Norwegian Cruise Line Adds Nearly 1,000 Solo Staterooms

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) more than doubles the amount of solo staterooms beginning in January 2024

When NCL launched Norwegian Epic in 2010, it was the first ship to sport actual solo staterooms. Those cruising solo who reserved a solo accommodation also had exclusive access to the Studio Lounge; a private retreat just for those staying in the new staterooms.

NCL Adds Almost 1,000 More Solo Staterooms

Having sailed on the first NCL Epic cruise in 2010 in a new studio stateroom, I was amazed at how many standard amenities could be crammed into a mere 100 square feet.

The only downside to these first seven ships’ single staterooms was that these were all inside staterooms. Having the Studio Lounge, however, was definitely a huge plus. Well-lit with its own concierge, the Studio Lounge was a new concept and very popular. 

Seizing on the popularity of solo staterooms, Norwegian added inside studio staterooms and Studio Lounge to six more new ships over the past decade.

Now the mainstream cruise line is going even further to entice solo passengers with nearly 1,000 more staterooms for single travelers.

Stateroom Categories for Solo Cruisers

Solo cruisers with NCL now have a choice of three solo stateroom categories; Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony. Prices and availability will vary according to destination and demand.

Overall, solo travelers will pay less for a solo stateroom than reserving the standard double occupancy stateroom for just one person. 

“We strive to provide our guests with diverse offerings to create their dream vacation,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Since we first launched our solo staterooms in 2010 with Norwegian Epic, they have been quite popular with single travelers. We are continuously listening to our guests to deliver the experience they want. After realizing the growing demand of individuals looking to travel on their own, we have now expanded single occupancy staterooms across our fleet.”

What’s Included With Norwegian’s New Solo Accommodations

Included when you stay in any of the new solo stateroom categories, you’ll have access to the Studio Lounge, with key card entry only. The Studio Lounges are available on a handful of NCL ships. Lounges feature an exclusive place to relax, plus a bar equipped with beer and wine and a variety of snacks served daily.

Besides access to the Studio Lounge, Norwegian has activities schedules to encourage single guests to mix and mingle. When the rollout is complete, all 19 ships in the fleet will have solo staterooms. 

NCL Ships With Solo Staterooms AND a Studio Lounge?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s seven ships with solo staterooms AND Studio Lounges are Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway and Pride of America in Hawai’i. 

With all NCL ships adding solo staterooms, guests traveling alone will be able to visit Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand on ships that, until now, have not had these unique options.

Updates on Solo Travel Popularity

In case you didn’t know, solo travel is on the rise, and you’re part of a growing trend! More and more people are choosing the thrill of solo adventures over traditional group travel with friends or family.

Here’s the scoop: A recent study by Travelport revealed that solo travel accounted for nearly 18% of global bookings in the travel industry. That’s a significant chunk, showcasing just how popular solo exploration has become.

And guess what? Solo travel has been making waves online, too! From December 2020 to April 2022, online searches for the term “solo travel” skyrocketed by a whopping 267%, according to Radical Storage. It seems like more and more folks are curious and eager to embark on their own solo journeys.

But that’s not all – Norwegian Cruise Line has noticed the trend as well. Between 2019 and 2022, they observed a surge in guests booking accommodations as single occupants in non-studio staterooms. So, not only are you not alone in your solo cruising adventure, but you’re also part of a global community of solo travelers making waves in the travel world!

Get ready for an incredible journey filled with self-discovery, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. Happy cruising!