Luxury Cruising Editorial

It may not seem fair, but solo cruisers have to pay extra for the person they are not bringing on the cruise.

With a charge known as the single supplement fee, cruise lines charge the same rate as if the cabin has two people staying in it.  This means that per-person-charge should be doubled to get the actual price.

It makes financial sense for the cruise lines but makes it harder for single travelers to justify going on a cruise alone when they have to foot the bill for someone who is not even there.

Cruise lines have always operated on a double-occupancy business model and staterooms are typically configured for two guests.

I get asked all the time, “Which cruise ships have solo cabins?”

Thankfully, there are now many cruise ships with cabins made just for solo cruisers, with more newer ships adding this feature.

These solo cabins — sometimes called studio cabins — do not have the single supplement charge, giving lone cruise enthusiasts a level playing field.

If you want to cruise solo, this list is for you.

*This article has been updated since its original publish date.  It will stay updated as new ships with solo cabins are added to cruise lines.

Related: 10 things you should never do in your cabin

Cruise ships with solo cabins

We have compiled a list of every mainstream cruise ship that has solo cabins.

Keep in mind that some cruise lines do not have cabins for single travelers.  For instance, Carnival, Princess, and Disney do not currently operate any ships with solo cabins.

Also, in most cases solo cabins are interior staterooms, with some occasional ocean view cabins available.

Royal Caribbean ships with studio cabins

Royal Caribbean has solo cabins on 12 cruise ships.  Their accommodation options include an inside studio stateroom, virtual balcony staterooms, and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. These rooms vary in size from 101 to 199 square feet.

Harmony of the Seas is the only Oasis-class vessel with studio cabins, and all of the Quantum-class ships with the line have cabins for solo travelers.  Virtual views in some interior cabins have vertical TV screens that simulate a view outside the ship.  The new Icon of the Seas does not have solo cabins.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Ships with Solo Cabins

Norwegian was one of the first mainstream cruise lines to introduce solo cabins to their ships. The studio cabins on these ships are about 100 sq. feet and come with a double bed.

The idea with Norwegian Epic was such a hit that the line kept integrating solo cabins into its Breakaway-class vessels.

Studios on Norwegian ships also come with access to a special lounge for single cruisers, and these solo cabins sell out pretty fast when bookings open.

Porthole Magazine has crowned Norwegian as the “Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers” for 6 years in a row.

*Norwegian Epic has more solo cabins that any other cruise ship at sea.

Related: 10 things you should never do in your cabin

MSC Cruises ships with solo cabins

A select few MSC ships have studio cabins.  While the typical size bed in these cabins is a twin-size, many of these staterooms offer 130 square feet of space.    The couch doubles as a bed, maximizing the space in the already fairly spacious stateroom by industry standards.

Celebrity Cruises ships with solo cabins

The solo cabins on some Celebrity Edge-class vessels are a whopping 140 square feet.   Some of these single cabins can also be booked as twins as they have sofa beds for a second person.

The solos cabins on Edge-class ships with Celebrity are located on forward deck 6. They are the same size as the other Infinite Verandah cabins except without the couch.

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*Celebrity Silhouette is a Solstice-class vessel that was recently retrofit with the solo cabins.

Related: 15 things people always forget to pack on their cruise

Holland America Line ships with solo cabins

Holland America offers solo cabins on just a handful of ships. The square footage available to solo cruisers ranges from 127 to 172.  They are about identical to regular ocean view cabins and are generally located forward on the Main Deck.

Cunard cruise ships with solo cabins

There are currently three ships in Cunard’s fleet with a fourth being added in 2024. Queen Mary 2 had 15 single cabins added to the vessel during a recent dry dock. The area now used for solo cabins was formerly part of the casino and photo gallery on board.

Virgin Voyages’ solo cabins

Virgin has built their recent ships with solo cruisers in mind.    The solo cabins are over 100 sq. feet and are mostly interior, with a few that have forward-facing sea views.

