Cruises are back among the most popular luxury vacations this summer, and so is traveling solo. If you decide to combine the two, this one’s for you. We’ve rounded up the 7 best luxury vacation cruises that are perfectly tailored for solo travelers right now, including voyages on the fleets of Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Ponant and more.
luxury cruises are back and more popular than ever
It was a bit touch and go for cruises in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. But now they are fully back with a vengeance. A 2023 AAA survey finds 52% of U.S. adults are just as likely or more likely to consider taking a cruise vacation as they were before the pandemic and that is a 45% increase from 2022. And a lot of those adults are solo travelers. As of June 2022, the search for solo travel is up 120% from the year before.
“Cruising is back in a big way. We expect a lot more people to book cruises in 2023 as several new ships have entered the market,” says Paula Twidale, AAA Senior Vice President of Travel.
Luxury cruises are popular again, and can be a perfect escape for solo travelers.
a luxury cruise can actually be the perfect vacation for solo travelers
And though you may think of cruises as family affairs they can be perfect for solo travelers as well. In addition to all the benefits of cruises (four-star accommodations on board, ability to see multiple countries on one trip) for the solo traveler, they can be especially fitting. Cruises provide a conducive environment for socializing and meeting new people. There are numerous onboard activities, group excursions, and shared dining options that allow solo travelers to connect with fellow passengers. This makes it easier to make friends and form social connections during the cruise.
What are the best luxury vacation cruises for solo travelers?
First of all, cruises offer a controlled and safe environment for solo travelers. The ships have strict security measures in place, and the presence of onboard staff ensures a level of safety throughout the journey. This can provide peace of mind for solo travelers, especially those concerned about traveling alone in unfamiliar destinations.
Solo travelers can also enjoy the amenities and services without having to worry about the logistics of transportation, accommodation, or meal planning. Plus a solo traveler can tailor the experience to work for them. You choose your activity, your entertainment, your food and whether you leave your room or not (though hopefully you do)! This flexibility ensures that solo travelers can create an itinerary that suits their interests and pace. Plus, many cruise lines now offer single occupancy cabins or staterooms specifically designed for solo travelers. These accommodations are typically priced without the need to pay a single supplement, making them more affordable for individuals traveling alone.
Set sail on one of the 7 best luxury cruises perfectly tailored for solo travelers.
We have compiled a list of some of the best cruises for solo travelers. Bon voyage!
7 best luxury cruises perfectly tailored for solo travelers
1. Cunard Line – Queen Mary 2
Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 offers single staterooms designed specifically for solo travelers. These staterooms provide a comfortable and private space, along with access to the exclusive single traveler lounge.
2. Silversea Cruises
Silversea loves solo travelers! Every voyage includes a champagne Welcome Reception, so you can meet fellow solo travelers, and on select voyages, Gentlemen Hosts are also available as dance partners or dinner companions. All-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite, personalized butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, enrichment and entertainment programs, and all onboard gratuities.
3. Regent’s Seven Seas Grandeur
You’ll have to wait a bit for this one, but it is worth it. Regent’s newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, will begin her 2025 season sailing the Mediterranean on April 2, 2025, with a 14-night voyage from Barcelona, Spain to Istanbul, Turkey. She will sail the Mediterranean’s crystal waters, venturing to new ports including Chios, Greece and Brindisi, Italy – before sailing north on June 1, 2025, from Lisbon, Portugal. Highlights of Seven Seas Grandeur’s very first Northern Europe season include new ports of call Narsaq, Greenland; Siglufjordur, Iceland, and Ulvik (Hardangerfjord), Norway.
Luxury cruises can be a perfect vacation option for solo travelers.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Studio Staterooms: NCL is known for its “Studio” staterooms, which are designed specifically for solo travelers. These rooms are compact yet comfortable and come with exclusive access to a private lounge where solo travelers can meet and mingle with fellow passengers. NCL offers Studio staterooms on many of their ships.
5. Celebrity Apex
This ship boasts that is has the most single staterooms (24), and is the ultimate cruise for foodies. You will have a choice of 29 eateries including restaurants, bars and lounges. And you can bet this includes a handful of Michelin-starred chefs and premiere mixologists. What a perfect environment for meeting new people! Plus this ship has no waterslides if you are trying to avoid the whole kiddie-cruise aspect.
6. Royal Caribbean International
One of the most popular cruise lines, the Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class and Oasis-class ships feature single occupancy staterooms ideal for solo travelers. Plus this is a rather affordable option as you won’t have to pay a single supplement. The ships also offer various activities and entertainment options, making it easy to meet other travelers.
The best luxury vacation cruises perfect for solo travelers.
7. Ponant
If you are looking for a smaller ship Le Ponant and Le Boreal: Ponant is a luxury cruise line that offers small-ship expeditions (like yachts!) to various destinations including Africa, Alaska, the Middle East & Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, Central America and Asia. . While they don’t have dedicated single staterooms, they often have special offers and reduced single supplements for solo travelers. The intimate atmosphere and focus on exploration make Ponant a popular choice for solo adventurers.
The 7 best luxurious cruises perfect right now for solo travelers
If you are a solo traveler, be sure to check with each cruise line for specific itineraries, availability, and any additional perks or activities they offer for solo travelers. Also really research the atmosphere of the ship. What kind of entertainment do you want? What kind of food? Onboard activities? This is your vacation so you need to make sure it is what you want.
