Norwegian Cruise Line's Comprehensive Solo Cruising Options
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has been a forerunner in recognizing the rising popularity of solo travel. With the introduction of nearly 1,000 dedicated solo staterooms across its 19-ship fleet, NCL has gone above and beyond to cater to single travelers. These solo cabins range from the cozy and compact inside cabins to the expansive and luxurious balcony cabins. And let's not forget the original, ever-popular Studio cabins that initiated the trend.
Norwegian Encore Solo Balcony Cabin
Solo Balcony Cabins:
At the pinnacle of luxury is the Solo Balcony cabin, which offers solo travelers 214-367 sq. ft. of opulence, combined with balconies that span 38-108 sq. ft. These cabins provide the perfect vantage point to embrace the ocean’s vastness, all while basking in the sheer luxury that NCL is known for.
Norwegian Encore Solo Oceanview Cabin
Solo Oceanview Cabins:
A close second in the hierarchy of luxury is the Solo Oceanview cabin. Providing a space of 160-245 sq. ft., these cabins boast windows that usher in the vastness of the sea and the beauty of passing landscapes. They perfectly blend comfort with picturesque views.
Norwegian Encore Solo Interior Cabin
Solo Inside Cabins:
These cabins are ideal for travelers looking for a cozy, budget-friendly option without compromising on amenities. Encompassing 129-201 sq. ft., these cabins, although devoid of windows, provide a serene environment, making them the perfect retreat after a day of adventures on board or ashore.
Norwegian Bliss Solo Studio Cabin
Studio Cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line:
The Studio cabins, pioneers in the realm of solo cruising, offer a snug 100 sq. ft. of space and are innovatively designed to exude warmth and privacy. The unique feature of a one-way window to the corridor, combined with well-separated areas for the bathroom, sink, and shower, ensures that space is used optimally.
Guests who choose the new solo stateroom categories will have exclusive access to the Studio Lounge, available on select ships. This key card entry-only area offers a serene space to unwind and meet other solo travelers, accompanied by a well-stocked bar and a range of daily snacks. Beyond the lounge, solo cruisers can partake in tailored activities that allow them to socialize with fellow travelers.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Solo Cabin Re-Categorization
Typically in the cruise industry, if a traveler wants to enjoy the luxury of having a cabin to themselves, they're often burdened with the cost of double occupancy, even if they're cruising solo. No longer will solo travelers need to shoulder the cost of a double occupancy room when they only need space for one.
David J. Herrera, the president of Norwegian Cruise Line, emphasized the brand's dedication to its customers by stating, "Since we first launched our solo staterooms in 2010 with Norwegian Epic, they have been quite popular with single travelers. After realizing the growing demand of individuals looking to travel on their own, we have now expanded single occupancy staterooms across our fleet."
Norwegian Prima Studio Lounge
There's been a noticeable upswing in solo travel, as reflected by a Travelport study indicating that solo journeys constituted nearly 18% of global bookings. Another significant stat from Radical Storage highlighted a whopping 267% growth in online searches for "solo travel" from December 2020 to April 2022. NCL itself witnessed a rise in single occupant bookings in non-studio staterooms from 2019 to 2022. This expansion is a testament to the growing trend.
When booking these newly introduced rooms, guests will notice distinct category codes to streamline their selection process: Solo Balconies are labeled as 'BT', Solo Oceanviews carry the 'OT' designation, and Solo Inside Cabins are identified as 'IT'.
Here's a quick overview of the solo re-categorization rollout schedule:
Effective 10/2/2023
Norwegian Jewel: for sailings beginning 1/5/2024
Norwegian Bliss: for sailings beginning 1/7/2024
Norwegian Breakaway: for sailings beginning 1/7/2024
Norwegian Getaway: for sailings beginning 1/2/2024
Effective 10/4/2023
Norwegian Joy: for sailings beginning 1/11/2024
Norwegian Encore: for sailings beginning 1/7/2024
Norwegian Epic: for sailings beginning 1/7/2024
Norwegian Escape: for sailings beginning 1/6/2024
Effective 10/18/2023
Norwegian Gem: for sailings beginning 1/2/2024
Norwegian Pearl: for sailings beginning 1/2/2024
Norwegian Dawn: for sailings beginning 1/3/2024
Norwegian Star: for sailings beginning 1/7/2024
Norwegian Spirit: for sailings beginning 1/4/2024
Effective 10/19/2023
Norwegian Jade: for sailings beginning 1/7/2024
Norwegian Sun: for sailings beginning 1/5/2024
Norwegian Sky: for sailings beginning 1/21/2024
Pride of America: for sailings beginning 1/6/2024
Norwegian Prima: for sailings beginning 1/5/2024
Norwegian Viva: for sailings beginning 1/7/2024
NCL's expansion and introduction of the new solo cabins are more than just new room offerings; it's a nod to the future of cruising. The industry is evolving, and NCL is at the forefront, ensuring that solo travelers can set sail in style without breaking the bank.
