Whether we’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a lengthy transatlantic voyage, the prospect of traveling solo often brings up the same old headache: the dreaded single supplement. We’ve all been there, staring at a cruise fare that magically doubles the moment we hit “one guest” in the search bar. It’s a frustrating barrier that makes solo adventuring feel like a luxury we can’t quite justify. However, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has spent years flipping that script. We’ve spent time exploring their fleet to find the ships that actually cater to the independent spirit, and the results of the best NCL ships for solo travelers are impressive indeed.
From the industry-first Studio cabins on the Epic to the sleek, ultra-modern solo retreats on their newest Prima-class vessels, NCL has mastered the art of the solo experience. These aren’t just tiny closets tucked into dark corners; they’re thoughtfully designed, award-winning spaces that come with their own private social hubs. We believe that cruising alone should mean independence, not isolation, and NCL’s commitment to providing solo-specific accommodations across their worldwide fleet is exactly why they remain our top pick for going it alone. To that end, here’s a detailed guide about the best options for solo spirits.
Also read: Best NCL Shore Excursions: Top Picks For Alaska And Europe Cruises.
Norwegian Epic
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We have to start with the pioneer who changed everything for us. The Norwegian Epic was the very first ship to introduce the Studio concept back in 2010, and it still boasts one of the largest solo complexes at sea with 128 dedicated rooms. These 100-square-foot cabins feel like something out of a futuristic boutique hotel, featuring curved walls and customizable mood lighting that transitions from a cool blue to a warm amber. The best part is the “window” to the corridor that features a privacy blind, allowing us to see what’s happening in the hallway without sacrificing our solitude.
Every guest in these rooms gets exclusive keycard access to the two-story Studio Lounge. It’s a vibrant social space where we can grab a complimentary espresso in the morning or meet up with fellow travelers for a hosted happy hour before dinner. Since the cabins are all clustered together on decks 11 and 12, it’s incredibly easy to make new friends without even leaving our hallway.
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Norwegian Bliss
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When we’re looking to sail through the rugged beauty of Alaska or the sunny Caribbean, the Norwegian Bliss is our absolute favorite. This ship features 82 Studio cabins that are specifically designed to maximize every inch of their 99 square feet. One feature we truly love is the virtual porthole, a large screen that broadcasts a live feed of the ocean outside so we never feel closed in. The design is crisp and contemporary, with a full-size bed and a surprisingly functional bathroom setup that separates the shower and the toilet for better flow.
Moreover, access to the private Studio Lounge is included here as well, providing us with a quiet sanctuary to enjoy snacks or a light breakfast away from the crowds of the buffet. Because the Bliss is a newer Breakaway Plus Class ship, the solo area feels particularly refined and quiet, making it the perfect home base after a long day of exploring glaciers or white-sand beaches.
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Norwegian Prima
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The debut of the Norwegian Prima marked a massive shift in how we think about solo luxury. Instead of just offering inside cabins, NCL expanded its solo categories on this ship to include Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Balcony options. We’re particularly fond of the standard Studio cabins here, which measure 94 square feet and feature a much more sophisticated, upscale aesthetic than the older ships. The storage solutions are genius, with recessed nooks and under-bed space that keep our gear out of sight.
The Prima’s Studio Lounge is arguably the most beautiful in the fleet, sporting a chic, mid-century modern vibe that feels more like an urban social club than a cruise ship lounge. With 73 solo-specific cabins on board, there’s a perfect balance of community and privacy. It’s an ideal choice if we want the newest amenities and a slightly more intimate ship feel while still enjoying the perks of a dedicated solo program.
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Norwegian Encore
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For those of us who want 24/7 excitement alongside our solo privacy, the Norwegian Encore is the heavy hitter. This ship houses 82 Studio cabins spread across three decks, and it’s a masterclass in efficient design. We find the layout here particularly comfortable because the storage is integrated into the headboard and walls, leaving plenty of floor space to move around.
The Studio Lounge on the Encore is a standout feature, offering a massive communal table where we can sit with our laptops or share a drink with new acquaintances. It’s located right in the heart of the ship, making it a convenient pitstop between riding the go-kart track or catching a Broadway-caliber show like “The Choir of Man.” Since the solo cabins are priced specifically for one, we can spend those extra savings on a dinner at Onda by Scarpetta or a few rounds of laser tag on the top deck.
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Norwegian Viva
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As the sister ship to the Prima, the Norwegian Viva takes everything we love about the new class of ships and adds a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flair. It features 73 solo cabins that follow the same upgraded design language as the Prima, but with slightly different decor that feels bright and airy. The Solo Balcony staterooms are a game changer for us, as they allow solo travelers to enjoy private outdoor space without paying for two people.
However, if we’re sticking to the Studio cabins, we still get that exclusive keycard access to the beautifully designed lounge. The Viva’s lounge has a fantastic layout for socializing, with various seating pods that cater to both quiet reading and group conversations. It’s the perfect ship if we want to explore the Greek Isles or the Mediterranean while having a stylish, modern retreat to return to each night.
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Norwegian Getaway
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The Norwegian Getaway is our top pick when we want a ship that feels high-energy but easy to navigate. It offers 59 Studio cabins, which creates a slightly smaller, more tight-knit solo community than what we find on the Epic. These rooms are 99 square feet and come with the signature NCL solo features like the customizable lighting and the sleek, integrated sink and vanity area. We really appreciate that these cabins are located in a private keycard-access area, which keeps the foot traffic down and ensures a quiet night’s sleep.
The Studio Lounge here is cozy and inviting, often serving as the meeting point for the solo traveler host who organizes group dinners and show outings. It’s a fantastic middle-ground ship—larger than the Jewel class but not as massive as the Encore—making it a very manageable and friendly environment for any solo cruiser.
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Do NCL Studio cabins have windows?
Most Studio cabins are interior rooms and do not have traditional windows that look outside. However, ships like the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore feature “virtual portholes,” which are high-definition screens that display a live video feed of the ocean. On the newer Prima Class ships, NCL has added Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony categories that do provide real windows and private outdoor spaces for solo travelers.
What is included in the Studio Lounge?
The Studio Lounge is a private area accessible only by keycard for guests staying in solo-category cabins. It’s a shared living space that offers complimentary snacks, juices, and premium coffee throughout the day. In the evenings, it often serves as the hub for solo traveler meetups, where a host helps coordinate group dinners or social activities for those who want to mingle with others.
How much smaller are the Studio cabins compared to standard rooms?
Studio cabins typically measure around 100 square feet, whereas a standard inside cabin is usually around 135 to 150 square feet. While they are smaller, they are designed specifically for one person, meaning the bed doesn’t take up the entire floor, and the storage is much more efficient. There’s no “extra” bed taking up space, so the room feels surprisingly open and comfortable for a single occupant.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by NCL.
