Well, you can relax.  Cruising is ideal for single travelers.  No other form of travel affords as many opportunities to meet people and make friends. And better yet, no other international form of travel will feel as safe, secure and worry-free.

There are no singles-only cruises, but if you're looking for a festive mood and other single passengers to socialize with, large ships (1200+ passengers) sailing seven nights or fewer in the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico have many singles on board.  If you are seeking a party atmosphere, Carnival may be the right choice for you.  For something a bit more upscale, try Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.  For more mature travelers, Holland America provides the right ambiance and a welcoming attitude toward singles.

On a cruise, everyone's "in the same boat." The atmosphere is social and making friends can be as easy as leaving your cabin and joining in the various ship activities and shore excursions.  Some cruise lines cater to single customers by hosting special get-togethers.  Holland America throws a Solo Traveler's party each sailing.  If you're interested in meeting singles in other ways, request to be seated with other singles at dinner.  Many cruise lines will make these special efforts for you.

One of the most popular services for mature, single women is something called the gentlemen host or social host program.  Gentlemen hosts act as dance partners and conversationalists for single women on board. You need only to venture to the evening's entertainment to find yourself a delightful new friend.  Gentlemen hosts may usually be found on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth II and on most sailings on Crystal and Silversea.  You'll also find them on Orient and Holland America's longer cruises.

So, what will it cost you to cruise as a single?  That depends on the ship and the option you choose.  Some cruise lines have a limited number of single cabins available.  Orient's Marco Polo has single cabins (category K) and Cunard's QE2 has both inside and outside staterooms available for single travelers (categories M1 and M2).  Norwegian provides single staterooms, with categories and availability varying between sailings.

One way to cut costs as a single traveler is to participate in a singles share program. Holland America, Princess, and Windjammer will offer to pair you with a roommate of the same sex in a double stateroom.  Both singles pay the per person, double occupancy rate, and if they find no one suitable for you to room with, you will get your own double stateroom for the single price!  These singles share programs are restricted by category and limited in availability, as are the single cabins.  If you want to participate in the singles share program, you'll need to book early!

If you'd rather not share your room or be limited by category, you will have to pay a single supplement fare.  These fares can run anywhere from 110-200% of the per person double occupancy rate.  It seems unfair, but it's the way the cruise lines have been doing it for years. 

Occasionally there are special cruise ship charters available offering voyages for gay or nude cruises.  They are usually very expensive, but we do have access to a few of these specialty cruises.