Cruises are often considered affordable vacations. However, solo travelers might be shocked to learn that the price to cruise alone is typically more expensive than when traveling with another passenger.
Cruise lines base their projected revenue on the assumption that at least two guests will be staying in each cabin. As such, they charge solo passengers single supplement fees to offset the perceived loss from the missing second passenger.
For example, a cruiser looking to sail aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in October 2026 will pay over $1,100 if they book a standard inside cabin for one. However, if they share the stateroom with another traveler, the price drops to around $580 per person.
While annoying and frustrating for the budget-conscious cruiser, with a little bit of research and luck, you might be able to avoid paying higher cruise fares when traveling alone. Here are a few tips to save money on your cruise fare as a solo traveler.
Book a cabin for two
The first time I ever went on a solo cruise, I was surprised when my travel agent advised me to book a cabin for two. "There's no way reserving a stateroom for two is cheaper than booking one for myself," I thought. Years later, however, it remains one of my best solo cruise hacks.
In most cases (unless you book a special deal under another passenger's name), there isn't a penalty for the second cruiser on the reservation being a no-show.
In fact, you will be refunded their gratuities (if you pre-paid them), as well as their port fees and other applicable taxes.
Whenever I've booked a cruise cabin for two, I've always informed the check-in agent that the second guest was unable to come due to circumstances outside their control. Not once has anyone questioned me, and the check-in process has always gone smoothly and taken no more time than usual.
Plan ahead and score a solo cabin
Although not available on every cruise ship, many lines have begun adding dedicated solo cabins for guests traveling alone. These staterooms are often smaller than traditional cabins (the solo rooms on Norwegian's new Prima Class ships measure just 94 square feet!), but you don't have to worry about being hit with a hefty single supplement fee.
Some lines have gone above and beyond in creating a special solo cruise environment, too. For example, Norwegian offers solo guests booked in special studio cabins access to the Studio Lounge.
It is stocked with light snacks, water, flavored tea, and specialty coffee — all available at no extra charge. Plus, there are various events and social activities for passengers traveling by themselves. Some are held within the Studio Lounge, while others take place in public venues throughout the ship.
Certain Royal Caribbean ships also have solo cabins, including:
- Anthem of the Seas
- Adventure of the Seas
- Brilliance of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Jewel of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Odyssey of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Quantum of the Seas
- Radiance of the Seas
- Serenade of the Seas
- Spectrum of the Seas
The key to scoring one of these staterooms is to book early. Because each ship has a limited number of solo cabins, sometimes fewer than 20, they sell out quickly, especially on popular itineraries or during busy travel seasons.
Read more: Going on a cruise alone? Here are the 8 best solo cruise cabins
Watch for solo deals
Savvy solo cruisers should keep an eye on ongoing promotions to see if there are any that apply to them! Sometimes, cruise lines will offer deals to guests traveling alone, reducing or completely waiving the single supplement fee on staterooms.
These promotions may pop up during wave season or last-minute sales. Additionally, it pays to be subscribed to newsletters or work with a travel agent. This way, you won't miss out on limited-time offers.
A good travel agent will let you know if any ongoing promotions meet your needs. They may also send you weekly or bi-weekly newsletters, summarizing all available sales.
Join cruise loyalty programs
Sometimes, solo cruisers can save money on their base fares by being part of the line's loyalty program. For example, Royal Caribbean reduces the standard single supplement fee from 200% to 150% for Diamond Plus Crown & Anchor Society members — or those with 350+ cruise points.
Royal Caribbean makes it a little easier for solo travelers to climb the ranks of their loyalty program, too. Guests traveling alone earn two cruise points per night, double the amount awarded when sharing a stateroom with another guest.
This means that on a 7-night cruise, a solo traveler would earn 14 cruise points, helping them earn other money-saving perks faster.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
