Here Are the Top Cruises for Independent Travelers

Traveling solo can be challenging. I cherish the freedom it brings, yet even after years of exploring alone, I sometimes feel that twinge of longing for someone to share the experience with.

Many solo travelers choose group tours, which guarantee companionship. However, the company might not always be your preference, and the schedules can feel a bit restrictive. I often find that I don’t have enough time to explore at my own pace when traveling with a tour group.

That’s why I’ve come to adore small-ship cruising, which, in my view, provides the best of both worlds. Honestly (and don’t tell my husband), I prefer traveling solo on smaller vessels. Why? Because, unlike larger ships with thousands of guests—many of whom you might not even meet—it's much easier to connect with like-minded travelers. I have yet to sail on a small ship without forming meaningful friendships with fellow solo adventurers, couples, and families.

The greatest part about cruises is that the only timetable you need to stick to is ensuring you’re back on board by departure time, allowing you to explore each destination in your own way—whether that’s solo or on a group outing.

The downside, of course, is the frustrating solo supplement (when rates are based on double occupancy, meaning you essentially pay for two to secure a private room). However, with the rising demand for solo cruising, especially among women, many cruise lines are adjusting by offering special sailings that either waive or lower the additional charge for solo cabins.

Here are five of our top recommendations for cruises tailored to solo travelers.

1. Discover Sicily on Sea Cloud’s exclusive yacht-style cruises

Recommended itinerary: Discovering Sicily, June 24 to July 1, 2024, starting at $6,995 per person

Have you ever imagined sailing around the world on a yacht? Boarding Sea Cloud’s three magnificent tall ships is like receiving a personal invitation from a friend with a private yacht. This year, Sea Cloud is eliminating the single supplement for select voyages, including the “Discovering Sicily” itinerary on Sea Cloud II, which accommodates a maximum of 94 guests. Set sail for a round-trip from Malta, circling the Italian island and stopping at its top ports, just like on a private yacht. Visit Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe; explore Ortigia’s historic ruins and Noto’s baroque churches and palaces; enjoy a private palazzo and the stunning Cappella Palatina in Palermo; and take in the volcanic views of Taormina with its charming streets and floral staircases. The cozy environment on this small ship fosters connections with fellow travelers and the crew. Most meals are enjoyed on the upper deck, featuring open seating for easy interaction.

2. A river cruise through the vineyards of France with Uniworld

Recommended itinerary: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ eight-day Brilliant Bordeaux adventure, starting at $2,999 per person

My first experience on a small ship was a European river cruise, and I was instantly captivated. While river cruises might evoke images of older couples on similar vessels, that perception is changing, particularly thanks to companies like Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Uniworld is a premium river cruise line renowned for its exceptional service, intricately designed ships, and exquisite local and regional cuisine and wines. The company reports a 31 percent rise in solo travelers from 2019 to 2023, with female solo travelers increasing by 61 percent. In response, Uniworld is eliminating the single supplement (until the end of April) on select sailings, including one of my favorites: the wine-infused “Brilliant Bordeaux” cruise along France’s Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers aboard the newly upgraded 124-passenger S.S. Bon Voyage. My preferred area on the ship is the Soleil Deck, featuring a blue-tiled infinity pool and a casual, open-air French bistro. Uniworld ensures a cozy and seamless travel experience for solo travelers, with all-inclusive fares covering airport transfers, daily excursions, onboard entertainment, farm-to-table meals, and a selection of wines and spirits.

3. Explore the Caribbean with the esteemed luxury cruise line Crystal

Recommended itinerary: Crystal’s San Juan to San Juan, December 9 to 16, 2024, starting from $3,000 per person

Are you in search of a larger ship with more amenities? Crystal, a pioneer in luxury all-inclusive ocean cruising, is offering discounted rates for solo travelers on select sailings aboard the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, including this pre-holiday Caribbean cruise that begins and ends in San Juan, Puerto Rico—without any repeat ports. Experience the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, and the British Virgin Islands. Onboard, enjoy a swimming pool, pickleball courts, and some of the finest dining (and service) available at sea. Both ships accommodate just over 700 passengers and offer nine dining options, featuring the only Nobu restaurants at sea. With a variety of dining choices, bars, a comprehensive spa, and all the luxuries of larger ships, solo travelers will easily find spots to socialize or unwind alone.

4. Discover the Croatian coast in elegance

Recommended itinerary: Experience Croatia’s seven-night Dubrovnik to Split cruise, starting at $1,495 per person

For those seeking a more intimate experience, Cruise Croatia offers a fleet of yachts that are increasingly popular with solo travelers, especially women aged 45 and older. There are few places more stunning to sail than the coast of Croatia. Explore historic towns and dive into the turquoise, crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea aboard a Cruise Croatia yacht traveling from Dubrovnik to Split on one of its two luxurious 38-passenger vessels. The company provides 8 to 10 cabins without a supplement for solo guests on specific sailings. Once these are filled, solo travelers can secure a cabin on a lower deck at a 60 percent discount off the double rate. Additionally, next year, the company plans to offer two sailings exclusively for solo travelers.

5. An adventurous cruise in the Galápagos

Recommended itinerary: Experience the nine-night Galápagos on the National Geographic Endeavour II, starting from $6,605 per person

Expedition cruises naturally attract a younger—or at least more youthful—crowd of cruisers who are active. However, they can also come with a hefty price tag. For solo travelers willing to take a chance, Lindblad Expeditions (which collaborates with National Geographic on these cruises) offers to pair guests of the same gender in shared accommodations. If a roommate isn’t found, you’ll enjoy the double-occupancy cabin at the single rate. The line fosters a culture that acknowledges that traveling solo doesn’t equate to traveling alone. Their voyages are designed to facilitate solo travel with open seating in the dining area and small group explorations. On this classic 10-day Galápagos voyage, learn how to take stunning photos of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions from National Geographic photography expert Rich Reid. The National Geographic Endeavour II features 52 outside cabins and suites, all offering ocean views.