Travelling solo is a holiday choice that’s gaining in popularity. According to a 2023 survey, solo travel makes up 11% of the market. And it’s growing rapidly: there’s been a 42% increase in solo traveller bookings over the last two years, with female solo travellers making the most trips.
Embark on a solo adventure with our guide to the best cruises for solo travellers. Discover tailored itineraries, welcoming atmospheres, and exciting destinations crafted for solo exploration. Set sail on a journey of self-discovery with our curated list of top cruises designed for solo travellers.
When it comes to cruise experiences for solo wanderers, there are plenty of reasons why they’re ideally suited for single travellers. A cruise can be a wonderful chance for self-discovery journeys, allowing you to explore at your own pace. And with lots of other people on board, all travelling to the same destinations, it’s also a great way to meet like-minded travellers. Many cruise lines facilitate solo meet ups to help you make the most of your trip. For example, Fred. Olsen and Ambassador Cruise Line offer welcoming cruises atmospheres by organising specific social occasions for solo travellers. You’ll also find many cruise lines such as Hurtigruten Expeditions and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have removed the single supplement on selected cruises.
While there are many countries that are great for solo travel recommendations, we’ve picked six that are particularly welcoming, based on factors such as the global peace index, cultural accessibility and daily budget. We’ve highlighted some of the best cruises for solo travelers to these countries, all of which come with special offers, meaning you’ll be getting the best value for your money while you enjoy independent travel at sea. So whether you’re looking for vibrant cityscapes or tranquil seas, you’re sure to find the perfect solo cruise experience that gives you a warm welcome both at sea and in port.
Solo-friendly cruises in the UK and Ireland
Where better to start your solo exploration voyages than with a holiday to your very own country? A cruise around the British Isles will let you see the UK and Ireland with fresh eyes, showing you rich history, diverse landscapes and fascinating wildlife.
And while you may be in familiar language territory, this is a wonderful opportunity to broaden your geographical horizons and visit some further-flung places in the UK, such as the Hebrides and Orkney Islands in Scotland, or the Scilly Isles off the coast of Cornwall.
A great solo traveller-friendly cruise that visits these destinations is Ambassador Cruise Line’s Easter British Isles discovery cruise. This takes you to the Orkney Isles, Shetland Isles and Isle of Lewis, before crossing the Irish Sea to Belfast and Cork. For a more in-depth cruise around the Scottish Isles, check out Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Island Hopping in the Hebrides trip – 11 days exploring the inner and outer Hebrides.
Cruises in Canada
Canadians have a global reputation for friendliness, so it’s an ideal destination for solo travellers. Combining European vibes with North American hospitality, Canada has so much to offer, from the rugged wilderness of British Columbia to the charming seaside towns on the east coast.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has several Canadian cruises available that include special offers for solo travellers. For example, its New York to Montreal voyage will take you along the east coast of the country, stopping at ports such as Halifax, Sydney and Quebec City.
Spain & Portugal solo travel cruises
You’re guaranteed warm temperatures and a warm welcome in Spain and Portugal, which is why they’re popular cruise vacations for solo travelers. You’re also guaranteed delicious food and wine – think port and rioja, pasteis de nata and glorious seafood – plus the chance to explore stunning architecture.
Fred. Olsen offers cruises to both of these countries, including one that takes in Northern Spanish ports such as La Coruña and Getxo, and another that sails down the east coast of Spain, Portugal and onto Gibraltar.
Solo exploration voyages to The Netherlands
Iconic windmills, pretty canals and distinctive architecture – all this and more awaits you in the Netherlands. It may be a small country but it’s large in charm and interest, and another great option for solo travel.
The Netherlands in spring is an especially wonderful destination for flower lovers, giving you the chance to see tulips and other seasonal flowers en masse in gloriously colourful displays. If this sounds like your ideal cruise, check out Fred. Olsen’s Dutch Waterways cruise, which coincides with a bank holiday and when the tulips are in bloom.
Top cruises for solo exploration in Iceland
Whether you visit Iceland in winter to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, or head here in warmer weather to take advantage of the longer daylight hours, it should definitely be on your list for solo wanderlust cruises. Iceland has a small, welcoming and friendly population, with nearly 100% speaking English, combined with unique landscapes featuring glaciers, ice caves, hot springs and volcanoes. And you never know, you may even get a glimpse of the huldufólk, Iceland’s fabled elves…
Ambassador has an 11-night cruise to chase the northern lights, while Fred. Olsen offers a cruise that’s especially timed to see whales, puffins and other marine life.
Tailored solo cruise experiences in Japan
Japan is on many people’s bucket list destinations, because of the country’s unique culture, amazing food, vibrant cities and varied landscapes. And it’s a great place for solo travel due to it being one of the safest countries in the world, especially for female travellers.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the cruise line to pick if you’re looking for solo travel recommendations for Japanese cruises. Its Tokyo to San Francisco cruise calls at Hitachinaka, Miyako, Hakodate and Muroran in Japan, before crossing the Pacific Ocean to visit American and Canadian ports. The Hong Kong to Tokyo cruise lets you experience the wonders of five Japanese ports as well as other Asian cities including Taipei, Shanghai and Busan.
Other countries that regularly make lists for the best solo travellers include Thailand, Greece, Australia and New Zealand, meaning you’ve got plenty of cruise options for all your adventures. And with fantastic deals available across many major cruise lines, sign up for Cruise Collective today to make the most of your next solo holiday.