Cruisers Say Norwegian Cruise Line Is “Headed In The Wrong Direction Quickly” After Cutting Cabins For Solo Travelers
Over the past few years, solo travel has experienced a surge in popularity. A 2024 Skyscanner survey found that 43% of respondents traveled alone within the last year, with many planning to do so even more in the future. Additionally, on social media, Instagram users have shared over 11.1 million posts using the hashtag #solotravel.
That enthusiasm has extended to cruising. Once considered a vacation for couples or families, cruising has become increasingly appealing to solo travelers—and cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) have noticed. In a 2023 news release, NCL announced plans to add nearly 1,000 new staterooms designed specifically for solo travelers in 2024.
However, during the company’s recent Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), revealed that things are changing. The company now plans to reduce the number of single cabins across its three brands—an update that has left many cruisers disappointed.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Reduces Single Cabins Across Its Brands
For years, travelers have crowned Norwegian Cruise Line as one of the best cruise lines for those sailing solo. However, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings recently announced it plans to adjust its strategy regarding the number of single cabins it will offer on future sailings—refocusing on families as its core demographic following strong performance from its short Caribbean sailings.
“As we move into the fourth quarter, we are seeing the benefits of our strategic focus on Caribbean itineraries, which are attracting more families to the Norwegian brand, and we expect this to continue into 2026 with Load Factor exceeding 2024 levels,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO, during the company’s third-quarter earnings call.
Looking ahead, NCLH plans to boost load factors. This will increase the percentage of booked and occupied cabins, allowing each ship to carry more passengers per sailing and enhance profitability. Sommer revealed that the company will subsequently be “minimizing the number of single cabins that we take across all three brands, not just Norwegian, but for Oceania and Regent.”
According to a news report by Doug Parker of Cruise News Today, travelers cruising by themselves can still expect to pay the single-occupancy price for a solo room. However, the decision doesn’t sit well with solo cruisers, many of whom view it as a step in the wrong direction.
Cruisers Say NCL Is Headed In The Wrong Direction
Many longtime NCL fans have voiced their frustration on Reddit, saying that this change undermines what once set NCL apart. For years, the line’s studio cabins were a major draw for solo cruisers—something not many cruise lines offered when it launched the idea aboard Norwegian Epic in 2010. Now, travelers worry that phasing them out is a step backward.
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They wrote: |
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“NCL is headed in the wrong direction quickly.” |
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“That’s weak… NCL was one of the few lines that seemed to promote the solo cruiser experience. I’ve stayed in a solo balcony on the Joy and really enjoyed it.” |
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“As a solo cruiser, NCL’s studio cabin availability is what drew me to their brand. This is really disappointing.” |
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“Combine that with their downgrade on food quality, customer service, and charging for 2nd entrées. Race to the bottom!!” |
Others argue that the company’s decision could give its competitors an advantage. “So, basically, NCL is willingly giving up their best steady moneymaker and huge advantage to the other cruise lines like Royal,” one traveler said.
With NCL stepping back from solo accommodations, travelers may start exploring other cruise lines that will continue catering to independent cruisers.
Several Other Cruise Lines Offer Solo Cabins
Celebrity Cruises’ Single Staterooms are for solo travelers and offer the same comfort and luxury as double rooms. According to the cruise line, guests can expect plush eXhale® bedding with a Cashmere™ mattress, premium bath products, and soft cotton robes and towels.
Holland America Line also caters to solo cruisers aboard its Pinnacle Class ships, Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Koningsdam. These ships feature 127- to 172-square-foot ocean-view staterooms with twin beds and a picture window.
Royal Caribbean’s Studio Staterooms are also available on select ships, including:
Options include Inside Studios, Virtual Balcony Studios, and Super Studio Ocean View rooms with balconies, ranging from 101 to 199 square feet.
While other cruise lines are expanding single cabin options, NCLH seems to be moving in the opposite direction with its new focus for 2026—leaving solo travelers wondering if this is the start of the end of an era.
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