Cruise holidays are one of the easiest ways to see the world, with all-inclusive amenities, endless buffets and the chance to visit multiple destinations without the stress of planning your own itinerary.
They’re also becoming increasingly popular with solo travellers. Research by cruise.co.uk in 2025 found that around 1 in 20 cruise passengers now travel alone, with cabin choice and onboard facilities among the biggest concerns for nearly half (49%) of solo cruisers.
But a cruise expert is warning anyone planning to sail solo for the first time to check the small print before booking that cosy cabin.
Standard cruise fares are charged per person based on double cabin occupancy. So, if a person stays alone in a cabin, cruise lines usually require them to pay double the regular fare.
According to Mark Barton, a cruise expert at Avanti Travel Insurance: ” Many cruise lines charge what’s known as a ‘single supplement’ – an additional fee applied when one person occupies a cabin designed for two guests. Cruise deals are often advertised with eye-catching “from” prices based on two people sharing a cabin, meaning solo travellers can end up paying significantly more than the headline fare.
Depending on the sailing, the surcharge can mean a solo traveller pays the full cost of the cabin rather than simply the advertised per-person fare.”
Single supplements vary widely between cruise lines and sailings. While some operators waive the fee or offer reduced supplements, others can charge up to the full cost of a second passenger, depending on the destination, departure date, cabin type and demand.
However, more cruise lines are introducing dedicated solo cabins to attract single travellers and avoid the need for a supplement altogether. In particular, Holland America Line have introduced dedicated solo cabins on the Pinnacle class vessels Rotterdam, Niewe Amsterdam and Koningsdam with no single traveller penalties.
Mark explains: “Solo cruisers often see an increase in price because the original fare is calculated on the basis of two people sharing a cabin, rather than the cost of one person occupying it. Booking a dedicated solo cabin can help avoid single supplements, although availability is often limited.”
But a solo cabin isn’t always the cheapest option. Research by Which? found that, in one case, it was around £200 more expensive to book a dedicated solo cabin than to book a larger double cabin for single occupancy, despite the double cabin offering up to 106 square feet more space.
So, what’s the best way to avoid paying a hefty single supplement?
Mark advises: “Many major cruise lines still charge single supplements when a solo traveller books a standard cabin designed for two people, so it’s worth shopping around. One of the best ways to save money is to book early and keep an eye out for promotions and sales.”
“If you’re travelling alone, it’s also worth looking for specific cruises that offer dedicated solo cabins where available. Cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean all offer solo cabins on selected ships, while some operators like MSC cruises do run promotions that reduce or waive single supplements.”
While solo cruising may require a little more research at the planning stage, it offers holidaymakers the freedom to explore the world on their own terms, with the reassurance of a safe, welcoming and sociable environment.
Mark adds: “No matter how you choose to cruise, it’s important to make sure you’re properly protected before you set sail whether you opt for a river or ocean cruise. Standard travel insurance is often not suitable for this type of holiday so, look for dedicated cruise travel insurance policies.. They provide cover for things that go hand in hand with a cruise holiday such as unexpected disruptions, missed port departures, cancelled itineraries, lost luggage and medical emergencies which can be costly if you’re out to sea and need to be airlifted to the mainland for treatment. They also often allow you to buy 18 months in advance protecting your investment while giving you greater peace of mind so you can focus solely on enjoying your adventure.”
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