Resolved Query:
Looking for the best cruise deals for solo travellers from the UK? This guide reveals the top cruise lines with the best value, lowest solo cabin rates, highest staff ratios, and most shore excursions for 2025—all tailored to make your solo sailing unforgettable.
Introduction: Why Solo Cruises Are Booming in 2025
Solo travel is no longer a niche. With more people choosing to explore the world on their own terms, the cruise industry is finally catching up. In 2025, UK cruise lines are making solo adventures easier, cheaper, and more rewarding than ever.
I’ve noticed firsthand how solo cruising has evolved—especially post-pandemic. What was once seen as something only for older travellers has now opened up to a wider age range. More millennials and Gen Z travellers are booking cruises for the first time, especially those looking for stress-free escapes that combine adventure and relaxation. That’s why I created this expert-led review: to highlight the best UK solo cruises in 2025 for every type of traveller.
A study by Croatia Cruises analysed 19 major cruise lines departing from British ports. They evaluated each based on three essential factors for solo travellers:
- Daily price for a solo cabin
- Staff-to-passenger ratio
- Number of available shore excursions
This methodology ensures the recommendations below offer not only great value, but a well-rounded experience built on support, service, and exploration—critical for travellers navigating new places alone. Whether you’re booking your first solo cruise or a seasoned independent traveller, these findings can help you choose the right ship for your solo cruise from the uk.
1. Ambassador Cruise Line: Top Choice for Solo Value
- £156.18 per day
- 2.09 staff per passenger
- 790 shore excursions
Ambassador tops the list by offering the best daily rates for solo cruisers without compromising on service. This British-owned cruise line focuses on affordable luxury, excellent dining, and welcoming solo events. From Northern Europe to the Canary Islands, Ambassador delivers itineraries designed for relaxed, friendly travel.
“Ambassador Cruise Line wins by combining cheap rates with solid service levels, making them perfect for people holidaying alone.” — Anastasia Tretjakova, Croatia Cruises
Bonus Tip: Ambassador frequently offers solo saver cabins with no single supplement on select departures—a huge cost saver for UK solo cruises 2025.
2. P&O Cruises: Best Service for Solo Travellers
- £194.52 per day
- 3.04 staff per passenger (highest in the study)
- 794 shore excursions
Despite a slightly higher cost, P&O Cruises excels in personalised service, boasting the highest staff-to-passenger ratio. This makes it a favourite among solo cruisers seeking more tailored attention.
P&O is known for classic British hospitality, onboard lectures, and a variety of onboard activities. Their adult-only ships such as the Arcadia are particularly popular with solo travellers looking for a quieter, sophisticated cruise.
“P&O Cruises stands out with their exceptional 3.04 staff per passenger.”
Keyword opportunities: best cruise line for solo women UK, cruises with low single supplement, adult-only cruises UK, solo cruise deals UK
3. MSC Cruises: Affordable with Strong Support
- £160.90 per day
- 2.67 staff per passenger
- 411 shore excursions
MSC offers a great mid-range option for solo travellers, combining European style with budget-friendly fares. Their ships are modern and activity-packed, ideal for solo travellers who want entertainment and spa time in equal measure.
Cruise tip: MSC occasionally offers onboard credits and upgrades for solo travellers when booking direct. They’re an especially good choice for younger travellers seeking affordable single traveller cruise tips.
4. Carnival Cruise Line: Big on Excursions
- £181.28 per day
- 2.27 staff per passenger
- 885 shore excursions
Carnival is for the adventurous solo traveller. With a fun, informal vibe, Carnival excels in group excursions and social events. You won’t be short of things to do, whether you’re kayaking in Norway or zip-lining in the Caribbean.
As someone who prefers high-energy holidays, I’ve found Carnival perfect for meeting people—especially younger solo travellers.
5. Costa Cruises: European Charm for Less
- £163.23 per day
- 2.70 staff per passenger
- 301 shore excursions
Costa Cruises provides a continental cruise experience at great value. If you want to immerse yourself in Mediterranean culture, sample authentic cuisine, and mingle with an international crowd, Costa delivers.
Useful insight: Solo travellers might enjoy Costa’s language-learning excursions and chef-led market tours. If you’re on the hunt for the best solo holiday deals from the UK, Costa’s itineraries often include major cities like Rome, Marseille, and Valencia.
