Most cruise lines price the cabins assuming there will be two people per cabin. If you sail solo, they will charge you double, minus tax and port fees. Some ships do have solo cabins, which don't charge double, but usually only a few rooms. Is it cheaper to go on a cruise than to travel and stay at a hotel?

Historically, cruising solo has been significantly more expensive due to the "Single Supplement" fee, which can double the price of a cabin since rates are usually based on double occupancy. However, in 2026, the industry has shifted to better accommodate solo travelers. Many modern ships from lines like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages now feature dedicated Studio Cabins designed for one person, which do not incur the supplement fee. These studios often include access to a private "Solo Lounge" for socializing. Additionally, luxury and river cruise lines (such as Emerald or Scenic) frequently run "No Single Supplement" promotions during off-peak seasons to fill remaining berths. If you book a standard double room as a solo traveler, you can still expect to pay 125% to 200% of the per-person rate. To save money, solo cruisers often look for "guaranteed" solo rates or utilize "cabin-mate matching" services provided by specialized travel agencies, though the latter is becoming less common as more solo-specific hardware is added to new vessels.