Solo cruising has changed dramatically in recent years. Once limited and expensive due to high single supplement fees, more cruise lines are now offering dedicated solo cabins or ways to cruise without paying double.
Whether you want a budget-friendly studio or a roomy single balcony, this updated guide covers all the major single cruise cabin options in 2026.
Which Cruise Lines Have Solo Cabins? (Quick Answer)
These popular cruise lines currently offer dedicated solo cabins or strong options for single travellers:
- Norwegian Cruise Line — largest number of studio cabins for solo passengers
- Royal Caribbean — solo studio cabins on select ships
- Celebrity Cruises – single staterooms on newer ships
- P&O Cruises — single cabins on ships like Britannia and Iona
- MSC Cruises – solo-friendly options on several ships
- Cunard — traditional single staterooms on its Queen ships
- Holland America Line – solo cabins on its three Pinnacle Class ships
- Virgin Voyages — stylish solo insider and sea-view cabins
Solo cabins are designed for one person and help travellers avoid or reduce the single supplement fee often charged when booking alone.
What Is a Solo Cruise Cabin?
Solo cabins are staterooms priced for one person, designed specifically for solo travellers. They can range from compact studios to full balcony rooms, and many come with social benefits like lounges or dedicated events for solo guests.
What Is a Single Supplement on Cruises?
Cruise pricing is based on double occupancy, meaning fares are calculated assuming two people share a cabin. When one person travels alone, cruise lines often charge a single supplement, which covers the revenue they lose from the second passenger.
In simple terms, you’re paying extra because the cruise line could have sold that cabin to two people.
The supplement typically ranges from 25% to 100% of the per-person fare, depending on:
- Cruise line
- Ship
- Itinerary
- Time of year
- Cabin category
Luxury and small-ship cruises often have higher supplements, whilst mainstream lines sometimes run promotions with reduced or waived supplements.
Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travellers in 2026
Here’s an updated list of cruise lines that actively offer solo cabins or have strong solo-friendly policies this year.
1. Norwegian Cruise Line — Most solo options across the fleet
Norwegian is widely regarded as the leader in solo cruising. Nearly all of its ships now include studio cabins for solo travellers, often without a single supplement.
Studios vary by ship but typically include interior, oceanview, and balcony options, plus exclusive access to the Studio Lounge, a social space just for solos.
Ships with studios include:
- Norwegian Bliss
- Norwegian Encore
- Norwegian Prima
- Norwegian Viva
- Pride of America
- Norwegian Epic, and more
2. Royal Caribbean International — Solo & small cabin options
Although solo cabins do not have penetration across Royal Caribbean’s entire fleet, they offer three types of single cruise cabins. Availability will depend on which ship you are sailing.
- Inside studio stateroom – similar in size to the studio cabins on NCL
- Virtual balcony stateroom – these innovative interior staterooms feature a floor-to-ceiling LED screen displaying real-time ocean (or port) views.
- Super studio balcony stateroom – Super studios are 199 sq. ft. with a 55 sq. ft. balcony and full-size beds. These are the best of the bunch and are on Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.
3. Celebrity Cruises – Upmarket solo cruising
I have always had a fantastic experience with Celebrity, from the balmy beaches of the Western Caribbean to the bracing winds of the Baltic cities. Although they have been slow off the blocks when it comes to accommodating those cruising alone, they now offer offers a limited number of dedicated solo staterooms on some of the newer ships, particularly in the Edge Class (such as Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond and Ascent).
These include stylish single Infinite Veranda cabins designed for one guest, featuring modern décor and the same premium amenities as standard staterooms. At the push of a button, the veranda doors slide into the sides of the room, transforming the entire stateroom into a large veranda.
However, not all Celebrity ships have solo cabins, and availability is low. On many sailings, solo travellers may still need to book a regular cabin and pay a single supplement, although promotions sometimes reduce this.
4. P&O Cruises – Good for British solo travellers
P&O is usually more affordable than Celebrity, and offers single cabins on a number of popular ships, including Britannia, Iona, Ventura and Azura. These come in interior, sea view and balcony formats and are often larger than typical solo cabins on other lines. Like Royal Caribbean, the type of solo cabin will depend on the ship.
P&O’s ships also tend to have onboard social events, making them a great option for solo travellers who want community as well as comfort.
5. MSC’s Cruises – Social and modern vibe
After a not-so-great Adriatic cruise with MSC, I’m not a huge fan of this operator. But it is popular and fast-growing cruise line and has started adding cabins for solo travellers.
It doesn’t have as many dedicated solo cabins as some other lines, but it does offer some solo-friendly sailing options. On several ships, especially in the World class (like MSC World Europa and World America), there are interior and ocean-view studio cabins that can be booked without a full double-occupancy fare.
On other MSC sailings, solo travellers can still book regular cabins, though you’ll usually face a single supplement (in some cases a reduced percentage during promotions rather than the full double rate). MSC also runs occasional single-supplement-reduction deals on selected Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries in peak seasons.
6. Cunard Line — Traditional, spacious solo staterooms
Cunard is theepitome of elegant, traditional cruising. It offers single cabins across its fleet of three ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
Their Single Inside staterooms and Single Oceanview staterooms are centrally located, close to the theatre and ballroom. However, this relatively busy location may not suit all passengers.
7. Holland America Line – Premium cruising to exotic destinations
The Seattle-based Holland America Line (HAL) is another cruise line in the premium mould. Much of its fleet is getting on in years but the company has recently invested in upgrading its ships.
All three of its Pinnacle Class ships – Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam – offer roomy Single Ocean View Rooms (127 – 172 sq. ft) featuring a queen-sized bed.
