5 of the best singles cruise options, according to Reader’s Digest

Solo travel at sea has evolved. Cruises once meant paying extra for single occupancy and wandering the decks alone. Today, the industry actively courts single travelers with dedicated cabins, social lounges, and itineraries built for connection. Whether you’re newly single, seeking self-discovery, or simply love cruising without companions, there is a voyage tailored to your needs. 

Reader’s Digest identifies cruises that balance comfort, activity, affordability, and opportunities to meet like-minded passengers. These ships offer more than passage—they offer a sense of community at sea.

The cruises highlighted here excel because they address common challenges for solo travelers: avoiding the single supplement, finding activities suited to one, and offering opportunities to socialize without pressure. Some appeal through studio cabins designed for singles, others through onboard programming or immersive shore excursions. The common thread is flexibility. 

Here are seven of the best singles cruise options, with each cruise offering a unique approach to solo travel at sea.

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Ovation of the Seas is perfect for solo travelers who want activity and adventure. Reader’s Digest highlights studio staterooms with no single supplement, offering inside, virtual balcony, or super studio ocean view options. These cabins make solo cruising affordable while giving access to a wealth of onboard activities: iFly experiences, bumper cars, flowrider surf simulators, sushi-making classes, disco parties, and basketball courts.

Ovation also sails weekly Alaskan itineraries from Seattle, exposing travelers to glaciers, whales, and wildlife. The cruise integrates activity and social interaction naturally: excursions, games, and classes encourage connection without forcing participation. It appeals to travelers who thrive on movement and engagement. The combination of single-friendly cabins, structured activities, and adventure-focused itineraries makes Ovation a top choice for energetic, solo vacationers.

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Regal Princess caters to older solo travelers seeking elegance and cultural enrichment. Reader’s Digest notes daily cocktail parties, singles-only nights, and group excursions, creating opportunities to meet like-minded peers. Fall cruises from Southampton to Belgium and the Netherlands allow seniors to explore Brussels, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and The Hague, combining sightseeing with wine tastings, cooking classes, and local walks.

Though single staterooms are unavailable, early bookings receive a 50% single supplement, making it accessible for senior travelers. The itinerary emphasizes art, history, and European culture, appealing to solo passengers who want meaningful enrichment rather than high-octane activities. Regal Princess balances sophistication with social opportunity, demonstrating that river-style and traditional cruises can equally serve the single traveler.

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Celebrity Apex stands out for solo travelers who prioritize cuisine. With 24 single staterooms and spacious Infinite Veranda options, the ship offers both privacy and opportunities to socialize in intimate settings. Reader’s Digest notes that Apex’s 29 restaurants and bars showcase Michelin-starred chefs and mixologists who bring port flavors onboard, giving solo foodies a chance to explore global culinary culture without leaving the ship.

Itineraries include winter European cruises visiting Athens, Santorini, and Dubrovnik. While the focus is on gastronomy rather than entertainment for youth or waterslides, Apex allows solo passengers to connect through dining experiences, tastings, and cultural events. This makes it ideal for travelers seeking culinary adventure, paired with solo-friendly accommodations.

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Norwegian Bliss offers an affordable solo cruising experience through single-studio staterooms and the Free At Sea program, which includes open bars, Wi-Fi, excursions, and specialty dining. Reader’s Digest highlights the Studio Complex and Lounge as exclusive spaces for solo travelers to meet, relax, and socialize over coffee or drinks.

Itineraries along the Mexican Riviera include Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, and Mazatlán, allowing passengers to enjoy beaches and excursions without overspending. Onboard entertainment includes Broadway-quality shows, comedy, and dance parties. Bliss proves that budget-conscious solo travelers need not compromise on comfort, social opportunities, or entertainment.

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Norwegian Breakaway leads the pack for solo cruisers because it combines studio cabins designed and priced for one with dedicated social lounges. This design eliminates the single supplement fee that plagues traditional cruises. Reader’s Digest notes that Breakaway’s Caribbean itinerary offers extensive shore time in Cozumel, Roatán, Harvest Caye, and Costa Maya, with extra activities in the departure port of New Orleans.

The ship encourages social interaction through casual meetups, bar crawls, and ropes course challenges, while also accommodating travelers who prefer quiet time. Solo passengers enjoy free open bars, Wi-Fi, and first-class entertainment, including Broadway-caliber productions like Six, a modern musical twist on history. Weekly sailings from November through winter make Breakaway an appealing escape for those seeking warmth and camaraderie. By combining social spaces, solo-specific amenities, and flexible itineraries, Breakaway exemplifies the modern singles cruise experience.