Sailing as a single

[clamar]

I am considering a cruise sailing as a single person. How is the rate caculated? Also, I would want an outside cabin; any possibility of that ?My husband and I always booked a Deluxe or Superior cabin so it would be hard getting use to a "Little tiny cabin".

Thanks:)

[cmdchiefthom]

Generally you get the single supplement price and that's typically full price for 2 people. You may be able to get the price down, but although it seems unfair, that's the way it is. Aboard the NCL Epic, they do have cabins specifically advertised as single person cabins, and the price is for one person only. Having been on that ship and seen the cabins, they are cute, but small, and all are inside cabins.;)

[RuthC]

The single supplement has been in flux, but seems to depend on itinerary. It could be as much as full double occupancy price; it could be as low as 150% of the per person, double occupancy rate.

Of course you can book an outside cabin! You can select a specific cabin, and if it's in inventory, claim it for yourself. You can also go the guarantee route and let HAL place you in the category you select---or higher.

And don't worry about the size of the cabin. It has plenty of room, especially for a solo passenger. I've even offered to sub-let extra closet space to someone who brings enough to need the extra room.

[clement703]

The last response is right one - it depends on the itinerary.

I am sailing on the Ryndam alone on its April 1, 2012 15 day trans-Atlantic cruisefor just 20% over the published lowest double occupancy fare. And I have already been upgraded from an inside to an obstructed view outside cabin. What a deal! But the TA cruises typically are the lowest fares/day on any line. THey are probably your best chance to get a low single supplement.

My wife and I have been on 10 cruises, but she prefers 7 days max and likes a port intensive itinerary. I have always wanted to try a longer cruise and and a TA. This 15 day cruise fit just perfectly.

On HAL, even the smallest cabin is more than ample size for one person - I would not worry about not having enough room.

[callmedeb]

I am considering a cruise sailing as a single person. How is the rate caculated? Also, I would want an outside cabin; any possibility of that ?My husband and I always booked a Deluxe or Superior cabin so it would be hard getting use to a "Little tiny cabin".

Thanks:)

I've only booked one single (the one coming up) and I looked at several rooms and itineraries. The one I'm at was about 198% of the double charge and it's lowest category.

It was the itinerary and ship I wanted.

Cheers,

Deb

[lcand1923]

I had a long conversations with my Travel Agent. She knew that my Dad and I preferred balcony cabins. Now that he has passed away, I wanted to see if I could adjust to cruising by myself. She told me that HAL prices their single supplements according to cruise and cabin within a cruise. Their "usual" single supplement is 160% of the published fare. It can be more or less depending upon the itinerary. She said balcony and above cabins are "usually" 200% of the published fare becasue "these can always be sold". But, on certain itineraries, these can be up to 210% of the published fare. I did some test bookings on the HAL website. What she told me seemed to be true, even on a Flash Sale.

[Max2003]

[quote=clement703;32343584]The last response is right one - it depends on the itinerary.

I am sailing on the Ryndam alone on its April 1, 2012 15 day trans-Atlantic cruisefor just 20% over the published lowest double occupancy fare. And I have already been upgraded from an inside to an obstructed view outside cabin. What a deal! But the TA cruises typically are the lowest fares/day on any line. THey are probably your best chance to get a low single supplement.

Clement

Can you tell me who you booked this with??

[dot73]

I have been cruising solo for 13 years and I still haven't figured out the single charges. With HAL, the best prices for solos are in the inside and outside rooms. I found that balconies are always double the price. I have found that booking early will get you the best price. Within 3 months of sailing, the prices for solos usually double for all cabins. I have also heard that repositioning cruises are good for solo prices. On three occasions when I booked an inside guarantee, I was upgraded to an obstructed outside. Compared to other cruiselines, HAL seems to have the best prices for solos if you book early.

