I sailed alone on Norwegian's latest giant cruise ship and was surprised how easy it was as a solo traveler

Norwegian Aqua has 1,387 cabins, 93 of which are for solo travelers.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderNorwegian Cruise Line's latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, is great for both families and lone cruisers.The ship has 93 single-person cabins and plenty of solo-friendly amenities.The cruise line has been championing the solo cruise boom.Sailing alone on a giant cruise ship doesn't have to feel like a socially isolating act of family vacation defiance.In fact, Norwegian's latest vessel wants you to go solo.The 4,482-guest Norwegian Aqua prides itself on being a floating resort for families to lounge together, be it the daybeds littered over the infinity pools or the plush group seating near the Metropolitan bar's live pianist.However, if you look closely, you'll notice there are as many options — if not more — for people going alone.After all, the adrenaline-pumping 10-floor dry slide can only accommodate one rider at a time.There's one sure sign Norwegian is vying for solo cruisers: Its new ship has 93 single-person cabins.Norwegian Aqua has 1,387 cabins, 93 of them for solo cruisers.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderCruise lines compensate for lost revenue on double-occupancy cabins by slapping an often hefty "single supplement" fee on solo cruisers' fares.To bypass this, look for specially designated single traveler cabins.There are 73 of these 94-square-foot, windowless rooms.The single-person studio cabins have a twin bed, a TV, storage, and a compact bathroom.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderThese relatively small and affordable cabins start at $1,880 for a weeklong Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, this summer — which is about $600 cheaper than a standard inside cabin with the supplementary fee.There's no room for a living room.The Studio Lounge serves a small breakfast buffet, snacks, and coffee.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderFor that, go to the Studio Lounge, a large social space exclusive to these solo sailors. However, like their cabin counterparts, you won't find any natural light down here.If you'd rather loaf under the sun, you could pay for Vibe Beach Club.The adult-only Vibe Beach Club costs $270 for a seven-day pass.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderNorwegian's latest ship has plenty of complimentary lounges, both bar and poolside.If you want a child-free laze, you could pay $270 for a seven-day pass to the adult-only Vibe Beach Club.However, you are on a kid-friendly cruise with a surplus of catered facilities.The Stadium is an open-air collection of games.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderSo if you can't beat them, join them.Most of these family amenities are also secretly great for solitary travelers (minus the cluster of outdoor activities at the Stadium, unless you can finesse playing "beer" pong and shuffleboard alone).No need to ride the Aqua Slidecoaster with a stranger.The Aqua Slidecoaster has the initial speed of a roller coaster before slowing down into a lazy river-like waterslide.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderI've been on plenty of solo cruises for work, so I understand the hate for waterslides that require two riders. (You're telling me I have to share my raft with a random kid?!)Thankfully, Norwegian Aqua's hybrid waterslide-roller coaster accommodates single and double riders. Plus, riding alone means no one has to hear you shriek when the robot arm launches you upward of 31 miles per hour into the waterslide.The multi-purpose, LED-lit sports court can accommodate several players.Glow Court has LED floors and walls that change according to the players' selected sport and activity.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderOr, you're welcome to go alone if you don't want to bicker over the activity of choice.The same goes for the arcade's two-lane bowling alley — so long as you're OK with an audience of children pausing their virtual reality games to judge your performance — and the mini-golf course, which automatically tracks your putts-per-hole.No need to fear eating in solitude.The ship has two main dining rooms, Hudson's and the Commodore Room.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderThe ship has 15 dining options, half of which are complimentary. These include the familiar cruise buffet, two main dining rooms, and American pub grub from Local Bar and Grill.I recommend trying Indulge Food Hall.The food hall has 10 varied stalls, from Indian to Spanish tapas to Texan barbecue.Indulge Food Hall has tableside touchscreen ordering tablets.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderDon't let decision paralysis stop you from living your lunch dreams.The portions are relatively small, so you don't need to eat family-style to try multiple dishes. Plus, there are plenty of communal tables that make eating alone feel casual.Grab a snack at the Observation Lounge.The Observation Lounge has a bar and a light bites station.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderMost guests go there to enjoy a quiet cocktail with ocean views. However, the lounge has an underrated feature: a tiny café-like buffet with small bites such as Brie sandwiches and cookies.Grab a quiche and a soft leather seat for a relaxing mid-day solitude snack. Or, if you're feeling chattier, sit at one of the couches and strike up a conversation with your seatmate.Going to the theater doesn't have to feel like a socially isolating experience."Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" features Prince's discography.Brittany Chang/Business Insider"Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" could be the most engaging show you'll go to alone.You could grab a seat on the upper decks, but I recommend heading to the bottom, standing room-only floor.Small, lilypad-like stages move throughout the performance to create an ever-changing set, corralling the standing viewers while providing plenty of room to sing, dance, mingle, and mix along to the Prince cover songs.It'll feel more like a concert than a traditional seated show, although there are plenty of those if you prefer."Syd Norman's Presents: Rumours" covers Fleetwood Mac songs.Brittany Chang/Business InsiderNone of the other theater shows are interactive, save for "The Price is Right Live.""Elements: The World Expanded" is Norwegian's Cirque du Soleil dupe, while "Syd Norman's Presents: Rumours" is another cover show showcasing Fleetwood Mac's magnum opus album.Or, if you really hate going without company, make friends at the Studio Lounge and drag them with you. Dancing to Prince with your new chums will surely make for a memorable solo vacation.Read the original article on Business Insider

