Solo cruise prices start at $75 to $150 per night for a basic inside cabin, but the final bill depends on ship size, destination, and what you add on
A solo traveler on a standard seven-day cruise pays between $700 and $2,100 for the cabin alone, before taxes and fees. That range widens fast once you factor in the mandatory per-person fees (usually $15 to $30 per day), drinks beyond the basic package, specialty dining, and port excursions. A budget cruise line like Carnival or Disney's shorter sailings can run $1,200 to $1,800 total for one person; a premium line like Celebrity or Holland America often costs $2,500 to $4,000 for the same week.
The single biggest variable is whether you book a may provide cabin (the line assigns your room type at a discount) or pick your own. may provide cabins save 10 to 20 percent but you might end up in a windowless inside room on a lower deck. Balcony cabins — the next tier up — add $200 to $400 to the base price for a week. Suite cabins start around $3,000 for seven days and climb steeply from there.
Key Takeaways
- Base cabin prices for one person range from $75 to $150 per night depending on cabin type and cruise line, meaning a seven-day cruise costs $525 to $1,050 before taxes and mandatory fees.
- Mandatory per-person fees add $105 to $210 to a week-long cruise and cover port charges, taxes, and onboard services — these are not optional.
- Drinks, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and casino use cost extra on most cruise lines and can easily add $500 to $1,500 to your total.
- Solo travelers on some cruise lines pay a single-occupancy surcharge of 10 to 50 percent of the cabin price, though some lines waive this fee during promotional periods.
- Booking during wave season (January through March) or last-minute often yields the lowest per-person fares, sometimes 30 to 40 percent below published rates.
What the base cabin price actually includes
The advertised nightly rate covers your cabin, access to main dining rooms, most onboard entertainment, fitness facilities, and basic non-alcoholic beverages. It does not cover alcohol, specialty coffee drinks, spa services, or anything you buy in the gift shop. The cabin itself — even on budget lines — includes a bed, bathroom, and storage, though inside cabins on older ships can feel cramped.
Meals in the main dining room are included and typically run two seatings per night (early and late). You can also eat at the buffet and casual cafés without extra charge. Specialty restaurants on the ship — steakhouses, Italian venues, sushi bars — charge $15 to $35 per person per meal on top of your cruise fare. Many solo travelers budget $200 to $400 for specialty dining over a week if they want to eat outside the main dining room a few times.
Mandatory fees that are not in the advertised price
Every cruise line charges per-person fees (sometimes called "resort fees" or "port charges") that are added after you see the base price. These run $15 to $30 per person per day and cover port taxes, government fees, and onboard services. On a seven-day cruise, expect $105 to $210 in mandatory fees alone. These appear at checkout and are non-negotiable.
Gratuities are technically optional but cruise lines suggest $15 to $16 per person per day for standard service. Most travelers add this to their final bill, which amounts to $105 to $112 for a week. Some cruise lines now include gratuities in the advertised price, so check the fine print before booking.
Single-occupancy surcharges and how to avoid them
Many cruise lines charge solo travelers a premium — typically 10 to 50 percent of the cabin price — because the line loses revenue when a cabin holds one person instead of two. Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Carnival all explore this surcharge on standard bookings, though the amount varies by ship and sailing date.
Some lines offer promotions that waive the surcharge during specific periods, usually in shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October). Norwegian Cruise Line and some sailings on Cunard occasionally advertise "solo cabins" at no surcharge, though these are smaller and book quickly. Booking during wave season or within 60 days of departure sometimes brings the surcharge down or eliminates it entirely. Always search for "solo traveler" promotions on the cruise line's website before paying the full surcharge.
Drinks, dining, and entertainment add-ons
Alcoholic beverages cost $6 to $15 per drink at the bar, or you can buy a beverage package for $60 to $80 per day that covers unlimited drinks. A week of daily drinks without a package runs $200 to $400; with a package, you pay $420 to $560 upfront. Specialty coffee (lattes, cappuccinos) costs $5 to $7 each if not included in a premium package.
Shore excursions — guided tours, water activities, or transportation in port — range from $50 for a straightforward city tour to $300 or more for adventure activities like snorkeling or zip-lining. Most solo travelers book two to three excursions per week, spending $300 to $600 total. You can also explore ports on your own at no cost, though the ship waits for nobody if you are late returning.
