Norwegian Cruise Line makes play for solo travellers

Aerial view of Porto Timoni, Afionas region, Corfu
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is encouraging travellers to celebrate the freedom offered by solo travel, and to put themselves first.

    Solo travel continues to gain momentum as an increasing number of people prioritise self-care and choose to stay and play their way. Google searches for ‘solo travel’ quadrupled between 2020 and 2022, and the ‘solo travel’ hashtag increased tenfold in just three years on TikTok.

    And when it comes to how to make the most of solo travel, cruising is the ideal way to do just that.

    Whilst many hotel and holiday packages are tailored to couples and families, NCL has been setting the benchmark for individual adventures since it became the first international cruise line to introduce solo staterooms back in 2010. Available on nine NCL ships, these Studio staterooms are designed and priced for the solo traveller with access to the communal Studio Lounge for guests to socialise together.

    Fast forward to 2024, and the cruise line has rolled out almost 1,000 additional solo staterooms to ensure solo voyagers can enjoy the benefits of single accommodation on any NCL vessel across the company’s 19-strong fleet – at a lower price than traditional double occupancy staterooms. Guests can choose from Inside, Oceanview or Balcony cabins.

    But NCL’s expanded, award-winning solo accommodation is just the beginning.

    11 reasons why cruising is the ideal way for solo travellers to indulge their wanderlust:

    1. NCL was Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editor’s Pick for Solo Cruisers
    2. On numerous NCL ships solo travellers enjoy private keycard access to NCL’s innovative Studio Lounge, where they can enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks throughout the day (and alcoholic beverages for those with a beverage package)
    3. Guests can join designated solo traveller meet-ups and happy hours
    4. Cabins are priced exclusively for solos whether Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview or Solo Balcony staterooms
    5. Guests can cruise their way – unwind with a book, watch the big screen TV or meet fellow solo cruisers
    6. Like-minded travellers can try something new such as cocktail making or cooking classes
    7. Access to world-class entertainment, comedy and daily music not to mention a host of onboard activities such as sports, trivia and lively game shows
    8. Guests can pamper themselves in the onboard Mandara Spa® which offers everything from massages and facials to acupuncture, Medi-Spa services, manicures and more in a luxe space complete with saunas, steam rooms and heated tiled loungers with panoramic views. On NCL’s newest ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, guests can also experience the first charcoal sauna at sea, an Ice Room and the tranquil Flotation Salt Pool. NCL also won Best Spa in the 2023 Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Pick Awards.
    9. Enjoy adrenaline pumping activities such as thrilling waterslides or zipping around a multi-level onboard racetrack – the largest at sea, which is featured on the Breakaway, Breakaway Plus and Prima Class ships
    10. NCL sails to more than 450 destinations across the globe and solo staterooms are available on itineraries in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand – and beyond
    11. For exceptional value-for-money both onboard and ashore travellers can choose to include NCL’s popular ‘Free at Sea’ package, which includes a complimentary beverage package (hello cocktails), free wi-fi, shore excursion credits ($50 per port) and a specialty dining package to enjoy icons such as modern Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta and steakhouse and wine bar Cagney’s Steakhouse in addition to the extensive complimentary dining options available on every ship.

    Here’s an example of some of the itineraries:

    7-day Hawai’i cruise from AUD$3,635 pp twin share and AUD$5,215 pp for solo occupancy cabin

    10-day Greek Isles: Italy, France & Greece from AUD$3,185 pp twin share and AUD$4,510 pp for solo occupancy cabin.

    11-day Mediterranean: Italy, France & Spain from AUD$3,080 pp twin share and AUD$4,125 pp for solo occupancy cabin.

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