I sailed alone on Norwegian's latest giant cruise ship and was surprised how easy it was as a solo traveler

Business Insider

25-05-2025

Norwegian Cruise Line's latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, is great for both families and lone cruisers.
The ship has 93 single-person cabins and plenty of solo-friendly amenities.
The cruise line has been championing the solo cruise boom.
Sailing alone on a giant cruise ship doesn't have to feel like a socially isolating act of family vacation defiance.
In fact, Norwegian's latest vessel wants you to go solo.
The 4,482-guest Norwegian Aqua prides itself on being a floating resort for families to lounge together, be it the daybeds littered over the infinity pools or the plush group seating near the Metropolitan bar's live pianist.
However, if you look closely, you'll notice there are as many options — if not more — for people going alone.
After all, the adrenaline-pumping 10-floor dry slide can only accommodate one rider at a time.
There's one sure sign Norwegian is vying for solo cruisers: Its new ship has 93 single-person cabins.
Cruise lines compensate for lost revenue on double-occupancy cabins by slapping an often hefty "single supplement" fee on solo cruisers' fares.
To bypass this, look for specially designated single traveler cabins.
There are 73 of these 94-square-foot, windowless rooms.
These relatively small and affordable cabins start at $1,880 for a weeklong Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, this summer — which is about $600 cheaper than a standard inside cabin with the supplementary fee.
There's no room for a living room.
For that, go to the Studio Lounge, a large social space exclusive to these solo sailors. However, like their cabin counterparts, you won't find any natural light down here.
If you'd rather loaf under the sun, you could pay for Vibe Beach Club.
However, you are on a kid-friendly cruise with a surplus of catered facilities.
So if you can't beat them, join them.
Most of these family amenities are also secretly great for solitary travelers (minus the cluster of outdoor activities at the Stadium, unless you can finesse playing "beer" pong and shuffleboard alone).
No need to ride the Aqua Slidecoaster with a stranger.
I've been on plenty of solo cruises for work, so I understand the hate for waterslides that require two riders. (You're telling me I have to share my raft with a random kid?!)
Thankfully, Norwegian Aqua's hybrid waterslide-roller coaster accommodates single and double riders. Plus, riding alone means no one has to hear you shriek when the robot arm launches you upward of 31 miles per hour into the waterslide.
The multi-purpose, LED-lit sports court can accommodate several players.
Or, you're welcome to go alone if you don't want to bicker over the activity of choice.
The same goes for the arcade's two-lane bowling alley — so long as you're OK with an audience of children pausing their virtual reality games to judge your performance — and the mini-golf course, which automatically tracks your putts-per-hole.
No need to fear eating in solitude.
The ship has 15 dining options, half of which are complimentary. These include the familiar cruise buffet, two main dining rooms, and American pub grub from Local Bar and Grill.
The food hall has 10 varied stalls, from Indian to Spanish tapas to Texan barbecue.
Don't let decision paralysis stop you from living your lunch dreams.
The portions are relatively small, so you don't need to eat family-style to try multiple dishes. Plus, there are plenty of communal tables that make eating alone feel casual.
Grab a snack at the Observation Lounge.
Most guests go there to enjoy a quiet cocktail with ocean views. However, the lounge has an underrated feature: a tiny café-like buffet with small bites such as Brie sandwiches and cookies.
Grab a quiche and a soft leather seat for a relaxing mid-day solitude snack. Or, if you're feeling chattier, sit at one of the couches and strike up a conversation with your seatmate.
Going to the theater doesn't have to feel like a socially isolating experience.
"Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" could be the most engaging show you'll go to alone.
You could grab a seat on the upper decks, but I recommend heading to the bottom, standing room-only floor.
Small, lilypad-like stages move throughout the performance to create an ever-changing set, corralling the standing viewers while providing plenty of room to sing, dance, mingle, and mix along to the Prince cover songs.
It'll feel more like a concert than a traditional seated show, although there are plenty of those if you prefer.
None of the other theater shows are interactive, save for "The Price is Right Live."
"Elements: The World Expanded" is Norwegian's Cirque du Soleil dupe, while "Syd Norman's Presents: Rumours" is another cover show showcasing Fleetwood Mac's magnum opus album.
Or, if you really hate going without company, make friends at the Studio Lounge and drag them with you. Dancing to Prince with your new chums will surely make for a memorable solo vacation.