Single supplement waived on cruise lines in 2011

'Tis the season to go cruising. And, I'm seeing a lot of offers from companies waiving the single supplement.

What astounds me is how much people have been willing to pay to travel solo on a cruise. Avalon Waterways' announcement about waiving the single supplement on some 2011 cruises in Europe says that you can save up to $5,396.

Yikes. If that's the savings, how much is the cruise? Not only am I not going solo, I'm not going at all unless somebody treats me to it! Then again, some of the cruises are 23 days long so the price may not be outrageous for what you get.

But clearly the clientele is wealthy and retired. Either that or these cruisers saved vacation days and money to take the trip of a lifetime.

But there are other, less expensive, cruising choices. USA Today says that MSC Cruises is reducing the cost for solo travelers as much as 30 percent on 7-night Caribbean voyages.

And Uniworld is waiving the single supplement on a spring cruise down the Rhine from the Netherlands to Germany. The trip includes a stop at Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands, the worlds' largest flower garden. (See if you count can all seven million or so flowers on display.)

Louis Cruises is waiving the single supplement on cruises to the Mediterrean. Never heard of them? Me neither. That's because they depart from Greece, France or Italy. But if you happen to be in the neighborhood...

And, as I wrote in August, Norwegian Cruise Lines ship, the Epic, offers 128 studios at single-occupancy rates. This is not just a ship with single rooms. The company caters to solo travelers, who have a lounge created just for them, off limits to couples. I think. The Washington Post sent a reporter on a voyage and she wrote an extensive story on her experience of cruising solo on the Epic.

For single parents with children, USA Travel recommends three cruise lines, including Disney Magic. Baby sitting services are available for parents sailing with young children. Cruises sail to Europe, South America and the Caribbean.

Finally, Solo Female Traveler, a blogger, has come up with 8 reasons why a cruise is a good way to dip your toe in the waters of solo travel. One reason? You don't have to spend a lot of time planning and booking hotels, cars and the like. A couple of phone calls and the vacation is set.

Photo: Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines

 

Comments

[lee laurino]

i have gone trans atlantic solo twice in the last 2 years and have found quite a few other travelers who are using the ship for transportation not to find a social connection.

The cost has always been 200% of what other passengers pay so a forward thinking cruise line would be refreshing.

My next trip is to Asia but I would prefer part of the around the world sailing but they prevent solo travelers who are not wealthy from joining in. You could buy a luxury car or a condo at the beach for some of the costs.

I would also like to share with all the cruise companines how NOT to tread solo travelers. I shall be blogging about this soon.
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[Ellen]

Lee,

Thanks for your insights. What I've learned is that cruises tend to be the worst, that is, most expensive, travel choice for solo travelers.
I understand it from a business point of view - the fuller the ship (two per room) the more money the cruise line makes from other purchases, such as excursions, gifts, gambling, whatever.
That's why it's such a find when a ship such as the Epic tries to accommodate solo travelers.
E

[Gray]

Well, I think you nailed it, Ellen, when you said that the target demographic of those very expensive cruises is not working-class people. They're wealthy retirees. Too bad for the rest of us...and thank goodness for ships like the Epic.

[Ellen]

One of these days I'll have to gather the pennies and book an Epic cruise!

[Cruise Sydney Harbour]

I can't understand why anyone would be willing to go on a cruise by themselves? Wouldn't it be much more fun going with friends or family?

[Angela]

Cruises are expensive; however, they can be a great way to see multiple cities without having to be in airports, check into and out of hotels, pack and unpack, get lost, rent cars, catch trains and buses, fight with taxi drivers, etc. Usually the ship leaves port in the evening and sails while you sleep. Land tours are guided so you will see the important things. Plus, sometimes a cruise is the best way to see a part of the world that is not always safe for the solo woman traveler.

[Ellen]

Thanks Angela. It's true, there seems to be a huge element of "safety" and being taken care of while on a cruise. It's something I haven't tried yet.