How a solo can get a 2 week cruise for under $2000 Canadian - its about timing and research

 I have tried to keep my cruise cost to under $2000 CDN  including taxes for each cruise this year. Not an easy feat for a solo traveller who likes ocean view or balcony cabin.  This year cruise costs have risen dramatically especially on Princess HAL and RCCL.  These are the three cruise lines I have used the most.  I don't use NCL, Costa nor Carnival anymore as I have experienced serious cleanliness and mechanical breakdown issues on each of these cruise lines.  

Transatlantic, TransPacific and Hawaii (one way cruises) are always a cheaper option for Solos. This year my HAL ocean view transatlantic for 14 nights was the most expensive at $2000 CDN, The RCL interior promenade view for 13 nights transatlantic was $1700  (as its ocean view was sold out) and my 9 night solo ocean view on Cunard in western Caribbean is $1600 ($1188 USD).  Note all came with $50 to $75 USD OBCs.  So it is still possible for a solo traveller to get a decent price on a cabin.   

Below are some tips

Book at least 6 months before the cruise departs.

Watch for sales with OBCs as they will help pay for your Gratuities (note I always pay the gratuity unless the service has been truly awful).  Note as does the stock ownership benefit which I have. 

Sign up for the cruise line promo emails or texts to watch for deals

Use Expedia or Vacations to Go as they will often have OBCs (on board credits) and other offers.

Don't be loyal to just one cruise line as yes there are some on board loyalty perks but you will pay a higher overall price for the cruise

Compare Cruise line offered flights and doing it on your own.  I have used both with success when I compare and book  the cheapest or most convenient.  Note I have kept transatlantic flight costs to under a $1000CDN and US to about $600 CDN (including seat choice and baggage).

Be flexible on time and cabin type but AVOID guarantee cabins. Note now with the up bidding process the cruise lines give the guaranteed cabin reservers the absolute worst cabins in the category.

Hope this helps 

Marcia