These 8 solo cruise cabins are ideal for travelers embarking alone

If you're a newcomer to cruising, you may not realize that most ship cabins are designed for at least two occupants.

This means that cruise lines expect each cabin to generate revenue from at least two fares. When you opt to sail solo in a cabin intended for more than one, you typically incur the double-occupancy rate (the fare for one passenger plus a "single supplement"), resulting in paying two full fares even if you're the only one in the room.

As solo cruising gains popularity, cruise lines are introducing accommodations for single travelers on their newer ships. Some have even retrofitted older vessels to include solo cabins. While these can be on the pricier side, single cruise cabins often provide some savings compared to the cost of a shared cabin meant for two.

Here are the top solo cruise cabins available to book with the leading cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean's solo staterooms

Royal Caribbean leads the industry with the highest number of solo cruise cabins, as nearly half of its fleet includes at least two. Among these, the standout options are Super Studio staterooms with balconies, available on Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas.

These cabins can measure up to 199 square feet, featuring balconies of 55 square feet, and are equipped with a variety of bedding options, offering ample space for one traveler.

Oceania's Concierge Level Veranda staterooms

Oceania Cruises' latest ship, Vista, offers six solo cabins, each measuring 270 square feet. Known as Concierge Level Veranda staterooms, these cabins include balconies and provide guests with exclusive Concierge Level perks, such as complimentary laundry service, room service from the dining menu, access to the keycard-only Concierge Lounge, priority embarkation, and a free bottle of Champagne.

Each cabin features a luxurious Tranquility memory foam bed, a cozy seating area with views of a private balcony, and plenty of storage space.

Oceania has also upgraded four of its older ships—Regatta, Nautica, Insignia, and Sirena—by adding solo cabins. Each of these vessels now offers 14 solo ocean-view accommodations, providing 143 square feet of space.

Celebrity's Infinite Veranda solo accommodations

For cruisers seeking a bit more space on a line that balances between Royal Caribbean and Oceania, Celebrity Cruises' Infinite Veranda solo cabins are a great choice. These cabins feature a unique design where the balcony extends the overall space, complete with a window that can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button.

You can find 16 of these 131-square-foot staterooms on Celebrity Edge, 24 on Celebrity Apex, and 32 each on Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent.

Norwegian Cruise Line's studio accommodations

Norwegian was a pioneer in the realm of solo accommodations, launching its studio cabins on the Norwegian Epic in 2010. These compact solo cruise cabins measure about 100 square feet. While some may have a window, they lack an outside view, making them ideal for travelers who won’t be spending much time indoors.

What sets NCL's studios apart is that they grant access to a dedicated studio lounge, where solo travelers can socialize and enjoy daily snacks. Studio cabins are available on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss, Pride of America, Norwegian Prima, and Norwegian Viva.

Cunard's ocean-view Britannia Single staterooms

Three ships in Cunard's fleet feature solo cabins, but only one—the legendary Queen Mary 2, which primarily operates transatlantic routes between New York and Southampton, England—boasts 15 ocean-view staterooms. Britannia Single staterooms range from 178 to 183 square feet, complete with large windows and single beds.

Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria each offer nine solo cruise cabins, though these include a mix of ocean-view and interior rooms without windows. Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne, does not have any solo cabins.

Holland America's ocean-view solo accommodations

Holland America is renowned for its Alaskan itineraries and vibrant music offerings on its newest ships. Solo travelers will be delighted to find 127- to 172-square-foot solo cabins available on the Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam.

Each of these solo rooms features an ocean view and comes equipped with a twin bed.

Virgin Voyages' Solo Insider and Solo Sea View Cabins

Virgin Voyages may be a newcomer to the cruise scene, but it certainly understands the market. Positioning itself as a trendy anticruise line, it has designed its ships—Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and the upcoming Brilliant Lady—to include 46 cabins for solo travelers, with 40 being interior rooms and six offering unique forward-facing ocean views.

These solo cruise cabins are compact, slightly over 100 square feet, but the Solo Insider and Solo Sea View rooms are thoughtfully designed with full-sized beds, modern furniture, and stylish decor and bathrooms.

MSC's solo inside cabins

MSC Cruises has experienced a shipbuilding surge, rapidly expanding its fleet in an effort to become the largest cruise line by 2030. As its ships grow in size and features, MSC has begun to introduce accommodations for solo travelers.

Currently, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, and MSC Bellissima are equipped with rooms designed for one. All these solo cabins are interior rooms featuring a single bed and approximately 129 square feet of space.

In conclusion

Embarking on a solo cruise may seem intimidating, but numerous cruise lines are simplifying the process and making it more budget-friendly by providing solo cabins. If you’re looking to secure accommodations for one, it’s wise to book early, as these sought-after solo rooms tend to fill up quickly; many travelers prefer to avoid paying the single supplement.