It might sound crazy, but booking a cruise ship cabin for two people if you're sailing alone is actually a good idea.
The cruise industry's sales model assumes double occupancy and it's been that way for decades.
Cruising is by nature, a social form of travel, but solo cruises are rising in popularity.
According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 8 to 13% of cruisers are traveling solo in 2024. Plus, millennials and Gen Z are more likely to travel solo than other generations.
As they continue to age and earn more money, they're likely to travel solo more and more.
Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships, for instance, boast over 10 studio balcony cabins and more than 10 studio interior cabins (not available on Odyssey of the Seas) onboard.
However, the availability of solo cabins doesn't mean you should book them straight away.
It's a better idea to book a cabin for two, even if you know you'll be traveling alone—here's why.
How to avoid the single supplement fee
Cruising who travel alone in a double-occupancy cabin are subject to a single supplement fee.
Royal Caribbean's website states that the typical fee is 200% of the category rate.
"All rates posted on this website are based on double occupancy. A single guest who wishes to have a stateroom to themselves will be expected to pay 200% of the category rate, unless otherwise noted in the pricing."
Essentially, you'll pay the same price as two travelers.
For example, on a May 2025 7-night Anthem of the Seas Alaska Experience Cruise, oceanview balcony cabins are marked at $1430 per person for two people in a room.
If you select the same room, for only one person, the price goes up to $2,515.
Because of this, it's actually cheaper to book your cruise with two people in a cabin.
Plus, by booking a bigger, double-occupied cabin, you'll have more space all to yourself!
Royal Caribbean's studio staterooms range from 101 to 199 square feet, while typical two-person cabins measure 150 square feet and above.
Solo cabins may not be available on your desired cruise ship
Studio cabins allow you to cruise alone without paying the single supplement fee, but they're not on every cruise ship.
Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's current largest ship, does not have any studio cabins onboard. This is likely an indication that the rest of the Icon Class won't feature many single cabin options.
Utopia of the Seas, the latest iteration in the Oasis Class, also not does feature any studio staterooms.
And the ships that do have studio cabins have a limited inventory.
If you prefer a certain cabin location to prevent seasickness or avoid noise, it's unlikely you'll be able to book a studio cabin in that location.
Plus, popular sailings or cruises during peak times might be completely sold out.
On the Anthem of the Seas May 2025, oceanview balcony studios (listed at $2,030) are already sold out, and there are only 8 interior studios still available (which cost $1,222).
Booking a studio cabin severely limits your choices.
Booking a cabin for two is cheaper
Even if you're planning to cruise solo, booking a second person on your reservation gives you a cheaper price.
You can put in the name and information for any one of your friends or family members without actually bringing them on the cruise.
That person can skip checking in and turn out to be a "no-show" on embarkation day.
I've had no problem doing this on my solo cruises.
When I arrive at the cruise terminal, I say that my travel buddy couldn't make it and that I'll be sailing alone.
The only disadvantage to booking a second person on your reservation is that seat assignments (done for traditional dining) at the Main Dining Room are usually already assigned, based on your travel party.
I've often showed up to a cruise by myself at a traditional, assigned dining time, and found that I was seated at a table for two or more.
If you find dining alone (especially at a bigger table) awkward, you can ask for a different table or skip traditional dining times altogether.
Is it worth it to cruise by yourself?
There are pros and cons to cruising solo, the most obvious con being the potential for loneliness.
But that doesn't mean you should pass up on a cruise just because you might have to sail alone.
Besides the fact that you get to experience a fantastic vacation, cruising solo allows you to sail at your own pace.
If you prefer wandering art museums, but your partner is an active beach-goer, a solo cruise is the perfect chance to indulge in your preferences.
A solo cruise also pushes you to make conversations and meet new people, rather than relying on the friends you bring with you.
If you're up for the adventure, it's the perfect chance to make the most of your experience and get out of your comfort zone.
