Many of the lines are becoming more accommodating to solos. NCL's Epic will have studio cabins with no single supplement, though they are quite small at 100 sq. ft. Other lines such as Princess and Holland America often price their insides and oceanviews for early bookings at only 150% supplement. Closer in, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity frequently offer some sailings with reduced supplement (especially for seniors or those qualifying for military rates), and their weekly Happy Hour specials are often with reduced supplement as well. Carnival, too, offers their Category 1A cabin at 150% supplement, while MSC and Costa have some reduced supplement categories.

River cruises and luxury lines are the most generous when it comes to reduced supplements, though often only if you book early as they limit the number of solo occupancy cabins on each sailing.

There are agents who specialize in this type of cruiser. You do have to be flexible in what you're seeking, and realize that sometimes there's no way around the supplement if you want x at y time, but a specialist can help you navigate the waters (pardon the pun).