Those who have traveled solo know that it comes with its own set of perks - being able to do what you want to do, when you want to do it, and not having to plan any of your vacation around anyone else. Recently, many cruise lines have it easier to enjoy the solo traveler lifestyle onboard with staterooms catering to solo travelers.
The Single Supplement
The pricing for nearly all staterooms on a cruise ship is based on double occupancy, so even if you're only sailing with a party of one, you'll still be paying for the cruise fare of 2 people. Solo staterooms don't include this extra supplement, so guests don't get stuck paying for 2 people instead of 1. Instead, solo staterooms have pricing designed with single travelers in mind.
Designed for Solo Cruisers
Solo staterooms are also designed specifically for the solo cruising lifestyle. For instance, several Norwegian Cruise Line ships such as the Norwegian Getaway have all of their solo staterooms (called 'studios') gathered in an area that only studio stateroom guests can visit. The area also includes a Studio Lounge exclusively for studio stateroom guests with a coffee bar, flat-screen televisions, snacks, and plenty of seating for hanging out.
Stateroom Views Can Vary
The number of studio or solo staterooms on ships that offer them can be limited, and most do not offer the full spectrum of view options that you may find with regular staterooms. Some only offer interior views, while other ships oceanview or verandah studio stateroom options. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line even offers some with virtual balconies. If you're looking for a particular view, be sure to ask your travel agent about what's available for solo staterooms.
It's Worth It to Compare Pricing
Solo or studio staterooms on ocean cruise lines do not include a single supplement - but, it is often still worth it to compare the cost of a regular stateroom, depending upon the type of stateroom - and the type of itinerary - that you're looking for. Depending on demand, a regular stateroom may not be that much more expensive than a solo stateroom, or even less expensive if you're looking at an interior stateroom. Plus, if you're looking for a particular itinerary or destination, keep in mind that only some ships offer studio staterooms, so for some itineraries regular double occupancy staterooms will be the only option.
How About a River Cruise?
If you're looking to cruise solo on a river cruise instead, some river cruise lines also offer options for guests traveling as a party of one. River cruise lines like AmaWaterways offer a limited number of solo traveler rates on a variety of cruises, offering guests the chance to cruise in the stateroom of their choice without having to pay a single supplement.
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