Related: 12 things you can still get for free on a cruise ship

Costa cruise ships with solo cabins

P&O cruise ships with solo cabins

Fred Olsen cruise ships with solo cabins

Saga Cruises

There are two ocean cruise ships in Saga’s fleet and both have plenty of solo cabins for cruise passengers to choose from.   The UK-based cruise line caters to passengers 50 and older on its 1,000-passenger vessels.

There are four different types of solo cabins available:

• Standard single cabin with balcony
• Superior single cabin with balcony
• Deluxe single with balcony
• Single suite with balcony

Oceania solo cabins

Luxury line, Oceania, has also embraced solo cruise travel, now with four ships in the fleet that cater to cruisers traveling alone.    Oceania’s new ship, Vista, debuted in 2023 and also has solo cabins.

Final thoughts

Even if you go on a cruise by yourself in a standard cabin, you will not have to pay port fees and gratuities for the second person.

And with the high demand for studio cabins, you should always at least compare the price of a standard room with the solo cabin to see if you’re actually saving a substantial sum.

Read more: 10 things you CAN pack on your cruise but shouldn’t

Am I crazy for taking cash on a cruise ship?  Do people even use the green stuff anymore?

Well, here are a few reasons why I still pack a few dollars before my voyage, and why you might want to consider it too for your cruises.

A common question from first-time cruisers is, “How much cash should I bring on my cruise?”.  But for others, taking cash on a cruise isn’t even something they consider.

I mean, come on, it’s 2024.  No one even carries cash on land, so why bring it with you to use at sea, right?

Strictly speaking, you can go cashless on your cruise and have a wonderful time.  But I’ve regretted not having cash on me for a few reasons I’ve listed below.

A cruise ship is a cashless society

One of the wonderful things about going on a cruise is a little thing called an onboard account.  All the extra specialty dining venues, spa treatments, and excursions get charged to your account.

And you can put these charges out of your mind until after the cruise is over.

Almost anything you can imagine that costs extra is charged to that onboard account.  Things like drinks, items in the gift shops, and even haircuts are all charged to your room.

No cash needed there.

Even most gratuities are payed with that onboard account.

So, it’s true you don’t need cash to pay for things around the ship.  You just whip out your cruise card and move on with your vacation.

Then why bring cash?

A few uses for cash on a cruise

Here is why I still include cash on my packing list before a cruise vacation.  The first few are about tipping, but don’t ignore the rest of the list.  A lot of this gets overlooked or forgotten by new cruisers.

1. Tipping the porters

The very beginning of your cruise starts by carrying your luggage to the terminal.  Porters will be waiting to help you with your luggage, and I always recommend letting them take your large bags for you, while you keep your carry-on.

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Not only will this make it easier for you to navigate the ship before your cabin is ready, but it also keeps elevators from getting too cramped with those behemoth bags.

I usually recommend tipping the porters $2 to $3 per bag but you can tip as much as you would like.   Just make sure you do.  This is where having some small bills on hand can be useful as well.

Cash is the only currency a porter will take, and they will be very glad for it.

2. Tipping for room service

While some cruise lines still offer free room service — not many do these days — you still should tip the person bringing you that delicious breakfast.

(Incidentally, breakfast is my favorite thing to have delivered to the cabin because mornings are hard enough.  Also, there’s nothing like eating breakfast from the balcony of a cruise ship and watching the sun rise over the ocean.)

So how much should you tip?  Again, this is somewhat subjective, but here’s a good rule of thumb I like to follow.  If it’s a small order, $2 is fine.  If it’s a large order, somewhere around $4 or $5 should be enough.

Either way, handing over cash to your room service attendant is always appreciated.

3. Tipping room steward or waitstaff

$15-$20 per person per day is typically what is added to your bill for gratuities on a cruise.  This gets divided up among room stewards and dining staff.

While most of the major cruise lines already include gratuities in your final bill, you can always go the extra mile for exceptional service.

Keep in mind this is not required, but if you were really happy with a certain crew member it’s a good idea to let them know with a good old-fashioned cash tip.

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This is especially true if you visited the main dining room every night of the cruise and had a fixed dining time.

