6 Best Cruises for Singles
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|Updated on October, 13,2024|
When most people think of cruises, they think of family trips or honeymoons. But there’s so much more than the coupled-up world. Solo Travelers can look forward to the 6 Best Cruises for Singles, offering plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
It’s pretty surprising how many people don’t know about singles’ cruise lines. They are out there! People get to experience the best multi-destination vacations, all while gaining great new friendships with other single adults in their 30s.
It can still be difficult to put yourself out there when traveling alone, but fear not! Check out some of the best singles cruises with a wide range of activities and amenities.
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6 Best Cruises for Singles
1. Virgin Voyages
Virgin Cruises is the best party cruise line for singles in their 30s. It is adult by design, with no kids allowed and singles welcome. They are the best cheap singles cruise line out there that still offers a luxury experience. While many cruises can skew older, Virgin Cruises tends to bring in hot, young professionals in their late 20s to mid-30s.
It is hard to decide how to spend your day with many options on this cruise line. Onboard includes private karaoke, arcade rooms, spas, gyms, fitness classes, live performances, restaurants, and bars.
Many cruises offer limited Wi-Fi to encourage unplugging for a more relaxing experience. However, not everyone wants to unplug. Some people want to keep their social media pages up to date. For those internet addicts, Virgin Cruises provides high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
Best for singles in their 20s and 30s looking for more of a luxurious experience.
The price range ranges from $589 to $1,489 for a 5-night trip.
2. Royal Caribbean Cruises
This is perhaps the best and most affordable 3-day single cruise vacation on the market. While there are many affordable cruise lines, this one gives you the best value for your buck for an epic weekend trip.
You can’t talk about the best party cruises for singles under 30 without talking about Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean Cruises specializes in adventure-packed cruises for hot young singles. Although there are kids on board most Royal Caribbean lines, if you book around Halloween and any time the kids are still in school, you are likely to see a lot fewer kids on board.
Royal Caribbean also has lots of themed cruises regularly. Next year brings pirate, Star Wars, and 80s-themed cruises, where you can find and have fun with like-minded enthusiasts.
For a double whammy, shorter vacations also bring in more singles looking to have a great time and stay busy.
Royal Caribbean cruises have active nightlife clubs and activities. You can expect themed parties, where you can dress up as a 20s flapper or enjoy a mystery masquerade. There are also casinos, sports bars, nighttime pool parties, and cruise shows.
Best for single parents in their 30s.
Prices range from $279 to $293 for 3 nights.
3. Norwegian Cruises
Norwegian Cruises has long been regarded as the best cruise line for single cabins.
Most major cruise lines, like hotels, don’t have great options for singles. They usually charge rooms for doubles, leaving single passengers to pay extra. The singles cabins on this cruise line are the most luxurious on the market. Luxury cabins shouldn’t go unnoticed. They can make or break the trip.
Best for singles in their 30s looking for exotic destinations.
Price range around $314 for a 3-day cruise.
4. Inspiration Cruises
If you are Christian or just looking for an experience that tailors to more spiritual Christian activities, consider Inspiration Cruises, a travel company that creates the best custom-designed Christian cruise events for singles in extraordinary destinations. Activities in these groups can include inspirational speakers, workshops, panel discussions, live Christian music, and personal enrichment events.
Whether you are looking to foster friendships or find love, everyone participates with an opportunity to enrich their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Best for Christian singles looking to meet like-minded new friends.
The price range is around $928 for 6 days.
5. Holland America Cruises
Holland America cruise ships offer single cabins perfect for singles traveling solo. They feature plush mattresses, a shower with a massage head, and both ocean view and inside rooms.
They are also known to have regular deals on their website. Some inside rooms can go as low as $549 for a 7-day cruise. There is a little something for everyone on Holland America lines, but there is really special treatment for singles. Holland America cruise lines make a special effort to provide singles events such as mixers, cocktail parties, games, and more. They regularly have cooking demonstrations, team trivia games, wine tastings, and dance classes where you can make fast friends.
Best for singles in their 40s looking for great deals.
Price range around $1,299 for a 9-day cruise
6. Cunard Cruises
Cunard Cruises has fantastic options for single travelers. There are not as many events focused on singles, but there are plenty of meets and greets and dinner table chats. If you are a little hesitant about all the singles events on other cruises, this might be a better option.