Other Notables:
- Princess Cruises: Most shore excursions (897), but higher daily rate of £248.47
- Cunard: Offers 994 excursions, but £249.97/day; great for classical music and formal events
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Offers dedicated studio cabins for solos; great for cruises with no single supplement UK
- Virgin Voyages: Trendy, adult-only cruises at £235.31/day; includes Wi-Fi, dining, and group fitness
- Holland America Line: Culinary and enrichment focus; most expensive in top 10 at £299.63/day. A solid pick for cruise ships for over 50s solo travellers UK
Luxury Lines to Avoid (If You’re Budgeting)
- Disney Cruise Line: £572.63/day; great for families, not solo adults
- Seabourn: £879.56/day, worst staff ratio (1.20)
- Scenic Discovery Yachts: £2,091.48/day (13x more than Ambassador!)
Cruise Tips for Solo Travellers in 2025
- Look for solo cabins or single-supplement waivers. MSC, Norwegian, and Ambassador often have solo-friendly offers.
- Join cruise forums and Facebook groups to connect with other solo travellers before you sail.
- Take part in onboard meetups: Many cruise lines now host solo mixers, wine tastings, or dining tables reserved for solo guests.
- Choose itineraries with overnight ports to explore local culture in-depth and at your own pace.
- Prioritise ships with a high staff ratio for better service and support.
- Be open to socialising but also honour your alone time. Cruising solo is about choosing your own adventure.
FAQs
For solo travellers, Ambassador Cruise Line stands out for affordability and comfort, offering cabins at just £156.18 per day with no single supplement on select itineraries. P&O Cruises is also an excellent choice for those seeking high staff-to-guest service. If you’re young, adventurous, or trying solo cruising for the first time, Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises provide lively atmospheres with flexible dining and social events. The best cruise depends on your travel style, but the top-rated solo-friendly lines offer a mix of affordability, support, and exciting excursions.
Absolutely. Cruising solo can be incredibly rewarding—it offers structure, safety, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. You’ll have access to excursions, entertainment, and quiet spaces to recharge. With cruise lines now offering solo cabins and meetups, it’s easier than ever to connect with others (if you want to), while still enjoying complete independence. Whether you’re 30 or 60, solo travel by sea offers unmatched convenience and value.
While most cruises are not exclusively for singles, many now cater specifically to solo travellers. Norwegian Cruise Line’s studio cabins are designed just for one, and Virgin Voyages regularly hosts singles events onboard. There are also niche operators who run themed single cruises or matchmaking group itineraries. You can also join travel clubs or book through solo travel agencies that coordinate group cruises for single people.
If you’re over 50 or 60 and travelling solo, Cunard, Holland America Line, and P&O Cruises are all highly recommended. These lines offer elegant atmospheres, enrichment programs, and a slower pace—ideal for mature travellers. Plus, they provide solo-focused excursions and excellent service ratios. For example, P&O has the highest staff-to-passenger ratio in this study at 3.04, ensuring attentive care throughout your trip.
Ambassador Cruise Line ranks as the top overall pick for UK solo cruises in 2025, thanks to affordable rates, solid staffing, and lots of excursions. P&O is ideal for service, MSC offers value with style, and Virgin Voyages appeals to modern solo adventurers. Each caters to a slightly different solo cruiser—but all offer memorable experiences.
es. Many cruise lines depart from Southampton and other UK ports in 2025. Ambassador, P&O, and MSC regularly launch solo-friendly voyages directly from the UK. This is perfect for avoiding flights and reducing travel stress. Look for offers tagged as “no single supplement cruises 2025” or “solo cruise 2025 from UK.”
Yes, Virgin Voyages and some itineraries from MSC, Ambassador, and even Princess Cruises offer all-inclusive perks like food, Wi-Fi, drinks, fitness classes, and tips. These are particularly valuable for solo travellers who want a hassle-free experience with fixed costs.
Everyone—from young digital nomads in their 30s to retirees seeking adventure. In recent years, there’s been a major uptick in Gen Z and millennial solo travellers booking cruises thanks to flexible work, better solo cabins, and the appeal of structured, safe travel. Whether you’re healing from a breakup, treating yourself, or just craving peace, solo cruising is no longer rare—it’s rising.
Sources: Planet Cruise – https://www.planetcruise.com/en/cruise-search
Cruise Critic – https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/find-a-cruise/cruise-line-msc