For many over 60s, the desire to travel doesn’t disappear just because you are suddenly single—whether through divorce, widowhood, or simply having a partner who prefers gardening to globetrotting.
But for decades, the cruise industry punished solo travellers with the dreaded Single Supplement : a penalty fee that forced you to pay for two people even if you were the only one in the room. Finding single cruises for over 60s was always challenging.
Thankfully, the tide has turned. In 2026, more lines than ever are rolling out the red carpet for solo seniors. From “Studio” cabins designed for one to “Gentleman Dance Hosts” and communal dining tables, cruising has become the safest and most social way to travel alone.
If you’re still weighing cruise brands more broadly before focusing specifically on solo cabins, our guide to the best cruise lines for seniors compares which cruise companies consistently deliver comfort, accessibility, calm onboard environments, and strong value for mature travellers.
Here are the best single cruises for over 60s that offer value, safety, and genuine connection.
While this guide focuses on solo cruising for travellers over 60, many cruise lines design their senior-friendly amenities, accessibility features, and onboard support with the 70+ age group in mind — benefits that often extend to younger solo seniors as well.
For a broader comparison of cruise lines and solo-friendly options, see our complete guide to Best Solo Cruises for Seniors.
If you’re comparing options beyond solo cabins alone, our in-depth guide to the best cruise lines for seniors over 70 looks at how the major cruise brands perform in terms of comfort, atmosphere, accessibility, and overall value — insights that are equally useful for independent travellers in their 60s.
1. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The Solo Pioneer
NCL changed the game when they introduced the “Studio” cabin, and they remain the market leader for solos who want a big-ship experience.
-
The Cabins: NCL’s “Studio” cabins are compact (approx. 100 sq. ft) interior rooms designed specifically for one person. They are funky, modern, and require zero single supplement .
-
The Secret Weapon: Keycard access to the Studio Lounge . This is a private living room exclusively for solo guests where you can grab a free espresso, a cookie, or a glass of wine during the daily happy hour. It is the easiest way to find dinner companions without the awkwardness.
-
Best Ships: Norwegian Viva , Prima , Encore , and Bliss .
2. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: The “Best for Solos” Winner
If you prefer a smaller, more traditional British cruising experience, Fred. Olsen is unmatched. They are frequently voted “Best for Solo Travellers” by industry experts.
-
The Vibe: Classic, polite, and very friendly. The demographic is almost exclusively 60+, so you will fit right in.
-
Why it works: They have a massive number of dedicated single cabins (ships like Bolette have over 40 single rooms!).
-
Socializing: They offer “Solo Hosts” who organise coffee mornings and pre-dinner drinks. You will never have to walk into a dining room alone unless you want to.
3. Saga Cruises: Luxury for the 50+
Saga is unique because you must be over 50 to sail with them.
-
The Deal: Their ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure , were built with 20% of their accommodation dedicated to solos.
-
The Luxury: These are not tiny inside cupboards. Saga’s solo cabins often feature balconies.
-
Inclusions: They include a chauffeur service to the port (in the UK) and travel insurance, which takes a huge amount of stress out of the logistics.
4. River Cruising: Avalon & Riviera
River cruising is naturally more social than ocean cruising because the ships are so small (150 guests). You will know everyone by name within 48 hours.
-
The “No Supplement” Kings: Avalon Waterways and Riviera Travel are famous for waiving the single supplement on select European departures. This means you get a full double cabin (with a French Balcony!) all to yourself for the standard price.
-
Dining: River ships have open seating, and the Maître D’ is expert at asking, “Would you like to join a table?” It is virtually impossible to feel lonely on a river ship.
-
Check Deals: These waivers are specific to certain dates. Check CruiseDirect’s River Page and filter for solo deals.
5. Virgin Voyages: The “Young at Heart” Option
If you are over 60 but hate the idea of ”shuffleboard and formal nights,” Virgin Voyages is your wild card.
-
The Vibe: Adults Only (18+). No kids, no buffets, no dress codes. It is hip, loud, and fun.
-
Why Solos Love It: They have “Insider” and “Sea View” solo cabins. The entertainment is interactive, and the “Gunbae” Korean BBQ restaurant seats you at communal tables where drinking games (optional!) are the icebreaker.
-
Fitness: Fantastic for active seniors who love yoga, spin classes, or smoothies.
Strategies for Booking Single Cruises for Over 60
Finding a solo deal requires a bit of strategy. Here is how to avoid overpaying:
1. Book the “Guaranteed” Solo Cabin Early Dedicated solo cabins (like on NCL or Fred. Olsen) sell out first. You often need to book these 9–12 months in advance.
2. Look for “Distressed Inventory” Late If a ship isn’t full 60 days before sailing, lines like Holland America or Princess might drop the single supplement on standard double rooms to fill the ship. This is a gamble, but it can pay off.
3. Use the Right Search Engine Most travel sites make it hard to see the “Solo Price” until the final checkout screen. We recommend using CruiseDirect. When you search, you can often see “Solo Traveller” rates or sort by the total price for one passenger.
4. Don’t Forget Insurance Travelling alone means you don’t have a partner to manage things if you get sick. Comprehensive medical insurance is essential. Ensure your policy covers “repatriation” (getting you home).
Travelling alone means you don’t have a partner to help manage things if you become unwell or need assistance. For solo travellers over 60, comprehensive cruise travel insurance is essential — especially cover for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip interruption, and pre-existing conditions.
We explain exactly what solo seniors should look for in a policy, including age limits and cruise-specific considerations, in our guide to the best travel insurance for seniors going on cruises.
Final Thoughts
The days of the lonely spinster or bachelor on a cruise ship are over. Today, a single cruise for over 60s is a badge of independence. It’s a chance to see the world on your own terms, wake up when you want, and make new friends from around the globe.
Whether you choose the social buzz of the NCL Studio Lounge or the quiet luxury of an Avalon river suite, the world is waiting.
Ready to book your solo adventure? Browse the latest Solo Cruise Deals here.
If you prefer a slower pace, check out our guide to the Best River Cruises for Seniors for more relaxing itineraries.