[RMLincoln]

Does HAL do the"We'll find a roomate for you" program in which they will book you at half the double occupancy rate and try to find a same-gender roomate to share the cabin with you... and if they don't find one you get the room to yourself at the rate you booked it at?

m--

[tcook052]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1567807

[TiogaCruiser]

Does HAL do the"We'll find a roomate for you" program in which they will book you at half the double occupancy rate and try to find a same-gender roomate to share the cabin with you... and if they don't find one you get the room to yourself at the rate you booked it at?

m--

Yes, but not at half of double occupancy.

Recently looked into this. The cruise had 200% single supplement for solo and ~175% for single share.

[lorekauf]

Recently looked into this. The cruise had 200% single supplement for solo and ~175% for single share.
Wow, that's crazy. I'd rather poke my eyes out then share with a stranger but this gives even less incentive to do it.

[RuthC]

Yes, but not at half of double occupancy.

Recently looked into this. The cruise had 200% single supplement for solo and ~175% for single share.
Ouch! That's highway robbery! :eek: If I had to spend almost as much as another full fare, I might as well go the whole way and have the room to myself. It's one thing to share with a stranger for double occupancy price, but this is way out of line.
Really, now, HAL gets 3.5 fares for the same cabin when a couple pays 2.0?

Wonder if it's the same rate for every itinerary?

[Max2003]

Ouch! That's highway robbery! :eek: If I had to spend almost as much as another full fare, I might as well go the whole way and have the room to myself. It's one thing to share with a stranger for double occupancy price, but this is way out of line.
Really, now, HAL gets 3.5 fares for the same cabin when a couple pays 2.0?



This can't be designed by anyone who can balance a check book. It makes no financial sense!!!! It must be a another planned disincentive for singles!

[DFD1]

Previous posters here are right. It depends on the itinerary, the cruise and how well it is selling. A few months ago I booked three single supplement cabins for friends and paid about 120% of the regular double occupancy fare...for each of the three cabins.

They got a great deal and were very happy. They/we also had a great cruise on Eurodam.

[whogo]

My favorite online cruise agency has a singles cruise search option. Today's search found 17 Holland America cruises with single surcharges of 30% to 48%. The cruise with the 30% markup is a 14 day March 30, 2012 Panama Canal cruise on the Statendam from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego.

I did not dig into this very far. I do not know if the surcharge percentage varies with the cabin category.

If I were cruising solo I would check out other cruise lines. Silversea has a number of cruises with supplements of 6% to 10%. Azmara, Princess, and Pullmantur had smaller markups than HAL.

If I knew a cruise was not fully booked I would ask for a single cabin at 0% markup and see if the cruise line would agree.

[RMLincoln]

Yes, but not at half of double occupancy.

Recently looked into this. The cruise had 200% single supplement for solo and ~175% for single share.

Yikes! :eek: That doesn't sound like a winner. m--

[elycelynne]

Recently looked into this. The cruise had 200% single supplement for solo and ~175% for single share.

Now this totally makes zero sense. I thought the object of the "single share" program was to avoid the single supplement. I could MAYBE see a small upcharge to HAL for providing the roommate, but who in their right mind would share a cabin with a total stranger at only a 25% discount over having a whole cabin to themself?

[TiogaCruiser]

Now this totally makes zero sense. I thought the object of the "single share" program was to avoid the single supplement. I could MAYBE see a small upcharge to HAL for providing the roommate, but who in their right mind would share a cabin with a total stranger at only a 25% discount over having a whole cabin to themself?

Yes, that is a sting. Makes me wonder how often they find a roommate for singleshares. If they predict the risk is 50/50........ Or expect they can achieve a double occupancy or better sell out.......

[solocanadian]

My favorite online cruise agency has a singles cruise search option. Today's search found 17 Holland America cruises with single surcharges of 30% to 48%. The cruise with the 30% markup is a 14 day March 30, 2012 Panama Canal cruise on the Statendam from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego.

I did not dig into this very far. I do not know if the surcharge percentage varies with the cabin category.

If I were cruising solo I would check out other cruise lines. Silversea has a number of cruises with supplements of 6% to 10%. Azmara, Princess, and Pullmantur had smaller markups than HAL.

If I knew a cruise was not fully booked I would ask for a single cabin at 0% markup and see if the cruise line would agree.

