One of the most common questions among cruise travelers, especially first-time cruisers, is whether cruising alone is worth it. The idea of a solo cruise can feel intimidating if you have never traveled by yourself, while even experienced solo travelers may wonder if a cruise is better enjoyed with a companion.
As someone who has cruised solo several times, I can confidently say that solo cruising is not for everyone, but for the right traveler, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Below, I break down the benefits and drawbacks of cruising alone, who it is best suited for, and how to make the most of a solo cruise vacation.
Why Would You Want to Cruise Alone?
One of the biggest reasons people choose to cruise solo is flexibility. It is often easier to take time off work or travel during less popular sailings when you are not coordinating schedules with friends or family. This flexibility can open the door to better pricing, fewer crowds, and itineraries that might not otherwise work.
Another major benefit of cruising alone is having complete control over your schedule. You decide when to eat, which activities to attend, what excursions to book, and when to relax. There is no need to compromise on dining times, entertainment choices, or port plans, and you can change your mind at any time without worrying about inconveniencing anyone else.
Cruise ships are also far more social than many people expect. From trivia games and live shows to bars, pools, and lounges, there are countless opportunities to strike up conversations. Finding a seat for one in theaters, on the pool deck, or at the bar is often easier during busy times, which can actually be an advantage for solo cruisers.
Cruise lines have also begun catering more intentionally to solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line, in particular, offers single-occupancy staterooms on many newer ships, often with access to a dedicated solo lounge that includes snacks and hosted meetups. Many cruise lines now organize solo traveler gatherings, allow solo guests on all excursions as long as space is available, and accommodate individual diners without hesitation. There is very little you cannot do on a cruise simply because you are traveling alone.
Why You Might Not Want to Cruise Solo
The biggest downside of cruising alone is cost. Cruise fares are typically based on double occupancy, which means solo travelers often pay a single supplement. Depending on the sailing, this supplement can be minimal or nearly equal to the cost of a second passenger, excluding port fees and taxes. Websites such as VacationToGo make it easier to identify sailings with lower solo supplements, but pricing is still something to consider.
There are also added safety considerations when cruising solo. While cruise ships are generally very safe environments, traveling alone means you do not have a companion to help watch your belongings, make sure you return to the ship on time, or check in on you after a late night. This does not make solo cruising unsafe, but it does require a bit more awareness and personal responsibility.
Tips for Making a Solo Cruise More Enjoyable
If meeting people is part of your goal, spending time in social areas of the ship is key. Hot tubs, pools, bars, lounges, trivia events, and shows are all natural places to interact with other guests, especially on sea days. If you enjoy gambling, table games such as blackjack can be particularly social and may even help you earn future cruise discounts through casino loyalty programs.
Taking excursions is another great way to meet people while cruising alone. Ship-sponsored excursions are almost always open to solo travelers as long as they are not sold out, and they attract guests with similar interests. In some cases, such as adventure or vehicle-based excursions, solo travelers may even receive their own equipment or ride.
Dining alone on a cruise is far more common than many first-time solo cruisers expect. Most main dining rooms can easily accommodate solo diners with two-top tables, and some nights offer communal seating when available. Bringing a book can make solo dining feel more comfortable and relaxing, and service is often quicker when dining alone.
For travelers who prefer a quieter experience, cruise ships offer plenty of peaceful spaces. Upper decks away from the main pool areas, libraries with ocean views, and adults-only sections on certain ships provide excellent places to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Solo cruising can be as social or as tranquil as you want it to be.
Is Cruising Alone Worth It?
So, should you cruise solo? The answer depends on how you want to experience your vacation.
Cruising alone is an excellent option if you value flexibility, enjoy independence, want a safe introduction to solo travel, or appreciate the balance of social opportunities and personal downtime. If you have never traveled by yourself before, a cruise can be one of the easiest and least stressful ways to start, thanks to built-in dining, entertainment, transportation, and accommodations.
Whether you are traveling with others or setting sail on your own, cruising offers a unique escape. For many travelers, taking one solo cruise is all it takes to realize that cruising alone is not just manageable, but something they look forward to doing again.
