Solo cruises offer the perfect balance of quiet moments and the freedom to live entirely on your own terms. The good news is that sailing alone is becoming more effortless than ever. Many major cruise lines have finally begun paying real attention to solo travelers, creating experiences that feel welcoming, comfortable, and designed just for them.
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the best for solo travellers. It is the fourth largest in the world in terms of passengers, providing world class hospitality to make the trip memorable. The solo cabins are called studios and they offer them fleetwise.
Each Studio manages to fit in everything you need, including a comfortable full sized bed, a TV and your own private bathroom. Cozy, efficient and perfect for solo travelers. One of the best parts of choosing Norwegian’s single staterooms is the access you get to the Studio Lounge. This exclusive shared space designed just for solo travelers offers a sleek, comfortable place to relax with large screen TVs, complimentary coffee and snacks and even hosted gatherings before dinner.
When I sailed with Norwegian, my 16 day cruise in July from Vancouver, British Columbia to Hawaii cost around CA $3200. They really surprised me with how many perks were included.
Perks I Received on My Cruise
- Unlimited open bar
- Speciality dining included
- WiFi package included
- Credits toward shore excursions
- Risk-free cancellation up to 120 days before sailing with full refund
- Free prepaid gratuities
- Free airfare
Planning was smooth too. Their risk-free cancellation policy gave me a lot of peace of mind. I liked knowing I could change my plans or even switch my sail date up to 120 days before departure and still get a full refund.
They even covered my prepaid gratuities, so I never had to think about extra charges during the trip. I could just relax and enjoy the service.
And the best part was the flight deal. When I bought airfare for myself, they covered the second ticket completely, round-trip flights to and from the cruise port, all included and refundable under the same policy.
Since I was traveling solo, I also got an extra perk: 50% off my airfare. It made taking the trip on my own terms feel not just doable, but genuinely rewarding.
There were ten incredible ports of call on my journey, each with its own charm and scenery.
I started in Vancouver, British Columbia, before sailing north to Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Sitka.
Places That Made The Journey Special
- Vancouver British Columbia: My journey started in Vancouver, a city where mountains and ocean create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. A walk along the waterfront felt like the perfect beginning.
- Ketchikan Ward Cove Alaska: Ketchikan greeted me with misty forests and a strong sense of Native Alaskan culture. The scenery was peaceful and felt like stepping into a postcard.
- Icy Strait Point Alaska: This place offers pure nature and quiet beauty. Icy Strait Point felt untouched and full of wilderness with whales, forests and wide open views.
- Juneau Alaska: Juneau combined small town charm with massive natural beauty. Glaciers and mountains surrounded the area and it was impossible not to slow down and admire everything.
- Sitka Alaska: Sitka had a special mix of Russian and Tlingit culture. The coastline and relaxed atmosphere gave it a unique character that stayed with me.
From the rugged beauty of Alaska, the cruise continued across the Pacific to the Hawaiian islands stopping at Kahului (Maui), Nāwiliwili (Kauaʻi), Hilo, Kona, and finally Honolulu (Oʻahu).
Exploring the Hawaiian Islands on the Cruise
- Kahului Maui: Maui felt magical with warm breezes, green landscapes and waterfalls. Kahului was peaceful and welcoming and it left a lasting impression.
- Nawiliwili Kauai: Kauai truly lived up to its name as the Garden Island. Everywhere I looked I saw deep green cliffs, beautiful beaches and dramatic natural scenery.
- Hilo Hawaii: Hilo showed the raw and powerful side of nature. Waterfalls and volcanic landscapes created a setting that felt wild and unforgettable.
- Kona Hawaii: Kona brought sunshine, clear waters and an easy relaxed island feeling. It was one of the most calming and refreshing stops.
- Honolulu Oahu: The journey ended in Honolulu with its lively mix of beaches, history and city life. From Waikiki to Pearl Harbor there was so much to explore and it completed the trip perfectly.
Every port felt like a new world waiting to be explored, and experiencing it on a solo cruise made it even more special. Traveling alone gave me the freedom to wander at my own pace, linger where I wanted, and fully immerse myself in the beauty and culture of each stop.
Norwegian Cruise Line made the journey effortless and welcoming, offering thoughtful amenities and social spaces designed just for solo travelers. From the comfort of my cabin to the shared lounges and hosted gatherings, everything was perfectly tailored to make a solo adventurer feel at home while discovering new destinations.
