At one time or another, all of us either were or still are a solo traveler, but if you’re cruising alone this Valentine’s Day, do not despair. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is putting a focus on solo travel as well.

In fact, now is a great time to take a cruise vacation as a single person thanks to so many current benefits and suggestions that we analyze below.

“Recently, the travel industry has seen a growing trend in solo travel and the cruise industry is responding,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA, in a press release. “Cruise lines now offer a variety of incentives, benefits and experiences designed with single cruise travelers in mind to ensure they also have the chance to discover the amazing benefits of cruise travel.”

Cruise Matchmakers

If you’re looking for someone to find that perfect cruise for you, there really is no better way than through a travel agent. Unless you know exactly what you want, over 25,000 CLIA Certified Travel Professionals are ready to help match your personality to the perfect cruise line and cruise ship for you. After all, it doesn't cost any more to employ the services of a travel agent, and you just might come away with some extra perks in the process.

Studio Staterooms

One of the greatest things that cruise ships now offer to solo travelers is studio cabins. For years, the only option for a single person was to pay a single supplement, essentially the cost of two, to occupy a stateroom designed for a couple. Now, special cabins exist specifically for you without any added fees. Just remember to book as soon as possible since these sell out very quickly.

Among the cruise brands to offer this type of cabin are Norwegian Cruise Line with their attached studio lounges as well, Royal Caribbean International with balconies featured on some and Cunard Line on each of its three ships.

READ MORE: The Best Cruises for Solo Travelers

Making Connections

Mingling with other single travelers is always a great way to meet someone new, and while there are plenty of opportunities to do so once onboard, you can also start up conversations with fellow solo cruisers ahead of time. Lots of message boards exist as roll calls including that at Cruise Critic, which also plans meet-and-greets on the ship too. Whether or not your vacation becomes a scene out of “The Love Boat” television series is entirely up to you.

Singles Events

Also onboard, there are singles mixers for various age groups as well as other solo-specific activities and shore excursions. American Cruise Lines even offers itineraries dedicated to single cruisers, featuring everything from nightly cocktail hours to intimately sized tours.

Single Incentives

Perhaps the best thing for single cruisers to take advantage of, however, are special offers with some cruise lines that do not offer studio cabins extending a waiver on single supplements.

Among those in 2017 are Avalon Waterways with a select grouping of available cabins on every European itinerary, Tauck with “Category 1” staterooms on more than 230 European cruises and AmaWaterways through March 31, 2017 on nine voyages. Meanwhile, AIDA Cruises is offering a mix of discounts towards a limited choice of all categories on all sailings, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is extending waived or reduced single supplements on 30 of its sailings.

READ MORE: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Solo Cruise

Travel with Those You Love

Personally, this Valentine’s Day, I’m a newly married man as my wife and I approach our one year wedding anniversary on February 27, which we plan to celebrate on a cruise naturally, but I remember my own solo cruising days prior to meeting Heidi and with it comes a bonus singles tip: travel with your family and friends.

Long before I met my wife, I traveled with my parents as a third in the cabin, and I still occasionally do this today when my “he said, she said” cruise review writing partner can’t always make it. True, quarters may be tighter this way, but it’s honestly a great way to spend quality time with family.

Similarly, taking a friend along if you can't afford the single supplement alone is a great way to bond with them while traveling. I took my best friend, who has Cuban ancestry, with me to the Caribbean island nation last year, and the experience was wonderful as his perspective peppered my own.

The bottom line is this: there are great opportunities to take a cruise while single, but be open to bringing others along for the ride or at least meeting new friends during your vacation. You may even meet that special someone onboard or ashore.

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