The travel industry has really been geared toward travelling companions. By now, most are accustomed to hearing the term, “based on double occupancy.” This basically meant that you don’t get a break if you are party of one, paying the same cost as two people.
However, there is HOPE! Some travel suppliers are noting that by basically penalizing someone for not bringing along a plus-one, they may be discouraging some from travelling at all. They are beginning to offer reduced “single supplements”, so you aren’t paying the full price of the second person. Others are going a step beyond and offering special accommodations for those individual travelers.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Virtual-View studio cabin.
Lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Holland America are offering studio cabins on select ships. These are generally interior staterooms that are designed for the comfort of a single passenger, although Royal Caribbean does have open-air balconies available. Royal also has “virtual-views” to give the stateroom a more open feel. Norwegian has added a studio lounge, accessible to only those in the studio cabins, for guests to relax and mingle. The number of studios available on select ships is limited, so if you’re interested in this option, it’s best to book early. Cunard offers some studios with ocean views and at times offers discounts to solo travelers.
NCL Studio Lounge on the Breakaway.
On luxury lines such as Silversea, Crystal and Seaborn, single travelers make up anywhere between 10-25% of the passengers. While they don’t offer studio cabins, they do offer generously reduced single supplements to cruisers. These luxury lines are service-minded and work to make sure guests are as engaged as they choose to be, have their needs met and feel safe. Some lines provide “gentlemen hosts” for those travelers who would like a dancing companion or are nervous about exploring alone during shore excursions.
Crystal Cruises Deluxe Stateroom with large picture window.
Whether you’re single, have a significant other that doesn’t enjoy cruise travel, or just need take take a trip alone, there are options out there for you travel without feeling penalized. Your agent at Journey Scapes Travel can help you determine what option would best suit your travel needs. Call or request a Travel Quote online.
