Best Cruise Lines For Solo Travelers: Find Your Perfect Solo Cruise Fit

Solo cruising in 2026 isn’t just for the “brave” anymore. Between real solo cabins, hosted meetups, and more sailings with reduced single supplements, it’s easier than ever to book a trip that feels comfortable on your own.

Here’s the part most people learn the expensive way: the “best” solo cruise isn’t about the itinerary—it’s about picking the right ship style. Choose wrong and you can end up paying more, feeling out of place, or spending the week awkwardly strategizing dinner.

Big ships and small ships both work for solo travelers… but for totally different reasons. And the cruise lines that do solo well tend to have a few “tells”. The hidden costs of solo cruising often surprise people but there are ways to avoid them.

First, the reality check every solo cruiser should know before hitting “book.”

The Solo Cruiser Reality Check for 2026

Cruising solo is one of those ideas that sounds either wildly relaxing or slightly terrifying. But here’s the truth: a cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel alone without feeling alone.

You’ve got built-in meals, built-in entertainment, and a ship full of people who also came here to have a good time. Even if you’re an introvert, you’ll still end up chatting with someone in a hot tub, in an elevator, or while waiting for a show.

The big “ugh” for solo cruisers is still pricing. Most cruise cabins are priced for two people, which is why that single supplement exists (aka the solo tax).

The good news for 2026: more cruise lines are finally treating solo travelers like a real audience, not an afterthought. That means more solo cabins, more hosted meetups, and more sailings where the supplement is reduced (or sometimes gone).

Now the real question is this:
Do you want a ship that feels like a floating city… or one that feels like a fancy neighborhood? Because big ships and small ships can both be amazing for solo travelers. They just work in totally different ways.

Big Ships vs. Small Ships: What Actually Changes When You’re Alone

On a big ship, you can be as social or as invisible as you want. If you’re feeling chatty, you can bounce from trivia to a themed party to a comedy show and meet people the entire time. If you’re not feeling it, you can grab a pizza, find a quiet deck chair, and nobody will notice you’re doing your own thing.

Big ships also make “solo” feel normal. You’ll see plenty of people eating alone, reading alone, wandering alone. It’s not weird. It’s just Tuesday.

Small ships flip that script. They tend to feel friendlier faster, because you’ll see the same faces over and over.

But small ships can also feel more “together.” Think shared excursions, set dining times, and more of a group-friendly vibe (in a good way, if you like that).

Here’s the simplest way I can put it:

• Big ships are better when you want options, anonymity, and a constant stream of things to do.
• Small ships are better when you want connection, calmer spaces, and less decision fatigue.

So what’s “best” for solo travel? It comes down to what you want your days (and nights) to feel like.

What Makes a Cruise Line Solo-Friendly and What’s Just Marketing

Lots of cruise lines will say they’re “great for solo travelers.” Then you get onboard and realize that means… there’s a daily “Singles Meetup” listed in the app and that’s about it.

The cruise lines that actually do solo well usually nail a few things:

Real Solo Cabins Priced for One

This is the biggest deal.
If a line has true solo cabins, you’re not stuck paying for a room built for two people.

Norwegian, MSC, Holland America, and Celebrity all have solo stateroom categories on select ships.

A Dedicated Solo Space Even if It’s Small

A lounge or hangout that’s specifically for solo guests is underrated. It gives you an easy “home base” where it’s normal to talk to strangers, grab a coffee, and make plans for the night.

Norwegian is the poster child here with Studio Lounge access included for Solo and Studio staterooms.

Social Programming That Doesn’t Feel Awkward

A good solo meetup doesn’t feel forced or awkward. The best ones turn into a quick “who’s hungry?” moment and suddenly you’ve got a dinner plan.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian both push solo cruising tips and social options, and you’ll often see solo meetups listed right in the daily schedule.

Flexible Dining Options

If you’re solo, dining can either be the best part (new friends!) or the part that makes you overthink everything.
Lines that make dining flexible—anytime dining, bar seating, shared tables by choice—tend to feel more comfortable when you’re alone.

