River cruise lines say solo travellers are the fastest growing demographic

• Solo travellers are the fastest-growing demographic booking river cruises.
• Europe is still proving the most popular destination for river cruisers.
• Some lines, like Tauck have waived single supplements on certain suite categories.

Solo travellers are one of the fastest-growing demographics booking river cruises, according to industry experts, prompting lines to add more capacity for singles.

New research and insights from the annual CLIA RiverView Conference in Budapest found that the growing trend for the increase in solo travellers was because these guests feel more comfortable on smaller river ships.

The small size and close-knit nature of river cruising lends itself to solo travellers, who can share shore excursions, dining experiences and social activities in a much more intimate setting.

What research has found is that the solo traveller tends to include retirees, professionals and those seeking personal growth, which is why Europe is still a popular region.

“The key is also to be able to have the option to choose when travelling solo, so that’s why we offer blend of solo and ‘nolo’ (on your own but never alone) experiences – with plenty of small group excursions or chances for on-you-own exploration, solo travellers can choose to do whatever suits them best,” said Chris Fundell, the head of marketing for the Globus Family of Brands.

“Our cruise directors and expert local guides are on hand to provide expertise and recommendations along the way, too. And for those looking to socialise from time to time, there are ample opportunities to meet others, from mingling with locals in ports, to enjoying dinner with as few or as many travellers as desired.”

Lines like APT, Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Abercrombie & Kent, as well as Tauck, all have a range of offers for solo travellers in order to cater for the burgeoning market.

Tauck for instance, announced this year it would offer solo travellers no single supplement on all European River Cruises in Category 1 suites.

In addition, solo travellers will also get savings of up to USD$1,000 per cabin in Category 4 and 5 on select river cruises.

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Where do solo travellers want to cruise?

For Avalon Waterways, found for 2025 & 2026, the most popular itineraries among solo travellers tend to mirror those chosen by couples and groups, with the two most popular being our Romantic Rhine and Magnificent Europe trips.

“In a global Avalon Survey of 10,000 previous guests, we found that nearly a quarter of travellers (24 per cent) said they’d prefer to go solo on their next trip.  Solo cruising is particularly popular amongst Australians, especially over the past few years, as we’ve seen bookings consistently account for around 19 per cent of Avalon AU bookings,” said Fundell.

“At Avalon Waterways, we’ve waived the single supplement fee on select cruises across Europe and South Asia, so when travelling solo, guests can have all they space they need, all to themselves, with no extra cost too.”

The high-end luxury line Abercrombie & Kent also released offers with 50% off solo supplements.

“Interest in solo travel is certainly increasing. A&K have a highly engaged group of solo traveller guests,” said an A&K representative.

“Guests love that they can have the confidence to travel independently but have all on-ground arrangements taken care of for them. As well as being surrounded by like-minded travellers.”

The brand, which also offers sailings in intrepid destinations like South America and Egypt, takes out the fuss of organising transport in between your sailing, as well as pre- and post-cruise tours and hotel stays.

Kristen Karst, co-founder and chief brand ambassador at AmaWaterways said that solo cruisers make up 15 per cent to 20 per cent of travellers. The figure is a jump from pre-pandemic figures of 10 per cent.

She also said regular solo supplements of 50 per cent had been waived for the first year of the line’s Flavours of Burgundy itinerary and a 20 per cent solo supplement had been extended on other departures.