You’ve decided that going solo on a cruise is for you, but aren’t sure how much extra you’ll have to pay for sole use of a cabin. Single supplements are often frightening, with some cruise lines charging a solo traveller same price as a couple travelling together. It can be a bit of a minefield, so let us give you the low down on who offers the best deals for single cruisers.
Single cabins
Some cruise lines offer single cabins, albeit not many, on some of their ships or have a limited number of double/twin cabins available for sole occupancy. For example, Voyages of Discovery offer two single cabins on Discovery, plus a limited number of twin-bedded available for sole occupancy. Island Cruises also offers single cabins, both inside and outside, on its ship Island Escape, although you may have to pay a supplement of £29 or £59 per week depending on the deck you choose.
Other lines offering single cabins on some of their ships are Costa, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Line, Swan Hellenic, Holland America Line and Cunard, although these tend to be older ships.
Lower supplements
You don’t always have to go for the cheaper cruise lines. Some of the luxury cruise lines, such as Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Silversea, now have lower single supplements on certain cruises for lone travellers, so you may be able to afford a luxury ship rather than a mass market ship with a heavy supplement. For example, Regent Seven Seas website states that standard single supplements are typically 100% for named suites, 75% for penthouse suites and range from 10-40% for deluxe suites and are capacity controlled and may be raised at any time. While Silversea states single fares are available on all voyages. Supplements range from 10%–100% above the double occupancy fares listed, based on sailing and suite category and are subject to availability.
Cabin shares
If you don’t mind sharing a cabin, many lines offer a “Find a Partner” program where they match you with another solo passenger of the same gender. It might not be your ideal scenario but you could easily make a new friend. Cruise lines offering this include Classic International, Swan Hellenic and Holland America Line. Of course, if you don’t trust the cruise line to find a good match, why not sign up to a cruise forum, such as Inside Cruise, where you can meet fellow cruisers, make friends and maybe find someone to share with.
We hope we’ve given you some pointers as to the cruise lines that are more “single friendly”, but don’t forget you’re local travel agent can help you find the best deal and the cruise line/ship most suitable for you.
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