Solo at Sea with Norwegian Cruise Line

Traveling alone can be a rewarding experience, but the thought of taking a cruise solo may not have always been top of mind.

Cruises are inherently a social experience, with passengers sharing space, meals, and activities together, making a sea voyage a perfect place for a single traveler to feel comfortable. As more intrepid jetsetters decide to book solo trips, Liberty Travel spotlights the single cruising trend.

Norwegian Cruise Line has made two of its ships even more single traveler-friendly by offering exclusive Studio Staterooms along with special amenities and pricing (there is no single supplement included in the total price). This innovative, industry-first concept was introduced on the Norwegian Epic in 2010 and continued aboard the buzzworthy Breakaway, which set sail this May. In fact, Norwegian was awarded the “Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers” by the readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine in 2012.

The sleek, 100-square-foot Studio Staterooms are specially designed to be welcoming and functional for the single traveler. Thoughtful touches include a full-size bed with a lighted recess to store books and electronics, a 26-inch flat-screen TV, and a separate sink and shower to provide more room for storage.

Guests also have access to the private Studio Lounge with a self-serve wine bar, big-screen TV, and complimentary coffee and snacks. Don’t miss the evening social hour hosted by crew members who are available to book group activities and dinners.

When venturing beyond their stateroom, solo travelers aboard the Epic or Breakaway will find much to enjoy without feeling singled out. Spend a day at the spa; or meet fellow health nuts at the Sports Complex and fitness center featuring running tracks, rock climbing walls, group classes, and much more.

After-dark diversions don’t have to be a group affair either; many restaurants, such as Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, Teppanyaki, and Wasabi Sushi Bar offer counter seating, while O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill (named for Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan) provides a pub-like atmosphere for pints, pool, and people watching. And, of course, there is the too-cool-for-school Ice Bar, where patrons don borrowed parkas to sip vodka cocktails from glasses carved from ice. ($20, includes two drinks)

The Norwegian Breakaway sets sail from New York to Bermuda, Florida and the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. It also features fun two-night trips to and from NYC. The Epic offers an array of Caribbean and European voyages.