Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced plans to introduce more than 1,000 dedicated solo staterooms across its 19-ship fleet.

Beginning week commencing 2 October 2023, the line will open for sale for the first time ever three new solo stateroom categories, including Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony for future sailings starting 2 January 2024.

“We strive to provide our guests with diverse offerings to create their dream vacation,” said NCL president David Herrera. “Since we first launched our solo staterooms in 2010 with Norwegian Epic, they have been quite popular with single travellers.”

Herrera said the move comes after the brand saw a growing demand of consumers looking to travel on their own.

Norwegian Cruise Line spurred to add more solo rooms by increased demand

Guests who stay in the new categories will also have access to the key card entry only Studio Lounge, available on select ships, which features a dedicated space to relax, a bar equipped with beer and wine and a variety of snacks served daily.

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

According to a study by Travelport, solo travel made up nearly 18 per cent of global bookings in the travel industry. More recently, Radical Storage reported a 267 per cent increase in online searches for the term “solo travel” between December 2020 to April 2022.

And a survey by cruise specialist Cruise.co.uk and completed by 800 people found more than two thirds of those questioned (70 per cent) would choose a cruise over a land-based holiday for a solo trip.