Yes, you can cruise solo and not get soaked by supplement rates
When I first started cruising, I typically travelled by myself. But unlike booking flights or a hotel, booking a cruise for one can be an expensive proposition, all because of something known as the “single supplement.”
When you book a cruise as a solo traveller, the cruise line figures, rightly or wrongly, that you’re depriving them of the income they could have had with a second guest in that cabin who might drink like a fish, gamble like a whale and spend like there’s no tomorrow.
In an effort to recoup those dashed dreams of untold revenue, most cruise lines charge those wishing to have sole occupancy over a stateroom marked for double-occupancy an additional supplement that can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to the equivalent of a second full-fare guest.
Over the holidays, seven different readers contacted me with the same question: Which cruise lines are the friendliest when it comes to solo travellers?
The good news is that there are many cruise lines willing to cut solo travellers a break, but it’s all about knowing the rules.
First, if you’re a solo traveller looking for a deal on a balcony stateroom or a suite, forget about it. With very few exceptions, these rooms will always carry a surcharge the equivalent of paying for you and someone else. So let’s leave these top-tier accommodations alone for the moment.
Instead, the friendliest single-supplement fares can be found on inside and oceanview staterooms.
Holland America Line is particularly generous, with one of the lowest single supplement rates of any popular cruise line. For an added roll of the dice, book the cheapest “guarantee” cabin and see what room you’re assigned to — but always be content with what you’ve booked. I used to book inexpensive Inside Guarantee Staterooms and ended up with a low-level oceanview room more than once — all to myself.
Then there is Norwegian Cruise Line. Every time I write positively about Norwegian, someone always fires off a letter telling me how wrong I am and how bad it is and so on.
Truth is, Norwegian has some great ships going to amazing des- tinations, and it just happens to be one of the most solo-traveller-friendly lines out there.
In fact, since the launch of Norwegian Epic in 2010, every new Norwegian ship has featured the line’s trendsetting “Studio Staterooms” designed expressly for solo cruisers.
Norwegian throws a touch of exclusivity into these rooms, with cool interior design features and amenities that aren’t repeated elsewhere; keycard-access-only room corridors; and a private lounge to mix and mingle with your fellow solo guests. Best of all: no supplemental fare.
One of my favourite lines, Cunard, recently refitted its transatlantic flagship, Queen Mary 2, with a selection of staterooms designed just for single occupancy.
These rooms are absolutely beautiful, with oversized picture windows, unique design and plenty of personal space. They also happen to have struck a chord with Cunard’s guests, selling out faster than the line’s lavish suites do. You need to book very far in advance, in most cases, to grab one of these single occupancy staterooms, but what I’ve heard onboard Queen Mary 2 from those who have sailed in them is that they’re among the best deals afloat.
On the other hand, some lines just aren’t going to cut solo travellers much of a break. MSC is one of the least friendly mainstream cruise lines I’ve encountered when it comes to solo travellers.
Its restrictive booking policies limit which itineraries solos can book, even if an additional supplement is paid.
To make matters worse, some of the itineraries I pulled up during my search seemed to further discourage solo cruisers from booking. Who’s up for a fourday cruise from Durban, South Africa, to Mozambique on the second-oldest ship in the fleet?
If you’re looking to travel alone, there are ships and lines that will treat you more favourably than others. Don’t be afraid to shop around. Ask questions.
And get a good travel agent who can navigate the rules around solo cruising. You may be pleasantly surprised with what they find.
Happy (solo) cruising.