Sailing Solo
Why Do Solo Travelers Pay More? Understanding Single Rates on Cruises
Booking a cruise as a solo traveler often brings an unexpected surprise: the cost for one person in a double occupancy stateroom is often more than half the price for two people. If you’ve ever wondered why that is, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down with some relatable comparisons.
Think of It Like Booking a Hotel Room…
When you book a hotel room, the rate usually stays the same whether one or two people are staying. The hotel charges for the room itself, not per person. Cruise cabins work similarly. The cruise line prices the stateroom as a whole, assuming two people will share it. So when only one person occupies it, the cost of the empty space still needs to be covered.
…Not Like Ordering Dinner for Two
Now, compare this to dining out. If you go to a restaurant alone, you only pay for your meal, not for the empty seat across from you. Travel, especially cruises, doesn’t work that way. Your fare includes not just the room, but also meals, entertainment, port fees, and other amenities. The cruise line plans for revenue from two people per cabin. When only one person books the room, the cruise line misses out on expected income, which is where the single supplement comes in.
What Is a Single Supplement?
The single supplement is an extra charge applied to solo travelers to cover the cost of the unoccupied space. Typically, this fee ranges from 150% to 200% of the per-person double occupancy rate. So, if two people would pay $1,000 each ($2,000 total), a solo traveler might pay between $1,500 to $2,000 for the same room.
Why Do Cruise Lines Charge a Single Supplement?
Cruise lines set prices assuming cabins will be filled with two passengers who will each contribute not just to the fare, but also through onboard spending on drinks, excursions, and shopping. When one passenger occupies a cabin, the cruise line loses potential revenue from that second person. The single supplement helps offset this loss.
Are There Ways to Save as a Solo Traveler?
While single supplements are an industry-wide standard, there are some ways to navigate them:
Book Early: Securing a cabin early in the booking cycle can sometimes yield better rates for solo travelers.
Consider Studio Cabins: Some ships offer solo cabins designed without a single supplement. These are EXTREMELY limited and get booked early by experienced solo cruisers. That brings us back to the first point - book early.
NOTE: Studio cabins are not included in group block reservations, which are all based on double occupancy. Therefore, you will be charged the prevailing (ever-changing) rate, since we are unable to lock in a price.
Is It Worth It?
For many solo travelers, the convenience and privacy of having their own space outweigh the extra cost. Plus, cruises offer a social environment where solo passengers can meet new people through onboard activities, shared dining tables, and solo traveler meetups.
Final Thoughts
While it may feel unfair to pay more for traveling alone, understanding the reasoning behind single supplements helps ease the frustration. Think of it as booking a hotel room—you’re paying for the space, not per person. And by booking at the first available opportunity, you might just be able to cruise solo without breaking the bank.
Alternatively…
If you want to find a roommate to attend one of our group events, contact us and ask about joining our Geneva community. We just added a board for this specific issue!