The “Solo Vibe” of the Ship

This one is hard to measure, but you know it when you feel it.
Some ships are built around big group travel (families, multi-gen, friend squads). Others naturally attract more independent travelers.

That’s why I’m splitting the best options into big ships and small ships.
You can pick the vibe you want, then pick the cruise line that does it best.

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

Best Big-Ship Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Big ships are for the solo traveler who wants choices. You’re not relying on one lounge, one band, or one bar to have a good night. If the crowd is weird in one place, you just… leave.

Here are the big-ship lines that consistently feel easiest to do solo.

Norwegian Cruise Line

If you’ve ever googled “best cruise for solo travelers,” Norwegian pops up for a reason. They’ve leaned into solo cruising for years, and they’re still one of the strongest bets.

Why it works solo:

• Real Solo and Studio stateroom categories priced for one, on select ships.
• Studio Lounge access included with solo cabins, which makes meeting people feel effortless.
• The ship doesn’t feel like it’s built only for couples and families.

Who it’s best for:
Solo cruisers who want a social safety net, but still like the freedom to do their own thing.

Suggested read: Avoid These 16 Cabins on NCL

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is a great “floating city” pick. There’s always something happening, and you can make a whole friend group without even trying (especially on sea days).

Why it works solo:

• Select ships have studio/single staterooms designed for solo travelers.
• The daily schedule is packed, so you’re never stuck wondering what to do next.
• Lots of venues means it’s easy to find your people (or avoid people).

Who it’s best for:
Solo travelers who like high-energy ships, late-night options, and plenty of onboard entertainment.

Suggested read: You Might Want To Avoid These Cabins On Your Next Royal Caribbean Cruise

MSC Cruises

MSC is sneaky-good for solo travelers, especially if you’re price-sensitive and you like newer ships. And unlike some mainstream lines, MSC does have studio interior cabins listed as single-use on certain ships.

Why it works solo:

• Studio Interior staterooms exist on select ships like MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima.
• Ships are loaded with public spaces, so it’s easy to find a corner that matches your mood.
• International vibe can make it feel less couple-centric.

Who it’s best for:
Solo cruisers who want a modern ship, a decent deal, and don’t need a solo lounge to have fun.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is the “big ship, but make it calm” option. It’s not a party ship, but it’s not boring either. It’s more like: good food, good design, and you can unwind without the constant buzz.

Why it works solo:

• Edge Series ships have dedicated Single staterooms with Infinite Veranda (a floor-to-ceiling window that lowers to create an open-air balcony feel) on select ships.
• The vibe skews more adult, which often means more solo travelers and a calmer social scene.
• Solo travel feels a little luxe without being stuffy.

Who it’s best for:
Solo travelers who want premium vibes, nicer dining, and a quieter ship overall.

Suggested read: Avoid These 14 Celebrity Cruises Cabins – Here’s Why

Virgin Voyages

Virgin is adults-only, and it shows. It’s one of the easiest ships to do solo if you want to meet people without forcing it.

Why it works solo:

• Virgin lists Solo Sea View and Solo Insider cabins as dedicated solo options.
• The ship’s layout encourages mingling (lounges, small venues, lots of hangout spots).
• Dining feels less formal and more “grab a seat and chat” friendly.

Who it’s best for:
Solo travelers who want a fun, modern cruise and don’t want kids around the pool.

Best Small-Ship Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Small ships are where solo travel can feel effortless. You’re not trying to find your way around a floating mall. You’re walking into the same lounge every night and seeing familiar faces.

The trade-off is usually price. Smaller ships often cost more per day. But if you want a cruise that feels personal, it can be worth it.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar is the anti-megaship. Think sailing yachts and small ships where everyone kind of knows everyone by day two.

Why it works solo:

• Windstar lists reduced single supplements on select voyages, including 2026 sailings.
• Small ship size makes it easy to meet people without “solo events” being your only option.
• Port-focused itineraries mean your days feel like real travel, not just ship life.

Who it’s best for:
Solo travelers who want a calmer ship, a social-but-not-loud vibe, and a lot of destination time.

