5 Tips for Single Cruisers Looking to Mingle

By Lena Katz

single solo cruise cruisers tips best — Cruising alone doesn't have to mean solitude, unless that's what you want. - *Photo by Fuse / Thinkstock*

Good news: Thanks to social media and the connective powers of the Internet, cruising as a single isn’t the guaranteed fifth-wheel fest it used to be. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, fellow singles, or setting sail solo, these five simple hints can help you enjoy — and squeeze the maximum meet-up potential out of — your vacation. Read on for our advice on how to navigate the tricky world of cruising single:

Pick your cruise line carefully.

Some lines offer more chances than others for singles to mingle, and if that’s something that’s important to you, you’ll want to make sure you choose a cruise ship that’s likely to be full of passengers in your age group. Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Lines, for example, both offer “singles mixers” on every sailing.

Look for lines with “single-friendly” accommodations.

It’s hard to have fun if you feel like you’re being gouged for your vacation, but the hefty “single supplement” that most cruise lines charge when you book a double cabin for yourself is hard to avoid. As a result, many singles end up bunking with friends or relatives.

That’s not always a bad option, but two lines offer single-occupancy cabins: Norwegian Cruise Line has “studio” accommodations onboard Norwegian Epic, Pride of America, Norwegian Breakaway, and Norwegian Getaway, complete with a shared lounge; and P&O Cruises offers single cabins on the Azura, which is mostly marketed in Europe.

Consider a special-interest cruise to focus the crowd.

Increasingly social groups, concert promoters, and even gyms are chartering ships for sailings packed with specialty programming. Sailing on a ship with others that share your same interests can even enhance the cruise experience. No matter your hobby or passion, there’s bound to be a themed cruise for you.

Check out cruise line-organized excursions.

If you are traveling solo, doing an in-port excursion is a great way to meet fellow travelers who are on your ship. By not having to coordinate your own logistics, it makes for a seamless and easy way to try new activities while in port. You can relax and have fun, while doing a new activity with fellow cruisers.