Hi whogo: Would you please email me at pgball at shaw dot ca with the name of your favourite online cruise agency. Many thanks. I'm truly done with Hal charging me 200%.:mad::(

[bepsf]

Could it be that there's a purpose to HAL's madness on this one subject?

I seem to recall reading more than once that there were frequently persons who would book "Single Share" - then bully and make their assigned cabinmate's life so miserable that the other person would run to the Front Desk and plead for any available cabin and gladly pay the difference between the single and double rate...
...and the bully would win a cabin all to themselves at the single rate since the fare contract stated that the abandoned person who doesn't leave the cabin didn't have to pay more!

[elycelynne]

Could it be that there's a purpose to HAL's madness on this one subject?

I seem to recall reading more than once that there were frequently persons who would book "Single Share" - then bully and make their assigned cabinmate's life so miserable that the other person would run to the Front Desk and plead for any available cabin and gladly pay the difference between the single and double rate...
...and the bully would win a cabin all to themselves at the single rate since the fare contract stated that the abandoned person who doesn't leave the cabin didn't have to pay more!

That's terrible!

I wonder, if this really is the reason for HAL charging 175% for single share, why they don't just do away with it if people are abusing it? Like they did with the "dam dollars"? To me, being paired with a total stranger in order to save 25% just isn't worth it.

[TiogaCruiser]

could it be that there's a purpose to hal's madness on this one subject?

i seem to recall reading more than once that there were frequently persons who would book "single share" - then bully and make their assigned cabinmate's life so miserable that the other person would run to the front desk and plead for any available cabin and gladly pay the difference between the single and double rate...
...and the bully would win a cabin all to themselves at the single rate since the fare contract stated that the abandoned person who doesn't leave the cabin didn't have to pay more!

yikes!!!

[woan]

Just curious, has anyone here actually done a single share on HAL? I have called and it was always cheaper just to pay the 200% for a lower cabin class as they only do single share with certain cabin classes.

Ron

[GeriatricNurse]

Just curious, has anyone here actually done a single share on HAL? I have called and it was always cheaper just to pay the 200% for a lower cabin class as they only do single share with certain cabin classes.

Ron

No, nor would I (ever) want to! :eek: (I really don't like surprises)! :D And I always book an Interior Stateroom!;)

[Roz]

Ron,

Ruth C has done the single share on more than one cruise. Maybe she'll drop by to relate her experience.

Roz

[TiogaCruiser]

Yes, but not at half of double occupancy.

Recently looked into this. The cruise had 200% single supplement for solo and ~175% for single share.

Just relooked at the numbers: it's 150%, not 175%, and that's on a K single share. Still hefty in my book and significantly over half of double occupancy. The SS for a solo on this trip is 200% for categories I tried.

If HAL doesn't find a match then they still get a decent return on the room. If they do match, even better.

[RuthC]

Just curious, has anyone here actually done a single share on HAL? I have called and it was always cheaper just to pay the 200% for a lower cabin class as they only do single share with certain cabin classes.

Ron
It's been a few years now, but I've done single share three times, on cruises of 33, 34, and 35 days. Since I book an inside cabin anyway, I was able to pay the per person/double occupancy price. Essentially, I got the third cruise for free that way.
The first two cabinmates were wonderful people, and they were very good experiences. The third cabinmate made for good war stories. :eek:

Even knowing how it can turn out, I would be willing to do the single share again. But not at 175%. Probably not even at 150%.
Maybe 120%. Maybe. But I think even that is too high a surcharge.

[HokiePoq]

Heard a couple of horror stories about folks who have single shared....mainly the roomie doing a lot of entertaining the opposite sex in the shared room.
I am surprised HAL continues to be willing to assume the risk of the matching. Sounds like a source of potential liability to me. Maybe the very high upcharge is a way of transitioning away from doing so.

