{"id":12722,"date":"2019-08-19T18:50:42","date_gmt":"2019-08-19T22:50:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia-aarp.com\/blog\/?p=12722"},"modified":"2019-08-29T17:50:04","modified_gmt":"2019-08-29T21:50:04","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-cruising-for-solo-travelers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia-aarp.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-cruising-for-solo-travelers\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate guide to cruising for solo travelers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cruising is a wonderful way to see the world in safety, comfort and style, and more and more solo travelers are taking advantage of this opportunity. However, unlike a land-based vacation where you simply book an airline ticket and a hotel room, cruising for solo travelers has its own realities and intricacies. \u00a0Here is a look at solo cruising onboard ocean and river ships, and tips on how to plan your solo cruise.<\/p>\n

1. Cruising solo does not mean cruising alone<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cruise lines make sure that solo travelers are well looked after onboard. A solo traveler get-together is scheduled on the first evening of the cruise, hosted by the ship\u2019s social staff. This is a must-attend event, as it is the first opportunity for you to make friends. Throughout the cruise, additional meet-ups will be scheduled to keep the camaraderie going. But generally, once you\u2019ve met and clicked with your fellow travelers, you will naturally plan your own gatherings, whether it is lunch, dinner, attending shows, participating in activities, or going ashore together.<\/p>\n

2. Single supplement<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Solo

Source: Getty Images<\/p><\/div>\n

Perhaps the biggest challenge solo cruisers face is the single supplement. As all cruise fares are based on two persons sharing a stateroom, when only one person occupies the room, the fare is doubled. This fare structure is designed for the cruise line to recoup the loss on the missing second traveler. The single supplement is slightly lower on luxury cruise lines, ranging from 10-25 percent on introductory suites to 75-100 percent on the top suites.<\/p>\n

In recognizing that solo travelers make up an important part of the cruising demographic, some cruise lines are accommodating solo travelers by adding solo-friendly programs.<\/p>\n

3. Solo staterooms<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"The

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line; Studio stateroom at Norwegian Getaway<\/p><\/div>\n

Solo staterooms have the same amenities as a double stateroom, except it comes with a twin or full-size bed. These staterooms are priced for one and is less expensive than paying the single supplement on a double room.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the most innovative solo staterooms are found onboard Norwegian Cruise Line\u2019s<\/a> Studio Complex. Compact staterooms of up to 100 square feet (with bed and private bath) are clustered around a Studio Lounge living room where guests can relax and mingle. It is the ideal setup for solo travelers to have an affordable vacation and a central location to meet other guests.<\/p>\n

Other cruise lines with solo staterooms are:<\/p>\n