Cruises for Single Seniors Over 60 - Your Complete Guide

Solo Cruising After 60 - Adventure Awaits

Cruising alone might sound intimidating, but it’s actually one of the best ways to travel as a single senior. You’ll meet people, see new places, and have adventures - all without worrying about planning every detail.

Why Cruises Work Well for Singles

Built-in Social Structure: Unlike resort vacations where you might not meet anyone, cruises offer daily activities, shared dining, and excursions that naturally bring people together.

Safety and Convenience: Your room, meals, and entertainment are all in one place. You don’t need to navigate foreign cities alone or worry about finding restaurants.

Variety: Each day brings new destinations, activities, and opportunities to mingle or enjoy solitude as you choose.

Value: When you calculate accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation between destinations, cruises offer excellent value.

Types of Cruises for Singles

Singles-Focused Cruises

What They Offer:

  • Singles meet-and-greets
  • Social events designed for solo travelers
  • Host/hostess to facilitate introductions
  • Reduced or waived single supplement fees
  • Group excursions for singles

Who They’re For: People specifically looking to meet other singles, possibly for romance or just friendship.

General Cruises with Solo-Friendly Options

Features:

  • Studio cabins (designed for one person, no supplement)
  • Solo traveler lounges
  • Table arrangements for singles at dinner
  • Buddy programs

Who They’re For: People who want to cruise alone but appreciate opportunities to socialize.

Small Ship and River Cruises

Characteristics:

  • Fewer passengers (50-200 vs 2000+)
  • More intimate atmosphere
  • Easier to meet everyone on board
  • Often culturally focused
  • Usually higher price point

Who They’re For: People who prefer smaller groups and more in-depth experiences.

Caribbean Cruises

Why They’re Popular:

  • Warm weather year-round
  • Short cruises available (3-7 days)
  • Affordable
  • Familiar and comfortable for first-timers

Activities: Beaches, snorkeling, cultural tours, shopping, relaxation.

Alaska Cruises

Appeal:

  • Spectacular scenery
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Glaciers and national parks
  • Tends to attract mature, educated travelers

Best Time: May through September

Mediterranean Cruises

What You’ll See: Historic cities, ancient ruins, beautiful coastlines, world-class cuisine.

Popular Stops: Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, France.

Consideration: Longer cruises (typically 7-14 days), so more expensive.

River Cruises (Europe)

Rivers: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro

Style: Small ships, cultural focus, included excursions, upscale dining.

Demographic: Tends to attract educated seniors; very social atmosphere.

Understanding Single Supplements

What It Is

The “single supplement” is an extra fee charged when one person occupies a cabin designed for two. It can range from 25% to 100% of the per-person double occupancy rate.

Avoiding or Reducing It

Studio Cabins: Some ships now offer single cabins at no supplement. They’re smaller but designed for solo travelers.

Share Programs: Some lines match you with a same-gender roommate, splitting the cost.

Guaranteed Share: You pay the double-occupancy rate. If they don’t find you a roommate, you get the cabin to yourself.

Special Promotions: Watch for deals waiving supplements on select sailings.

Is It Worth Paying?

Pros of Private Cabin:

  • Your own space and schedule
  • Privacy
  • No roommate conflicts
  • Control over thermostat, lights, noise

Pros of Sharing:

  • Save money
  • Built-in companion
  • Might make a new friend

Making the Most of Your Singles Cruise

Before You Board

Research:

  • Read reviews of the ship and itinerary
  • Join online groups for your specific cruise
  • Look for pre-cruise meet-ups
  • Pack appropriately for activities

Set Intentions:

  • Are you looking for romance?
  • Want to make friends?
  • Prefer some solo time?
  • Open to whatever happens?

First Day Strategies

Attend Orientation: Many cruises have singles meet-and-greets on embarkation day. Go, even if you’re shy.

Explore the Ship: Get your bearings. Find the solo traveler lounge if there is one.

Introduce Yourself: At dinner, around the pool, in line - smile and say hello.

Check the Daily Program: Plan activities you genuinely enjoy, where you’ll meet like-minded people.

Dining Strategies

Traditional Dining: Assigned seating, same tablemates each night. Great for making friends.

Anytime Dining: Flexibility to eat when you want. May not see same people, but more freedom.

Requesting Tablemates: Ask to be seated with other singles of similar age.

Solo Dining: Many ships now offer solo dining tables or communal tables for those who want company.

Activities That Foster Connection

Best for Meeting People:

  • Dance classes
  • Trivia contests
  • Wine tastings
  • Art classes
  • Fitness classes
  • Shore excursions
  • Deck parties

Solo-Friendly Activities:

  • Spa treatments
  • Reading on deck
  • Watching shows
  • Photography
  • Journaling

Shore Excursions for Solo Travelers

Group Tours

Pros:

  • Safe and organized
  • Meet fellow passengers
  • Expert guides
  • Transportation included

Cons:

  • Can feel rushed
  • Large groups
  • Less flexibility

Independent Exploration

Pros:

  • Go at your own pace
  • See what interests you
  • More authentic experiences

Cons:

  • Need to research
  • Navigate on your own
  • Safety considerations

Middle Ground: Join a small group excursion organized by passengers (common on cruises).