[RuthC]

Heard a couple of horror stories about folks who have single shared....mainly the roomie doing a lot of entertaining the opposite sex in the shared room.
On HAL?
On HAL?????:eek:

[hal lover]

On HAL?
On HAL?????:eek:

Oh Ruth!! I am laughing so much at your post!!! FUNNY!FUNNY! On HAL??? Yeah, right..:D:eek::eek:

No sharing a cabin with a stranger for me. I could barely stand sharing with 2 that I "thought" I knew. Go it alone, pay the price and have a JOYFUL cruise.

[bepsf]

Heard a couple of horror stories about .... the roomie doing a lot of entertaining the opposite sex in the shared room.

The Horror!!!

It would be much better if they were entertaining the same sex, IMO...
;):p

[RuthC]

No sharing a cabin with a stranger for me. I could barely stand sharing with 2 that I "thought" I knew.
I think it may be easier to share with a stranger than someone you know.

Strangers have nothing to lose by speaking up, there's no friendship at stake, you never have to see the person at family gatherings, etc. You can speak your peace peacefully as to what would make things run smoothly for both of you without fear of consequences.
And that's the secret to getting along! Communication is key to making all relationships work, and sharing with a stranger is no different.

If you go into it in a spirit of goodwill, and assume the same from the other person, more likely than not that's what will happen.

[andeesue]

I haven't done the single share, but feel that could be a good option for those that couldn't afford to cruise on their own. I have shared with companions I hadn't traveled with before, or knew well. And I so agree with Ruth C, it's all about communication. Before there is a problem, talk over one's expectations, bedtime, getting up time, tv on/off, shower times, and all those things that could drive you nuts. I can't speak to the single share, but with friends, I let them know I need my alone time at times and will respect theirs. I like leaving notes about what I've chosen to do if they'd like to join me. Boy, it would be painful to have a pushy, obnoxious bully take over...that is what scares me about the single share program. Then it would be "Woman overboard!"

[Watson's aunt]

Hi

I want to go to Alaska 14 day cruise/ lookig at date June 15. I went on this (Amsterdam) and fell in love. I was going with one of my girlfriends. She got very sick and had to be hospitialized. she was not able to go. I purchased insurance. I asked Hal if I could replace her they said yes but I had to pay Huge penality I think it was a few hundred dollards. Since I was so close I could not get anyone else to go. So I went alone hoping insurance would pay. When I got home My friiend filled out all the forms and I was paided back. I had paid her fare. So I got my cabin solo. But I did miss being alone and not having someone to chat with.

[elycelynne]

The Horror!!!

It would be much better if they were entertaining the same sex, IMO...
;):p

And even better still if you were the one doing the entertaining! :D:cool:

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

[chrispb]

Heard a couple of horror stories about folks who have single shared....mainly the roomie doing a lot of entertaining the opposite sex in the shared room.
I am surprised HAL continues to be willing to assume the risk of the matching. Sounds like a source of potential liability to me. Maybe the very high upcharge is a way of transitioning away from doing so.

Tip: Keep a large bucket of ice handy;)

[clement703]

[QUOTE=Max2003;32347070][quote=clement703;32343584]The last response is right one - it depends on the itinerary.

I am sailing on the Ryndam alone on its April 1, 2012 15 day trans-Atlantic cruisefor just 20% over the published lowest double occupancy fare. And I have already been upgraded from an inside to an obstructed view outside cabin. What a deal! But the TA cruises typically are the lowest fares/day on any line. THey are probably your best chance to get a low single supplement.

Clement

Can you tell me who you booked this with??

Max2003

I don't know that we can put in a "plug" an agency or Agent in these posts. So send me email at robertclement@comcast.net and I will reply to yoru question that way.

[Watson's aunt]

Hi

just noticed on a few sites Alaska 14 day Alaska cruise. They are offering 3 &4 th people in a cabin for free. So if i go as a single I am really paying there fare

Mary

[traveler111]

Clement 703, Did you purchase your cruise (only 20% more for a single) after the unusal final payment date which I think is 90 days? I've always paid 200%, perhaps that is an error on my part, & should take a chance & book closer to sailing date. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon5.gif

[mightycruisequeen]

Hi

just noticed on a few sites Alaska 14 day Alaska cruise. They are offering 3 &4 th people in a cabin for free. So if i go as a single I am really paying there fare

Mary
Are you sharing your cabin with 2 or 3 other people? No? Have the cabin all to yourself?
You're paying your own fare.

