SOLO TRAVELLERS HEAD SOUTH ON AURORA
AURORA Expeditions has reported a spike in the number of solo travellers on its Antarctica voyages. Marketing manager Fiona Twyford said figures from the last three years had shown a steady increase in the number of solo travellers on its small ship adventures, with early season voyages in 2013 showing as many as 29% of passengers travelled alone. The company’s ‘no single supplement’ option has traditionally been a popular option with solo travellers, said Twyford, who noted a marked increase in individual travellers on voyages with additional activities including camping, polar snorkelling, photography and kayaking. She also reported a “significant rise” in the number of females joining expeditions, accounting for 65% of solo travellers over the past 12 months. “We are seeing a growing number of female travellers who, despite having partners at home, choose to travel alone or with girlfriends to experience the destinations that appeal to them,” she said. Aurora offers a cabin-sharing service and aims to find same-sex cabin partners for lone travellers. If a suitable partner cannot be found, guests only have to pay the standard single occupancy rate to minimize costs for solo customers. Alternatively, if passengers want a private room, they can book a cabin with sole occupancy at a discounted rate. Aurora Expeditions’ ice-strengthened vessel Polar Pioneer carries a maximum of 54 passengers. All voyages are led by a team of polar experts and include guided excursions, a lecture program and a range of activity options. Prices for the 2014/15 Antarctic season start from US$7100 per person based on a same-sex triple share cabin or US$8758 for a same-sex twin share cabin.