Why Norwegian Cruise Line Is A Great Choice For Solo Cruise Travel

For several decades, solo cruise travelers found themselves at a financial disadvantage compared to couples and families. Cruise pricing has long been based on double occupancy, with lines traditionally setting fares to fill cabins with two or more passengers, maximizing revenue through onboard spending.

For those wanting to travel alone, this model led to significantly higher per-person costs, with solo cruisers often paying close to the price of two fares, regardless of cabin size or personal preferences.

This pricing hurdle, coupled with limited options specifically designed for solo guests, has long made solo cruising an unappealing and costly choice.

However, recent shifts in the industry are finally offering solo cruise travelers a better deal, and one line is at the forefront of the change.

Cabins For Solo Cruise Travel

Even before its 2023 announcement of investment in solo travel, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was widely considered to have one of the best offers for solo travelers at sea.

Since installing its first solo cabins on Norwegian Epic in 2010, the line has proved popular with individual travelers.

Today, most NCL ships have at least some accommodations dedicated to solo travelers.

Named “Studio” and broadly equivalent to a single hotel room, the original single cabins proved extremely popular, often being the first category of accommodation to sell out. Now, single cabins are also available in seaview and even balcony grades on many ships.

The downside? NCL’s solo cabins prove so popular that they are often the first grades of accommodation to sell out.

NCL’s Solo Cruise Experience

But individual travelers need more than just dedicated accommodation to get the most out of a cruise.

NCL hosts regular meetups for solo travelers. These optional social events allow individuals to meet other solo travelers for drinks, food, or even to make plans to explore ports together.

Some NCL ships also feature a ‘Studio Lounge,’ a private, keycard-access space just for solo cruisers. It’s a place to meet other solo travelers and enjoy some snacks and beverages.

Solo Cruise Dining

Dining arrangements are often a challenging aspect of the solo cruise experience. On many traditional cruise lines, dining follows a fixed schedule with assigned seating, and solo travelers are often grouped with other individuals traveling alone.

While this arrangement can foster connections, it can feel restrictive, especially as it limits the freedom to change tables or dining times as the cruise progresses. For those who prefer dining solo, visiting the buffet or paying more for premium restaurants may feel like the only practical options.

NCL’s freestyle dining model offers a welcome alternative. Unlike many lines, NCL has done away with assigned tables and fixed dining times. Instead, guests enjoy a more relaxed approach, with the freedom to dine when and where they choose.

This flexibility is a big advantage for solo travelers: they can enjoy the formal setting of the main dining rooms without being locked into a fixed table arrangement, or they can choose to dine with new friends met during the cruise, all on their own schedule.

NCL is ideal for solo travelers seeking a balance between social interaction and personal space. With dedicated solo accommodations and flexible dining options, individuals can easily connect with others or enjoy quiet time alone, depending on their preference.

More Investment In Solo Cruise Travel

Although NCL is leading the pack, other cruise lines have their eye on this potentially lucrative market.

In its most recent annual report, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) picked out solo cruising as one of the industry’s biggest trends in 2024.

To attract solo travelers, other major cruise lines are introducing single cabins, reducing single supplements, and offering exclusive perks. Celebrity Cruises recently won a Travel Weekly award for its solo travel offer, while Silversea is among the luxury lines with relatively low single supplement fees.

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the increasing popularity of solo cruising should see more cruise lines competing to pursue this once-overlooked market.

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