Can you get your own cabin on a cruise?

Can you get your own cabin on a cruise? Yes, in solo studios

Finding out can you get your own cabin on a cruise helps solo travelers avoid unnecessary costs and high occupancy fees.
Understanding available room types ensures a private space without paying for an empty bed. Explore these specialized accommodation options to protect your travel budget and enjoy a comfortable private sailing experience.

Can You Get Your Own Cabin on a Cruise?

Yes, you can absolutely get your own cabin on a cruise, though the logistics and pricing differ significantly from booking a hotel room. While most cruise staterooms are designed for double occupancy, solo travelers can either book a standard room by paying a single supplement or reserve a dedicated solo cabin designed specifically for one person.

Solo cruising has seen a massive surge in popularity, with a 15% increase in solo bookings recorded in early 2026 compared to previous years. This shift has forced major cruise lines to move away from the traditional model where every room was sold for two people.

Today, modern ships are being built with a small percentage of their total inventory dedicated to single occupancy cruise rooms. These rooms, often called Studio Cabins, allow you to have your own private space without the financial penalty of paying for a ghost second passenger.

But there is a catch - they sell out fast. In my experience, if you do not book a solo cabin at least 8-10 months in advance, you will likely be stuck paying the dreaded single supplement for a standard room.

Understanding the Single Supplement: Why the Price Doubles

The single supplement is a surcharge added to the fare of a solo traveler staying in a room meant for two. Since cruise lines calculate their revenue based on two people per cabin spending money on drinks, specialty dining, and excursions, they charge solo guests extra to make up for that lost onboard revenue.

In standard market conditions, the single supplement usually is 100% of the second persons fare. This means if a cabin costs $1,000 per person, a solo traveler might pay $2,000 to have the room to themselves.

I remember the first time I tried to book a Mediterranean cruise alone - I saw a deal for $800, but the checkout screen suddenly jumped to $1,600. It felt like a slap in the face. It took me a few years to realize that the per person price in cruise ads is almost always an invitation for two. However, some lines now offer Solo Deals and ways of avoiding cruise single supplement fees during off-peak seasons.

Ships With Dedicated Solo Cabins

If you want to avoid extra fees entirely, you need to target cruise ships with studio cabins for one. These rooms are smaller but include all the standard amenities like a full-size bed, private bathroom, and TV. Some even include access to exclusive solo-only lounges.

Norwegian Cruise Line led the charge by adding 128 studio cabins to the Norwegian Epic, and now most of their newer Breakaway-plus class ships feature dedicated solo corridors.

Virgin Voyages has also followed suit, offering 46 solo staterooms on their ships, including several with ocean views. While most solo rooms are inside cabins with no windows, about 20% of newer solo inventory now includes balconies or portholes. In my experience, the inside solo cabins can feel a bit like a high-tech dormitory. They are cozy, but if you are claustrophobic, you might want to spring for a solo balcony stateroom. It makes a world of difference when you can actually see the ocean from your bed.

Solo Cabin vs. Standard Cabin Comparison

Solo Studio vs. Standard Cabin with Supplement

Deciding between a dedicated solo room and a standard double room depends on your budget and how much space you truly need for your vacation.

Solo Studio Cabin

• Small (approx 100-120 sq ft); optimized for one person

• Very limited; usually sells out 6-12 months in advance

• Often includes access to a shared 'Solo Lounge' for meeting others

• Usually 20-30% cheaper than a standard room with supplement

Standard Cabin (Solo Occupancy)

• Standard (170-220 sq ft); plenty of room to spread out

• High; any available room can be booked solo

• No specialized access; you are on your own for socializing

• Requires paying 150-200% of the per-person base fare

Minh's Solo Voyage: From Fear to Freedom

Minh, a 35-year-old software engineer in Da Nang, wanted to celebrate a career milestone with a solo cruise but was terrified of being the 'odd one out' in a sea of couples. He initially tried to book a standard balcony on a 2026 sailing out of Singapore, but the price doubled to $2,400 during checkout.

He almost gave up, assuming solo cruising was only for the wealthy. But then he learned about 'Studio' cabins. He spent 3 weeks researching ship layouts, eventually finding a solo-specific room on a newer vessel. The first attempt at booking was a failure - the solo cabins were sold out for his preferred dates.

Instead of settling for a high supplement, he shifted his travel dates by two weeks and looked at a different ship in the same fleet. He realized that flexibility with dates was the only way to snag a dedicated solo room. He finally booked a studio cabin for just $1,150.

The result was a 7-day cruise where he had his own private room and access to a solo-only lounge. He met four other travelers on the first night and ended up saving over $1,000 compared to his original plan. Minh learned that solo cruising isn't expensive if you know which ships to target.