Expert solo travel tips for Southern California cruisers. Discover the best cruises, solo cabin deals, top cruise lines, and advice on booking solo-friendly sailings from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego.

Ask the Experts: Solo Cruising for Southern California Travelers

Ever wondered what it’s like to step onto a cruise ship alone, unsure if you’ll have fun or meet anyone? That’s how Mia, a solo traveler from Los Angeles, felt when she first sailed from Long Beach.

But the moment she boarded, everything changed. Solo cabins, lively lounges, and fun excursions made her trip exciting, social, and unforgettable. By the end, she had explored a new city and made friends she still keeps in touch with.

Solo cruising from Southern California isn’t just possible — it’s an adventure full of freedom, connection, and discovery. Whether you’re departing Los Angeles, Long Beach, or San Diego, this guide answers the top questions solo travelers ask.

Q1: I’m a solo traveler and often find it difficult to identify who offers the best deals for solo trips. Are there any websites or resources you recommend to get clarity on this?

Finding affordable solo cruise deals can feel tricky because many cruise lines charge a single supplement, an extra fee for travelers in double-occupancy cabins. But don’t worry — there are some great resources specifically for Southern California travelers:

CruiseCritic (Solo Travelers Forum): This is a goldmine for advice, updates on waived or reduced single supplements, and real experiences from other solo cruisers sailing from Los Angeles, Long Beach, or San Diego.
VacationsToGo (90-Day Ticker): Perfect for last-minute departures. You can find discounted rates for Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, or longer West Coast repositioning cruises.
Travelzoo: Curates solo-friendly deals and perks for West Coast travelers, like onboard credit or free Wi-Fi.
Norwegian Cruise Line Studio Staterooms: NCL offers private solo cabins and an exclusive Studio Lounge — perfect for making connections. Their Mexican Riviera sailings from Los Angeles are very popular.
Holland America Solo Traveler Offers: They often reduce or waive single supplements on sailings from San Diego, ideal for longer, relaxing trips.

With these resources, Southern California solo travelers can compare prices, track promotions, and find cabins that fit their budget and style.

Q2: Does age play a role in deciding whether a solo trip is right for someone? For example, you want to avoid all the children and party ships.

Age doesn’t really matter — what matters is the vibe of the ship and the kind of experience you want. Here’s a quick guide for solo travelers departing Southern California:

Family-focused ships: Carnival (Long Beach) and Royal Caribbean (Los Angeles) tend to have more children onboard during school breaks and summer vacations.
Adult-focused or lively ships: Virgin Voyages occasionally sails from Southern California ports for repositioning cruises; perfect if you like socializing in a modern, adults-only environment.
Quiet, mature options: Holland America (San Diego) and Princess Cruises (Los Angeles) attract a calmer crowd, often with longer itineraries and a focus on relaxing, refined experiences.

Tips for solo travelers from Southern California:

Avoid peak school holidays if you want fewer families.
Consider 7+ night itineraries for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Pick cruise lines known for a calmer, adult-friendly vibe if peace matters to you.

With these considerations, solo travelers can easily find a cruise that feels just right.

Q3: Is solo travel really becoming more popular, and are there any statistics or facts to support this trend?

Absolutely! Solo travel is on the rise globally, and Southern California is no exception.

More residents are embracing solo travel for flexibility, self-care, and freedom.
Cruise lines sailing from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego have added solo cabins in response to growing demand.
Mexican Riviera cruises are especially popular because many Southern Californians can drive to the port, avoiding flights.
West Coast repositioning cruises offer longer voyages and great value, which appeals to solo travelers looking for adventure and relaxation.

The trend is clear: solo cruising is no longer a niche market, and Southern California travelers are helping lead the charge.

Q4: Which cruise lines are the most welcoming to solo travelers and offer the best deals?

If you’re sailing from Southern California, these cruise lines are especially friendly for solo travelers:

Norwegian Cruise Line (Los Angeles): Studio staterooms and a solo lounge make it easy to connect with other travelers. Perfect for first-time solo cruisers.
Princess Cruises (Los Angeles & San Pedro): Classic and relaxed, ideal for travelers who prefer a quieter, more elegant experience.
Holland America Line (San Diego): Offers longer, refined itineraries that are great for solo travelers wanting peace and luxury.
Royal Caribbean (Los Angeles): Some ships have solo cabins, and active itineraries appeal to adventurous solo travelers.
Carnival (Long Beach): Budget-friendly and fun, perfect for short getaways; more lively and family-oriented.

For a balance of comfort and social opportunities, Holland America, Princess, and Norwegian are excellent choices for solo travelers from Southern California.

Q5: Are Black Friday deals for solo travel better than other times of the year, or is there a better time to book a solo cruise?

Black Friday deals can be nice, offering perks like onboard credit or drink packages. On top of that, for Southern California solo travelers, the best deals often come at other times:

Wave Season (January–March): Historically the best time to snag reduced single supplements and solo-friendly promotions from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego.
Last-minute sailings (60–90 days before departure): Cruise lines often discount unsold solo cabins. Southern California travelers have the advantage of driving to the port, making last-minute bookings easier.
Repositioning cruises: West Coast repositioning cruises offer great value, longer itineraries, and fewer crowds.

While Black Friday is worth checking, the most significant solo-specific savings are usually during Wave Season or with last-minute bookings.

Final Thoughts

Solo cruising from Southern California has never been easier. Whether it’s a quick weekend escape to Mexico or a longer international adventure, solo travelers departing Los Angeles, Long Beach, or San Diego can enjoy freedom, new connections, and unforgettable experiences — all without paying a premium for traveling alone.

Ready to cruise solo? Ask us anything and start planning your dream adventure today.

Best Cruises from Southern California:

Solo Cruise Destinations from Southern California

Mexican Riviera Cruises

Ports: Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Ensenada
Why it’s great: Social atmosphere, warm weather, easy excursions, ideal for first-time solo cruisers.
Typical length: 5–7 nights