Princess Cruises for Solo Travelers: Ships, Costs & Tips
Princess Cruises has historically been a couples-and-families line, but the launch of Sun Princess and Star Princess has changed the solo traveler calculus significantly. Both ships now carry dedicated single staterooms, and across the fleet, solo travelers benefit from organized meetups, flexible dining, and occasional single supplement promotions that can make Princess one of the more affordable premium options for independent cruisers.
Princess Cruises as a Solo Traveler: What to Expect
Princess Cruises operates a fleet of 17 ships, offering a range of ship sizes, destinations, and onboard experiences, with opportunities to socialize or enjoy time independently. Solo travelers report that the line's MedallionClass technology—which enables OceanNow delivery, keyless cabin entry, and activity tracking via the Princess app—actually suits independent travel particularly well. You can use the Princess Cruises app to view activities, manage reservations, and order through OceanNow to supported onboard locations, subject to availability and applicable delivery fees.
Some Princess sailings offer solo traveler meetups; check the onboard schedule for timing, location, and whether the event is hosted. These aren't mandatory mixers—they're casual, drop-in events that give solo cruisers a low-pressure way to find travel companions for shore excursions or dinner.
Pro Tip: Check the Princess app or the daily Patter newsletter as soon as you board to locate the first solo meetup. Attending on day one or two gives you the best chance of finding people who share your port interests before the first stop.
Solo Cabin Options and the Single Supplement Explained
Dedicated Solo Staterooms: Sun Princess and Star Princess
Sun Princess and Star Princess offer interior single staterooms designed for one guest. Princess lists interior staterooms on these ships at approximately 136–145 square feet, but confirm the dimensions of your specific single cabin before booking. Check the current deck plan for cabin locations and availability for your sailing.
Single-stateroom availability varies by sailing, so check your preferred departure before booking. A dedicated single stateroom is not necessarily the cheapest option. Compare its total fare with the quote for one guest occupying a standard interior on the same sailing, using equivalent fare inclusions. Always compare both options before booking.
The Single Supplement on Other Princess Ships
On other ships in the Princess fleet—from Caribbean Princess to Enchanted Princess to the Coral-class ships—solo travelers booking a cabin normally priced for two guests may pay a single supplement on top of the per-person double-occupancy base fare. A 100% supplement doubles that base fare, while the actual solo quote varies by sailing, cabin category, and available promotions.
That said, Princess occasionally offers promotions for solo travelers that can reduce the cost of cruising alone. Check current offers and compare the total price for one guest across several sailings, as a lower single supplement does not necessarily mean a lower overall fare. Availability and savings vary by sailing, cabin category, and promotion.
| Cabin Type | Available Ships | Solo Supplement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Single Stateroom | Sun Princess, Star Princess | Priced for one guest | Check availability and compare with a standard interior booked for one |
| Standard Interior (solo occ.) | Full fleet | Varies by sailing, category, and promotion | Compare total fares and current offers |
| Standard Balcony (solo occ.) | Full fleet | Varies by sailing, category, and promotion | Compare the total solo fare for a cabin with a private balcony |
| Mini-Suite (solo occ.) | Full fleet | Varies by sailing, category, and promotion | Weigh the additional space and amenities against the total fare |
Pro Tip: Check current Princess offers and monitor the total fare for one guest on your target sailing, comparing quotes with the same cabin category and fare inclusions.
Best Princess Ships for Solo Travelers
Sun Princess and Star Princess (Best Overall)
The Sun Princess vs. Star Princess comparison covers the ships in depth, but for solo travelers the key advantage is the same on both: dedicated single cabins and a modern, activity-rich environment that makes it easy to fill a day without relying on a travel companion. Both ships carry over 4,000 passengers, which means a large pool of fellow travelers to meet.
Sun Princess offers Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries, while Star Princess debuted in 2025 and sailed Alaska from Seattle in 2026. Both offer opportunities to socialize, though solo-meetup attendance varies by sailing.
Caribbean Princess (An Alternative to the Largest Ships)
Caribbean Princess is worth comparing with newer ships for a solo cruise, but its value depends on the total single-occupancy fare for your chosen sailing. It lacks dedicated solo cabins, but the smaller overall passenger count (roughly 3,100 guests) creates a more intimate atmosphere where solo travelers often find it easier to build a social circle over the course of a week. Read the Caribbean Princess review for a fuller picture of the onboard experience.
Coral Princess and Island Princess (Best for Longer Voyages)
For solos interested in repositioning or longer itineraries—Panama Canal transits, South America, or world voyage segments—the Coral-class ships offer a quieter, more destination-focused experience. The passenger demographic skews older and more experienced, which some solo travelers find easier to connect with. Check the Princess Cruises Alaska 2026 guide if Alaska is on your list; Coral Princess is a regular in that deployment.
