Solo travel has become a significant force in the cruise industry, with Google searches for "solo cruise" surging 129% to reach their highest level in five years. The numbers tell a clear story: 58% of travelers planned to take at least one solo trip in 2024, and solo cruise passenger numbers doubled from 6% in 2023 to 12% in 2024.

The cruise industry has responded with substantial infrastructure investments. Norwegian Cruise Line added nearly 1,000 dedicated solo staterooms across its entire 19-ship fleet starting January 2024, expanding from just nine ships to every vessel in their lineup. These additions include Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Balcony categories, all priced specifically for single occupancy rather than applying the traditional double supplement.

NCL's commitment extends beyond cabin availability. Every ship with solo accommodations features a dedicated Studio Lounge exclusively for solo guests, accessible only by keycard. These lounges offer complimentary coffee, espresso, snacks throughout the day, and daily happy hours. Solo travelers also receive dedicated programming with their own activities director who hosts daily meetups at 5pm and arranges group activities and dining.

Celebrity Cruises has steadily expanded solo options across their Edge-class fleet. Celebrity Edge launched with 16 solo cabins, Celebrity Apex features 24, while Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent each offer 32 solo staterooms. The upcoming Celebrity Xcel, launching November 2025, will double this number once again. These aren't afterthoughts—they're 131-184 square foot staterooms with Infinite Verandas that transform from enclosed space to open-air balcony at the touch of a button.

Virgin Voyages has embraced solo travelers with 46 dedicated solo cabins on each of their ships, including both Solo Insider and limited Solo Sea View options. When these sell out, they offer reduced single supplements on Sea Terrace balcony cabins. Their adults-only environment attracts travelers across age ranges, with demographics spanning from 18 to 80+, though the majority falls between 30-60 years old. The line offers solo meetups on embarkation day and optional shared dinner arrangements for those seeking connection.

Explora Journeys regularly offers zero single supplement promotions on select voyages. When supplements do apply, they start at just 25% above the per-person rate rather than the industry-standard 200%. Their boutique approach, with only 461 suites across their ships, creates an intimate environment where solo travelers can easily connect with fellow guests or enjoy peaceful solitude.

At Bjarni & Drake, we focus on solo cruising because we understand that solo travelers are discerning, well-traveled individuals who want expert guidance navigating the cruise industry's traditionally couple and family-focused landscape. The data reveals the market opportunity—the global solo travel market reached $482.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2033—but our motivation runs deeper.

Solo cruisers often have sophisticated travel experience and high expectations. They've likely encountered the frustrations of single supplements, limited cabin availability, and feeling like an afterthought in vacation planning. We've chosen to specialize in this market because these travelers deserve better than settling for whatever accommodation happens to be available at reasonable rates.

Our expertise lies in understanding which ships truly welcome solo travelers versus those that merely tolerate them. We track availability across fleets, monitor promotional offers, and maintain relationships that help our clients secure the right accommodations at the right price. 

Let’s plan the perfect solo voyage together    

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