Best Cruises for Singles

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 2019-20, Odyssey sails to a number of ports across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, as well as some transatlantic voyages.  

Fully refurbished in May 2018, the 608-passenger Silver Spirit prioritizes customer service. With 411 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 enjoy dining options like Spaccanapoli (Italian), Silver Note (tapas-sized dishes), Atlantide (seafood), Indochine (Asian) and more. 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 2019-20, Silver Spirit offers a variety of itineraries throughout Africa, Northern Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean. 

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 2019-20, Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and more. 

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 holds 848 guests and has a 1-to-1.7 staff-to-guest ratio. 

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, minifridges and bathtubs. Those who choose Penthouse category rooms receive additional privileges, like personal butler service.

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 2019-20, Crystal Symphony cruises to destinations across the world, including ports in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Its departure ports include Miami, San Diego, Hong Kong, Amsterdam 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.

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 2019-20, Silver Muse sails to a number of areas in Asia, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, as well as some transoceanic voyages. 

Crystal Serenity first set sail in 2003, and it emerged 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. There is one crew member for every 1.5 guests. Serenity also features better technology (including free unlimited Wi-Fi) and exciting new food options. 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, minifridges 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 2019-20, Crystal Serenity cruises to destinations across the world, such as ports in the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and the Mediterranean. Its departure ports include Barcelona; New York City; Rome and more.  

Like its sister, Seabourn Ovation, the 600-passenger Seabourn Encore is one of the larger ships in the fleet. The ship debuted in December 2016 and maintains a roughly 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio.

Every cabin in the all-suite Seabourn Encore has a veranda with ocean views. Additionally, all accommodations offer designer bath products, a stocked bar, a flat-screen TV, personalized stationery and complimentary 24-hour room service. All guests are greeted with Champagne and fresh fruit upon arrival.

As for activities and onboard amenities, Seabourn Encore features two swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, a spa and a fitness center with complimentary fitness classes. Once nighttime falls, cruisers can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor bars, as well as the Grand Salon performance venue and a casino. There are also six eateries available, including The Grill by Thomas Keller and a sushi restaurant. During their downtime, guests will enjoy The Retreat, a serene new sanctuary with comfortable lounge chairs. 

In 2019-20, Ovation sails throughout Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Borrowing its name from the former city of New Amsterdam (now known as New York City), this 2,106-passenger member of the Holland America fleet launched in 2010 and is famous for its extensive art collection valued at more than $3 million. Guests can admire works from Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein through a complimentary self-guided iPod tour.

Passengers can also pass the time by the pool or in the Greenhouse Spa, while more enriching programs include the new America's Test Kitchen, the BBC Earth Experiences and photography classes in the Digital Workshop, powered by Windows. While the ship offers youth clubs for kids ages 3 to 17, most activities are geared toward adults.

When it comes to dining, guests can choose from seafood at the popular Sel de Mer French restaurant, New York Pizza on the pool deck, Asian delicacies at Tamarind and more. Several casual eateries and the main dining rooms are included at no extra cost.

Meanwhile, staterooms range from Interior cabins to expansive Signature, Neptune and Pinnacle Suites, all of which are equipped with Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs.

In 2019-20, Nieuw Amsterdam departs from Barcelona, Rome, Fort Lauderdale and Venice for sailings in the Caribbean and Europe.

Built in 2017, the 3,804-passenger, 1,821-crew-member Norwegian Joy was refurbished and redeployed to Alaska in 2019. Accommodation options include Inside, Oceanview and Balcony staterooms, as well as Suites, Concierge rooms (which come with concierge service) and The Haven cabins (which include 24-hour butler service and private sundecks). 

There are five inclusive dining options and eight specialty venues on board, the latter of which offer cuisines from Japan, France and Italy. Complimentary restaurants include the ship's three main dining rooms; The Local, a 24-hour pub; and the Garden Café, a casual spot with floor-to-ceiling windows that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cruisers will find plenty of things to do on board, from shopping at duty-free stores and luxury boutiques to watching stand-up comedians and full-scale productions like the Broadway musical Footloose. The ship also offers a spa, laser tag, a racetrack, a casino, mini-golf, a fitness center, two aqua parks and more. 

In 2019-20, Norwegian Joy sails from Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle and Vancouver to ports across Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, the Pacific Coast and the Panama Canal.

Debuted in February 2019, Viking Jupiter is the cruise line's sixth ocean vessel. The ship sleeps up to 930 guests in luxurious staterooms that include everything from large bathrooms to comfortable king-sized beds. As an added bonus, each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi access.

Travelers will have the opportunity to indulge in several onboard activities. They can visit the spa's snow grotto and chill beneath the snowflakes, go for a swim in the infinity pool or let their worries melt away in the hot tub. The Viking Bar and Viking Living Room offer additional spaces to unwind with a cocktail or mingle with fellow cruisers.

For afternoon tea and light snacks, travelers can stop by Wintergarden, or for a heartier meal, the main dining room, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant or World Café offer scrumptious European delicacies, Chinese fare and everything in between. In the evening, cruisers can catch a live show in The Theater or a destination-themed movie in one of two onboard cinemas.

Recent travelers were wowed by the ship, appreciating its tasteful, minimalist decor. They also found the food delicious and suggested purchasing the upgraded drink package.

During the 2019-20 season, Viking Jupiter will visit ports in Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Rio de Janeiro and more on both regional and transatlantic cruises.