Cunard is perfect for people who want to enjoy their vacation on their terms, free to set their own agenda. Sailors on this cruise line skew to the 40-plus crowd. From plenty of fitness classes, sporting activities like fencing, a library to curl up with the best book for an afternoon, a large planetarium, art studios, pools, and games on the deck. If you are seeking to find friends, consider Cunard’s dance classes, you never know who might need a partner!
Cunard offers single luxury staterooms both in Oceanside and inside. If you choose to opt for a double occupancy room, Cunard policy asks singles to pay a single occupancy supplement of 175% in Britannia stateroom.
Best for singles in their 40s who want more of a luxurious experience.
Price range around $3,207 for a 7-night cruise
Before you book your cruise, consider a few more tips.
Best Cruise Tips for First-Timers
1. Stay Safe and Healthy
Just this past week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lowered the travel alert on cruises for passengers who have had the COVID-19 vaccine. All the above cruise lines have restrictions and health protocols to improve sanitation on the ship, including in and around cabins. CDC also recommends that you get tested for COVID-19 at least 3 days before your ship sets sail.
There will always be a chance that you can be exposed to the COVID-19 virus, but there are many ways to protect yourself, including getting the COVID-19 vaccine, washing your hands regularly, and using hand sanitizer. You can also opt to wear a face mask in crowded areas.
2. Reflect and Figure Out What is Best for you
When considering booking a cruise, the most important thing to think about is what kind of experience you want. Everyone is different. Be sure to look at the amenities on the ship and what comes at an extra cost. If you want to be at the spa a lot, find a cruise that includes it for the price of the booking.
If you know that you want to take advantage of all the amenities on the deck and don’t plan on being in your room a lot, then consider opting for an inside cabin to save money.
If you are up and at it when you wake up and want to enjoy the deck amenities, you will see the view of the water throughout the day. You may not get a view of the water before you go to bed and when you wake up, and that may be okay. On the other hand, if this is your first cruise and you are worried you may get overwhelmed easily, consider spending a little extra money on a larger room or even a balcony cabin. It could transform your experience.
3. Don’t Forget About Your Destination
While cruises are mostly about the experience you get on the ship, there is always a destination. Where do you want to go?
If you are on the east coast in the north, you may find cheap singles cruises going up to Boston or Canada. For a longer trip, usually around 12 days, you can make the transatlantic voyage to London, Ireland, or Iceland.
If you live further in the southeast of the US, Caribbean vacations are great. You can sink your feet in the sand and swim with turtles. There are great cruises to St. Maarten, the Cayman Islands, and the Dominican Republic.
If you are on the West Coast, you have lots of options. You can venture north to Canada or Alaska. You can venture south to Hawaii, up to 8 days of travel, depending on how many islands the cruise docks in. If you are international or are willing to fly to reach your cruise departure location, there are shorter 3-6-day cruises to destinations all over the world. If you are interested in seeing lots of countries in shorter bursts, similar to island hopping in the Caribbean, look for itineraries in Southeast Asia, where you can enjoy Mekong cruises in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia to the overflowing markets in Indonesia and the Philippines.
4. Call the Cruise Line’s Travel Agent
Every cruise line has a number you can call to reach a travel agent or customer support representative. Ask to speak to someone who can help you decide on an itinerary. When you do, ask lots of questions about what kind of programming there is for singles. Some cruise lines do not offer specific programs for singles, but rather normal ship activities. Ask about mixers at the bar or if they pair up singles during dinner in the evenings.
You can also ask about singles cabins and if they offer solo rooms. Some may, and some may offer to book you with another single, as an alternative to paying a single supplement fee for a double occupancy room.
Unless you want to spend the entire vacation in your cabin, you have to put yourself out there. As a single on a cruise, you never have to be alone if you don’t want to. It can feel scary at first to meet new people, and sometimes it can be awkward. If you do want to do this, it takes baby steps.
Final Thoughts
I know all of this can seem like a lot to take in. Planning a vacation is supposed to be fun, so don’t worry yourself too much and remind yourself how nice it will be to finally check into your cabin and have the vacation of your dreams.
All it takes is making that first step and booking that ticket!
Welcome aboard to your next adventure. I know you’ll have a great time.
|Written by Lindsey O’Neal
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