Short answer
Solo travellers on river cruises usually pay a single supplement, which means a fare above the per-person rate for two sharing. The size varies widely by line, ship and departure, and some lines run promotions that reduce or waive it. A few ships have cabins designed for one person, which may carry a smaller premium.
How the single supplement works
Cruise fares are generally priced per person based on two people sharing a cabin. If you travel alone, the line charges extra to make up for the missing second passenger. The supplement can range from a modest percentage to close to double the shared fare, depending on the line and the departure. Treat any figure you see in articles as a rough guide and ask for a quote for the exact sailing.
Ways to reduce or avoid it
- Look for waived or reduced supplements. Lines run offers on select departures. These often cover less popular dates.
- Travel at off-peak times. Shoulder-season departures often have better deals. See the best months for a European river cruise.
- Book early or late. Early booking can secure offers, and last-minute deals sometimes appear when cabins remain.
- Use a travel advisor. Advisors often know about promotions and group offers for solo guests.
- Consider a smaller cabin category. The supplement can be lower on entry-level cabins.
- Share with a friend. If you have a travel partner, the supplement may disappear.
- Ask about matching programs. A few lines or agencies offer roommate matching.
Solo cabins
Some river ships have staterooms built for one guest, though they are not common. Where available, they tend to be limited in number and sell out early, so book well ahead. Lines vary a lot, so check the deck plan to see if solo cabins exist on your ship and what they offer compared with a standard stateroom. Cabins may be smaller than double-occupancy ones. For a sense of what is included across lines, see our river cruise lines comparison.
Is river cruising good for solo travellers?
Many solo travellers find river cruising a comfortable way to travel alone. The ships are small, the crew learn names quickly, and the routine is easy to follow. Tours are organised, so you don’t need to plan transport or logistics. There is less of the party atmosphere on bigger ocean ships. See river cruise vs ocean cruise.
Meeting people
Open seating at meals makes it easy to join other guests, and excursions create natural chances to chat. Some lines hold solo meet-ups or hosted tables. See river cruise menus for how dining works. If you want solitude, you can still choose a quiet spot on deck.
What to ask before booking
- What is the exact single supplement for this departure?
- Are there any solo cabins on this ship?
- Are there solo promotions, and what are the conditions?
- How many guests are travelling alone?
- What are the cancellation terms?