[GeriatricNurse]

Are you sharing your cabin with 2 or 3 other people? No? Have the cabin all to yourself?
You're paying your own fare.

Actually, you're paying the fare of TWO people! ;)

[Watson's aunt]

I am thinking of going solo. while I have to pay for two. The cabins down the hall may have 4 people in the cabin and they are only paying for two.

why not reduce the cabin for a solo passenger

Mary

[GeriatricNurse]

I am thinking of going solo. while I have to pay for two. The cabins down the hall may have 4 people in the cabin and they are only paying for two.

why not reduce the cabin for a solo passenger

Mary

Mary, Azamara, (with only two ships), only charges a 25% single supplement! :) I am unsure why, with only two ships, the charge is only 25%, but I, as a solo, will be giving it serious consideration! ;)

[lorekauf]

Mary, Azamara, (with only two ships), only charges a 25% single supplement! :) I am unsure why, with only two ships, the charge is only 25%, but I, as a solo, will be giving it serious consideration! ;)
That's good info. Thx.

[onthegogirl]

I booked the single/share option once. At that time it was at the per person rate and a great deal. When I boarded I found I was in a handicapped cabin. Before I unpacked I called the front desk to check if I had a roomy and was told no, the cabin was all mine.

That got me thinking. If I had a roomy and she needed a handicapped cabin, would I have spent my cruise seeing to her comfort. That would be my instinct. So, I never took the chance again.

I love cruising solo. When at home it's about family and community and friends. When I cruise it's all about me. I rise when I want, go to sleep when I want, go to the shows, or not, watch TV or not, and I meet wonderful people who are also sailing solo and couples who sort of adopt me.

I am a 4 star mariner but if HAL continues to make sailing solo a financial hardship I guess I'll have to move on to another line that values my loyalty.

[whogo]

I am sorry if you all saw this post from a closed thread, but I think MadManofBethesda got it right. Although cruise lines advertise per person prices, they are really selling cabins. Advertising the per person "7 day Caribbean Cruises from $599" pulls in the buyers better than the per cabin rate "7 day Caribbean Cruises from $1198".

I'm sorry, but those alleged analogies are positively ridiculous. The cruise lines are charging you for occupying a cabin. If the cost of the cabin is $2,000, and you choose to occupy it by yourself rather than as a couple or with a roommate (by choice or necessity) then that is what you pay. There is no discrimination there. Just because the cruise line chooses to advertise the cabin price on a per person basis doesn't change the actual cost of the cabin.

A better analogy would be an airline advertising a round-trip fare in the newspaper by showing the one-way price. Of course, you can't fly just one-way at that price, you have to purchase a r/t ticket. According to you, this is discrimination against people who only want to fly one-way.

I understand people being upset about having to pay a single supplement, but the truth is that you're not paying any more for the cabin than two people would be paying for it. And in most cases, you're paying less than the couple. With a 150% single supplement, instead of paying $2,000 for the cabin, you're only paying $1,500. How is that discrimination?

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1567807&page=2

Singles do not usually receive discounts on hotel rooms that are advertised as per room prices instead of per person prices. Singles should be grateful for any discount they receive on a cabin which is misleadingly priced on a per person basis.

I am not an accountant, and don't play one on TV. I can only guess at how cruise line bean counters operate. My guess is that the $99 3rd and 4th passenger fares we see is about what it costs to feed and launder sheets for one passenger. If so, the cruise line would break even offering a single cabin at a 200% markup less $99. If they can fill a ship with double (or more) occupancy, there is no reason to accept single cruisers at all.

