Solo holidays are having a moment, which isn't surprising, really. If you think about it, there's something rather appealing – even liberating – about travelling the world putting your own choices first and doing things on your own terms.
SOLO CRUISES WITH NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
There are so many reasons you might want to travel solo: perhaps you’re single, or want to try something your friends and family don’t, such as traversing India or discovering the historic cities along the Danube. Or maybe you want some proper, away-from-it-all me-time. It could also be that travelling solo isn't out of choice, but why should a lack of a holiday companion stop you from exploring the world?
Cruise holidays are the perfect trip for solo travellers, as you can spend as much time in your own company as you wish, but you’re never truly alone. You’ll step aboard a beautiful ship, where you’ll stay for the duration of your holiday, visit lots of new places and along the way have the choice to meet and socialise with others – or not. A solo cruise offers the alluring combination of comfort and adventure, which can be essential when travelling solo, particularly for the first time.
If you’re weighing up a cruise by yourself, do be aware of solo supplements (increased cabin rates for single guests), which can prove a bit of a sting. That said, some cruise companies and agents offer fares with no single supplements.
Excited to set sail? We’ve rounded up the best cruises for solo travellers below...
A dazzling cruise for singles along the Danube
Can’t tempt your other half to join you on the Danube? Sail away with those that also want to get to know a beautiful pocket of Europe on a round-trip voyage from Engelhartszell in Austria, stopping in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Esztergom and Austria's Wachau Valley.
Along with brilliant ports of call, you'll get to cruise with Lucy Worsley, one of the UK's best-loved historians. Lucy will join you for a private tour of the Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School in Vienna plus take part in an audience Q&A.
Alternatively, join us for this eight-day Danube cruise onboard the ultra-luxury S.S Maria Theresa. Stopping at the likes of Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Dürnstein and Passau in Germany, opulent interiors, world-class fine dining and exquisite service make this one of the most indulgent sailings around. The cherry on top? There's no single supplement. Anchors away!
A luxury Venetian cruise for solo travellers
Who says you need a partner to explore Venice, a city known for its intimate alleyways and romantic gondola rides? Explore beautiful Venice and the nearby islands of Burano, Mazzorbo and Chioggia solo on this eight-day cruise aboard luxurious S.S La Venezia.
Onshore, you'll have the chance to tick off bucket-list landmarks, such as Doge's Palace, which you'll get to visit early in the morning, before the general public are let in. Onboard, you can revel in the grandeur of your ship (which is finished with early 20th century Venetian aesthetics), relax in the spa and enjoy a spritz in the bar, where you're bound to make a friend or two.
If you like the sound of the itinerary above but fancy a foodie twist thrown in, join us for an eight-day Venice cruise that includes a talk, Q&A and delectable gala dinner with much-loved chef James Martin.
A solo cruise around the Scottish Highlands
New to travelling solo and don't want to stray too far? This Scottish Highland sailing is one of best cruises for solo travellers wanting to stay on UK soil.
A seven-night roundtrip sailing from Inverness in September 2024, cruise around the Highlands and islands of Scotland, and down beautiful Caledonian Canal, where you'll visit the likes Loch Ness, Loch Nevis, the Sound of Mull, Isle of Eigg and Isle of Skye.
Glistening lochs, verdant forests, rolling fields and stunning ancient ruins will be your surroundings for the most part, views of which you'll be able to enjoy from an outward-facing cabin aboard Lord of the Glens. With a maximum of just 54 passengers on the ship, this cruise is an intimate affair, so you'll have no problem striking conversation with fellow guests should you wish.
A bucket-list India cruise for single travellers
A trip to India should be on everyone's bucket list and cruising around the country is a great way to see it as a solo traveller. Group shore excursions, pre-arranged transfers and comfortable accommodation make exploring on your own easy and reassuring.
This fabulous 15-day itinerary begins with a guided land tour of India's famous Golden Triangle, which comprises the cities of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, home to the truly breath-taking Taj Mahal. For this part of the holiday, double Michelin-starred Indian chef Atul Kochhar will join you for a talk, local food market visit and cooking demonstration.
You'll then head to Kolkata to board the elegant Ganges Voyager II for a seven-night cruise, where you'll stay in a river view stateroom with its own private balcony. As you journey down the Ganges, stops will take in Hindu temples, traditional villages, ancient architecture and more.
A life-affirming Northern Lights solo cruise
Escape the British winter blues on the solo trip of a lifetime: a cruise to the Arctic Circle to witness the Northern Lights.
Departing February 2025, our 12-day Good Housekeeping cruise will sail from Bergen through the fjords of Norway and along its coastline, heading north to the Arctic, where you're almost certain to see the breath-taking aurora borealis.
On this once-in-a-lifetime voyage, you'll be travelling with the world's first Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss, who's an astronomer, astrophotographer and author. Onboard the intimate MS Midnatsol, Tom will host a series of lectures, teaching guests about stars, planets and constellations.
Along the way, your ship will stop in the likes of Trondheim, home to Nidaros Cathedral, considered one of the most sacred buildings in all of Norway, and Tromsø, where you'll learn more about the Northern Lights at the city's awe-inspiring Planetarium.
A springtime Japan cruise for solo travellers
If seeing the pretty pink sakura of Japan is top of your travel to-do list then wait for no one to see this floral spectacle.
One of the best cruises for solo travellers, Good Housekeeping's 17-day spring cruise in Japan will transport you from Tokyo – one of the best places to see the cherry blossom – to the likes of Kochi, Kagoshima, Nagasaki and even buzzing Busan in South Korea on a comfortable ship.
On land, you'll be able to see 17th-century Kochi Castle, enjoy a traditional sushi dinner and take a dip in some onsen (hot springs) as part of guided group tours, while there will be opportunities to explore in your own time too, should you wish.
Departing in March 2025, you'll sail on Holland America's smart Noordam ship. Capacity is up to 1,924 guests and ideal for solo travelling – join in onboard activities or head out on deck in search of new pals, or simply sit back and people watch all by yourself.
A magnificent singles cruise from Bordeaux
Solo travellers looking for maximum adventure should find a cruise with a busy itinerary, stopping somewhere new every day.
Cue our Best of Bordeaux sailing, which has no single supplement on select dates and takes in the traditional wineries and charming châteaux of Cussac Fort Médoc, Cadillac and Saint-Émilion.
Embarking from Bordeaux on beautiful S.S. Bon Voyage, there are numerous departures in 2024, but we suggest opting for a summer sailing to take advantage of sunny days in ship's outdoor infinity pool.
You may want to find fellow passengers to share the photogenic scenery with, but you’d be forgiven for wanting to soak up the views all on your own.
A solos cruise to Spain in winter
If the frenzy of Christmas has you craving some alone time, set sail on a solo cruise around northern Spain this December.
A round-trip itinerary from Liverpool, embrace the festive season Spanish-style as you call at the city of Vigo, where around ten million LED bulbs make up its extensive and truly dazzling Christmas light display, and La Coruña, where you can tuck into hearty Galician seafood dishes, embark on refreshing coastal walks, and springboard to Santiago de Compostela, the finishing point of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
You'll also stop in Getxo, a beautiful port town in Basque country and gateway to food and contemporary art destination Bilbao (pictured).
For this ten-day cruise, you'll sail on the elegant Bolette, which offers some downtime from all the festivities in the form of its onboard Atlantic Spa and thermal suite.
Looking for more inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.
Douro Valley: a guide to the spectacular region
12 of the best cruises for couples
The best cruises for 2025
Why Uniworld is world's best river cruise line
