Solo Travel Isn’t About Being Single Anymore
New data suggests married and partnered travelers are increasingly choosing to cruise alone, signaling a cultural shift in how couples approach independence and travel.
Germany, 9th Feb 2026 – Solo travel is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation. Once closely associated with being single, it is now increasingly embraced by travelers who are married or in long-term relationships.
Recent survey data from German-speaking markets shows that more than 70% of partnered and married travelers express interest in traveling solo, challenging the long-held assumption that solo travel is driven primarily by relationship status. In Germany alone, more than one in eight travelers has already booked a cruise they plan to take alone, despite being in a relationship.
According to analysis of recent industry data tracked by alleinaufkreuzfahrt.de, the DACH region’s only platform focused exclusively on solo cruising, interest in solo cruises among married and partnered travelers is rising. The data points to a broader behavioral shift, where independence and personal time are increasingly valued alongside shared experiences.
This change is particularly visible in the cruise sector. Industry figures show that solo cruise participation has doubled year over year, with solo travelers now accounting for roughly 12% of cruise passengers globally. In the United States, approximately one in ten cruise passengers now sails alone, with Millennials and Gen Z significantly more likely to do so than older generations.
Travel analysts suggest the trend reflects evolving relationship norms rather than dissatisfaction. Instead of assuming all meaningful experiences must be shared simultaneously, many couples are making room for individual interests, mismatched schedules, and personal autonomy. Post-pandemic attitudes toward time and self-determination have further accelerated this shift, reducing the willingness to delay experiences while waiting for others to align.
Cruising has emerged as a particularly accessible format for solo travel within relationships. The structured environment, fixed duration, predictable costs, and optional social interaction reduce many of the barriers traditionally associated with traveling alone. For many partnered travelers, a solo cruise represents a contained and intentional way to explore independence without disconnecting from their broader personal lives.
The cruise industry has begun to adapt. Major cruise lines are expanding single-occupancy cabins, reducing or eliminating single supplements on select sailings, and introducing onboard programming designed specifically for solo guests. These changes reflect growing recognition that solo travelers are no longer a niche segment, but a meaningful and expanding part of the market.
Beyond travel, the rise of solo cruising among married and partnered travelers points to a wider cultural development. Independence is no longer seen as something that competes with commitment. Instead, it is increasingly viewed as complementary to modern relationships.
As solo cruising continues to grow across both Europe and the United States, one conclusion is becoming difficult to ignore: travel behavior is evolving faster than traditional relationship labels, and the definition of what it means to travel “together” is being redefined.
For questions, interviews, or additional data, please contact:
mike@alleinaufkreuzfahrt.de
Company Details
Organization: AlleinAufKreuzfahrt.de
Contact Person: Mike
Website: https://alleinaufkreuzfahrt.de
Email: Send Email
Country: Germany
Release Id: 09022641152