Why cruising works well on your own
Traveling solo is freeing, but planning every hotel, transfer and dinner yourself is tiring. On a cruise you unpack once and wake up somewhere new, with food, entertainment and company all on board.
An adults-only ship adds something else: everyone is there for the same grown-up vacation, which makes conversation at the bar or the pool easy.
Do solo travelers pay double?
Not always, but it's the question to ask first. Most cruise cabins are priced per person based on two people sharing, so booking one alone can mean paying a supplement.
Some ships have cabins designed for one person. Check whether the sailing you like has them, and compare the solo price with a standard cabin for one. Final pricing is confirmed during booking.
How do you meet people on board?
You don't have to try hard. A few habits help.
- Look for any meetups the cruise line hosts for solo travelers
- Join group fitness classes, tastings or talks
- Book shore excursions, where small groups bond quickly
- Sit at the bar rather than a table for one
- Say yes to the conversation at the pool
Staying comfortable and safe
Cruise ships are a reassuring base for a solo trip, but the usual travel sense still applies. Let someone at home know your itinerary, keep valuables in your cabin safe, and go ashore with a plan for getting back on time.
Choosing a solo-friendly sailing
A shorter sailing is a low-pressure first solo trip. Itineraries with a mix of sea days and port days give you time to settle into the social side of the ship and to explore on your own terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is it weird to cruise alone?
Not at all. Plenty of people cruise solo, and an adults-only ship makes it especially easy to meet others when you want company.
Are there solo cabins on Virgin Voyages?
Check the cruise line's current cabin categories for your ship. If solo cabins aren't available, compare the price of a standard cabin booked for one.
Do solo cruisers pay a single supplement?
Often, because most cabins are priced for two people sharing. The exact price for one guest is confirmed when you book.
How do I meet people on a cruise as a solo traveler?
Join classes, tastings and excursions, sit at the bar, and look for any meetups the cruise line hosts for solo travelers.
Keep reading
First-timersVirgin Voyages for first-time cruisers
What to expect from your first adults-only cruise: how days at sea and in port work, what to book ahead and how to pick a first sailing.
2 min read
First-timersHow many days before a cruise should you arrive?
Why arriving the day before embarkation is the safest plan, when two nights makes more sense, and how to plan your flight home.
2 min read
First-timersSea days vs port days: how to make the most of both
What happens on a sea day, how to plan a port day without rushing, and how to pick an itinerary with the balance that suits you.
2 min read
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