I often like to leave a cash tip in the cabin as well, along with a note of appreciation.  Some cruisers like to buy gifts for their cabin steward, but it’s really all up to you.

Related: Biggest tipping mistakes made by cruisers

4. To avoid fees and fraud in port

Most of the ports to which cruise ships travel are very safe; otherwise they stop going.  But any high tourism area can face issues with credit card theft and other petty crimes.

I like to carry and use cash for those smaller items I’m buying when in port.  Areas like the Caribbean and Bahamas almost always accept U.S. dollars, so this makes it easy for small transactions as well.

Some credit cards now have perks with no foreign transaction fees.  If you don’t have one of these cards it will be better to use cash when off the ship in port as well.

1% – 3% in foreign transaction fees might not sound like a lot, but if you do a lot of shopping in port it can add up fast.

Read more: 10 biggest mistakes cruisers make on port days

5. Buying local souvenirs

Along with the last point, cash can come in very handy when shopping at those straw markets or local downtown markets in foreign countries.  Not only is it great for bargaining but it also might be the only form of currency the seller will take.  Most vendors at these markets will not have credit card machines, although occasionally some will accept payments through Square or another service.

6. Using local taxis

A lot of taxis will prefer cash as well, even if technically they can accept other forms of payment.  Some of the bigger taxi services that you can book at the cruise port will accept credit cards, but that can come with a small risk.  I have a friend who booked one of these and had some credit card issues afterward, so do your homework ahead of time.

Either way, it’s nice to be able to both pay and tip your driver in cash if you have it.

7. Using other forms of public transportation

I enjoy taking various types of public transportation when in port, whether it be bus or light rail.  It’s an affordable way to experience a city and meet with locals to really engage in the culture.

In many cases, especially if you are traveling by bus, you will have to pay the driver in cash, so it’s always good to keep some of those small bills handy.

8. Eating at local restaurants

One of my favorite things about cruising is trying the local food.  Sure, the food on the ship is paid for, but I’ve been to some amazing restaurants in port.  And one thing I always did was pay in cash.

Some of these local cafes and restaurants didn’t even have credit card processors, so having some cash on hand is a great idea if you want to try some local cuisine.

Related: 10 ways rookies waste money on a cruise

9. Booking local excursions

Again, once you get off the ship it can be useful to have cash on hand.

There are many wonderful tours and excursions that will not be available on the ship.  And if you book a local tour guide or attraction off the ship you will want some cash to pay for it.

What about tours booked through the ship, since you already payed for them with your onboard account?

If you booked a tour of some kind it’s recommended you do tip the tour guide or driver a few dollars.  It might be anywhere from $2 to $10 and it’s not mandatory, but it’s a good way of thanking the local workers for their expertise.

10. Taking a restroom break in Europe

It comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors to Europe that many of the restrooms are not free to use.

Have some local currency to pay for a restroom break just in case.   You will only need a few coins or small bills in most cases.

Most restrooms in Europe that charge for use of the facilities will be around €0.50 to €1, but this can be higher in larger cities.

11. Making donations to the casino

If you want to show the cruise line a little appreciation by gambling in the casino, cash can be a nice thing to have as well.  Yes, you can have it charged to your onboard account in most cases, but at least with cash you have a finite amount you are working with.

Related: When are the cheapest weeks to take a cruise?

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So where should you get cash if you didn’t bring any?

Most cruise ships do have ATM machines in various places around the ship.  Usually there is one right near the guest services desk.

Whether you use the ATM on the cruise ship or the one in port there will be fees associated with it.  If you are worried about security you can use the cruise ship ATM instead.

On one occasion in Cozumel, Mexico I used my ATM card and my account was hacked shortly after, so be careful with ATM machines in high tourism areas.

Note: If you use an ATM in a foreign port you will usually get the local currency.

I still find using a local ATM is cheaper than using a currency exchange office if you want local currency, as their fees can be ridiculously high.

How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

This largely depends on you, but let’s look at a basic breakdown of potential cash uses and see what we come up with.

