One of the most common questions we get at CruiseCheap.com is "Do you have singles cruises?" The answer is "Yes, we do have cruises for singles," but it depends upon what kind of cruise for singles you are looking for.
- Are you a single traveler looking for an affordable way to travel alone?
- Are you single in search of fun and/or romance in the company of other singles?
- Are you a single parent traveling with children?
- Are you a single over 50?
Whatever your motivation for choosing a singles cruise, you'll find that cruises for singles offer you a safe way to travel the world and a social environment that is conducive to meeting others. There's no one cruise line that is best for singles as many of them offer at least one of the below options.
Here are the possibilities for single cruisers:
Singles Group Cruises
Singles cruises are large groups of single cruisers booked on the same cruise departure for the specific purpose of meeting new people. A cruise for singles typically brings single cruisers of all age groups together from all over the country for four or seven days of private singles events. The single cruise activities are limited to those single cruisers that are specifically booked into the singles cruise group and not for other single cruisers that just happen to be on the ship at the same time as the group.
The beauty of these cruises for singles is that you can travel with other single cruise friends; travel alone and have a roommate assigned to you; or, you can pay more and have your own private stateroom.
By booking one of these special sailing dates, you can take advantage of private cocktail parties; dine-around seating to meet new table mates each night; dance mixers and other social events; as well as private onboard activities and shore excursions. And you can get to know one another before you set sail by participating in online chats.
Single Supplements
If the dates and destinations of a particular singles group cruise don't appeal to you, you can take a singles cruise on any ship or sailing date by paying the normal single supplement rate on a sailing at a particular time.
So how much is a singles cruise then with the single supplement? Single supplements are up-charges added to the cruise fare for you to occupy a double-occupancy cabin alone. Most single supplements are 150-200 percent of the lowest per person price available at the time you book the cruise. In other words, if the double occupancy rate for two people in a cabin is $500 per person for a four-night cruise, it can be $750 to $1,000 for a single cruiser to travel in their own private cabin.
The rationale for the supplement is the fixed availability on every sailing date. Sometimes, the cruise line will offer a promotional opportunity whereby the single supplement will be reduced or waived altogether and this option usually becomes available on short notice.
Single Share
If you want to travel alone, but don't want to pay the higher single supplement rates, some cruise lines have a single share program whereby they will allow a solo traveler to cruise without paying the single supplement. In exchange, you must be willing to be matched with a roommate of the same sex and smoking preference. If no roommate is available, you will have your cabin to yourself at no additional charge.
Single Cabins
Offered by only a handful of niche cruise lines, single cabins are specifically designated to be occupied by one person and may help you avoid the single supplement. If you know you are traveling alone, ask if this option may be available to you.
Visit our Single Cabins page to see which cruise lines and ships offer single cabins onboard.
Single Parents Traveling with Children
The value of a cruise vacation is particularly evident among single parents. Cruises are multi-generational and offer a number of activities for all age groups. More and more single parents, particularly those who have a set vacation schedules are turning to cruises as a way to spend the most quality time with their kids. No cooking, cleaning or looking for things to do. It's all there for them. For more about traveling with kids, check out our Family Cruises section.
Onboard for Singles
The cruise lines love having single cruisers onboard and offer some amenities to make cruises for singles even more enjoyable.
Cocktail Parties
In an effort to help you meet other single travelers onboard, most cruise lines will host a cocktail party on the first or second day. By attending this function, you may find someone with similar interests to spend time with. Learn the time and location by checking the on-board activity schedule delivered to your cabin.
Gentlemen Hosts
Gentlemen Hosts enhance the onboard social environment on a cruise for singles where there are several single women booked to travel alone. Most popular in the luxury market and on lengthy itineraries, the gentlemen socialize and make themselves available as partners for dancing and cards, dinner companions and excursion friends. The cruise line carefully screens applicants and chooses educated, well-traveled men with a variety of special interests.
