Blog >Advice > How To Find The Best Cruises For Singles Over 50

20 Feb 2026 | By Roman Bode-Asa In Advice

How To Find The Best Cruises for Singles Over 50

Adult Only Cruise Deals

 

Cruises for singles over 50 are quickly becoming popular because it combines relaxation and destination immersion all while meeting like minded cruisers. For many independent travellers, solo cruises over 50 and beyond are not about compromise but freedom, confidence and choosing experiences that suit your interest. Whether you are single, divorced, widowed or simply enjoy travelling alone, many cruise lines are now recognising the growing demand for cruises for singles over 50 and are offering more thoughtful options and experiences than ever before. If you are considering a solo cruise or looking to try a different cruise experience, we explore what to consider when booking, the best cruise lines for this demographic, and sailing options from the UK.

What To Look For When Booking Cruises For Singles Over 50

When choosing cruises for singles over 50, it is important to focus on value, atmosphere and onboard experiences that enhance the solo cruise experience rather than just the headline prices.

Solo cabins and single supplement fees

Sea Terrace cabin on-board Valiant Lady

One of the major costs to consider as a solo traveler is the single supplement fees. Single supplement cruises fees are an extra charge of 10% to 100% added to the standard cruise fare of solo travellers when booking a cabin or stateroom designed for double occupancy. Traditionally many cruise lines charged up to double the per person fare for single travellers because cruise fares are priced for two people. Today, several cruise ships offer solo cabins that are smaller than typical staterooms and are designed for one guest with significantly reduced or no single supplement fees. It is also worth looking for promotional offers where cruise lines offer lower single supplements to attract solo travellers during the shoulder or off peak seasons.

Social events and activities tailored to cruises for singles over 50

The best cruises for singles over 50 offer a balance of independence and community with a structured yet relaxed opportunity to meet people allowing guests to join in as much or as little as they wish. These include welcome receptions for solo guests, informal solo meet ups on the first evening, informal coffee mornings, hosted dinners and regular meet ups throughout the voyage. Enrichment activities like wine tastings, guest speaker lessons, shore excursions, dance classes and quiz evenings naturally stimulate conversion among guests. Smaller cruise ships are especially more efficient for mingling with a friendly atmosphere where guests quickly become familiar faces.

Adults only atmosphere

For cruisers opting for solo cruises over 50, a calm and refined environment is important. A few cruise lines are fully adults only while others operate adults only cruise ships or designated adults only areas that attract mature cruisers. This results in quieter public spaces, refined entertainment and a more relaxed sociable atmosphere onboard.

Best Cruise Lines For Solo Cruises Over 50

Many major cruise lines have developed better offers and experiences tailored to mature travellers that combine accommodation with engaging activities. A few stand out for their reputation, service. Thoughtful programming and facilities that appeal to mature solo travellers.

P&O Cruises

A British favourite, P&O Cruises is one of the popular choices for UK travellers over 50 looking for a more traditionally British cruise experience and offers sailings from the UK. P&O cruise ships that offer comfortable dedicated single cabins for solo travellers are Arcadia, Aurora, Britannia and Iona. For a fully adults only onboard experience, P&O cruise ships Arcadia and Aurora are fully adults only cruise ships allowing you to have a quieter experience and tailored itineraries with other adults. P&O Cruises offer social events for solo cruises over 50 like hosted solo traveller coffee mornings and social gatherings, classical concerts, guest speakers session and destination focused shore excursions. P&O Cruises offers itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords for cruisers hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, a private Caribbean islands destination that offers a relaxed beach atmosphere that is suited to more mature guests and sailings to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands that are more popular with mature travellers.

Fred Olsen Cruises

Fred Olsen cruises are a perfect option when considering cruises for singles over 50 from UK as they are known for UK departures, their welcoming atmosphere for solo travellers with a huge selection of solo cabins across all the ships in the cruise line fleet and frequent solo cruise deals with reduced or no single supplements. Fred Olsen cruises offer a traditional British cruise experience onboard with afternoon tea, social events for over 50s, live music, quizzes and are known for smaller ships that allows for a more intimate experience. Although Fred Olsen is not fully adults only, the cruise line offers dedicated adults only cruise sailings and has an exclusively adults only cruise ship, Borealis as part of her fleet. Longer itineraries to destinations like the Norwegian Fjords and culturally rich Baltic cities are perfect for solo guests looking to form meaningful connections while enjoying the scenic routes.

Virgin Voyages Cruises

Virgin Voyages cruises is a fully adults only cruise line that offers a different experience to traditional cruising with a modern and vibrant approach for cruisers over 50 that are looking for a different and more upbeat cruise. Virgin Voyages cruises are popular among Gen Xers with the core demographic onboard aging from 40-55 years olds who are looking to enjoy more activities like morning yoga, fitness classes and meaningful conversions with other cruisers. The cruise line hosts a myriad of activities and parties onboard ranging from Pyjama parties, an all red party, magic shows, drag shows, theatre performances, 80's themed parties and even a private island in the Bahamas where guests can meet and spend time together. Virgin Voyages cruise ships are fitted with solo cabins and offer themed cruises like Valentines, comedy clubs, New Years and many more sailings.

Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador cruise line is one of the more affordable adults only cruise lines and only sails from the UK with solo cabins available making them a great option if you are looking for cruises for singles over 50 from UK ports. Ambassador cruise ships depart from Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Belfast, Bristol, Liverpool and Portsmouth. Ambassador cruises are crafted exclusively for adults only with serene spaces and a relaxing onboard experience with themed evening and enrichment activities.

Cruises For Singles Over 50 From UK Ports

Cruising from the UK makes for a more convenient and straightforward cruise holiday experience. Southampton is the largest port for cruise holiday departures and many cruise lines offer itineraries departing from the city with additional departures from other ports depending on the itinerary. Popular UK departure ports for solo cruises over 50 are Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Dundee, Tilbury, Belfast, Rosyth, Scotland, Dover, and Bristol. Cruise lines like P&O cruises, Fred Olsen cruise line, Ambassador cruise line, Virgin Voyages and many more offer UK departures on cruises for singles over 50. Choosing cruises for singles over 50 from UK ports removes the stress of flying and with no baggage allowance, guests can enjoy a more relaxed start to their holiday. It also often means a predominantly British guest list which can make conversation and connection easier for solo travellers. 

Adult Only Cruise Deals

Published 20th February 2026, Last updated 27th February 2026
By Roman Bode-Asa In Advice

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