Comments

Business News

ASEAN must deepen integration to tackle U.S. tariffs, Malaysia says

washington times

I'm one of the oldest moms at my kid's elementary school. I no longer feel the need to dress a certain way or volunteer for everything.

about 2 hours ago

Risking death for a special ceviche in Peru

insider

I've been to Royal Caribbean's private islands 3 times. It's no surprise the cruise line is taking nearly all its Caribbean sailings there.

about 5 hours ago

insider

Red-carpet looks that have missed the mark in 2025 so far — sorry

about 5 hours ago

insider

Russia's attack drones are flying higher and faster. A Ukrainian air defender says old machine guns aren't enough to kill them anymore.

about 5 hours ago

I used to buy my kids expensive clothes out of mom guilt. Now, I only shop for them at consignment shops to save money.

insider

Comments

Business News

ASEAN must deepen integration to tackle U.S. tariffs, Malaysia says

Indonesian president and Chinese premier meet to discuss expanding trade during U.S. trade war

What's open and closed on Memorial Day?

The Digital Equity Act tried to close the digital divide. Trump calls it racist and acts to end it

Major building society cuts interest rates on 40 savings accounts - full list

'Lilo & Stitch' beats Tom Cruise and 'Mission: Impossible' in record Memorial Day weekend box office

Mike Johnson Doesn’t Care About Trump’s Business Conflicts, Crypto Dinner Because They’re ‘Out In The Open’

What's open and closed on Memorial Day?

Green light for demolition of landmark former brewery to make way for new homes

The Range has slashed the price of a privacy screen to under £13 to help fence off your garden

When Is 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' Coming To Streaming?

If They’re Telling You Why Treasury Yields Are Up, They Don’t Know Why

AEW Double Or Nothing 2025 Preview, Start Time And Streaming Info

Former Heavyweight Champ Tyson Fury Says ‘I’m Staying Retired’

Pascal Siakam Is A Star And A Glue Guy. He Put Pacers Up Two On Knicks

What Time Is ‘The Last Of Us’ Season 2 Finale Tonight? How To Watch

Neon, Mubi, A24: The Buyers That Won Cannes 2025

Saint James Opens Manhattan Pop-Up, Making Its Stateside Retail Debut

Boden's spring and summer maxi dress is 'absolute perfection' - available in four colours

Boden shoppers 'feel amazing' in 'really flattering' summer dress that's on sale

I'm one of the oldest moms at my kid's elementary school. I no longer feel the need to dress a certain way or volunteer for everything.

Risking death for a special ceviche in Peru

Inside Trump’s chainsaw-wielding approach to one corner of government contracting

McDonald’s has RUINED our town – fast food giant’s u-turn brought about our biggest fears and there’s nothing we can do

B&M shoppers rushing to buy handy gadget that’s ideal for BBQs scanning for 50p instead of £20

Post Malone’s First Country Hit Has Proved To Be A Career-Defining Smash

Miley Cyrus’s Brand New Song Can’t Beat Her Years-Old Smash

Concacaf Puts Stars Like Pulisic, Davies In Impossible Position

Olivia Rodrigo Reaches A Huge Chart Milestone For The Very First Time

Gold To Top Bitcoin And Silver On Way To $4K Per Oz, Says Goldman Sachs

Drake Reaches A New Career Peak, As Even He Has Room To Grow On The Charts

News diary 26 May – 1 June: Russell Brand in court, disposable vape ban comes in

Covid effect shows how much households have seen insurance costs rocket

Supermum of three works just 16 hours a week and enjoys multiple holidays a year - here is how

Samsung dishes out earphones and Galaxy Watch for free in mega sale - but only if you do this

Why the creator of 'Succession' says he rushed to release 'Mountainhead,' a new satire about tech bro billionaires

I went to Costa Rica for the first time. Here are 5 things I'm glad I packed &mdash; and 3 I wish I'd brought.

See inside a secret Navy museum on an active base where visitors require an official escort at all times

12 famous women who served in the military

Here's how much it costs to raise a child in each state

Britain’s ‘cheapest chippy’ flogs famous feast for just 7p with hundreds descending on seaside town to get their fix

Florian Wirtz Signing Would Signal A Shift In Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy

What Is Cultural Drift? How To Keep Workplace Progress From Slipping

Lana Del Rey’s Album Is Truly In A League Of Its Own

Morgan Wallen Blocks Three Country Legends From A New No. 1 Smash

Memory-Driven CX: Creating A “Remember When” Experience That Drives Loyalty

I got the keys to Omaze's latest luxury dream home – but would I keep it?