Cruising Solo: Steer Clear Of Single Supplements!

Cruises are a great vacation option especially for those that are without a travel companion. They offer a diverse social atmosphere and activities for passengers in every age group. All in all, a wonderful way to travel. Many cruise lines and travel agents frequently advertise great pricing and last minute discounts. However, upon reading the fine print, those prices typically reflect 2 passengers occupying the same cabin - rate per person- double occupancy.

Because most cruise ship cabins are built to hold at least 2 people, cruise lines will lose money when only one paying passenger occupies a cabin. To make up for this revenue loss, cruise lines often charge single passengers a fee called a single supplement. This is a fare that is typically 25 to 200 percent higher than the regular per-person fare for a double occupancy cabin. It doesnt seem fair does it?


Fortunately, there are several options for the solo traveler that will help you steer clear of this single supplement.

Book a Cabin With No Single Supplement or a Reduced Singles Fare

Although this would seem like the most obvious option, it can also be the most difficult. Most of the newer ships cabins are built for double occupancy. Check for smaller ships or boutique cruise lines. They will often be your best bet if you are looking for a single cabin. Crystal, Cunard and Orient Lines cruises all offer single cabins.

Find a Roommate and Share a Cabin

You can avoid the single supplement charge by finding a roomate and splitting the cost of the cabin. Ideally, you would want to share a cabin with a friend, but in the event that this is not possible, there are other avenues available.

Use the Singles Match service offered by some large and several smaller cruise lines. Holland America and Princess, offer roomate matching services. Most will guarantee to find you a roommate of the same sex and smoking preference, but not much more.

If you would prefer to have more of a say of who you bunk with on you next cruise, try one of the several organizations that specialize in matching single travelers. One popular choice is Connecting Solo Travel Network . CSTN is a not-for-profit, international organization which focuses in connecting single travelers around the globe. A one-year online subscription costs $28 and includes a subscription to Connecting: Solo Travel News, thier newsletter full of solo travel tips and stories, and singles tour listings and recommendations, All of these resources will help you plan safe, fun and affordable solo cruise or any other sort of vacation getaway that you desire.

By: Golden Girl

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