits of a sailing solo on cruises is generally social. That’s how cruise ships are designed. And if you are comfortable traveling by yourself and like to make friends on vacation, there is no shortage of people you will meet.
Best Single Cruises per Age Group
While a millennial might be trying to country hop or take a mixology class around Europe, someone in their 50s may be looking for a different adventure.
Here are the best cruises for singles at a certain age:
For Singles in Their 20s
Cruises that last three to five nights are great for singles in their 20s because they’re less expensive. If you do end up paying for a single supplement, it will be a little bit less of a hit to your wallet.
A great option is a 3-Day cruise on the Bahamas from Miami on Norwegian Sky, starting at $398 per person.
Norwegian Sky was refitted in 2019 and offered ten dining options. They also feature a full-service Starbucks onboard and a casino for late-night bonding with your new friends.
For Singles in Their 30s
You may think that cruisers in their 30s are looking for the right mix of bustling nightlife and engagement in classes. But what people in their 30s want is to explore and experience a different culture.
River cruises that offer activities like silent discos and paint-and-wine classes are excellent for this age group.
A great option is the Danube Flow on U River Cruises, which starts at $1,999 per person.
This cruise line was initially founded to cater to the millennials. The cruise also includes excursions like a palace tour and a walking tour of Vienna.
Onboard, you’ll be able to do your morning yoga classes on the rooftop lounge, and the ice bar ensures that guests will always have something to do.
For Singles in Their 40s
Upscale, bigger cruise ships like Princess, Holland America and Celebrity will appeal to cruisers in their 40s.
These ships tend to be a bit more expensive. But because they have some great excursions, they might even go off the beaten path. This provides a destination-immersive experience.
A great option is the Galapagos Southern Loop aboard the Celebrity Xpedition, starting at $5,737 per person.
The Galapagos Islands are one of the best summer destinations for solo travelers, and cruising is a great way to see them.
You can find sea turtles, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies during the day. You can spend the evening in the ship’s hot tub or take in one of the evening lectures by certified naturalists from the Galapagos National Park.
For Singles in Their 50s
A river cruise is an excellent option for someone in their 50s. That’s because most river cruises remove the single supplement fee.
Plus, they put age restrictions on passengers. This means that you are less likely to see kids running around.
Mind you; some river cruise lines do a great job of hosting single mixers, which adds to the social experience. A cruise along the Danube or Rhine rivers is always a great experience, especially for wine lovers.
A good option is the Cities of Light on Viking River Cruises starting at $2,999 per person. This 12-day cruise includes stops in some of Europe’s best cities.
You can take a moonlit cruise along the Seine in Paris or stroll the charming streets of Prague. You can also tour castles in Germany where the cruise includes one complimentary excursion in every port.
Onboard, sip a glass of wine and enjoy the sight of the cities you sail through.
For Singles in Their 60 and Older
A world cruise is an excellent option for seniors, as they tend to have more time to see the world. These cruises visit different countries over a longer time, and after a while, the boat will feel like home.
One of the perks about being a senior is you tend to have a far more flexible schedule. You’ll also likely have a bit more disposable income.
A good option is a 79-Day Grand Africa Voyage on Holland America M/S Amsterdam, starting at $13,299 per person.
This cruise leaves from Boston and covers more than a dozen countries in Africa and countries in Europe and the Middle East.
You’ll be able to look for animals in a game reserve in South Africa. You can also feel the dunes beneath your feet in the Namib Desert, ride on a sailing catamaran in Seychelles, and visit a lemur sanctuary in Madagascar.
The best part? You don’t have to carry your luggage from country to country.
Single Theme Cruise
Are you hoping to connect with new friends or meet your prospective match on the high seas? Theme cruises can be a great choice to help you explore the world along with the same like-minded people who share the same interests or lifestyle.
There are also dozens of cruises dedicated to fans of specific bands or musical genres, TV shows, beer, running, ghost hunting, and more.
For a general singles cruise option, better look for a hosted cruise led by a tour company. Vacations To Go offers a variety of destinations throughout the year for the 40-and-up crowd.
