Looking to set sail on your own? Find out how much a cruise for one person will cost you, including factors like destination, duration, and cabin type.
Looking to set sail solo? Find out how much a cruise for 1 person will cost you, including factors like destination, duration, and cabin type.
Cruising is one of the most thrilling and adventurous ways to travel, with millions of people embarking on cruises each year. A cruise presents all the adventure, relaxation, and exploration delights you might be seeking rolled into one amazing deal. However, when you go on vacation by yourself, the price of a cruise for one person can greatly change depending on many variables. Whether you're a solo traveler or simply prefer to travel alone, you might be wondering how much it costs to go on a cruise for one person.
In this article, we will dive deeper into how much the average cruise costs per person.
The cruise ship cost per person can vary widely depending on several factors, including the cruise line, the itinerary, the length of the cruise, the type of cabin you choose, and the time of year you choose to travel.
The length of the cruise is one of the primary factors that can impact the price of a solo cruise. Generally, the longer the cruise, the more expensive it will be. This is because longer cruises often visit multiple cruise destinations, require more fuel and supplies, and offer more onboard amenities and entertainment options.
A short three to four-night cruise can start from as low as $200-$300 per person for an inside cabin, while a week-long cruise can cost anywhere from $500-$1500 per person, depending on the cruise line, the destination, and the type of cabin. However, as of 2024, prices have gone up a little. For a short cruise, you might pay around $300-$400 for an inside cabin, while a week-long cruise can cost from $600 to $1800 per person. Longer cruises, such as those that last two weeks or more, can still cost $5,000 or more per person.
Here’s a quick overview of how much a cruise ship costs per person:
| Cruise Length | Estimated Cost (Inside Cabin) | Estimated Cost (Balcony Cabin) |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 Nights | $300–$400 | $500–$700 |
| 7 Nights | $600–$1,800 | $1,200–$2,500 |
| 14+ Nights | $2,000–$5,000+ | $3,500–$7,000+ |
The first factor to consider when looking at the cost of a cruise for one person is the cruise line you choose. There are dozens of cruise lines to choose from, each with its own style, amenities, and price point. Some of the most popular cruise lines for solo travelers include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line, as well as newer entrants like MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Virgin Voyages.
Here’s a summary of solo cruise ticket pricing, based on typical solo or single-occupancy fares and notable deals:
| Cruise Line | Solo Cabin Rate |
|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Studio cabins start ~ $80* – $200*/night (e.g., 7-night Caribbean from $400* to $1,820*) |
| Holland America Line | Solo cabins available; approx. $149*–$1800* /night (inside to balcony cabin) |
| MSC Cruises | 3–4 night cruises from $69*–$200*; week-long from $300*–$1,500* |
| Celebrity Cruises | Nightly rates ~ $100–$220/night (e.g., 6–11 nights: $600–$1,500 total) |
| Virgin Voyages | Inclusive fares (meals, fitness, Wi-Fi); exact solo rates vary—see offers |
| Disney Cruise Line | Premium experience at ~$200–$700 per person per day |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Affordable fares with low solo supplements; Caribbean trips ~ $600 for 3 nights |
The itinerary you choose can also have a big impact on the cost of your cruise ship tickets. Some cruise destinations are more expensive to visit than others, and some itineraries include more port stops than others. For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise that stops in three ports might be less expensive than a 7-night Caribbean cruise that stops in five ports.
Another factor to consider is the time of year you choose to cruise. The high season for cruising is usually during the summer months and around major holidays like Thanksgiving Cruises and Christmas Cruises, when demand is higher. Prices can be significantly lower during shoulder seasons, typically the months just before or after the high season.
| Budget Category | Months | Cruise Seasonality Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low Budget | January, February, May, September | Off-peak months with fewer travelers; cheaper fares, especially after the New Year and back-to-school seasons. |
| Mid Budget | March, April, October, and early December | Shoulder seasons: moderate prices with decent weather. Spring Break and Diwali weeks may spike. |
| High Budget | June, July, August, November (Thanksgiving), late December (Christmas & New Year) | Peak travel time, school vacations and holidays cause prices to surge. |
The type of cabin you choose can also have a big impact on the cruise ship cost per person. Solo travelers typically have a few options when it comes to cabin types:
An inside cabin is the most affordable option, but doesn't have a window or balcony. Base fares start ~$130–150, rising to over $300 depending on itinerary length.