[jtl513]

I am thinking of going solo. while I have to pay for two. The cabins down the hall may have 4 people in the cabin and they are only paying for two.

why not reduce the cabin for a solo passengerFares are calculated on a double-occupancy basis. Adding two more people to a cabin doesn't increase HAL's costs much, but selling a cabin at half price for a solo would hurt the bottom line.

edit: I just saw that the previous post said the same thing in more detail. ;)

[Math Guy]

Fares are calculated on a double-occupancy basis. Adding two more people to a cabin doesn't increase HAL's costs much, but selling a cabin at half price for a solo would hurt the bottom line.

edit: I just saw that the previous post said the same thing in more detail. ;)
...But those 2 extra people will be eating, probably as much as anybody else. Perhaps HAL hopes to recoup some of the lost revenue through the potential of selling shore excursions.

It may also be a financial benefit to the room steward...perhaps more gratuity is received with the increased number of folks in the room.

[cruisemom42]

...But those 2 extra people will be eating, probably as much as anybody else. Perhaps HAL hopes to recoup some of the lost revenue through the potential of selling shore excursions.

It may also be a financial benefit to the room steward...perhaps more gratuity is received with the increased number of folks in the room.

Food costs are really not that much per person per day. Due to bulk buying and consolidation in the cruise industry, the cost is somewhere around $15/day per person on the mass market lines, based on info I've seen.

On the other hand, the potential for onboard revenue for additional persons is pretty high -- excursions, beverages (even sodas, for children), photos, etc.

[jtl513]

On the other hand, the potential for onboard revenue for additional persons is pretty high -- excursions, beverages (even sodas, for children), photos, etc.And kids burning up time on the internet! We were on one cruise where it seemed like every time we went by the Explorations Cafe the same two boys were on a computer playing games or social-networking, at a minimum of $30/hr. :eek:

[Roz]

Whogo,

We understand the cruise lines are selling cabins. What I think most of us object to is paying DOUBLE. We're willing to pay some kind of supplement, just not 200%.

I travel quite a bit for work, and by far there are more business people who travel by themselves than with another person or in a pack. Just sit in a hotel lobby on a weekday from 3-6 pm. My point here is that solo travel is not something weird or out of the ordinary. People do it all the time.

Roz

[whogo]

Whogo,

We understand the cruise lines are selling cabins. What I think most of us object to is paying DOUBLE. We're willing to pay some kind of supplement, just not 200%.

I travel quite a bit for work, and by far there are more business people who travel by themselves than with another person or in a pack. Just sit in a hotel lobby on a weekday from 3-6 pm. My point here is that solo travel is not something weird or out of the ordinary. People do it all the time.

RozThose single travelers are paying double for their hotel room, for the most part.

[doctork]

I've traveled solo on two HAL charter cruises where the single supplement was 160%. However, because they were rather expensive charters, I suspect the 160% was more than 200% of the same cruise as a non-charter.

I had booked a third cruise as a solo but at the last minute (about 10 days before the sailing) a friend (I had invited earlier) decided to come along. There was only a $50 charge to add her on to the cruise.

I had a great time - never felt lonely, though I could also have alone time any time I wanted.

[raindropsalways]

Everybody on this thread has full knowledge that the base price of the cabin is the total cost for two passengers. If there are more than two passengers, the total price will go up. To create excuses to whine about having to pay full price for the cabin is very unbecoming. Everyone also knows that all cruise lines has to keep an account of every individual on the ship, thus the very simple logic for pricing to be listed as per person. No one can just reserve a cabin for x amount of people.


Looking at hostels in Europe reminded me that for private rooms, one has to pay for every bed in the room; be it one, two, three or four.


Betty

[RuthC]

If there are more than two passengers, the total price will go up.
Uh, not always. Sometimes the price goes up a little bit; sometimes it doesn't go up at all.

[Roz]

Betty,

I'm sorry I ruined your day by "whining". Sometimes it's not easy being by yourself.

Roz

[Watson's aunt]

why Betty why can't the cruise lines give Solo passengers have to like it How about a credit does not cruise line any thing

[DizzyDallasDi]

why Betty why can't the cruise lines give Solo passengers have to like it How about a credit does not cruise line any thing

I have no idea what this means. :confused:

[raindropsalways]

why Betty why can't the cruise lines give Solo passengers have to like it How about a credit does not cruise line any thing

That makes two of us that does not have any idea of what this means.