Spa services, casino play, and photo packages are entirely optional. A massage or facial runs $100 to $200. Professional photos taken during the cruise cost $20 to $50 each, or you can buy a digital package for $100 to $150. None of these are necessary, but they are available if you want them.
How cruise line choice affects your total cost
| Cruise Line Type | Base Nightly Rate (Inside Cabin) | Estimated 7-Day Total (Cabin + Fees + Gratuity) | Typical Solo Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (Carnival, Disney) | $75–$100 | $800–$1,100 | 15–25% |
| Mid-Range (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian) | $100–$130 | $1,100–$1,500 | 10–20% |
| Premium (Celebrity, Holland America) | $130–$180 | $1,500–$2,200 | 10–15% |
| Luxury (Cunard, Regent) | $200+ | $2,500+ | 0–10% (often waived) |
Budget lines like Carnival and Disney offer the lowest entry point but have smaller ships, fewer dining options, and more crowded common areas. Mid-range lines like Royal Caribbean balance price and amenities — larger ships, more restaurants, and better entertainment. Premium lines offer quieter ships, better service ratios, and more refined dining but cost significantly more. Luxury lines often waive solo surcharges and include drinks and gratuities, which can make them competitive with premium lines when you factor in what you would spend on add-ons.
When to book for the best solo traveler rates
Wave season — January through March — is when cruise lines release the deepest discounts to fill ships for the coming year. Solo travelers often find 30 to 40 percent off published rates during this window. Last-minute bookings (30 to 60 days before departure) also yield low prices, though cabin selection is limited and solo surcharges may still explore.
Avoid peak travel times: summer school breaks (June through August), winter holidays (December 20 through January 5), and spring break (March). Prices during these periods are 20 to 40 percent higher, and ships are crowded. Shoulder seasons — April, May, September, and October — offer a middle ground: lower prices than peak, better weather than winter, and fewer families with children.
Repositioning cruises (when a ship moves between regions, usually in spring and fall) often offer longer sailings at lower per-night rates. A 10-day repositioning cruise might cost less per day than a standard 7-day sailing, though the itinerary is less flexible.
What solo travelers often forget to budget for
Travel to and from the port is not included in your cruise fare. If the port is not near your home, add airfare ($150 to $400 round-trip), ground transportation ($30 to $100), and possibly a hotel night before departure ($80 to $200). Some cruise lines offer air packages, but they are rarely cheaper than booking on your own.
Travel insurance costs $100 to $300 for a week-long cruise and covers cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. It is optional but recommended, especially if you are traveling alone and cannot easily get home if something goes wrong. Baggage fees explore on some cruise lines if you bring more than two bags.
Tipping crew members beyond the standard gratuity is customary but not required — budget $5 to $10 per day if you want to tip housekeeping, dining staff, or bartenders individually. Currency exchange fees explore if you use your card in foreign ports; many solo travelers withdraw cash before boarding to avoid fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay extra if I am traveling alone?
Most cruise lines charge a single-occupancy surcharge of 10 to 50 percent of the cabin price because you are using a cabin meant for two people. Some lines waive this during promotions or offer dedicated solo cabins at no surcharge. Always search for solo traveler deals before accepting the standard surcharge.
What is the cheapest cruise I can book as one person?
A budget cruise line's inside cabin during wave season (January to March) can run $400 to $600 for a three-day cruise or $700 to $1,000 for seven days, before mandatory fees and gratuities. Adding fees and tips brings the total to roughly $900 to $1,300 for a week. Repositioning cruises sometimes offer lower per-night rates on longer sailings.
Are drinks included in the cruise price?
No. Basic non-alcoholic beverages (water, coffee, tea, juice) are included, but alcoholic drinks cost $6 to $15 each. You can buy a daily beverage package for $60 to $80 that covers unlimited drinks, or pay as you go. Specialty coffee drinks also cost extra unless you buy a premium package.
Can I save money by sharing a cabin with another solo traveler?
Some cruise lines offer "solo meet-up" programs or Facebook groups where solo travelers can find roommates and split a cabin, cutting the per-person cost roughly in half. You would still pay your share of the cabin, but avoid the single-occupancy surcharge. This works only if you are comfortable sharing a small space with a stranger.
What happens if I want to cancel my cruise?
Cancellation policies vary by cruise line and how far in advance you booked. Most lines allow free cancellation up to 75 to 90 days before departure, then charge a percentage of the fare if you cancel closer to the date. Travel insurance can cover cancellation fees if you have a covered reason. Always read the cancellation policy before booking.