Travelling alone on a cruise? You could end up paying almost double what everyone else pays.
That’s the frustrating reality of single supplements. But some cruise lines are much better for solo travellers than others, with dedicated cabins, organised meet-ups and plenty of chances to make new friends.
And if you’re over 40, you’re in good company. The average cruise passenger is in their mid-40s, so there’s no shortage of people your age onboard.
But not every cruise line is great for solo travellers. So I’ve picked out six of the best. Some are obvious choices, but others might surprise you – especially when you see what they offer people travelling alone.
There Are Plenty of Cruises Perfect for Singles Over 40!
While any cruise is well suited for this demographic, there are some organised group cruises for singles. These are ideal for finding friendship and romance at sea.
If you want to know more about organised singles cruises, take a look at my guide: Single Cruises – How They Work & Best Options.
However, you don’t need a dedicated singles-only cruise – sometimes it’s better to choose a regular cruise. You’ll still get a lot of arranged events where you can meet other singles in your age group. Singles-only cruises are good, but not the only option.
Some people may be considering a singles cruise as an easy way to hook up with fellow guests. With social spaces such as bars and restaurants, as well as nightclubs, there are lots of places on a cruise ship you can meet a love interest. Take a look at the best cruises for singles to hook up to read more.
In general, whether you’re seeking platonic or romantic relationships or just a passing travel partner, all cruises will welcome you aboard as a solo traveller over 40.
The Best Cruise Lines for Singles Over 40
Here are the best cruise lines to choose as a 40+ single traveller:
1. Royal Caribbean
Energetic and fun, Royal Caribbean cruises bring you plenty to keep you occupied and then some. Surfing and sky-diving simulators, dodgems, rock-climbing walls, zip lines, laser tag, escape rooms, circus schools and more are the ideal antidote to the hustle and bustle many people in their 40s experience in everyday life. It also means there’s a good chance to be a big kid again!
Life onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise as a 40-year-old needn’t be all fun and frolics. If you prefer relaxation, there’s also an adult-only Solarium on every ship in the fleet, as well as a range of bars, lounges and a casino for grown-ups to hang out and socialise.
Single cabins feature on selected Royal Caribbean ships, with a mixture of inside, balcony and virtual balcony staterooms, which include no single supplements. It’s a good idea to book these as soon as you know you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, as they can get booked up very quickly!
2. AmaWaterways
Another option for active solo cruisers is a river cruise with AmaWaterways. Instead of cruising the ocean, this cruise line features ports along European waterways such as the Rhine, Seine and the Danube.
With a smaller guest capacity, there isn’t as much to do on the ship, and you will find yourself bumping into the same people – but that makes for great mingling opportunities!
Not only can you cruise right into the heart of the destinations you visit with AmaWaterways – think Budapest, Cologne, and Paris – but you can also enjoy cycling along the riverbanks and enjoying food and drink-themed tours that will ensure you fully experience the regions you visit.
Some AmaWaterways ships also have dedicated single-occupancy cabins, while selected cruises offer reduced or waived single supplements, making it worth checking the latest solo traveller deals before booking.
With a great price point and service, the cruise line is a top choice for those over 40 travelling alone and seeking an active and busy holiday experience.
Suggested read: AmaWaterways Vs Viking River Cruises
3. Silversea
When it comes to luxury cruises for solo travellers aged 40 and over, Silversea is one of the best options.
Silversea offers plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded passengers, from enrichment lectures and destination-focused activities to relaxed evenings in the onboard lounges. On expedition cruises, you may also be able to join photography workshops and learn from experts, giving you an easy way to strike up conversations with fellow guests.
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Be aware that there aren’t any solo cabins on Silversea cruise ships. Instead, solo travellers usually pay a single supplement, although selected voyages offer reduced supplements as low as 25%. It’s worth checking the latest solo offers before booking.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line
One of the best solo cruise lines overall is Norwegian Cruise Line. It was the first major cruise company to create studio cabins specifically for single cruisers, as well as the exclusive Studio Lounge only for solo travellers.
NCL has expanded its solo accommodation across the fleet, with dedicated Solo Inside, Oceanview and Balcony staterooms alongside its purpose-built Studios. The compact Studio cabins are around 100 square feet, while other solo options offer more space. These cabins are priced for one guest, without the traditional double-occupancy fare.
Where available, the Studio Lounge is a place where solo travellers can enjoy their own space to drink, have a snack and meet other travelling singles. There are many other spaces where guests can mingle, including the varying bars, lounges and adult-only areas for events and live music that runs right into the early hours of the morning.
5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Another luxury cruise line to consider is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Though the demographic for customers is closer to 60 years, shorter and 7-night sailings still bring a younger audience in their 40s and 50s, so choose your itinerary carefully.
Despite this, the cruise line is proud of the emphasis it places on creating an environment and community for solo travellers to feel welcome. Attentive crew and concierge services help ensure you have everything you need, while guests in higher-category suites can also enjoy dedicated butler service. They will also plan activities for singles, including gathering at dinner or over cocktails and excursions, so you needn’t worry about going ashore alone.
The cruise line consistently offers discounts for solo travellers too, with up to 75% savings on single supplements in some cases. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the most inclusive cruise line at sea, including Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities in your package. So, although the cruises can seem very expensive, they offer great value for what you get.
6. Holland America Line
Holland America is a great choice for solo travellers who enjoy meeting people, with plenty of opportunities to socialise throughout a cruise.
From meet-ups for solo travellers to team trivia, games and other organised activities, there are lots of ways to strike up conversations and make new friends onboard.
Guests who love live music will enjoy the range of musical events and shows on offer during their Holland America cruise. Depending on the ship, you could dance the night away at B.B. King’s Blues Club or enjoy rock, pop and other favourites at the Rolling Stone Lounge.
Suggested read: The Type Of Cruiser Who Will Love Royal Caribbean (And The Type Who Might Not)
For something more relaxed, you can enjoy cooking demonstrations, destination talks and other enrichment activities. There are also fitness classes, quizzes and plenty of quieter places to sit and chat with fellow passengers.
Only selected ships in the Holland America Line fleet offer solo cabins, including the biggest and newest ships in the fleet: Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam. So, it’s best to book as soon as you can to ensure you don’t miss out on securing your very own room, supplement-free!
Suggested read: 9 Reasons I Fell in Love with Holland America Line
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To Conclude
It’s always wise to book your stateroom early, no matter which cruise line you choose. Solo staterooms, or studios as they’re often called, are in high demand and are usually the first options to sell out. Keeping an eye on which cruise lines are offering reduced or 0% single supplements is key to making sure you can save some money on your overall cost, too.
There are so many cruise lines to choose from when it comes to cruising as a solo traveller, and more cruise lines are working to cater to these groups more widely.
The best recommendation is to go for a cruise line that is appealing to what you would like out of your cruise.
Luxury and educational activities? Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are perfect!
Looking for an energetic and active cruise, both on the ship and ashore? Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and AmaWaterways are for you!
Of the 6 NCL is the only one I can afford and I’ve been on 7 in the last couple of years. All the others are luxury or premium.
Jenni,
You omitted Crystal Cruises. Full sized ocean view rooms with little to no increase in cost over what each cruiser pays for a double. Most cruise lines charge up to 200% of the double fare. Plus, Crystal has activities aimed at mature seniors anf Crystal Cr5uisers are welcoming of single cruisers.