- For the first time, a cruise line is dedicating a ship to solo travellers.
- It’s a big recognition of how powerful this demographic has become.
- Here’s what other lines are doing to woo this important group.
Solo travellers are one of the fastest growing demographics in cruise. In response, lines are adding more single cabins and reducing or removing the single supplement for certain sailings. One line has taken things a step further this week, with Riviera Travel announcing the world’s first river cruise ship dedicated exclusively to solo travellers.
From June 2027, the MS George Eliot will exclusively sail solo departures on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle rivers. These seven-night itineraries will carry just 68 guests.
“We are proud to take the next step in redefining solo travel,” said Stuart Milan, Riviera’s president of North America. “The launch of this first-of-its-kind program is a prime example of the way we’ve continued adapting our business to meet the changing needs of travellers.”
“Our solo river cruises are among our most popular itineraries,” said Milan. “With growing demand for even more solo departures, we knew it was time to dedicate an entire ship to this thriving segment of the market.”
Named after the 19th century British writer, MS George Eliot was built in 2018 and is one of Riviera’s more intimate ships. On solo itineraries, it will carry less than half of its usual 140. That gives solo travellers more space to relax in stylish double cabins, most with French balconies.
Other onboard spaces include a restaurant, bar and lounge (with enough room for dancing), and a sun deck with a small pool. Solo guests will also enjoy impeccable service, with an unprecedented guest to crew ratio of one to two. Riviera’s all-inclusive fares include meals, all-day drinks and shore excursions.
The schedule and activities will also be tailored for this unique group. A welcome dinner and cocktail reception, as well as daily entertainment will let travellers connect with those who have shared interests, if they so desire.
Riviera launched its first solo departures in 2017, but 2027 will be the first time an entire ship is reserved for singles. It also gives solo travellers the opportunity to cruise in peak season – previously, solo departures were restricted to shoulder season in spring and autumn.
What will life be like aboard
Will Sarson, the line’s product manger, told trade site Cruise Trade News the inspiration began in 2017 when Riviera first launched its solo traveller range of tours. It quickly became a big draw card.
Demand grew, prompting Riviera to increase its solo tours and expand to more destinations and ships.
“Now, here we are, with a dedicated ship – MS George Eliot, set to be the first of its kind in the world,” he said.
He told the site: “It’s not about reinventing the wheel; it’s about understanding that, while they may not have a cabin mate, they want the same great service and experiences as everyone else.”
Riviera has representation at UK airports, where solo travellers are greeted by staff before their journey begins, alleviating any anxiety about travelling alone.
George Eliot offers opportunities for solo travellers to socialise if they wish, but also plenty of space for those looking for a more solitary experience.
“It’s all about respecting the reason people choose to travel alone, some are looking to connect, others are seeking peace and quiet. We want to ensure that whatever they’re after, we can provide it.”
The ship’s layout and design have been carefully considered to provide a mix of communal spaces for group activities, as well as quiet corners to relax and introspect. “It’s not about isolating anyone, it’s about giving them the freedom to choose how they want to experience their holiday,” he added.
He concluded: “We’ve made the bold move, and I’m sure others will take notice.”
The Itineraries
MS George Eliot will sail four seven-night itineraries in 2027:
- Rhine and Moselle River Cruise for Solo Travellers – round-trip from Cologne, from US$3499 per person.
- Rhine Cruise to Switzerland for Solo Travellers – Cologne to Basel, from US$4399 per person.
- The Blue Danube River Cruise for Solo Travellers – round-trip from Budapest, from US$3749 per person.
- Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg River Cruise for Solo Travellers – round-trip from Cologne, from US$3849 per person.
Solo river cruises – what are your options?
River cruises naturally appeal to the solo market, with their intimate size making for a welcoming atmosphere. You’ll get to know your fellow travellers quickly, joining them for each meal instead of being spread out over a large ship. They also offer a safe touring option for solo female travellers and women aged over 50 are one of the fastest growing groups of singles on the road.
However, as with all types of solo travel, it can be common to get the short end of the stick on a river cruise. Singles could be stuck in one of just a couple of solo cabins, usually in the least desirable part of the ship and without a balcony (or even a window). The dreaded single supplement can double the price of a cruise. Some solos may feel uncomfortable when surrounded by happy couples or groups of friends, finding it harder to make connections with their fellow travellers.
Here are some of the best options for a solo river cruise.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways’ AmaCello, AmaDante, AmaDolce and AmaLyra each have two single cabins on board. Each 140-square-foot cabin has a single bed and French balcony. Special offers for solo travellers come with a single supplement of just 10-25%.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon estimates that 10% of its cruisers are solo, so you will be in good company. The line waives the single supplement on most of its European river cruises and on selected departures for its Mekong River cruises.
Tauck
Tauck is one of the most solo-friendly lines out there. There is no single supplement on Category 1 lead in cabins for every departure, giving solo travellers more than 250 itineraries to choose from. For higher level categories, the single supplement is reduced by up to $1000 on many departures.
Scenic
Most ships in Scenic’s luxurious European fleet have one single balcony cabin on board. These feature the line’s signature Scenic Sun Lounge, which can be both an open-air balcony and an enclosed solarium-type space, as well as a queen size bed and more than 200 square feet of space. Special offers for solo travellers can give you as much as 75% off the single supplement.
Emerald Cruises
You’ll find two single cabins on a handful of Emerald’s European Star-Ships, including Emerald Dawn, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Liberte, Emerald Luna, Emerald Sky, Emerald Star and Emerald Sun. These cabins are just over 100 square feet with a single bed and a picture window. The line also offers regular special offers, ranging from around 50% off the single supplement all the way to no single supplement.
APT & Travelmarvel
Though none of APT or Travelmarvel’s ships have single cabins, you can often secure a good deal where the single supplement is waived or significantly reduced.
Viking
Viking sometimes makes special fares available for solo travellers. Standard offers are around 25% off the single supplement.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld offers a reduced single supplement on selected itineraries and departures throughout the year. Book early as these special fares are limited and can sell out quickly.
