The best singles cruises for a hook-up

Words by Samantha Priestley

Gone are the days of pitying stares and overpriced single supplements. Today, cruises for singles are sociable, welcoming and often a hotbed of flirty fun, especially if you book with the right cruise line.

A singles cruise is the perfect place to hook up with other unaccompanied globetrotters and meet like-minded folk while sailing the seas in style. We’re not talking about swingers cruises here; we’re talking about cruises where singles go to meet other people, and where you stand a higher chance of meeting someone you want to get to know better.

Whether you’re looking for romance, a fling or just some spicy conversation, these singles cruise packages offer a fun and friendly way to meet other solo holidaymakers.

– READ MORE: How to sail as a solo traveller –

Sailawaze spoke to several avid cruisers who met their now-partner at sea. Rachel Wright, from London, met her beau on Celebrity Cruises – proof that cruises for solo travellers can lead to long-term romance.

“We met in the exclusive suite space, The Retreat, and I got him into Virgin pina coladas which we sipped at sunset in Santorini. The following evening we were sat next to one another in the theatre and ended up in the club where we talked for hours.

“In Palma, we shared tapas and arranged to meet back in London for lunch. Our relationship is still going strong, and we’re definitely planning to sail on our very own Love Boat again in the future.

Meanwhile, P&O Cruises put the ‘P’ in passion for Andrea and John Gill from near Bedford. Both had jumped at the offer of a cruise to the Baltic with no single supplement. “It was only a week before departure but we both made the decision to book the trip,” the Gills told Sailawaze. They found themselves on the same allocated singles table…and were engaged five weeks later! “People always comment on how ‘lucky’ we are,” they said.

– READ MORE: The world’s most romantic cruises –

But how does one go about finding a paramour onboard? And if your cruise does encourage solo gatherings and offers a singles’ table, will it be awkward?

Andrea Gill had both good and bad news: “Most people on a cruise have sufficient social skills to avoid such a situation,” she explained. “However, I have previously experienced sitting with two men who were unable to even say, ‘Good evening!’”

It’s not rocket science – being sociable is key to sparking up a connection onboard, but luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for mingling on a cruise.

Hunter Davies, the resident relationship expert for Saga Magazine, has enjoyed several cruises, noting you can “get very close to people onboard” with such a getaway. “Go to all the events, “ he urged anyone looking for love while solo cruising. “Don’t just sit in your cabin.”

You may also want to get jiggy with it – literally. “Take your dancing pumps,” advised Davies. “Dancing is brilliant!” If you’re not so clever with the moves, why not take a cooking class or sign up for a shore excursion with your cruise line? You won’t be short of conversation topics and it will be a great talking point at any events for solos on your return to the ship.

Top features to look for in singles cruises

• Solo cabins or no single supplements
• Welcome events for solo travellers
• Adults-only ships or themed sailings
• Lounge areas or excursions just for singles

Quick tips for hooking up at sea

Quick tips for success on a singles cruise:

• Go to all the solo traveller events – they’re designed for mingling
• Don’t be shy at dinner – shared tables are where sparks fly
• Dancing, cooking classes and group excursions are easy conversation starters
• Pick an adults-only ship if you want a more grown-up vibe
• Remember: confidence and kindness go a long way

Feeling inspired to head out on a cruise for single people yourself? Let’s take a look at the best singles cruises for a hook-up.

– READ MORE: What really goes down on a swinger’s cruise… –

Oceania Cruises

Oceania singles cruises

Oceania Cruises is a longtime supporter of the single traveller, and aboard their newest ship, Vista, they have continued this trend with six Concierge Class solo veranda staterooms. That means, you know for sure there will be other solo travellers onboard.

As soon as you set sail, a special single travellers’ gathering is held, so you can get to know your fellow singles right away. These solo cruise cabins are designed specifically for single travellers, offering an oversized private veranda and a complimentary welcome bottle of Champagne, which you can share with a new friend or keep for yourself!

Concierge Class guests also enjoy free, unlimited access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace and exclusive keycard access to the private concierge lounge, where you can mingle with other singles.

– READ MORE: What entertainment do you really get on an adults-only cruise? –

Virgin Voyages

Adults-only Virgin Voyages singles cruises

Like everything Virgin does, its cruise line is fun and a bit cheeky. Virgin Voyages cruises are adults only. Virgin Voyages cruises are adults only – perfect for singles looking for grown-up fun without kids onboard

Many single adults choose these lively cruises for the fun element, making Virgin Voyages one of the best cruise lines for single travellers looking to let their hair down. You’ll meet your fellow singles cruise at the interactive evening entertainment – the perfect way to get to know other solos – at the fitness classes, and at dinner.

Solo travellers can book insider cabins or sea view cabins, your perfect pad for hooking up with other single cruise passengers.

Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL solo cruises

The best thing about travelling with Norwegian Cruise Line as a solo cruiser is the cabin types. The solo staterooms on Norwegian Cruise Line are pretty much the same as a double. They have double beds, plenty of space, a balcony if you’ve booked one, and the décor is fresh and bright.

The only difference is, you’ll only pay for yourself. That’s right, these solo staterooms are charged for one person, so no single person supplements and no paying over the odds for your room.

As a single traveller, you’ll also have access to the Studio Lounge, a private lounge that’s just for solos to hang out in. What better place to meet your next hook-up?

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity themed singles cruises

Like the idea of themed cruises for singles and music fans? Love 70s rock and want to meet someone to hang out and hook up with? On the Celebrity Cruises 70s rock-themed cruise ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise’ (a chartered sailing) you’ll meet other solo guests who are into the same vibe as you, and with that connection already there, you stand a much higher chance of meeting someone to hook up with.

You don’t have to be into 70s rock to bond over music and hook up on themed cruise holidays for singles. You can also take a Groove Cruise, an Emo’s Not Dead Cruise or a Blues Cruise. Whatever scene you’re into, there’s a cruise for you, and with a cruise full of like-minded people onboard, you’re sure to bump into other solos who are up for it.

– READ MORE: Would you go naked on a cruise ship? –

Saga Cruises

Saga singles cruises over 50

If you thought hooking up on a cruise was just for young people, think again. The over-50s are some of the friskiest travellers out there and on Saga’s two ocean ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, travelling solo and looking to mingle is made easier.

Both Saga Cruises ships have designated singles cabins and for those singles who want to splash out, you can even book a singles suite – now that’s the kind of pad you want to take someone back to. There’s no single occupancy charge for these either, making Saga a smart choice for cruise holidays for single adults over 50.

What’s more, the ships organise events perfect for solo sailors and gatherings strictly for singles, so you can get to know the other solos, and you can choose to ‘buddy up’ with another single guest for excursions. So, if someone takes your fancy, you can get to know them better. The cruise line previously found that 11 percent of solo travellers formed a romantic relationship on their cruise holidays!

– READ MORE: How can cruising become more inclusive? –