• Porters – $6 for 3 bags
• Room Service – $10 for a few deliveries
• Extra tips for staff – $20, but depends on you
• Souvenirs – $30 – $50
• Taxis – $50
• Restaurants – $40
• Excursions – $100
• Gambling – The sky is the limit (but please do have a limit)

This is very subjective and depends on what you will actually do on your cruise.

So, how much cash should you bring on a cruise?

On average you should bring anywhere from $150 to $250 of cash on a cruise.  But you might just bring $50 and be totally fine as well.

One thing I do recommend is bringing small bills so you don’t have the awkward moment of asking for change for a $20 when tipping the porter $2.

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship is currently sailing the cruise line’s longest ever cruise, a 274 night voyage that is sailing all around the world. Even though the ship departed from Miami in December, you can still join the ship for nine nights or longer as it sails this incredible voyage.

Royal Caribbean has open cabins on the ship right now with segments ranging from nine to 28 nights starting at $1,147 per person. The segments sail in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean. Here is a look at the different options you have if you want to be part of history and sail part of this incredible journey. They are listed in order of voyage length.

The nine night Ultimate Italy, France, and Spain Cruise starts at $4,076 per person and departs from Rome on July 1, 2024.

The nine night Ultimate Norwegian Fjords Cruise starts at $1,964 per person and departs from Copenhagen on August 10, 2024.

The 11 night Ultimate Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey Cruise starts at $1,147 and departs from Athens on May 27, 2024.

The 11 night Ultimate Italy, Croatia, and Malta Cruise starts at $2,146 per person and departs from Venice on June 20, 2024.

The 12 night Ultimate China, Japan, and South Korea Cruise starts at $1,796 per person and departs from Hong Kong on March 27, 2024.

The 13 night Ultimate Greece, Turkey, and Italy Cruise starts at $2,054 per person and departs from Istanbul on June 7, 2024.

The 15 night Ultimate India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia Cruise starts at $1,646 per person and departs from Singapore on April 24, 2024.

The 15 night Ultimate Denmark, Germany, and Sweden Cruise starts at $2,747 per person and departs from Southampton on July 26, 2024.

The 16 night Ultimate Australia and Southeast Asia Cruise starts at $1,147 per person and departs from Brisbane on March 11, 2024.

The 16 night Ultimate Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore Cruise starts at $1,546 per person and departs from Beijing on April 8, 2024.

The 16 night Ultimate Spain, Morocco, and France Cruise starts at $3,324 per person and departs from Barcelona on July 10, 2024.

The 18 night Ultimate Jordan, Egypt, and Israel Cruise starts at $1,747 per person and departs from Dubai on May 9, 2024.  Note, this cruise no longer stops in Israel but that’s the original name for this segment.

The 22 night Ultimate Iceland, Greenland, and Caribbean Cruise starts at $2,496 per person and departs from Amsterdam on August 19, 2024.  This is the final segment of the 274 night world cruise and it ends in Miami.

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All of these segments are one way voyages. For a limited time, Royal Caribbean is offering $100 off the 3rd and 4th guests in a cabin.

A cruise line is relaunching a popular program that allows U.S. military service members (active duty and veterans), police, firefighters, EMS personnel, nurses, and educators to sail for free with a paying guest.

Margaritaville at Sea is relaunching their “Heroes Sail Free, Heroes Sail First” program with new enhancements. It now includes unlimited free cruises not only on their current ship, but also on the new cruise ship that is being added to the fleet this summer, Margaritaville at Sea Islander.

U.S. military service members (active duty and veterans), police, firefighters, EMS personnel, nurses, and educators can sail for free with a paying guest on Margaritaville at Sea. In addition, all passengers sailing in the hero’s stateroom will receive an Express Pass and other exclusive benefits as part of the enhanced program.

The Express Pass includes priority embarkation and disembarkation at all ports on the cruise. It also includes two free drinks to start the cruise, priority luggage delivery, and expedited bookings for shore excursions.

The Heroes Sail Free, Heroes Sail First program is now good on back to back sailings and is only available through Margaritaville at Sea.

