3 Best Cruise Lines for Single Cabins

Solo traveling is a solid match with cruise vacations. And, the good news is that the best cruise lines have eliminated the pesky and costly ‘single supplement’. This was an extra charge (some say ‘penalty’) levied against people traveling unaccompanied. Those days are gone; and ships have created single cabins with amenities rather than sticking solo travelers in double rooms or dark corners near the engine.

Here are our recommendations for your next solo cruise vacation:

Royal Caribbean

This line offers a choice of ‘interior studio’ or ‘super studio’ accommodations with no single supplement. Either cabin type includes a flat-screen TV, and full bathroom facilities. The interior studios are just over 100 sq. ft., have either twin or full beds, and display ocean views on an 80-inch LED display. Super studios are 199 sq. ft. with a 55 sq. ft. balcony and full-size beds.

Solo cabins are in the following Royal Caribbean cruise ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas.

As of publication, loyalty points are only earned in a regular stateroom when you pay the supplement.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line was one of the first to create a studio stateroom for solo travelers several years ago. These accommodations are approximately 100 sq. ft., have a full-size bed, full bathroom facilities, flat-screen TV, adjustable lighting, and clean modern styles with tropical color highlights. As a single traveler, you’ll have keycard access to private areas for drinks, room service, and entertainment.
Solo cabins with no single supplement are offered on the following Norwegian cruise ships:

Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Pride of America, and Norwegian Getaway.

Holland America Line

Booking a singles cabin with Holland America takes a bit of advanced planning. There is currently only one ship offering these spaces, but they rate on the upscale side of cruise line cabins. On the ms Koningsdam there are 12 ocean-view rooms at various locations around the ship. They measure 127-172 sq. ft., have twin beds, USB ports, bathrobes, fruit baskets, and decorator touches of color and design.

At the end of 2018, Holland America plans to launch the ms Nieuw Statendam. The solo cabins in this vessel will include the above amenities along with a mini-fridge, Egyptian cotton sheets, safe, corner bar, turndown service, and other luxury appointments.

This line does not charge the onerous single supplement (as of publication).

Insider tip: If solo river cruising across the globe is your preference, the following have single cabins: AmaWaterways, Vantage, Viking River Cruises, and American Steamboat Company. Most charge the single traveler penalty, but will often waive it upon request. You just have to ask!

Finally, booking single cabins as early as possible is always advised. They are limited in number. In the alternative, most cruise lines have a solo traveler matching program if you wouldn’t mind sharing a cabin with another (same gender) passenger. Either way, there are fun benefits when taking a cruise all by yourself. So bon voyage!

Angela is a professional freelance travel writer and published indie author – AngelaMinor.com