Best Cruises for Singles

Ovation debuted in May 2018, making it the newest addition to the Seabourn family. The ship holds 600 passengers and has an intimate crew-to-passenger ratio of nearly 1-to-1. Still, some recent travelers felt service was not up to the standard of Seabourn's other ships. 

Seabourn Ovation adhere's to the line's penchant for luxury, offering all-suite accommodations, fine dining experiences and indulgent onboard activities. All suites boast verandas that overlook the ocean, plus standard amenities like a complimentary in-suite bar and flat-screen TVs. Extra perks, like spa-style "Pure Pampering" baths drawn by your personal suite stewardess, are available.

Onboard amenities range from complimentary fitness classes to spa and salon treatments to a deck with private cabanas and a whirlpool. Come nighttime, cruisers can unwind at the alfresco Sky Bar, try their luck at the casino or enjoy a movie or dancing under the stars.

Passengers also have a variety of eateries to choose from, including The Grill by Thomas Keller, which serves steakhouse classics created by its namesake Michelin-starred chef. Should the restaurant be fully booked, guests can dine at one of four other casual and fine dining venues, such as the Japanese-focused Sushi and the buffet-style Colonnade.

In 2018-19, Ovation sails throughout Europe and Asia to destinations in Greece, China and more.

The 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey began sailing in June 2009 and – like its sister ships – is an all-suite vessel. Travelers can enjoy complimentary Champagne upon arrival, fresh fruit daily and 24-hour room service, plus everyone has access to a personal suite stewardess for additional requests. Each cabin is equipped with a separate living area and bedroom, a stocked bar, a flat-screen television, a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a tub, shower and dual sinks.

The four dining options aboard the Seabourn Odyssey range from casual poolside fare, such as pizzas and salads, to The Grill by Thomas Keller, which serves upscale meals and tasty libations. Post-dinner, travelers can relax with a cocktail at one of the bars or test their luck at the casino. The Seabourn Odyssey also offers nightly entertainment like movies under the stars and dance parties on the boat's deck.

Onboard amenities on this ship include two pools, six outdoor hot tubs, a fitness center, a nine-hole putting green and a spa. The ship also allows cruisers to enjoy water sports equipment like kayaks, paddle boats and Hobie Cat sailboats in select destinations.

In 2018-19, Odyssey sails to a number of ports across Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, including Barcelona, Athens, Barbados and St. Maarten. 

Crystal Serenity first set sail in 2003, and it emerges from its most recent multimillion-dollar renovation in November 2018. It now welcomes 980 guests (fewer than its previous 1,070-passenger capacity), with the aim of enhancing the ship's personalized service and atmosphere. Serenity also features better technology (including free unlimited Wi-Fi) and exciting new food options. New dining choices include the Asian-inspired Silk Kitchen and Bar, the Brazilian-style Marketplace and Churrascaria and a new centrally located main restaurant.

The Serenity's updates continue into its cabins, with the addition of 36 new Penthouses and two new Penthouse Suites. All cabins come outfitted with flat-screen TVs, mini fridges and bathrooms with tubs. Guests staying in Penthouse category rooms have access to extras like Jacuzzis, nightly hors' d'oeuvres and personal butler service. 

Crystal has long garnered high marks from cruisers and critics for its tailored onboard experience. Guests can enjoy a feng shui-inspired spa, multiple bars and lounges and a casino. Additional onboard offerings include shopping boutiques, a sports deck with a driving range and the Computer University@Sea. As of the 2018 redesign, a number of the ship's public spaces, including Palm Court and the Stardust Club, feature new finishes, carpeting and seating areas. 

For 2018-19, Crystal Serenity cruises to destinations across the world, such as ports in the Caribbean, the Atlantic Crossing, the U.S. West Coast, Northern Europe, Hawaii and the Mediterranean. Its departure ports include Miami, Lisbon, Los Angeles and more.  

Silversea's largest ship to date, Silver Muse, is the line's newest flagship (it debuted in April 2017). Muse offers nearly a 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, with 411 crew members and space for 596 passengers.

Among the ship's standout features are its spacious all-suite accommodations, which range from 334 square feet to 1,389 square feet. All cabins are serviced by a butler and include Pratesi bed linens, a marble bath with Bulgari toiletries and a picture window or balcony. While all passengers are treated to a complimentary hour of internet per day, those staying in upgraded suites get extras like balconies, multiple flat-screen TVs and interactive media libraries.

When it comes to dining, Silver Muse boasts eight venues that showcase a variety of cuisines, including Italian and Asian, as well as French fare at the upscale La Dame by Relais & Châteaux.

Similar to other ships in the fleet, Silver Muse offers a variety of onboard activities and facilities, including a spa, a pool deck and gym, a casino and several lounges.

In 2018-19, Silver Muse sails to a number of areas, including Hong Kong, Bali, Sydney, Vancouver and Anchorage, Alaska. 

On the heels of a dramatic 2017 redesign, Crystal Symphony (first launched in 1995) boasts new open seating and dining areas, new Penthouses and Penthouse Suites, high-tech features and reimagined public spaces. The one thing that hasn't changed is the exceptional customer service Crystal is known for; recent travelers noted the crew was warm, attentive and extremely professional. 