Solo-Friendly Itineraries on Princess
Itinerary type matters as much as ship selection for solo travelers. Group shore excursions naturally create social opportunities, and some destination types are better suited to independent exploration than others.
Mediterranean sailings can appeal to solo travelers who enjoy exploring different destinations. Choose an itinerary with the balance of port days and sea days you prefer. Princess’s organized excursions in ports such as Dubrovnik, Santorini, and Civitavecchia (for Rome) offer opportunities to meet fellow travelers; check the excursion description for the advertised group size. For port planning, see our Best Mediterranean Cruise Ports for First-Timers guide.
Alaska sailings are another strong choice. The dramatic scenery is just as compelling solo, and the excursion culture—whale watching, glacier hikes, floatplane tours—puts you in small groups with other passengers. Princess is one of the dominant Alaska operators, with multiple ships deploying seasonally from Seattle and Vancouver.
Repositioning cruises deserve special mention for solos. These longer sailings can give solo travelers more time to join recurring onboard activities and build connections with fellow passengers. The Best Repositioning Cruises from Europe to US article covers fall options worth considering.
Pro Tip: On port-intensive Mediterranean itineraries, book at least one Princess-organized shore excursion per sailing specifically for the social opportunity. Even if you prefer independent exploration, one group excursion gives you a built-in way to meet fellow travelers.
Dining Alone on Princess Cruises
Dining solo is one of the most commonly cited concerns among first-time solo cruisers, and Princess handles it better than most lines in its category.
The Main Dining Room offer Traditional, Reservable, and Walk-in Anytime dining options. Solo travelers who choose anytime dining can request to be seated at a shared table—a reliable way to meet other passengers over dinner. Solo diners can ask the main dining room hosts to seat them with other guests who are open to sharing a table, subject to availability.
Specialty restaurants (Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill steakhouse) are comfortable for solo dining. Specialty restaurants offer another option for solo dining; check your ship’s venues, charges, and reservation availability before making plans.
The International Café operates 24 hours and serves pastries, sandwiches, and small plates. It functions as a natural gathering point on Princess ships—solo travelers frequently report striking up conversations here more easily than anywhere else on the ship.
The buffet (venue names vary by ship) is a straightforward option for solo diners, with no reservations or shared seating arrangements required.
Pro Tip: On the first night, request a shared table in the MDR. If you connect with your tablemates, ask the dining team whether you can continue dining together throughout the sailing; familiar faces can help you build connections during the cruise.
Social Activities for Solo Travelers
Beyond the organized solo meetups, Princess builds in several activity formats that naturally suit independent travelers.
Trivia and game shows run multiple times daily on sea days and consistently attract solo travelers. Teams are often assembled on the spot, making these events one of the easiest low-effort ways to meet people.
The casino functions as a social space in the evenings, particularly at the table games. Solo travelers who enjoy blackjack or poker often find this the most organic social environment on the ship.
Fitness classes and the gym are underrated social venues on Princess. Morning yoga or spin classes tend to draw the same group of people throughout a sailing, and the repeated contact makes conversation natural.
Princess's enrichment programming—cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, port lectures—draws a crowd that tends to be curious and conversational. These are particularly strong on longer sailings and repositioning voyages.
For broader solo cruising context, our guide to the 5 best cruises for solo travelers compares Princess against other lines worth considering.
Is Princess Plus Worth It for Solo Travelers?
Princess Plus and Princess Premier are the line’s bundled fare packages. Premier adds specialty dining, photo benefits, and shore excursion credits on qualifying voyages. Both are priced per guest, so solo travelers should assess their value against what they expect to spend on the included benefits.
Princess Plus typically includes:
- Crew Appreciation (daily gratuities)
- Wi-Fi for one device per guest
- Beverage package covering eligible drinks priced up to $15 USD each
- Four casual dining meals per guest, per voyage
- OceanNow delivery access and room service delivery
For solo travelers who plan to stay connected, Wi-Fi can be a useful inclusion, but weigh its value alongside the other benefits when comparing package costs. The beverage package may offer value depending on how many eligible drinks you expect to purchase, as its benefits are personal and cannot be shared.
Princess Premier adds specialty dining, photo packages, and shore excursion credits on top of the Plus inclusions. For solos on a 7-night sailing who plan to eat at specialty restaurants and take Princess excursions, Premier can break even or come out ahead.
Our detailed breakdown of Princess Plus and Premier package updates covers the current inclusions and pricing in full.