You can also check other tour operators like Singles Cruise, G Adventures, Peregrine Adventures, or smarTours which offers women-only cruises for additional options.
Top Cruise Lines for Single Travelers
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic was the first ship in its fleet to feature 128 studio cabins targeted at and priced for solo cruisers.
The line continued the trend with Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, each feature 59 studio cabins. Meanwhile, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss features 82 studio units each.
Four studios also can be found on Pride of America, which sails year-round in Hawaii.
Holland-America Line
Holland America Line is known for catering the solo cruisers.
There are plenty of programs that don’t need partners and activities that can be solitary or a means to meet others. The Single Partners Program, which is available on most voyages, offers hosted onboard solo traveler events like cocktail mixers and games.
The line’s biggest ships, Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, offer 12 solo cabins that feature the same amenities of a double-occupancy cabin, but with a twin bed.
Singles are also invited to dine together, and, on most voyages of 30 days or more, gentleman hosts are available for dancing and dining.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas each offers 28 dedicated “studio” cabins for solo travelers.
It comes with a mix of virtual balcony cabins that features 80-inch floor-to-ceiling LED display screens that project live images of the ocean and ports.
They also have staterooms with actual 55-square-foot open-air balconies. These units all come with a full-size bed and range in size from 101 to 119 square feet.
A variety of single-friendly activities onboard Royal Caribbean ships allows solo travelers to socialize and have as much fun at sea as couples and groups.
From scuba training in the pool and group fitness activities to wine-tasting and cooking classes, solo cruisers can easily keep themselves well entertained.
Cunard Line
Cunard is known for attracting solo travelers to its traditional cruise ships and ocean liners. The cheerful onboard atmosphere also allows solo travelers to make friends.
Cunard always tries to accommodate passengers who wish to dine solo, but this depends on how full each voyage is. Solo travelers are assigned to tables with other singles. Also, the gentleman hosts are available to take single ladies around the dance floor.
Solo travelers will never be bored on any Cunard ship with its many activities taking place onboard.
You can do the following activities:
- Attend lectures by experts in various fields
- See a planetarium show on Queen Mary 2
- Enjoy theatrical workshops and performances from members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
- Play many rounds of team trivia
- Relax in the Canyon Ranch spa.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal is one of the most popular luxury lines for solos, making 25 percent of the line’s passengers on some sailings.
The variety of activities onboard attracts solo travelers. Plus, you can score at least a 30% discount on parties, dining and dancing, and other onboard activities.
Moreover, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are quite spacious. They only carry 848 and 980 passengers, respectively. Thus, you can experience a sense of community on board.
Crystal Cruises’ unique activities include seminars through the Creative Learning Institute, with choices like wine tasting, Tai Chi lessons, art classes, and a Computer University@Sea.
Seabourn Cruise Line
The cozy and social atmosphere on Seabourn’s small ships assures solo travelers will not be overlooked. Plus, getting to know fellow cruisers and staffers is easy.
One of Seabourn’s lovely traditions is to have its officers, staff, and entertainers host dinner tables, not only on a formal evening but about every night.
Solo travelers receive special consideration when it comes to invites, so you won’t have to dine alone if you don’t choose to. As well, single travelers will be escorted across the dining room by the maitre d’ or other staffers, which is a nice touch.
Seabourn’s standard single supplement is 75 percent more than the double-occupancy fare for ocean view, veranda, penthouse, and penthouse spa suites. Meanwhile, it is 100 percent more for premium suites.
The line also offers single guarantee fares for 50% more than the double-occupancy fares. With this pricing, Seabourn will be the one to choose the stateroom location if the availability becomes limited.
Some cruise lines do make an effort to cater to solo travelers. Some will significantly reduce or even remove single supplements to fill berths.
Some lines offer meet-and-greets or group dining for single cruisers.
Additionally, several lines now offer dedicated solo cabins, promoting priced-for-one fares. This makes it higher than the per-person cost for a double occupancy cabin but lower than assuming the single standard cabin’s price.