Travel is said to be one of life’s greatest sources of education, however, many single people avoid travelling alone if they don’t have a significant other or travel partner with whom to share the experience. But more cruise lines are addressing the needs of single travellers as demand for solo occupancy rises, and some lines report as much as 20 percent of their passengers are on a solo travel adventure.
According to a recent AARP Travel report, the number of solo people who cruise has roughly doubled compared with a decade ago. This demographic change has led more cruise lines to offer solo cabins and areas onboard specifically created for people travelling alone to gather. Although the trend was already growing before 2020, the number of solo travellers has soared since COVID restrictions were lifted and people excited to seek adventure once again booked trips – even without a companion.
Retrofitting cabins on cruise lines to accommodate single cruisers is important to keep costs in check and avoid surcharges or prices based on double occupancy. Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to introduce studio staterooms for solo travellers in 2010 and the line continues to offer studio rooms on 9 of its 19 ships.
If you are looking to meet people on board while cruising, plan on participating in as many activities as possible. Most ships that offer solo staterooms have events like trivia nights, lectures, cocktail hours or exercise classes scheduled specifically for single travellers. Off-peak travel times may offer a better chance of getting a deal on a single surcharge on ships that don’t have solo cabins.
Not a cruiser? Solo travellers who want to explore the world, but not alone, can join solo tours with tour mates who will share in adventures and may become lifelong friends. According to Go Ahead Tours, one in four travellers is exploring the world alone. Where’s your next destination?
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