Single cruising

Many cruise lines are recognising the large market of single cruisers and are catering to them in new and interesting ways. Princess Cruises was the first line to promote the concept of singles cruising with the hit TV series The Love Boat, which used shots of Princess ships and ran from 1977 to 1986.

Most cruise lines charge a supplement for single-occupied staterooms, which can make it expensive for single cruisers. Smaller ships tend to be more economical for singles seeking good fare deals and lesser-known routes can be cheaper than popular cruise regions. Lines known for being conducive to singles cruising include Holland America Line, Discovery Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Saga Cruises. Some lines now even have an allocated number of staterooms that are configured for single cruisers.

Single cruisers can benefit from a selection of activities geared around the single traveller including meet and greets and special singles cocktail parties and can of course participate in all planned onboard entertainment and shore excursions. Some cruise lines even arrange gentleman hosts for dancing and assign dining room seating, which makes it much easier for single cruisers to meet new people.

Singles cruises can also be organised through organised groups that charter an entire ship. This is designed to entice single passengers to congregate in the same space. Singles cruises offer a range of activities including fitness classes, wacky games and formal nights providing passengers with the opportunity to date in a safe, controlled atmosphere.