Singles cruises have a somewhat mixed reputation. While some people thrive on the energy and excitement of meeting new people, others complain about the alcohol-soaked passengers, loud music and poor entertainment that plague some ships.

In fact, given the reputation that single’s cruises have, you could be forgiven for wondering why anyone would sign up for one if they weren’t truly dedicated to finding love (or, at the very least intimacy).

So, you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that the majority of my friends who had taken a singles cruise weren’t looking for romance at all. Instead, they saw their time on the water as an opportunity to meet new people, save money and feel energized.

Here are a few reasons to consider taking a singles cruise, even if you aren’t looking for a relationship.

Singles Cruises Often Offer Room Savings

As a solo female traveler, there are a few reasons that you can expect to save money by taking a singles cruise. First, singles cruises typically offer lower single supplements than cruises that focus more on couples. You may not be able to eliminate the single supplement entirely, but, you can almost certainly get a discount compared to the industry average.

Second, some singles cruises – or the agencies that connect you to them – offer a complementary matchmaking service. This means that you can share a room with another traveler and avoid the single supplement entirely. While this may feel slightly restrictive, the reduced cost may be the difference between sitting at home watching TV and sitting on your balcony with a glass of white wine in your hand, enjoying the sea breeze.

Singles Cruises Are a Great Way to Make Friends

Even if you aren’t looking for “someone special” you are almost certain to meet many special people on your next cruise.

In my experience, cruises that cater mostly to couples can leave singles feeling disconnected and lonely. Every morning you see couples coming down to breakfast together. Even if you have the courage to sit down at a table with two to three other couples, you are unlikely to pull them out of their world and into yours.

This isn’t to say that I haven’t met plenty of fun people on normal cruises. I have! It’s just that singles cruises – or at least cruises that have dedicated activities for singles – offer more opportunities for meeting people who have a need and desire to connect on a slightly deeper level.

Singles Cruises Often Have Additional Staff to Support You

Many singles cruises that I have heard about or participated in hire additional staff to cater to the needs of their solo travelers.

For example, many operators offer guided city tours for their single guests. This means that you can meet other passengers is an “organic” and low pressure environment. Then, when the day’s activities stop and the dance music starts, you will know at least a few people to talk or dance with.

I have even heard of tour organizers having gentlemen on staff to dance with the single women on the trip. Of course, this kind of personal attention won’t be for everyone, but, if you are looking for a little extra emotional support – or just a little harmless fun and flirtation – a singles cruise may be just the ticket.

At the end of the day, not everyone will enjoy a singles cruise. At the same time, for many women, sharing the cost of a room in an environment that facilitates making friends is a match made in heaven.

Even if you aren’t looking for love, if you are a solo female traveler, I hope that you consider a singles cruise the next time you have the urge to head out on the open sea!

Have you ever taken a singles cruise? Were you looking for love? Friendship? Savings? Activities? Please join the conversation!