I have been watching various videos and reading blogs that are warning that the Cruises lines (all of them ) are now doing everything to entice more families and dissuade solo travellers. I find it alarming but not surprising. Royal and Norwegian do not have solo cabins on their upcoming new ships. I also have found that only the luxury liners are offering 50% or less single supplement. I find this sad, annoying and short sighted on the part of the cruise lines. Given that solos that travel are one of the fastest growing traveller segments and have much more disposable income than most families and often travel more times in a year, the cruise lines will be losing out. Here are some suggested ways to combat this off putting trend and the higher costs they are charging solos.
The number one way is to only book when the cruise lines have 75% or more off the second passenger offers. Yes they will limit the number of solo passengers that can take advantage and possibly your cabin options but you will not have as high of a single supplement for a standard cabin.
Choose the cruise line that offers the best itinerary and treats you the best while on board. For me this excludes NCL as I have a lot of issues as a solo. Princess and Holland welcome solos but their single supplement rates have been increasing.
Book early - at least a year out so there will still be cabins available for solos.
There are sites like vacations to go that importantly show the single supplement rate/percentage. They also offer single cruises, and cabin mate matches. There are also other sites that do cruise cabin mate matches.
Try more alternative vacations. I have been saving a lot of money and enjoying city escapes as many hotels have single rooms especially in Europe. I have also found the bus tour companies are waiving single supplements in the off seasons. Globus and Cosmos tend to have the best offers. Sign up for their email newsletters.
Hope this helps
Marcia
