The Best Cruises for Singles Ready to Find Love (or Just a Good Time)

If you’re single and open to meeting someone new, heading out to sea could be exactly what you need. But let’s be honest—not every cruise is designed with singles in mind.

Solo cruisers today come from all walks of life. There are single parents looking to unwind while the kids stay busy, groups of friends in their twenties after some laid-back fun, and even those exploring cruises with a bit of a cheeky twist—like clothing-optional options (turns out pineapples and flamingos aren’t always just decorations).

Whether you’re sailing alone, travelling with friends, or juggling family life as a single parent, there’s a cruise tailored just for you. Here are four great options to help you connect with like-minded travellers at sea…

1. Singles Cruises

If your main aim is meeting other singles who are definitely up for mingling, booking yourself onto a dedicated singles cruise is a pretty solid move.

These cruises bring together anywhere from a handful to hundreds of solo travellers who are ready to socialise, relax, and maybe spark a little romance. Travel agents organise plenty of onboard fun—from casual cocktail mixers and laid-back breakfast socials to surprisingly competitive waterslide races.

But a quick heads-up: these aren’t necessarily party ships where everyone’s just looking for a casual fling. Sure, some passengers might be hoping to find love, while others genuinely just want to make new friends. So don’t assume everyone is looking for a hookup—though your chances are probably better here than on your average cruise.

Singles cruises often cater to specific age brackets—think 20s and 30s, over-40s, or even over-50s. Choose carefully to match your own vibe and avoid any awkward generational gaps.

One last tip: not all cruises are exclusively singles-only. Some have singles meet-ups onboard regular sailings, meaning you might bump into a few passengers who are already coupled up—so always double-check before turning on the charm!

2. Music-Themed Cruises

If jumping onto a dedicated singles cruise feels a bit too full-on, why not hit up a music-themed cruise instead? It’s basically like a floating festival—only cleaner and without the muddy tents.

There’s something for every taste, whether you’re into rock legends, pop icons, reggae vibes, or head-banging heavy metal. Imagine dancing the night away to your favourite tunes, surrounded by people who share your music obsession (and who definitely had access to showers).

These cruises keep things chill, fun, and pressure-free, making it super easy to bump into other solo travellers who just might become your new favourite gig buddy—or something more.

3. Sexy Theme Cruises

Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room: not all “sexy cruises” are created equal. Most so-called “sexy cruises” are actually swinger-focused, meaning they’re generally only open to couples or single women.

These cruises are usually described as “sexy” rather than full-on “sex cruises,” mostly to avoid making things awkward at family dinners. And fair warning: the average age onboard might be older than you expect, so if witnessing naked seniors in the breakfast queue isn’t your cup of tea, maybe give these a pass.

However, if you’re after something a bit younger and more vibrant, Temptation Cruises could be exactly your vibe. Think pool parties, topless-friendly zones, celebrity DJs spinning tracks, spicy themed nights, and even an “R-Rated Red Room”—yeah, exactly what you’re imagining.

While public displays of affection (and more) are strictly off-limits, what happens behind your stateroom doors—or even on your private balcony—is totally up to you. If you’re genuinely searching for a cruise with a sexy twist and a chance to let loose, Temptation Cruises is probably your best bet.

4. Regular Cruises

Sometimes, the simplest option is the best option and just booking a regular cruise can genuinely be your best bet for meeting someone new. But let’s be real, some cruise lines are far better at playing Cupid than others.

If you’re younger, think under 40, and looking for a lively crowd, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises are your go-to choices. These lines are known for attracting a younger, more energetic audience – perfect for casual flirting by the pool or late-night dancefloor connections.

On the other hand, if you’re over 50 and prefer mingling with travellers in your own age group, Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Holland America, P&O Cruises, and Saga are your best bets for more mature social scenes and relaxed meet-ups.

For anyone craving an adults-only vibe without kids around, Virgin Voyages is a standout—think trendy bars, unique entertainment, and plenty of single-friendly spaces. Carnival is also known for its buzzing atmosphere, especially on shorter weekend cruises or during spring break, making them ideal for those spontaneous meet-ups.

Bonus tip: Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line both regularly host singles mixers onboard. These relaxed meet-ups are ideal for single parents looking to enjoy some grown-up company while the kids are busy having fun at the kids’ club.

The Best Destinations for Singles

When it comes to cruises, picking the right destination is half the battle.

If you’re in the US, cruises from Florida heading over to the Bahamas are a no-brainer. Short and sweet, these trips usually throw in a day chilling at a private island—perfect for mingling on sunbeds or getting to know fellow passengers over beach cocktails.

Meanwhile, if you’re based in the UK, you can’t beat a quick cruise with an overnight stay in Amsterdam. It’s basically tailor-made for people who love a bit of nightlife, and booking a group excursion through your cruise line is a guaranteed way to meet like-minded people onboard.

Quick heads-up: shorter trips, especially weekend getaways, typically attract groups of mates and solo travellers, while longer cruises tend to be more popular with couples and families. Keep that in mind when you’re planning your next escape.

You Could Also Try a Cruise Dating App

Yes, cruise dating apps are officially a thing. If you’re keen to scope out potential matches before even stepping on board, downloading something like Cruise Ship Mingle can seriously boost your chances. It’s basically Tinder—but specifically designed for cruisers—so you can break the ice early and set the stage for a smooth meetup at sea.

And no, it’s definitely not weird to cruise alone…

Going solo on a cruise used to feel a bit awkward, but that’s rapidly changing. Most modern ships now have specially designed cabins just for solo travellers, meaning you won’t get stung by paying extra for unused space.

Interestingly, solo cruising has become especially popular with women because it’s safe, relaxed, and super social. Crew members are always around to help out, and organised excursions mean you don’t have to stress about exploring alone.

And honestly? Making friends onboard is pretty easy. Sharing a table at dinner, joining group activities, or chatting on excursions can quickly lead to friendships and sometimes even cruise buddies you’ll want to travel with again and again.

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