NCL adding nearly 1,000 dedicated solo staterooms

Beginning this week, NCL will open for sale three new solo stateroom categories, including solo inside, solo ocean-view and solo balcony, for sailings starting Jan. 2. With pricing and availability dependent on the destination and demand, solo travelers can expect to pay less than for a traditional double occupancy room.

Growing demand

Noting solo staterooms have been 'quite popular' since their 2010 introduction with Norwegian Epic, NCL President David Herrera said: 'After realizing the growing demand of individuals looking to travel on their own, we have now expanded single occupancy staterooms across our fleet.'

From 2019 to 2022, NCL saw an increase in travelers booking accommodations as a single occupant in non-studio staterooms.

With solo rooms expanding from nine ships to the full fleet, single cruisers have more opportunities to visit destinations such as Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand on vessels which historically have not had this category.

Studio Lounge access

Travelers who book solo rooms also get access to the keycard-entry Studio Lounge, available on select ships. This provides a space to relax, a bar equipped with beer and wine and a variety of snacks served daily.

Travelers who book solo rooms get access to the Studio Lounge, available on select ships

Solo cruisers also can participate in scheduled activities to mix and mingle.

Studies on solo demand

According to a study by Travelport, solo travel make up nearly 18% of global bookings in the travel industry. More recently in solo travel statistics, Radical Storage reported a 267% increase in online searches for the term 'solo travel' between December 2020 and April 2022.