Azamara

Azamara ships are small, destination-heavy, and tend to draw travelers who enjoy chatting and swapping stories. It’s one of those cruises where you end up sharing shore excursion tips over dinner.

Why it works solo:

• Azamara promotes solo traveler rates with reduced single supplements on select sailings.
• Longer port stays and overnights make solo exploring feel more relaxed.
• The onboard vibe is low-pressure social.

Who it’s best for:
Solo cruisers who care more about ports than water slides, and prefer a grown-up atmosphere.

Oceania Cruises Vista Specifically

Oceania is in that sweet spot where it feels luxurious, but not “white gloves and whispers.” The food is a huge part of the experience and Oceania has made the leap to being completely adults-only.

Why it works solo:

• Oceania Vista offers Concierge Level Solo Veranda staterooms designed for solo travelers.
• Smaller ship vibe makes dining and onboard life feel more personal.
• If you plan a cruise around restaurants, this is your place.

Who it’s best for:
Solo travelers who want a balcony, great dining, and a ship that doesn’t feel packed.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea is a luxury small-ship option where the vibe is polished, but still surprisingly easy to do solo, especially if you like quieter socializing (think pre-dinner drinks and a low-key lounge).

Why it works solo:

• Smaller ships make it easy to recognize faces and naturally fall into a routine with the same crowd.
• The atmosphere is adult-forward and service-driven, which can feel more comfortable when you’re traveling alone.
• Port-heavy itineraries and longer stays are great for solo exploring without feeling rushed.

Who it’s best for:
Solo travelers who want a more upscale, calm experience and don’t mind paying more for the “everything feels easy” factor.

How to Avoid Paying “Solo Tax”

You don’t need to accept the first price you see.

A few strategies that actually help:

• Look for true solo cabins first. If a line has solo categories, start there.
• Watch for reduced single supplement promos.
• Use a travel agent who books cruises often. A good one can flag solo-cabin inventory you might miss, track price drops, and point you to the best reduced single supplement promos (especially when they’re quietly added to certain sailings).
• Book early if you want a solo cabin. There aren’t many, and they go fast.
• Be flexible on cabin type. Sometimes an oceanview with a reduced supplement is cheaper than a solo cabin that’s in high demand.

And one more thing: don’t ignore shoulder-season sailings. A random week in late April or early December can have better solo pricing than the most popular school-holiday weeks.

Cabin Strategy for Solo Travelers: What I’d Book and What I’d Skip

Cabin choice matters more when you’re alone, because it’s your only private space.

Here’s how I think about it:

When a Solo Cabin Is the Smart Move

Book the solo cabin when:

• It’s truly priced for one (and the math works).
• You like the idea of a solo lounge or built-in solo community (hello, Norwegian).
• You’re not planning to spend a ton of time in your room anyway.

Solo cabins tend to be smaller. That’s the point. You’re paying for privacy, not square footage.

When I’d Pay More for a Regular Cabin

I’d size up when:

• The solo cabin is tiny and I’m doing a lot of sea days.
• I want a balcony for alone-time that feels like a treat (Celebrity’s Single Infinite Veranda is a nice example).
• I know I’ll need downtime away from the noise.

What I’d Skip Most of the Time

• Cabins right under the pool deck, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
• Anything right by a late-night venue if you’re not planning to be out late yourself.
• “Obstructed view” oceanviews unless the price is truly worth it.

Related reading: What Cruise Lines Don’t Explain About Cabin Types (But You Need to Know)

Final Call: Big Ship or Small Ship?

If you want nonstop entertainment, lots of dining choices, and the option to blend into the crowd, go big. Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are strong starting points, with MSC, Celebrity, and Virgin as great “depends on your vibe” picks.

If you want easier connections, calmer onboard life, and itineraries that feel more travel-forward, go smaller. Windstar, Azamara, Oceania, and Silversea can be fantastic if the budget (and the itinerary) fits.

Either way, solo cruising in 2026 is in a much better place than it used to be. More cabins. More options. Less awkwardness.

And honestly? Once you do one solo cruise, it’s hard not to start plotting the next one.

So… what’s your solo cruising style: big-ship buzz, or small-ship calm?

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