Safety Considerations

On the Ship

General Safety:

  • Don’t leave drinks unattended
  • Lock your cabin
  • Don’t publicize that you’re traveling alone
  • Trust your instincts
  • Use the safe for valuables

Social Safety:

  • Meet new friends in public spaces
  • Don’t give out cabin number to strangers
  • Tell cruise staff if someone makes you uncomfortable

In Port

Stay Aware:

  • Research destinations beforehand
  • Stay in tourist areas if solo
  • Keep valuables secure
  • Have ship contact info
  • Return well before all-aboard time

Emergency Prep:

  • Carry ship’s card with contact info
  • Have local emergency numbers
  • Keep some cash in local currency
  • Charge your phone

Budgeting for Your Cruise

What’s Included

Typically Covered:

  • Cabin
  • Meals (main dining room and buffet)
  • Entertainment and shows
  • Basic activities
  • Some non-alcoholic beverages

Usually Extra:

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Specialty restaurants
  • Spa services
  • Shore excursions
  • Gratuities
  • Wi-Fi
  • Photos
  • Shopping

Budgeting Tips

Save Money:

  • Book early or last-minute for deals
  • Drink package if you drink moderately
  • Free activities and entertainment
  • Pack your own snacks
  • Limit specialty dining

Splurge Wisely:

  • Choose excursions you’ll remember forever
  • Upgrade cabin if it matters to you
  • Spa day for special treat

What to Pack

Essentials

Clothing:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Dressy outfits for formal nights (usually 2-3 per week)
  • Swimsuit and cover-up
  • Layers (ships can be cold with AC)
  • Light jacket for evenings
  • Day bag for excursions

Medications and Health:

  • All prescriptions (plus extras)
  • Sea sickness remedies
  • Basic first aid
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Insect repellent for tropical ports

Documents:

  • Passport
  • Cruise documents
  • Travel insurance
  • Credit cards and cash
  • Emergency contacts

Don’t Overpack

Remember:

  • Laundry service available
  • Ships have shops for forgotten items
  • You’ll buy souvenirs
  • Cabin space is limited

Meeting People and Making Friends

Breaking the Ice

Conversation Starters:

  • “Is this your first cruise?”
  • “Where are you from?”
  • “What excursions are you doing?”
  • “Have you tried [activity] yet?”
  • “Would you like to join me for [activity]?”

Body Language:

  • Smile
  • Make eye contact
  • Sit in common areas, not always in cabin
  • Join group activities
  • Attend nightly shows

From Acquaintance to Friend

Building Connections:

  • Exchange cabin numbers or social media
  • Make plans for next day’s activities
  • Save seats at shows for each other
  • Share meals
  • Exchange photos

Knowing When to Step Back:

  • Some people prefer solitude
  • Not everyone wants to be best friends
  • Respect boundaries
  • It’s okay to have casual friendships

Romance on the High Seas

It Happens

Cruise romances are common. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful settings, and freedom from daily life create a romantic environment.

Keeping It Real

Remember:

  • You’re both on vacation, not in real life
  • People can be different at home than on a cruise
  • It’s easy to get swept up in the moment
  • Exchange contact info, but be realistic

Red Flags:

  • They’re still married “but separated”
  • Stories don’t add up
  • Pushing for physical intimacy too fast
  • Asking for money
  • Won’t give real contact information

If It’s Real

Some cruise romances do lead to lasting relationships. If you meet someone special:

  • Take contact information
  • Connect after the cruise
  • Visit each other’s home areas
  • Take time to really get to know them
  • Be hopeful but cautious

Tips from Experienced Solo Cruisers

“Don’t eat in your cabin. Go to the dining room even if alone.”

“Volunteer to be the photographer. Everyone needs photos, and you’ll meet everyone.”

“Get off the ship at every port, even if just to walk around.”

“Talk to the crew. They have fascinating stories.”

“Attend formal night even if you don’t want to. You’ll regret missing it.”

“Book the same cruise line and itinerary if you want to see the same people again.”

Final Thoughts

Cruising solo as a senior can be one of life’s great adventures. You’ll see new places, meet interesting people, try new things, and create memories.

Don’t Wait:

  • Don’t wait for a companion who may never materialize
  • Don’t let fear hold you back
  • Don’t worry about what others think
  • Don’t miss out on experiences

Do This:

  • Book that cruise
  • Be open to new friendships
  • Try activities outside your comfort zone
  • Enjoy every moment
  • Be proud of your adventurous spirit

You’re never too old for adventure, and you don’t need a partner to have one. The world is waiting. Bon voyage!

Life’s too short to wait for someday. Book the cruise. Take the trip. Make the memories.