Solo Cruising From Canada: Supplements Explained

Updated 29 October 2026 · 4 min read · Cruise Questions Canada editorial team

Solo cruising is easier than most people expect socially, and harder financially. The money side comes down to one rule: cruise fares assume two people per cabin. Understand how that works, and you can usually pay a lot less than the headline "double".

Why does a solo traveller pay a supplement?

A cruise line prices a cabin expecting two people to spend money on board, buy drinks and pay two sets of fees. When one person takes the cabin, the line charges a single supplement to make up some of the difference. It's usually 50–100% of the per-person fare, so a solo might pay 150–200% of the fare one person in a couple would pay.

The good news is that the supplement usually applies to the cruise fare only. Taxes, port fees and gratuities are charged per person, so you pay one set.

What does it cost in practice?

Here is an illustrative 7-night Alaska sailing from Vancouver in an inside cabin, at recent prices. Your fare will differ, but the pattern holds.

Pre-cruise costs also hit solos harder. A Vancouver hotel room costs the same for one as for two, and there's no one to split a taxi with.

How do you get a better price?

Book a solo studio

Purpose-built cabins for one exist on some ships, especially at Norwegian, and on certain Royal Caribbean and Holland America ships. They're compact, sensibly designed and priced for one person. Some come with a private lounge for solo guests, which makes meeting people effortless. There are only a few per ship, so book early. For Alaska specifically, see solo cabins on an Alaska cruise.

Watch for reduced-supplement sailings

Lines cut or waive supplements on sailings they need to fill, often in shoulder season, on repositioning voyages and on longer itineraries. These offers come and go, so it helps to know your target months in advance. The full set of tactics is in how to dodge the single supplement.

Choose the right dates

Shoulder season in Alaska (May and September) and Caribbean sailings outside March break and Christmas are cheaper for everyone. Add a reduced supplement, and a solo trip can be good value.

Making the most of sailing alone

1. Ask for a shared table at dinner, at least for the first few nights.
2. Find the solo meet-up in the daily program on the first evening; many ships hold one.
3. Join trivia, a cooking class or a group excursion, where conversation comes naturally.
4. Book an excursion through the ship for any port with a tight timetable, so you're never stranded alone.
5. Carry the port agent's phone number from the daily program whenever you go ashore alone.

Women travelling alone may also find the best cruise lines for solo women over 50 useful.

Insurance and the Canadian details

Solo travellers have no one to sort things out if they fall ill, so travel medical insurance with evacuation cover matters even more. Provincial health plans pay very little outside Canada, as covered in cruise insurance for Canadians. Leave your itinerary and the ship's emergency contact details with someone at home.

Onboard charges post in US dollars, so a card with no foreign transaction fee saves around 2.5% on everything you sign for.

Is it worth it?

For many people, yes. You choose every excursion, every dinner and every early night. Go in knowing the supplement rules, book early for a studio or watch for a reduced-supplement sailing, and the price gap shrinks to something most solo travellers find reasonable.

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