Becoming a larger segment of first time cruisers, single travelers have long been disadvantaged when booking a cruise vacation. In fact, it is very common with most of the major cruise lines to charge travelers cruising solo up to 200% of the standard cruise fare. These single supplements as they are known as, effectively penalize the single cruiser and have them paying about the same price as two guests. Occasionally, there may be incentives offered on those booking as a single where the supplement is reduced to a lower amount, however, in most cases it still equates to a substantially higher price than the per person rates based on double occupancy. So, what is a single traveler to do?
Fortunately, the cruise lines are slowly acknowledging the needs of the single traveler and are creating special categories of rooms specifically with the single traveler in mind. Norwegian Cruise Line has been leading the way in this area. Since the launch of the Norwegian Epic in 2010 and all their new builds since, Norwegian first introduced not only single accommodations, but an entire complex call the studios. The studios (with no single supplement) are located on the interior of the ship and are smaller than standard interior rooms, however, they have a clever design that maximizes the use of space. Studio guests also have access to the Studio Lounge, where guests can mingle with other solo travelers, have a drink or watch the big game on the big screen tv.
Royal Caribbean has also recently been adding their own version of studio rooms to some of their newest class of ships, plus retrofitting existing ships during dry-docks. A difference with Royal Caribbean’s studio accommodations over Norwegian is that some of the studios on Royal Caribbean offer ocean view and balcony options.
If you really have your heart set on cruising on a ship that does not have special single accommodations or a cruise line that does not offer a reduced supplement, consider just taking someone along with you. In most cases, they will cruise for just the cost of the taxes and fees.
Top Cruise Line Picks for Singles
Norwegian Cruise Line
Ships with single accommodations
- Norwegian Breakaway
- Norwegian Epic
- Norwegian Escape
- Norwegian Getaway
Royal Caribbean
Ships with single accommodations
- Adventure of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Brilliance of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Jewel of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Quantum of the Seas
- Radiance of the Seas
- Serenade of the Seas