Cruising hasn’t always been the friendliest sector for solo travellers. Most cruise lines charge a single supplement when I want a room for one, meaning a single cruiser like me pays twice as much as sharers.
Any shifts in policy have been pretty slow, but Royal Caribbean has started to include options for solo travellers.
I started cruising in 2023 and quickly became a big fan. My first long-format cruise was to Alaska with Royal Caribbean and I managed NOT to pay a full single supplement.
If you’re wondering how to book a solo cabin on Royal Caribbean, or get a deal like I did, this guide will provide all the necessary steps and tips.
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Why Choose Royal Caribbean for Solo Travel?
Royal Caribbean is simply the largest cruise line by revenue, controlling over 19% of the worldwide cruise market (by passengers).
That means that Royal Caribbean probably has a scheduled cruise to match your desired itinerary. Plus it’s well-regarded for food, drink and entertainment. I found my stateroom spotless, but tired.
For solo cabins, you’ll need to do some forward planning and stateroom-wrangling to get the deal you want, but read on for some solid advice.
My Video Guide to the (Solo) Ocean View Room on Royal Caribbean
Pros & Cons — plus what I paid!
Types of Solo Cabins on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has a small range of solo cabin options to cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are the main types:
Inside Studio Staterooms
These are compact, comfortable cabins designed for solo travelers. You’ll find all the essentials you need and (hopefully) a more reasonable price. This room attracts no single supplement fee.
Virtual Balcony Studio Staterooms
These cabins feature a virtual balcony, giving you a digital view of the outside world. The idea is you get the “feel” of a balcony without the cost. This room attracts no single supplement fee.
Super Studio Ocean View Staterooms with Balconies
If you want a solo stateroom deal, but a bit more luxury, this special kind of stateroom has an actual balcony with ocean views. These are slightly larger than the inside and virtual balcony studios, providing more space.
Solo Cabin Availability on Royal Caribbean Ships
The studio staterooms range from 101 to 199 square feet and are available on the following ships:
- Brilliance of the Seas (I sailed on this ship)
- Quantum Class: Quantum, Ovation, Anthem
- Quantum Ultra Class: Spectrum of the Seas
- Oasis Class: Harmony (only Oasis Class ship with studios)
Avoiding Single Supplement Fees
All Royal Caribbean rates are based on double occupancy, with the exception of certain solo staterooms as shown above.
Solo travelers booking a regular double occupancy stateroom will typically pay a “single supplement fee” which doubles the cruise fare.
Here are some ways to avoid or minimize this fee:
Book Studio Staterooms
As I discussed above, you can book one of the limited studio staterooms, which are priced for solo use with no supplement. These cabins are specifically designed for solo travelers.
Loyalty Program Benefits
If you have 340+ Crown & Anchor loyalty points, the single supplement is reduced from 200% to 150%. This can be a significant saving for frequent Royal Caribbean cruisers.
Last-Minute Deals
Sometimes the single supplement is waived on last-minute sailings to encourage bookings. Keeping an eye on last-minute deals can help you secure a regular stateroom without the hefty supplement. I used a last-minute deal to find a better price for my Alaskan cruise on the Brilliance of the Seas.
Phantom Second Guest
Another trick is to price out the cruise with a “phantom” second guest that you don’t actually sail with. This can sometimes be cheaper than paying the single supplement. However, cruise lines absolutely hate this trick and there may be consequences for you if you’re found out.
Advantages of Booking a Regular Room Despite the Single Supplement Fee
Many cruisers accept the additional cost of booking a regular room, even though it costs much more! Here’s why.
More Living Space and Variety
While I’d personally look for a studio stateroom or discounted fare, others like a regular room because the staterooms are much bigger than the ‘solo room’ choices. Plus many more types of stateroom are available at full price, such as higher-end balcony rooms and suites.
There are pretty few variations on Royal Caribbean for ‘solo studio’ cruisers and no options for a single cruiser that wants a suite.
Increased Crown and Anchor Society Points
Royal Caribbean offers additional Crown and Anchor Society points for guests that pay the single supplement fee for cruising alone.
While it does have a higher cost than a studio stateroom, the extra Crown and Anchor Society points can help guests who really want to move up the status levels.
Steps to Book a Solo Cabin on Royal Caribbean
These are the exact steps I follow when I’m considering a Royal Caribbean cruise:
Step 1: Research Your Options
Start by researching the different solo cabin options available on Royal Caribbean’s website and third-party travel sites like Cruise Direct. Compare prices, amenities, and reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
Bear in mind: booking a solo stateroom on Royal Caribbean can sometimes cost more than booking a full-sized stateroom, even with a single supplement.
Step 2: Choose the Right Ship and Itinerary
Certain ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet offer better solo cabin options and more solo traveler-friendly itineraries. Look for ships like Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas, which have dedicated solo cabins.
Look for itineraries that offer the mix of ports you want to see plus enough sea days to enjoy a bit of ship-life!
Step 3: Check for Promotions and Discounts
Always be on the lookout for promotions and discounts that can make your solo cruise more affordable.
Royal Caribbean frequently offers sales, and loyalty points can also be used for discounts.
Step 4: Watch Prices Carefully for Deals
Monitoring prices regularly is crucial. I booked a solo trip with Royal Caribbean pretty much last minute, a week or two before the cruise departed (it was on Brilliance of the Seas, to Alaska). I got a full-sized ocean view stateroom with a very low single supplement.
Keeping an eye on prices can help you catch last-minute deals and upgrades, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Step 5: Book Early to Secure the Best Rates
This next step will sound totally counter-intuitive: while last-minute deals can be great, booking early is generally the best way to secure the best rates for solo cabins.
Popular itineraries and ships tend to fill up their solo cabins quickly, so planning ahead can save you money and guarantee your spot.
Step 6: Utilize a Travel Agent
Using a travel agent can be beneficial, especially if you’re new to cruising or looking for the best solo cabin deals.
Travel agents specializing in cruises can provide expert advice, find exclusive discounts, and handle all the booking details for you.
Conclusion
I have to confess I didn’t consider myself a natural cruiser, until I took my first cruise with Royal Caribbean. While my cabin needed a refurb, the great price and service I received made me feel less nervous about taking a longer solo cruise.
You’ll need to do a little research to find what I’d consider a fairer price for solo travel, either using a solo stateroom or looking for a deal on single supplements. Have a look at Royal Caribbean’s website or check a third party agency like Cruise Direct to start your search!