8. Virgin Voyages – Stylish solo cabins + social vibe
Virgin Voyages is the trendy new kid on the block. All of its adult-only ships has an allocation of solo cabins, including solo insider (interior) and solo sea view categories. These cabins are designed with modern style and tech-friendly features .
Other Notable Solo & Solo-Friendly Options
Many river cruise lines and luxury/small-ship operators also cater to solo travellers with dedicated cabins or low supplements:
- AmaWaterways — river ships with single cabins and no single supplement on select sailings.
- American Cruise Lines — small ships/riverboats with single occupancy cabins.
- Emerald Cruises — single cabins on most rivers.
- Scenic & Riviera — select ships with solo options or reduced supplement sailings
How Much Do Solo Cabins Cost in 2026?
Solo cabin pricing varies widely by line and itinerary:
- Norwegian Cruise Line studios typically let you avoid the single supplement entirely, making the cruise fare close to what others pay per person.
- P&O Cruises and Virgin Voyages solo cabins are often priced competitively compared to double cabins booked solo.
- Luxury and expedition lines (e.g., Silversea) may still charge a supplement but often offer reduced solo rates or inclusive perks.
💡 Tip: On many lines, booking early or choosing off-peak dates can significantly reduce the supplement or fare.
Tips for Booking Solo Cabins Successfully
1. Search for “1 guest” or “solo cabin” filters. Many cruise booking sites hide solo cabins unless you specifically search for one person.
2. Book early. Solo cabins are limited and sell out quickly, especially on popular sailings.
3. Join solo travel programs. Some cruise lines have dedicated events or meetups for single cruisers, which can enhance the social experience.
4. Be flexible with departure dates and ships. More options often means better pricing and availability.
Final Verdict: Are Single Cruise Cabins Worth It?
For many solo travellers, the higher cost of travelling alone is one of the biggest barriers to cruising. Solo cabins are designed to reduce this unfair “solo travel tax”, but they are not automatically the best deal.
As a very general rule, expect a dedicated solo cruise cabin to cost around 125–160% of the per-person price of the same cabin category when shared. That might sound steep, but it can still be better than the typical single supplement, which can push the cost of a standard cabin to 125–200% of the per-person fare.
In other words, solo cabins often reduce the penalty of travelling alone, they don’t eliminate it.
Availability is a major factor
If you decide a solo cabin is right for you, book as early as possible. These cabins are limited in number and in high demand, especially on popular itineraries. Waiting can mean they sell out, leaving only standard cabins with higher supplements.
But always compare — The cheapest option isn’t always the solo cabin
Pricing varies wildly between ships, sailings and cabin locations, so there’s no universal answer. Sometimes the difference between a solo cabin and sole occupancy of a regular cabin is small, and the regular cabin may offer:
- A better location
- More space
- A larger bed
- A quieter setting
My experience booking a solo cruise
On my Norway fjords cruise aboard P&O Britannia, I had the choice of a single balcony cabin or a standard balcony cabin booked for sole occupancy.
Although Britannia’s dedicated single balcony cabins were a welcome option, they had smaller beds and were grouped on the Lido deck along a corridor connecting the pool area to a bar — a high-traffic, potentially noisy spot.
When I compared prices, the difference between the single cabin and a standard balcony cabin was marginal. Choosing the regular cabin for more space and a better location was an easy decision, and one that improved my overall experience.
The bigger picture for solo cruisers
It’s encouraging that more cruise lines are introducing solo cabins, but the reality is that solo travellers are still financially disadvantaged. Cruise business models rely heavily on onboard spending, and ships are designed around double occupancy. From the cruise line’s perspective, one passenger in a cabin means less potential revenue.
That’s why true pricing equality for solo cruisers is unlikely anytime soon.
So… Should you book one?
A solo cruise cabin is worth it if:
- The price difference vs a standard cabin is significant
- You don’t mind a smaller space
- Avoiding supplement calculations gives you peace of mind
- Availability is limited in regular cabins
But if the cost is similar, a standard cabin booked for one person can offer better comfort, space and location.
The smartest strategy isn’t to assume solo cabins are the best option — it’s to compare both every time you book.
For solo travellers, cruising is becoming more accessible, but navigating the pricing still requires a little strategy.
Solo Cruise Cabin FAQs
Do solo cruise cabins completely avoid the single supplement?
Not always. Solo cabins are priced for one person, which usually means you avoid paying for an empty second berth. However, the fare may still be higher than half the cost of a shared cabin, so you’re often paying a reduced supplement rather than none at all.
Are solo cruise cabins smaller than regular cabins?
Yes, in most cases. Solo cabins are often more compact than standard interior or balcony cabins. They’re designed efficiently for one guest, so storage and floor space may be limited. Always check the cabin’s square footage before booking.
Which cruise line has the most solo cabins?
Norwegian Cruise Line is widely considered the leader, offering the largest number of studio cabins across much of its fleet, along with dedicated solo lounges and social meetups.
Is it cheaper to book a solo cabin or pay a single supplement?
It depends on the sailing. Sometimes a solo cabin offers better value; other times, a regular cabin with a reduced supplement promotion may cost about the same — while giving you more space or a better location. Always compare both options before booking.
Do solo cruisers feel lonely on a cruise?
Not usually. Cruises are naturally social environments, and many lines now organise meetups, dining groups and activities specifically for solo travellers. You can be as social — or as independent — as you like.
When should I book a solo cruise cabin?
As early as possible. Solo cabins are limited in number and often sell out first, especially on popular routes and peak-season sailings.
Are there alternatives if solo cabins are sold out?
Yes. Look for sailings with reduced or waived single supplements, consider shoulder-season departures, or compare the cost of a standard cabin booked for one person.
PS. If you’ve found this solo cabin review helpful, take a look at my guide to booking a cruise and which cruise cabins to avoid.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.