Solo cabins, single cabins & solo cruise pricing explained

Cruise fares are typically priced on a twin-share basis, meaning the headline fare assumes two people in a cabin. When you book a cabin for one, cruise lines may apply a single supplement to cover the second berth. That’s why solo cruising can sometimes look more expensive at first glance.

The good news: there are a few smart ways to cruise solo without paying more than you need to, and the right option depends on whether your priority is a solo cabin, the best value deal, or the most social onboard experience.

Solo cabins (single cabins/studio staterooms)

Some ships offer cabins designed or allocated for one guest, often called solo cabins, single cabins, or studio staterooms. These are usually limited in number, so they can sell out quickly on popular itineraries and peak travel dates. If your goal is securing a cabin built for solo travellers, it’s worth booking early and staying flexible on ship and sailing date.

No single supplement (and reduced supplement) offers

If a ship doesn’t have solo cabins – or they’re sold out, the best value often comes from promotions that reduce the solo surcharge.

A no single supplement offer means the usual extra charge for travelling alone is waived or reduced on selected sailings and cabin categories. These deals can be limited and tend to move quickly when released. You’ll also see reduced single supplement offers, which can still represent excellent value when solo cabins aren’t available.

The three best ways to get solo value

When you’re comparing offers, these are the most common “value paths” for solo travellers:

• Solo/single cabins: best when you want a cabin priced for one (limited availability)
• No single supplement: strongest deal signal when it’s available
• Reduced supplement: a great middle ground when you’re flexible on cabin category

What’s included on a solo cruise?

Whether you’re travelling solo or with others, cruises typically include the same core essentials:

• Accommodation onboard
• Main meals (and snacks, depending on cruise line)
• Entertainment and onboard activities
• Pools, lounges, fitness and wellbeing options
• Shore excursions (included on some cruise lines; optional on others)

Each deal on this page will highlight what’s included, and if you’d like, our cruise experts can help compare inclusions across cruise lines to ensure you’re getting the best overall value.

What makes a cruise feel genuinely solo-friendly?

The best solo cruises balance independence with easy opportunities to connect, without forcing socialising. Features that can make a big difference include:

• Solo meetups and hosted events (cocktail mixers, games, group dinners on select sailings)
• Flexible dining (open seating or easy-to-book shared tables)
• Solo-friendly cabin categories (studio/solo cabins on selected ships)
• Social spaces designed for connection (lounges, classes and shared areas)
• Group shore excursions (a relaxed way to explore and meet people)

If you’re new to solo cruising, choosing a ship with a welcoming social flow — plus ports that are easy to explore — can make the whole experience feel effortless.

Cruise lines that often work well for solo travellers

Solo-friendly options vary by ship and sailing date, but these cruise lines are often worth exploring when you’re looking for solo cabins or solo offers:

• Ama Waterways
• Azamara
• Celebrity
• Crystal
• Emerald
• Holland America Line
• Hurtigruten Expeditions
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania
• Ponant
• Scenic 
• Silversea
• Uniworld

Tips for finding the best solo cruise deal

A few practical strategies can help you get better value:

• Book early if you specifically want a solo/single cabin category — numbers are limited
• Stay flexible on dates and cabin type — many solo deals apply to selected sailings only
• Look for the labels on this page: “No single supplement” and “Reduced supplement”
• Speak with a cruise expert as we can compare multiple cruise lines and monitor new deals as they appear