An ocean view cabin has a window or porthole that allows you to see outside, but doesn't have a balcony. This cabin offers a window or porthole; prices start around $250 and can exceed $400.
A suite is the most luxurious option, featuring a separate living area, a large balcony, and additional amenities like a butler or concierge service. Suite rooms on cruises are highly premium; they begin around $500 and scale upwards based on suite level.
Prices are per person, often based on double-occupancy cabins for solo travelers; actual solo fares vary by cruise line and availability.
Variability factors: itinerary length, destination, season, and promotions can significantly affect pricing.
Solo-specific cabins (e.g., Norwegian Studios, Royal Caribbean studios) sometimes eliminate the single supplement, great for reducing the cost.
Solo travelers often face higher prices due to single supplement charges, but there are ways to save on a cruise for one person:
An increasing number of cruise lines are providing single-occupancy cabins that do away with the single supplement requirement. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has 'studio rooms' for solo travelers on various of its ships. Various cruise lines, including Holland America and Royal Caribbean, are initiating the installation of single cabins on some of their ships.
Cruise line companies commonly provide incentives that eliminate or reduce the single supplement amount. These deals often come up during the slow period in the travel season or for urgent reservations. It’s a smart move to pay attention to cruise line newsletters or sign up with a travel agent to keep informed about these deals.
Related: How to find the Best Cruise Deals for Singles?
Ship repositioning refers to the practice of moving ships from one area to another and can include relocations between the Caribbean and Alaska or from Europe to the Americas. Solo travelers searching for an economical choice often find that these direct trips, which tend to be more extended and priced lower than standard sailings, are a great choice.
Related: How much does a week's cruise cost?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Freedom & Flexibility – Do what you want, when you want | Single Supplement Fees – Many cruise lines charge extra for solo use |
| Solo Cabins Available – Some cruise lines offer dedicated solo rooms | Limited Solo Cabins – Availability may be limited, especially in peak season |
| Great for Self-Discovery – Time to relax, reflect, and recharge | Can Feel Lonely – If you're not outgoing, social events may be intimidating |
| Meet Like-Minded Travelers – Onboard activities foster connection | Dining Alone – May feel awkward for some during set meals |
| No Compromise on Itinerary – Choose destinations purely by preference | Higher Cost per Person – You’re not splitting the room or excursions |
| Social Events for Solos – Some ships have meetups & mixers | Smaller Cabin Size – Solo cabins may be more compact |
The cost of a solo cruise can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the cruise line, the level of accommodation, and the time of year. Generally speaking, cruises can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per person. It's best to do some research and compare prices from different cruise lines to find a package that suits your budget and preferences.
Start your solo adventure today, browse affordable singles cruise deals on CruiseBooking.com.
How early should you plan a cruise?
Cruising is a popular and luxurious way to travel, and it's no wonder why. With all-inclusive packages, stunning views, and endless entertainment options, a cruise is a fantastic way to see [...]
April 14, 2025
Cruises have become increasingly popular over the years as a budget-friendly way to travel and see multiple destinations. But the question remains, are cruises really budget-friendly? The answer to [...]
October 23, 2024
Which is the best stateroom to book on a Carnival cruise?
Carnival cruises are very well-known all over the world for providing an exciting and charming holiday experience. When planning a trip, the first step is to select the stateroom or cabin in which [...]
November 27, 2024
What are entertainment options on a Caribbean cruise?
The Caribbean is one of the most loved cruise destinations in the world, known for its beautiful sandy beaches and pristine blue water. Several top cruise lines travel to Caribbean islands while [...]
June 10, 2025
