Singles cruises: How to sail as a solo traveller

Ambassador Cruise Line is one of a growing number of brands catering better than ever for single travellers.

Solo cruises are an amazing way to see the world in safety and make friends while doing so, but for a long time, the cost of single jet-setting has proved an obstacle. Sigh.

Thankfully, Ambassador is committed to single guests and are ensuring not only that lone globetrotters don’t pay an arm and leg for travelling solo (single supplements start for just 25 percent on selected sailings) but they also have a hell of a lot of fun doing so. Hooray!

This is everything you need to know about cruise holidays for solo travellers with Ambassador Cruise Line.

So, which cruise lines have solo cabins? The answer, of course, is Ambassador – the perfect solution for singles cruises over 50.

The adults-only cruise line has allocated 89 single-occupancy cabins on its ships Ambience (sailing now) and Ambition (launching March 2023).

These solo cabins are priced at a special single supplement against the equivalent twin fare based on five selected single cabin categories. Yep, we told you, hold on to that arm and leg.

Ambassador’s rooms average 17-18 square meters, with cabin types broadly classified as standard, superior, premium or deluxe.

Ambience solo cabins range from Superior Inside Single on Consulate deck 10 to Standard Ocean View Single on Aloe deck 4 to Superior Ocean View Single on Consulate deck 10, Premium Ocean View Single on Ambassador deck 11 and Super Plus Balcony Single on Consulate deck 10.

All accommodation onboard Ambience comes with tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge, a hair dryer, a personal safe, UK three-pin electrical sockets and USB ports plus a flat-screen TV. What’s more, they’re all air-conditioned with en-suite facilities including a shower along with plenty of storage space.

The dedicated housekeeping team cleans rooms once a day and provides an evening turn-down service as well as 24-hour room service at a supplementary cost. A perk of going it alone? You can order as much as you like from that menu without anyone judging. Bliss.

If you fancy going all out on your solo cruise, suites come with priority embarkation and luggage delivery. Expect a complimentary bottle of house wine and mineral water, a cosy bathrobe and pair of slippers, an umbrella and binoculars as well as a laundry service discount and a late check-out.

In the Deluxe suite – the crème de la crème of Ambassador cabins – you’ll get 558sq ft plus a balcony all to yourself, absolutely no squabbling over the sink, TV or minibar necessary. You really can, as they say, just do you.

It’s not just reasonably-priced accommodation on offer, Ambassador makes sure to welcome single cruisers properly.

On cruises of six nights or more, Ambassador Cruise Line offers a special programme of events, including a welcome cocktail party at which you can meet like-minded travellers and crew.

Maybe you’ll team up with new-found friends for a quiz or even a shore excursion? Or perhaps you’d rather simply enjoy the peace and quiet of your solo getaway? However sociable you feel, you can rest at ease knowing you’ll be looked after. A fourth old fashioned on our sun lounger? Why not!

During the day on board Ambience and Ambition, solo travellers can visit the shopping galleria, hit the gym, enjoy the spa, relax in the library or strike up acquaintances over poker and the like in the card room. Alternatively, why not take a plunge in the swimming pool or the on-deck hot tubs?

In the evening, head to multi-tiered The Palladium for a variety of shows and artists, check out cabarets in the Observatory or try your luck in the casino.

Need some liquid courage on your solo cruise holiday? If you head to the bar, the drinks are well-priced with a typical gin and tonic costing around £6.15, a large beer £4.50 and cocktails approximately £5.50. OK, we’ll have another.

On Ambassador cruises from the UK, there are generally two ‘formal’ or gala nights planned every seven to 12 nights. If you’re keen for a boogie on a solo cruise, ballroom dancing and dance hosts may be available – but only on selected sailings. Full details will be confirmed in the Daily Programme once onboard.

If you want to don your glad rags at these formal events, many gentlemen wear dinner jackets (although a lounge suit is acceptable) while ladies opt for evening or cocktail dresses.

As for the general dress code on Ambassador ships, ‘smart’ tends to mean a suit or smart jacket and trousers, with or without a tie, for the men, while ladies can sport cocktail dresses or trouser suits. When events are ‘casual’ you are free to wear whatever you want (well, maybe not your pyjamas…).

Sailing as a solo traveller is as easy as pie with Ambassador; whether you’re seeking pals (maybe even romance) or solitude there’s plenty to keep you occupied, comfortable and happy.

Talking of pie, we’re off to order a second dessert on room service.