Best Cruises for Singles over 50

By your 50s, you know what kind of traveler you are. A cruise lets you enjoy independence when you want it and camaraderie when you crave company. With safety, comfort, and community built into every voyage, cruising solo is both easy and fulfilling.

Ships provide a welcoming environment where solo travelers quickly feel at home. You’ll often find mixers and meetups specifically for single guests, open-seating dining that encourages conversation, and group excursions perfect for connecting with fellow travelers.

Cruising alone doesn’t mean being lonely. It means having the flexibility to design each day exactly as you please, surrounded by people who share your passion for exploration.

(Pro Tip: Attend the solo traveler’s welcome party early in your cruise. It’s a relaxed way to meet new friends right from the start.)

Here are some of the best cruise lines for mature solo travelers, offering everything from quiet sophistication to lively social atmospheres.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): NCL makes solo travel simple with its Studio Cabins built just for one guest. You’ll also have access to the private Studio Lounge, a great place to meet other solo travelers. The freestyle dining concept means no assigned times or tables, so you can dine when and where you like.

Holland America Line: Holland America offers single cabins on several ships and a calm, elegant onboard atmosphere. Expect live music, lectures, afternoon tea, and solo traveler meetups. It’s a perfect fit for cruisers who enjoy culture and meaningful connections.

Azamara: Azamara’s intimate ships (fewer than 700 guests) create a relaxed, welcoming environment that’s perfect for solo cruisers. The line’s destination-immersive itineraries feature longer port stays and unique experiences like AzAmazing Evenings, which showcase local culture and entertainment. Open dining, personalized service, and friendly guests make Azamara a top choice for those traveling independently.

Royal Caribbean: Lively and social, Royal Caribbean features solo cabins and plenty of activities that naturally bring people together. Join trivia contests, dance classes, or simply mingle by the pool. It’s a fun, active environment for adventurous singles.

Cunard Line: Cunard combines tradition with refinement. Enjoy afternoon tea, cocktail hours, and even ballroom dancing aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2. Solo guests are warmly welcomed at mixers and events designed for easy socializing.

Viking Cruises: Viking’s ocean and river cruises are adults-only and focused on culture and comfort. Expect elegant spaces, educational talks, and fine dining without crowds or noise. Viking occasionally offers discounts for solo travelers, adding even more value.

Virgin Voyages: This modern, adults-only line offers Solo Sea View Cabins and frequent price breaks for those traveling alone. Onboard, you’ll find themed parties, fitness classes, and restaurants designed for connection in a stylish, upbeat setting.

Silversea Cruises: For those seeking small-ship luxury, Silversea offers an elegant, all-inclusive experience with a personalized and intimate feel. Solo guests enjoy inclusive fine dining, open-seating restaurants, and special single traveler gatherings. The line also features reduced or waived extra fees for solo cabins on select voyages, adding more value to its high-end offerings.

Oceania Cruises: Known for culinary excellence and refined ambiance, Oceania caters beautifully to solo travelers. The line’s smaller ships, open-seating dining, and friendly international mix create an easy, social setting. Oceania frequently promotes special pricing for solo guests, making its gourmet and culturally immersive cruises an appealing option.

Seabourn: Seabourn’s all-inclusive luxury experience is well-suited for independent travelers seeking comfort and connection. Its small ships foster a club-like atmosphere where staff and guests quickly get to know each other. Regular solo traveler events and elegant shared dining spaces make Seabourn both sophisticated and sociable.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent offers ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruising with an emphasis on personal service. Solo travelers appreciate the spacious all-suite cabins, open dining, and onboard social events. With airfare, excursions, and fine dining included, Regent simplifies travel planning and delivers a relaxed, polished experience for singles over 50.

Scenic Cruises: Scenic combines luxury with exploration. Solo guests enjoy elegant cabins, all-inclusive dining, and immersive excursions. Scenic often offers no added cost for solo travelers on select sailings, making its all-inclusive luxury more accessible for those cruising independently.

Princess Cruises: A trusted favorite among mature travelers, Princess offers comfortable solo cabins and a balance of relaxation, enrichment, and entertainment. From destination lectures to dance classes and wine tastings, there are endless ways to connect onboard. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers who enjoy a mix of leisure and social activity.

Small-Ship & River Cruises: Lines such as Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways offer small ships where it’s easy to make friends. Many trips include no extra cost for solo travelers, making them perfect for those who prefer a more personal, boutique-style journey.

Caribbean and Bahamas: Easy and Effortless: Perfect for first-time solo cruisers, the Caribbean offers sunny days, relaxed ports, and a friendly social vibe. Visit tropical islands, enjoy beach days, and unwind in a fun, carefree setting.

Mediterranean: Culture and Connection: Cruising through Italy, Greece, or Spain is ideal for travelers who love food, art, and history. The ports are walkable and filled with experiences that are easy to enjoy solo or with newfound friends.

Alaska: Majestic and Social: Glaciers, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes make Alaska unforgettable. Cruises often attract mature travelers and nature lovers, so it’s easy to bond over shared adventures and scenic beauty.

Europe’s Rivers: Scenic and Sociable: Sail the Danube, Rhine, or Seine for a charming, cultural experience. With small passenger numbers, open dining, and daily group excursions, river cruises are among the most solo-friendly travel options.

Adventure Voyages: Off the Beaten Path: For explorers at heart, expedition cruises to Antarctica or the Galápagos bring travelers together through shared exploration and discovery. Many of these sailings waive the extra cost for solo guests.

Transatlantic and Repositioning Cruises: Time to Relax: If you love sea days, long voyages across the Atlantic or between seasons offer relaxation, enrichment classes, and an easygoing community of travelers who enjoy conversation and connection.

Traditionally, cruise fares were based on double occupancy, meaning solo travelers often paid extra to occupy a cabin alone. The good news is that more cruise lines are now removing or reducing these additional fees.

Look for ships with dedicated solo cabins or special rates for single travelers. Some lines even promote “no added cost for solos” on select sailings. Booking early helps, since these cabins sell fast.

To save money, consider these tips:

• Book Early: Solo cabins sell quickly.

• Watch for Waived Fees: Lines like Avalon, Saga, and Ponant often drop the supplement on select sailings.

• Join a Group or Themed Cruise: Some agencies offer roommate matching or group rates for solo travelers.

• Travel Off-Peak: Shoulder seasons often bring better prices and more availability.

Even if you pay a bit extra, the independence and serenity of having your own cabin can make it worth the splurge.

• Attend Solo Mixers Early: They’re the easiest way to make friends fast.

• Choose Open-Seating Dining: You’ll meet new people at every meal.

• Join Group Excursions: Shared experiences lead to instant connections.

• Participate in Onboard Activities: Trivia, wine tastings, dance classes, and lectures make great conversation starters.

• Consider Themed Cruises: Travel with others who share your interests, from wine to photography.

• Stay Safe and Confident: Cruise ships are secure, but follow basic safety practices when exploring ports alone.

Cruising solo after 50 is about freedom - to explore the world at your own pace while meeting others who share your curiosity and spirit. Whether you choose a cultural river cruise, a tropical island escape, or a bucket-list expedition, the right cruise can deliver adventure, comfort, and connection in one unforgettable journey.

So go ahead and treat yourself to the voyage you’ve always wanted. Your solo adventure at sea is waiting, and it might just be your best trip yet.