Are Cruise Lines Heeding Solo Travelers?

Solo travelers have had a tough time understanding the position cruise lines have taken when it comes to accommodating them on cruise ships. They are often charged 150% to 200% of the per-person cruise fare to enjoy a cruise with private accommodations.

Unlike an airline seat on a flight that can be sold more than once a day, or a hotel room that might be resold two or three times a week, most cruises are 7-days or longer, and an empty bed is empty for a full week or longer. The pressure on cruise lines is to sell every bed onboard, and as 99% of ships are built with two-bedded staterooms (or larger), singles have been left out in the cold unless they are willing to pay the steep supplement of the per-person cruise fare to have private occupancy of a double-bedded stateroom.

Last year, Norwegian Cruise Line launched the new Epic, a radical design for a cruise ship, and one that included a section of smaller single cabins, with a shared lounge area. (We’ve been featuring some specials on the Epic, and through Feb 28th, those booking an NCL cruise are entitled to complimentary upgrades and an onboard coupon book valued at up to $400.) The concept took off. Now Royal Caribbean Cruises has announced single cabins are coming soon. Single travelers: Rejoice!

Contact our team of travel experts to learn more about our solo travel packages to get out there and explore the world.