Pro Tip: If you’re booking a solo cabin on Sun Princess or Star Princess, compare the Princess Plus price with your expected spending on Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation, drinks, and dining to decide whether the upgrade offers value.
| Package | Key Inclusions | Best For Solo Travelers? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (no package) | Accommodation, included dining, and entertainment; optional packages and extras cost additional | May suit travelers whose expected spending on extras is lower than a package’s cost |
| Princess Plus | Wi-Fi for one device, eligible drinks, Crew Appreciation, four casual dining meals per voyage, and delivery benefits | May suit travelers whose expected spending on included benefits exceeds the package cost |
| Princess Premier | Wi-Fi for four devices, enhanced beverage coverage, unlimited casual dining, specialty dining, photo benefits, and excursion credits on qualifying voyages | May suit travelers who expect to use enough additional benefits to justify the higher cost |
Cost Breakdown and Booking Tips for Solo Travelers
What to Expect to Pay
Pricing on Princess for solo travelers varies significantly by ship, itinerary, and how far in advance you book. General benchmarks:
- Interior single cabin (Sun Princess or Star Princess): Compare the total single-stateroom fare with the quote for one guest occupying a standard interior on the same sailing, using equivalent inclusions.
- Standard interior with single supplement: On a 7-night Caribbean sailing, a solo traveler paying 100% supplement effectively pays double the per-person rate. On promotional sailings, the supplement can drop dramatically.
- Balcony with low supplement: When Princess runs solo supplement promotions, balcony cabins can represent strong value—you're paying a modest premium for significantly more space and a private outdoor area.
Booking Strategy
Plan ahead for solo cabins. If a dedicated single stateroom on Sun Princess or Star Princess is your priority, check availability when your preferred itinerary opens for booking. Book when a suitable cabin and fare become available, as itinerary release dates vary.
Monitor fares regularly. Check current promotions and compare single-occupancy quotes for your preferred sailings; there is no guaranteed window for the lowest solo fare.
Wompare wave-season offers with promotions throughout the year. During wave season (January–March), check whether Princess offers apply to single-occupancy bookings and compare the total solo fare. There is no guaranteed best booking window for solo supplement savings.
Consider repositioning sailings for value. These longer voyages often carry lower per-night base fares, and the solo supplement is applied to an already-reduced rate.
For general timing guidance, see our Best Time to Book a Cruise article.
Key Takeaways
- Sun Princess and Star Princess offer dedicated single staterooms; check availability for your preferred sailing.
- Single supplements vary by sailing, cabin category, and promotion; compare the total fare for one guest before booking.
- Assess Princess Plus against your expected spending on its included benefits before upgrading.
- Mediterranean and Alaska itineraries offer the best social and excursion opportunities for solo travelers.
- Anytime dining with shared table requests is the most effective onboard strategy for meeting fellow passengers at dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Princess Cruises have solo cabins?
Yes. Sun Princess and Star Princess offer interior single staterooms designed for one guest. Check the current deck plan for cabin locations and confirm availability for your sailing.
Q: What is the single supplement on Princess Cruises?
A single supplement may apply when one guest occupies a cabin normally priced for two. A 100% supplement doubles the per-person base fare. The actual solo quote varies by sailing, cabin category, and promotion, so compare the final price for one guest.
Q: Which Princess ship is best for solo travelers?
Sun Princess and Star Princess are the top choices because they offer dedicated solo cabins and a large passenger count that supports active solo meetup programming. For budget-conscious solo travelers without a strong preference for a solo cabin, Caribbean Princess is also worth comparing, with the best value determined by the total fare for your chosen sailing.
Q: Is Princess Plus worth it for solo travelers?
It depends on your expected spending. Princess Plus includes Wi-Fi, a beverage package, Crew Appreciation (daily gratuities), and four casual dining meals per voyage. Compare the package price with what you would otherwise spend on these benefits; traveling solo does not automatically make it better value.
Q: Does Princess have solo traveler meetups?
Yes. Some Princess sailings offer solo traveler gatherings. Check the Princess Cruises app or daily onboard schedule after boarding for timing, location, format, and whether the event is hosted.
Q: Can I dine alone comfortably on Princess Cruises?
Yes. Solo guests can dine independently or request a shared table in the main dining room, subject to availability. Buffet dining is another flexible option. Check specialty restaurant charges and reservation availability before making plans.
Fast Facts
- Best For: Independent travelers who want a premium experience with optional social programming
- Price Range: Varies by ship, sailing, cabin category, and promotion; request a total quote for one guest.
- Best Ships for Solos: Sun Princess, Star Princess (solo cabins); Caribbean Princess (compare total solo fares)
- Best Itineraries: Mediterranean (port-intensive, social excursions); Alaska (small-group adventure activities); Repositioning (longer sailings with more time for onboard activities and socializing)
- Best Time to Book: When a suitable cabin and total fare become available; monitor offers throughout the year
- Top Package Pick: Princess Plus or Princess Premier, depending on expected spending; Premier may suit solo travelers who plan to use specialty dining and other included benefits, regardless of voyage length.
- Solo Cabin Availability: Interior single staterooms on Sun Princess and Star Princess; availability varies