Strictly guess work, I think they are seeking double Mariner's credits. That is a separate issue, however it would certainly be reasonable to expect the additional credits. Has anyone brought this issue to Hal's attention?


Betty

[Watson's aunt]

Sorry. what I wanted to say is why can't the cruise lines solo cruises some kind of break.

[Roz]

On a different subject, but very much related, I work with a very large lady who frequently flies on SW. She has to purchase 2 seats because of her size. SW will not give her double Rapid Rewards points, even though she buys 2 tickets. Seems unfair to me.

Yes, it would be nice if we paid double on HAL to get double credit.

Roz

[jtl513]

Yes, it would be nice if we paid double on HAL to get double credit.But only those in suites get any credits based on the fare they paid, and you're paying half the HSC that the cabin would bring in based on double occupancy. Also you're probably spending around half as much on board as two people would.

Still, it wouldn't hurt HAL at all to do it, and would create a lot of good will with singles... until couples with one income figure out that they're paying as much total fare as you (per household) and you're getting special treatment. :)

[ASIWISH]

Not knowing your roommate seems like a real safety issue... quite a liability for HAL, IMO.

[raindropsalways]

Sorry. what I wanted to say is why can't the cruise lines solo cruises some kind of break.

I think it is called “profits”. If any cruise line gave a solo traveler the cabin at half price, all of us solo travelers would want the same. Thus you suddenly have 500 cabins with only 500 people. Not profitable.


Our quest for privacy and space has forced the cruise lines into a situation that appears unfair to some and it is very unfortunate for those traveling alone. Maybe I was one of the lucky ones that found a compatible traveling companion. Before Ruth and I met, we both paid the “singles” fee. Was not particularly happy with the cost, so we did something to change it and started cruising together.


Those of you that do not have time restrictions should be able to get these last minute deals. The only problem with the short notice is the airfare.


Regardless of the situation, I hope that each and everyone of you can find something that meets your desires at a reasonable price.


Betty

[cruisemom42]

But only those in suites get any credits based on the fare they paid, and you're paying half the HSC that the cabin would bring in based on double occupancy. Also you're probably spending around half as much on board as two people would.

Still, it wouldn't hurt HAL at all to do it, and would create a lot of good will with singles... until couples with one income figure out that they're paying as much total fare as you (per household) and you're getting special treatment. :)

While I agree it's not a necessity to offer two credits to solo cruisers, HAL also has to stay competitive with what other cruise lines are doing. Princess offers 2 credits to a solo sailing alone in a regular cabin and (I believe) 3 credits should a solo book a suite. It does tend to keep me looking at Princess itineraries..... (And Princess also offers a loyalty program that -- for my needs -- is better than HAL's.)

[Roz]

An otherwise wonderful trip to Europe was ruined when I agreed to a "potluck" roommate. Never again! :eek: If I can't afford to cruise anymore, or have to cruise less frequently, I'll do it rather than have the cabinmate from H**l.

Roz

[dot73]

An otherwise wonderful trip to Europe was ruined when I agreed to a "potluck" roommate. Never again! :eek: If I can't afford to cruise anymore, or have to cruise less frequently, I'll do it rather than have the cabinmate from H**l.
That's exactly why I won't take a chance and share a room with a stranger. It's hard enough on me when my mom tags along, never mind someone I don't know.:D I'm still working at a stressful job and the last thing I would want is stress on my vacation. My next cruise, I am booked in the cheapest inside guarantee. I prefer that to sharing a balcony with someone I don't know or may not like.

[GeriatricNurse]

That's exactly why I won't take a chance and share a room with a stranger. It's hard enough on me when my mom tags along, never mind someone I don't know.:D I'm still working at a stressful job and the last thing I would want is stress on my vacation. My next cruise, I am booked in the cheapest inside guarantee. I prefer that to sharing a balcony with someone I don't know or may not like.

As well, the stateroom safe would have to be shared, (with a stranger)! :eek:

[dot73]

As well, the stateroom safe would have to be shared, (with a stranger)! :eek:
Good point. I never even thought of that.