Curator’s statement
Solo cruising is on the rise, and the cruise lines are paying attention. As a seasoned solo traveler, I wanted to explore one of these experiences firsthand. I chose the Norwegian Cruise Line's Alaska sailing, round trip from Seattle, for its consistent schedule and the appealing Studio Suites on the Norwegian Encore. There are three types of solo studios available: Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Balcony. I opted for the Solo Inside suite—the most compact option—since my plan was to spend most of my time outside the cabin.
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Glacier Bay National Park
Alaska is wild and untamed, which makes it a perfect destination for solo travelers. Whether on or off the ship, there's a bounty of experiences waiting to be discovered. The Norwegian Encore made it easy to immerse myself in the Alaskan wilderness while also connecting with fellow travelers.
Inside Studio Suite, Norwegian Encore
One standout feature was the Studio Lounge, an exclusive area for solo travelers. Each day, the lounge hosted meetups specifically for solos, followed by dinner in the main dining room with reserved tables just for us. While I’m comfortable dining alone, I appreciated the opportunity to meet new friends, and the solo meetups made the experience feel like a small community on board. We shared countless drinks, desserts, laughs, and dances. The camaraderie extended beyond the cruise—our solo group now keeps in touch through a WhatsApp group, and is planning future travels together.
Norwegian Encore Solos in Glacier Bay National Park
Solo travel doesn’t mean alone—it's about choosing your own balance of social and personal time. On day six, I opted for some well-deserved alone time, ordering room service, watching movies, and simply recharging. Whether you're seeking adventure, new connections, or simply serenity, this cruise had it all.
Daily solo meetups in the Studio Lounge
Norwegian’s solo program stands out for its structured approach, with daily meetups and group dining options, making it easier to break the ice. Other lines also cater to solo travelers with special cabins and reduced solo supplements, including Hurtigruten, Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, and more. If you’re curious about solo cruising or planning your next trip, let’s chat!
Creek Street, Ketchikan
Need to know
On board
Join the meetups. I know firsthand it can be intimidating, but it’s worth it even if you’re more of an introvert, like me.
The panoramic views of Alaska’s rugged coast from the Encore's Observation Lounge are unbeatable.
Our group especially loved dancing at the Q Smokehouse.
Top tips for excursions
Juneau: Go whale watching in Auke Bay. We spotted three humpbacks on a three-hour tour!
Ketchikan: Explore Creek Street for local arts and crafts—it’s the best shopping I found on the trip.
Skagway: Have lunch at the Skagway Brewing Company. The halibut fish and chips were out of this world!
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Alaska page.
Travel Advisor
Jonna Robertson
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