“We wanted to add even more value to our ‘Heroes Sail Free’ program, giving these heroes some well-deserved VIP treatment for their dedication and hard work,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea. “The new ‘Heroes Sail First’ offer takes them from the frontlines to the front of the line for an amazing getaway.” Christopher added, “we’ve been overwhelmed with requests to expand the program to our newest vessel and are excited to answer the call for our heroes.”

Margaritaville Islander at Sea will be the cruise line’s second ship and will sail cruises to the Western Caribbean from Tampa starting in June. Port stops include Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso.

For more information on this free cruise offer from Margaritaville at Sea, you can visit their website here.

Margaritaville at Sea was a recent winner in USA Today 10Best for having the #1 cruise itinerary.  They are the only cruise line to offer a cruise and stay program where you can cruise to The Bahamas, get off the ship and stay in a resort for a few days, and then take the ship back to Florida.

Wall magnets might not be on your cruise packing list.  But it’s a popular item to pack for many regular cruisers who have a myriad of uses for the common household product.

You’re not allowed to use tape in your cabin as it can damage the walls, so magnets have become a popular way to both organize and decorate.

In fact, there are so many uses for wall magnets in a cruise cabin that we have put together a sort of master list.

Some passengers don’t realize that almost every cruise cabin has metal walls and a metal ceiling.  This makes this easy-to-pack item the perfect way to keep things tidy and make that little slice of home a bit more liveable.

If you pack magnets on a cruise and have a use for them that is not listed here, feel free to leave a comment and let us know so we can add it to the list.

1. Organizing Lanyards and Key Cards

Keep your lanyards and key cards in a spot where they’re always ready for adventure. With wall magnets, you can say goodbye to the frantic pocket pat-downs and hello to a world where your essentials hang out in plain sight, just waiting to be grabbed on the way out to your next onboard escapade.

This is probably the most common use for wall magnets in a cruise cabin.

2. Drying Swimwear and Towels Efficiently

Wet clothes and towels can add up quickly on a cruise.  Transform your cabin into a savvy drying station without turning it into a jungle of wet fabric. Wall magnets offer the perfect solution for hanging swimwear and towels, allowing them to air dry quickly and keeping your space neat.

Just remember that you will need to throw those towels onto the floor to indicate you’d like them to be washed.

3. Storing Hats, Caps, and Backpacks

Elevate your hats, caps, and backpacks from clutter to decor. By hanging them up, you not only keep your cabin floors clear for impromptu yoga sessions but also ensure your accessories are always within arm’s reach for that sunny deck day or shore excursion.

Just make sure your magnets are strong enough to hold a backpack.  I like to keep my hats right near the door for a quick grab on the way out.

4. Cabin Door and Wall Decorations

This isn’t for everyone, but some cruisers just love to decorate their doors, and it’s become a non-negotiable tradition on every sailing.

Turn your cabin door into a beacon of personality amidst a sea of sameness. Whether it’s family photos, fun signs, or handmade decorations, magnets let you add that personal touch that says, “Here we are!” and “Yes, we do have the most fun cabin on the ship!”

It also makes it easier to find your cabin if you all those numbers start running together as you walk down the unending hallways.

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5. Creating Privacy Spaces

With a few hooks and some curtains, you can transform bunk beds into secret forts or cozy nooks. It’s not just for kids—adults can appreciate a little privacy too, making it perfect for reading, napping, or just escaping for a moment of quiet in the bustling life onboard.

This is especially useful for friends of 3 and 4 sharing a cabin.

6. Blocking Light and Securing Drapes

For those who dream of sleeping in without the sun’s wakeup call, magnets are your new best friend. Secure those drapes and block out the light for a blissful morning snooze. They’re especially handy in balcony cabins, where the draw of sea views meets the need for just five more minutes of sleep.

7. Displaying Important Papers

Keep your itineraries, excursion tickets, and other papers with information about your cruise in sight and in mind. A magnetic wall turns into a command center, ensuring you never miss a beat while keeping those memories and plans front and center.  Magnets turn your door or wall into a bulletin board of must-knows and must-dos.

