Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is to introduce over 1 000 dedicated solo staterooms across its diverse 19-ship fleet. 

Starting this month, the company, which offers South African itineraries, will open three new solo stateroom categories – Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony – for sale for future sailings starting January 2.

With pricing and availability dependent on the destination and demand, solo travellers can expect to pay less than a traditional double-occupancy room.

David J. Herrera, President of NCL, said: “Since we first launched our solo staterooms in 2010 with Norwegian Epic, they have been quite popular with single travellers. We are continuously listening to our guests to deliver the experience they want. After realising the growing demand of individuals looking to travel on their own, we have now expanded single occupancy staterooms across our fleet.”

Guests who stay in the new solo stateroom categories will also have access to the key-card-entry-only Studio Lounge, available on selected ships, which features a bar serving beer and wine and a variety of snacks. In addition to their own lounge, solo cruisers can enjoy activities that allow single travellers to mix and mingle.

With the capacity of solo stateroom categories expanding from nine ships to the full 19-ship fleet, single cruisers have more opportunities to visit destinations such as Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand on vessels that previously have not had this type of offering.

The announcement comes in response to a recent surge in the popularity of solo travel, with a growing number of individuals choosing to travel the world solo rather than traditional group travel with friends, family or partners.