How Norwegian Is Catering to Solo Cruisers on Its New Ship

Cruise lines compensate for lost revenue on double-occupancy cabins by slapping an often hefty “single supplement” fee on solo cruisers’ fares.

To bypass this, look for specially designated single traveler cabins.

For that, go to the Studio Lounge, a large social space exclusive to these solo sailors. But like its cabin counterparts, you won’t find any natural light down here.

Norwegian’s latest ship has plenty of complimentary lounges, both bar and poolside.

If you want a child-free laze, you could pay $270 for a seven-day pass to the adult-only Vibe Beach Club.

So if you can’t beat them, join them.

Most of these family amenities are also secretly great for solitary travelers (minus the cluster of outdoor activities at the Stadium, unless you can finesse playing “beer” pong and shuffleboard alone).

I’ve been on plenty of solo cruises for work, so I understand the hate for waterslides that require two riders. (You’re telling me I have to share my raft with a random kid?!)

Thankfully, Norwegian Aqua’s hybrid waterslide roller coaster accommodates single and double riders. Plus, riding alone means no one has to hear you shriek when the robot arm launches you upward of 31 miles an hour into the waterslide.

Or, you’re welcome to go alone if you don’t want to bicker over the activity of choice.

The same goes for the arcade’s two-lane bowling alley — so long as you’re OK with an audience of children pausing their virtual reality games to judge your performance — and the mini-golf course, which automatically tracks your putts-per-hole.

The ship has 15 dining options, half of which are complimentary. These include the familiar cruise buffet, two main dining rooms, and American pub grub from Local Bar and Grill.

I recommend trying Indulge Food Hall.

Don’t let decision paralysis stop you from living your lunch dreams.

The portions are relatively small, so you don’t need to eat family-style to try multiple dishes. Plus, there are plenty of communal tables that make eating alone feel casual.

Most guests go there to enjoy a quiet cocktail with ocean views. But the lounge has an underrated feature: a tiny café-like buffet with small bites such as Brie sandwiches and cookies.

Grab a quiche and a soft leather seat for a relaxing mid-day solitude snack. Or, if you’re feeling chattier, sit at one of the couches and strike up a conversation with your seatmate.

“Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” could be the most engaging show you’ll go to alone.

You could grab a seat on the upper decks, but I recommend heading to the standing-room-only bottom floor.

Small, lily-pad-like stages move throughout the performance to create an ever-changing set, corralling the standing viewers while providing plenty of room to sing, dance, mingle, and mix along to the Prince cover songs.

None of the other theater shows are interactive, save for “The Price is Right Live.”

“Elements: The World Expanded” is Norwegian’s Cirque du Soleil dupe, while “Syd Norman’s Presents: Rumours” is another cover show showcasing Fleetwood Mac’s magnum opus album.

Or, if you really hate going without company, make friends at the Studio Lounge and drag them with you. Dancing to Prince with your new chums will surely make for a memorable solo vacation.