A single passenger takes up a whole cabin; the cruise lines don't match roommates for you. However, some cruise lines are now creating single rooms to be sold at a lower fare than having to pay double for a cabin. The price is less than paying double, but more than if you were sharing a cabin.

Generally, no—cruising solo is often more expensive than cruising with a companion. This is due to the "single supplement," a fee that cruise lines charge to solo travelers to make up for the "lost" revenue of a second passenger in a room designed for two. Since fares are typically quoted "per person, double occupancy," a solo traveler often pays 150% to 200% of the per-person rate. However, in 2026, many modern cruise lines (like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages) have introduced "Studio" or "Solo" cabins specifically for one person. While these are cheaper than paying for a double room alone, they are often still more expensive than the half-price rate a couple would pay per person. To find the best deal, solo travelers should look for "Single Supplement Waived" promotions or book small-ship lines that cater specifically to solo adventurers. While you save on the second person's taxes and port fees, the base cruise fare remains a significant hurdle for the solo traveler compared to those sharing the cost of a cabin.