The ship offers a variety of activities including fitness programs, musical performances and treatments at the feng shui-inspired spa. All accommodations offer ocean views, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges and bathtubs. Those who choose Penthouse category rooms receive additional privileges, like personal butler service.

New dining options include the Waterside dining room, modern Chinese-inspired fare at Silk Kitchen and Bar and a Marketplace and Churrascaria serving casual buffet breakfast and lunch options by day and Brazilian-style delicacies by night. 

For 2018-19, Crystal Symphony cruises to destinations across the world, including ports in the Caribbean, New England and Canada, South America and the Far East. Its departure ports include Fort Lauderdale, Florida, New York, New Orleans and more.  

Oceania's Marina accommodates up to 1,250 passengers and employs 800 crew members, maintaining the personalized service that the line is known for. Last refurbished in 2016, Marina offers signature amenities like the Canyon Ranch Spa, a casino and a 2,000-book library. Onboard entertainment includes nightly live shows, painting and sketching lessons at the Artist Loft and cooking demos at The Culinary Center.

Cruisers can choose from seven dining venues, including specialty restaurants like Jacques (with menus crafted by chef Jacques Pépin) and the Asian-inspired eatery Red Ginger, which recent passengers highly recommend.

Similar to its sister ship, Riviera, cabins range from 174-square-foot Inside staterooms to 2,000-square-foot Suites. Higher category Veranda cabins and Suites come with perks like balconies, access to a Concierge Lounge, in-room iPads and more. All staterooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, full-size bathtubs, and minibars stocked with soda and bottled water.

In 2018-19, Oceania Marina sails to destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, South America and more. 

Fully refurbished in May 2018, the 608-passenger Silver Spirit prioritizes customer service. With 412 crew members on board, it maintains less than a 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratio.

The ship's full redesign left it 49 feet longer, enhancing the space around the ship. Guests will also enjoy new decor and increased dining options, with the introduction of Spaccanapoli (Italian), Silver Note (tapas-sized dishes), Atlantide (seafood) and Indochine (Asian), as well as the renovation of La Terrazza. There are a total of eight dining establishments, many of which recent visitors called "superb."

Recent cruisers were also pleased with the all-suite accommodations. All offer ocean views, and 95 percent include private verandas. The spacious suites (ranging from 312 to 1,668 square feet) offer amenities like butler service, minifridges and full baths with separate showers.

The extra space on board also allows for a roomier spa – 8,300 square feet, to be exact. When you're not getting pampered, take advantage of the ship's other activities like fitness classes, casino games and enrichment courses. Come nightfall, unwind in one of three bars, or catch a performance at the Venetian Lounge.

In 2018-19, Silver Spirit offers a variety of itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and more. 

Built in 2001 and last refurbished in 2017, Silver Whisper can accommodate up to 382 luxury-seeking passengers. With 302 staff members on board and a nearly 1-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio, the ship maintains a higher standard of service than some competitors. The crew members' efficiency and attention to detail earned the ship high marks from many recent cruisers. Silver Whisper is set to receive a facelift to its public spaces and suites in December 2018. 

Guests appreciated the all-suite cabins, which range from 287 to 1,264 square feet. More than 80 percent feature private teak balconies. Amenities include walk-in closets, minifridges and full marble baths with separate showers. Silver Whisper offers an array of daytime activities geared toward older travelers, including enrichment courses and afternoon tea, in addition to a casino, a spa, a salon and a pool deck.

Like its sister ship, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper touts four onboard restaurants, including the Relais & Châteaux-affiliated La Dame. Round out a day at sea with a show in the performance theater or at one of the several cocktail lounges. 

In 2018-19, Silver Whisper sails to San Francisco, Barbados, Tahiti, Sydney and more destinations throughout Asia, Europe, Canada and Australia. 

The 930-passenger Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – is one of the newest ships in Viking's ocean cruise line. Identical to its four sister ships, Viking Sky receives rave reviews from past passengers for its port-heavy itineraries (cruise fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are treated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. With 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

In 2018-19, Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and Cuba. 

Launched in 2002 and last refurbished in 2017, ms Zuiderdam features an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures by famed artists like Andy Warhol and Frank Lloyd Wright. Additional highlights include America's Test Kitchen, BBC Earth Experiences and the Digital Workshop, powered by Windows. If you're looking to relax on your voyage, head to the line's signature Greenhouse Spa & Salon or The Retreat, a secluded deck with sun beds, private cabanas and a separate bar. 

With room for 1,964 passengers and 817 crew members, the ship maintains a 1-to-2 staff-to-guest ratio. Recent passengers said everyone was friendly and attentive, from the bartenders to the room stewards.

Inside and Ocean View staterooms aboard ms Zuiderdam measure between 151 and 233 square feet. All cabins include sofas, coffee tables, chairs and vanities, in addition to a queen-sized bed (or two twin beds). Other amenities include Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs. Dining venues include the upscale Pinnacle Grill, traditional dining rooms and more. 

In 2018-19, ms Zuiderdam departs from New York City, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Quebec City, Copenhagen and The Netherlands for sailings in Canada, Europe, the Panama Canal and the Caribbean.