Traveling alone can be an adventure filled with personal discovery and freedom. The thought of setting your own schedule, pursuing your interests, and experiencing new cultures is often irresistible. Cruising solo is a growing trend within the travel industry, but there are aspects that can make it daunting. The most notable amongst these is the dreaded ‘single supplement’ fee. So, let’s dive into the world of solo cruising, its pros and cons, and how to navigate the waters.
Solo cruising offers plenty of freedom and flexibility. It allows you to immerse yourself in the ship’s onboard activities, entertainment, dining options, and destinations, all at your own pace. Yet, despite the growing trend, some elements of the cruise industry have not fully adapted to cater to the solo cruiser, with one of the most prominent issues being the ‘single supplement’.
Single Supplements: The Hidden Cost of Solo Cruising
A single supplement is an extra fee charged to solo travelers when they occupy a room intended for two or more persons. The underlying rationale for this fee is the cruise line’s desire to maximize revenue for each stateroom. Traditionally, cruise fares are based on double occupancy. So placing a solo traveler in a cabin expected to accommodate two or more is seen as a loss of potential revenue.
The cost of the single supplement varies but generally, it is 2X the cost of the standard cruise fare. This means that solo cruisers could end up paying almost double the amount per person compared to their coupled-off counterparts. This can be a significant drawback for those considering cruising solo.
Are There Deals for Solo Cruisers?
The cruise industry is not blind to the increasing demand for solo cruising and has begun to accommodate the solo traveler demographic. While the single supplement is still common, certain cruise lines offer special deals and discounts for solo cruisers to help offset this additional cost. These deals can range from reduced single supplements to outright elimination of the fee during promotional periods.
Such deals are rare, so it’s essential to check with the cruise line or a travel agent, sign up for newsletters, and stay informed about potential savings.
As someone who cruises solo all the time, I’ve found that MSC is the most flexible with the single supplement and often runs promotions around reduced single supplement fees. Being part of a cruise line’s loyalty program can also reduce the amount of your single supplement fee.
The Introduction of Solo Cabins
To cater to solo travelers, some cruise lines have recently introduced solo cabins – staterooms specifically designed for one person. These solo cabins are smaller in size compared to standard cabins, but they offer all the amenities for a comfortable cruise and some even come with extra perks.
Solo cabins have a twofold benefit: they eliminate the need for a single supplement, and they create a community environment for solo travelers. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line’s studio cabins have access to a shared private lounge, fostering an environment for solo cruisers to connect with each other.
However, these solo cabins also have some drawbacks. They’re often limited in number, so they tend to book up quickly. Plus, they might lack some amenities present in standard cabins, like a private balcony, as most are inside staterooms.
Cruise Lines that Offer Solo Cabins
The following cruise lines offer solo cabins on select ships, but like I previously mentioned, they are small in number and sell out quickly. Additionally, some lines do not offer the ability for solo cabins to be booked online.
- Celebrity Cruises: Apex, Ascent, Beyond, Edge, and Silhouette
- Cunard: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria
- Holland America Line: Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam
- MSC Cruises: Bellissima, Grandiosa, Meraviglia, Virtuosa, and World Europa
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Bliss, Breakway, Encore, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Prima, Viva, and Pride of America
- Oceania Cruises: Insignia, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena
- Royal Caribbean: Anthem, Adventure, Brilliance, Harmony, Jewel, Mariner, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Serenade, and Spectrum of the Seas
- Virgin Voyages: All ships in the fleet have solo cabins available.
Navigating the Solo Cruise Experience
Solo cruising, like any other mode of travel, comes with its unique set of challenges and advantages. The prospect of paying a single supplement can seem daunting, but the increasing availability of solo cabins and special deals make it more accessible than ever before. Plus, the freedom, flexibility, and personal growth that solo cruising offers make it an adventure worth considering.
Remember, every cruise line and every ship is different. It’s crucial to research, plan, and seek advice when considering a solo cruise. Travel is an intensely personal experience, and finding the right balance between cost, comfort, and convenience is key to enjoying your solo journey on the high seas.