Traditionally, cruising has been a world for couples or family units. A holiday option where travelling solo was unusual and prohibitively expensive because of that double-word whammy, “single supplement”. However, with the recent surge in the popularity of travelling alone, cruise companies have opened their cabin doors to the solo passenger. As a result, you can now sail the world’s waters on your own at competitive rates.
But while your wallet will thank you for a lower supplement (and love its complete absence), price is just one factor of many that go into choosing holidays for one. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the features to consider when looking for the best river cruises for singles.
How to avoid the single supplement
As we’ve already mentioned, price often stands in the way of solo travel, so it’s worth shopping around to find river cruises that are singles friendly. When comparing the different companies and destinations, look for the following:
- No single supplement – some river cruise tours don’t charge extra for the solo passenger at all.
- Early-bird waivers – others offer no single supplement if you take advantage of early-bird bookings. So, keep your eyes wide open for these bargain windows.
- Single cabins – while cabin layouts tend to favour double occupancy, riverboats do come with a selection of single cabins aboard. Again, book as early as possible to bag yours.
- Late booking bargains – like all travel reservations, cruise packages are based on demand and sometimes, the last-minute deals are the best. This means you could get a double cabin for the same rate as a single.
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Single cabin vs double cabin
And while we’re talking about cabins, let’s consider the size. Singles are obviously less spacious than doubles and have smaller beds. Plus, you may not get the choice of balconies and river views.
If having less room to yourself and not seeing much out of the window doesn’t bother you, book that single cabin. If, on the other hand, you need your space and want private vistas of the water, choose a river cruise with superior single cabins or treat yourself to a double.
Bottom line? The best river cruises for singles are on boats with a range of single cabins or on those that reserve staterooms for the solo cruiser.
>>> Read our free guide to river cruises
Best river cruises for singles
As travelling solo increases in popularity, cruise companies are responding to the demand and upping their offerings for singles. If you’re going alone with the view to meeting other singles, then choose a ‘singles-friendly’ company, one that caters for the solo traveller as well as couples and groups.
To help you choose, look for the following:
- Flexible dining schedules – an open dining policy allows you to sit with different people and meet a bigger mix than if you’re always eating at a fixed time and table.
- Breakfast in bed – maybe you’d like to start the day on your own by breakfasting solo.
- A selection of onboard amenities – you may well have chosen to do your river cruise alone because you want some ‘you time’. If that’s the case, go for a boat with relaxation areas (e.g. on the roof deck), a quiet space for reading a book such as a library and treat-yourself activities like a spa or massage.
- The right number of other guests – taking solo cruises, you might find it awkward on a small river boat, say with fewer than 10 other passengers, but feel overwhelmed when you’re surrounded by hundreds of others. So, to ensure you get a good mix of being able to socialise with enough people and take time out, choose a river cruise with no more than 200 people.
Did you know? Many river cruise companies have a dedicated section of cruises for single travellers. Look for the ‘Solo travel’ button on the home page or in the main menu.
How to choose the solo cruise itinerary
One of the reasons to choose a solo river cruise is because the route and its attractions appeal particularly to you. Perhaps you’re choosing solo holidays because no one else in your circle at home shares your niche interest.
With this in mind, pick a holiday that ticks your boxes. Go for inclusive river cruises offering a variety of activities at each port of call so that you can choose the one to suit your interests. The chances are that you’ll meet kindred spirits who share your enthusiasm for French wine, history, churches or markets.
It’s also a good idea to book a river cruise with flexible onshore activities and one that includes the option to wander off to explore on your own.
>>> Check our river cruising FAQs
How to find your special cruise staff
The secret behind many of the best river cruises for singles lies with the people working onboard. The most experienced professionals have a unique ear for solo cruisers. As a result, they create an atmosphere where you have the chance to do things on your own but will never feel lonely.
For example, they’ll know when you want to dine in company and when you’d rather not. On some cruise holidays, the officers and staff host dinner tables, so there’s no need to dine alone if you yearn for some company. On others, you’ll find singles activities such as a cocktail reception that gives all the solo passengers on board the chance to meet others.
You’ll also find a high ratio of staff to guests. Some cruise companies even designate a personal concierge for their solo travellers. Make the most of this individual attention and tap into your crew member’s specialised knowledge of the route and the boat.
What next?
Now you know what to look for in the best river cruises for singles, it’s time to book yours. We have a wide selection of routes, themes and boats, waiting for you whether you’re seeking scenic river cruises, a luxury river cruise or something a little bit different. Check them out here and if you need help deciding on the best cruise for you, get in touch with our friendly expert team