8. Storing Necklaces and Other Jewelry

Say goodbye to tangled necklaces and missing earrings. Magnets provide a picturesque way to organize your jewelry, turning your accessories into part of the room’s decor while keeping them untangled and ready for your next elegant dinner onboard.

I wouldn’t recommend this for the more expensive jewelry as that’s what the safe is for.  But for an easy way to sort out everything else, magnets can be a huge hep.

9. Hanging Shoe Organizers

Shoe organizers aren’t just for shoes anymore! Hang one up with magnets and suddenly you’ve got the ultimate storage system for toiletries, sunglasses, and those mysterious small items that always seem to disappear until you don’t need them anymore.

10. Organizing Sunglasses and Small Items

Keep your sunglasses and those pesky small items from playing hide and seek. With magnets, they’ll be right where you left them, ready for your next adventure under the sun or around the ship.

11. Rope Lights Decoration

For those who love to decorate their cabin and create a personalized feel, they can use rope lights hung by magnets. Whether it’s a soft glow for romantic evenings or festive twinkles for celebrating, these lights transform your cabin into a magical retreat.

12. Storing Hoodies and Light Jackets

Prepare for the unpredictable air of the open sea and the air conditioner’s whims by having your hoodie and light jackets hanging within easy reach. It’s the perfect blend of practicality and readiness for whatever the day or night may bring.

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There’s plenty of room in the closet if there are just two of you staying in the cabin, but a little magnetic hook by the door is still an easier way to hang light jackets, if you don’t  mind the visual.

13. Participating in Postcard Exchanges

A fun tradition among some cruise passengers is to exchange postcards on board. Here’s how it works: passengers leave decorated postcards in designated areas (like by using magnets to hold them to the outside of cabin doors), others pick them up, write a message on the back, and leave them for someone new to discover at the next port.  Some online forums or groups will post which cabins on a particular cruise are participating in this.

14. Storing Bags, Purses, and Tote Bags

Keep your cabin floor clear and your bags in tip-top shape. Hanging them up not only saves space but also turns your collection into a display of ready-to-go options for every occasion onboard and ashore.  This can be useful for light bags and totes.  Again, you want to make sure the magnets are strong enough to hold the weight.

15. Hanging Belts and Scarves

Organize your belts and scarves in a way that makes getting ready feel like browsing a boutique. With everything in view and within reach, choosing the perfect accessory becomes a breeze.

16. Organizing with Wall Packets to Keep Counters Clean

Kind of like a shoe organizer you can wall packets to stash away those bits and bobs that usually end up scattered across surfaces. It’s a simple trick that keeps your counters free for more important things—like a room service feast.

17. Storing Miscellaneous Items for Cabin Cleanliness

A clutter-free cabin is a happy cabin. Use magnets to hang up all those extra items, keeping your space serene and shipshape, ready for relaxation or entertaining.  Ok, this point is kind of a catch all, but you can fill in the blank with a comment below if you use magnets for something not covered here.

18. Hanging CPAP Lines

For those with CPAP machines, magnets offer a clever solution to keep lines off the floor and out of the way, minimizing tripping hazards and maximizing comfort and safety in your cabin.

Final Thoughts

Now that you see the many uses of wall magnets on a cruise, there are a couple things you want to watch out for as well.  First of all, when packing these magnets in your luggage be sure to keep them away from electronics.  You can wrap them in some clothing or in a separate bag.  Just make sure you insolate them from anything that can cause issues if exposed to powerful magnets.

You should look for magnets with a strength of 40lbs or greater.  Remember that a magnet on the ceiling will be able to hold more weight than one on the wall that can slide down the surface.

You can buy magnet hooks or clamps, depending on how you want to use them.

• Pack magnetic hooks in a small box within checked luggage, surrounded by clothing, to prevent them from sticking to items or getting lost.
• Keep hooks away from magnetically sensitive items like electronics and credit cards to avoid damage.
• Test hooks on different cabin wall textures for optimal hanging; avoid placing in walkways or near safety devices to prevent hazards.

Read more: 35 genius cruise items on Amazon for under $15