The Unloved Solo

[thephantomsgirl]

Just a short while ago we solo cruisers were discussing Carnival's new policy for the 200% deposit.

 

Well, today DCL informed TA's that from today forward solos will now pay 200% fare rather than the previous 175%. (although I looked a short time ago and the fare is the same right now for the solo November '13 cruise I have booked).

 

So it's not just Carnival! DCL has probably lost me from future cruises because they are so high priced to begin with before they upped solo cruising by 25%. That and I don't care for the way they laid out the new ships, so I tend to only do concierge on them, which makes for a much longer time between cruises. Now, probably not again.

 

I sure hope I like Carnival! Don't like the higher deposit, but once past that fares are better and since they have more ships near enough to sail from, more ports and ships to choose from.

[firefly333]

At least you live in Florida and can do other cruiselines some of which when you dig for the ones not 200% can be cheaper than Carnival, but they are usually on the last minute tuesday deals... almost all of those are less than 200%.

 

Living in Dallas TX, Carnival is about the only choice I can drive to year round.

[thephantomsgirl]

I totally agree I am lucky to live in Florida. Looks like my cruising style will now have to change to last minute, or will have to make sure I can do a larger deposit.

 

I do understand most of their reasoning. After all they want to up their profits. Still not all the lines are filling those cabins (at least not on DCL who used to sail full more often) and you'd think they would prefer that. Of course the lines who do - do offer the last minute fares and reduced solo supplements.

 

I will still likely sail as it's my favorite type of vacation and with health issues I have had in the past - the easiest to do. Just will have to watch more for those deals. Carnival got me for the cruise I booked because I could actually get an extended AFT balcony for several hundreds of dollars less than an inside - even when DCL had the 175% solo supplement!

 

People on the DCL boards would always say, "but there's the Disney difference". Well, DCL is making as many cutbacks as other lines so that doesn't really factor in as much as it did. For me, I'm a Carnival newbie so I don't know any better yet - ha ha.

 

I do want to try NCL or Celebrity at some point. However, for right now I couldn't beat Carnival's price so it was the first different cruise line I tried.

[kansas kruiser]

Just a short while ago we solo cruisers were discussing Carnival's new policy for the 200% deposit.

 

Well, today DCL informed TA's that from today forward solos will now pay 200% fare rather than the previous 175%. (although I looked a short time ago and the fare is the same right now for the solo November '13 cruise I have booked).

 

So it's not just Carnival! DCL has probably lost me from future cruises because they are so high priced to begin with before they upped solo cruising by 25%. That and I don't care for the way they laid out the new ships, so I tend to only do concierge on them, which makes for a much longer time between cruises. Now, probably not again.

 

I sure hope I like Carnival! Don't like the higher deposit, but once past that fares are better and since they have more ships near enough to sail from, more ports and ships to choose from.

:cool: I'm sure it is because so many people book a single then later add more people!!:rolleyes: I'm sure everybody else will follow, I scan the RCL site but don't post there and they were making fun of Carnival doing this, but a few posting were warning those to just watch out it's coming there also!!:o Yep it hurts us true solo's but what can ya do!!:cool: I figure its less to pay later!!:)

[larkz]

I still maintain that the solo cruise is of very little value to a cruiseline. We're a waste of space that could be put to use for two, three, or four cruisers, each of which offers additional selling opportunities.

 

My conversations with other solo cruisers seem to indicate that as a group we are somewhat more frugal than others, more independent and likely to book our own excursions, and less inclined to party hard (that is, blow money on booze and gambling).

 

Not sure how scientific that is, but if I were managing a cruiseline, I wouldn't necessarily welcome solos with open arms. I'd tolerate them just to avoid empty cabins, and hoping that they would occasionally invite others on their vacations.

[kansas kruiser]

I still maintain that the solo cruise is of very little value to a cruiseline. We're a waste of space that could be put to use for two, three, or four cruisers, each of which offers additional selling opportunities.

 

My conversations with other solo cruisers seem to indicate that as a group we are somewhat more frugal than others, more independent and likely to book our own excursions, and less inclined to party hard (that is, blow money on booze and gambling).

 

Not sure how scientific that is, but if I were managing a cruiseline, I wouldn't necessarily welcome solos with open arms. I'd tolerate them just to avoid empty cabins, and hoping that they would occasionally invite others on their vacations.

:cool: I agree with the first part!! But the second part not for me!!!:o I tend to go to the casino!!!:eek:

[WishIwasOutThereNOW]

:cool: I'm sure it is because so many people book a single then later add more people!!:rolleyes: I'm sure everybody else will follow, I scan the RCL site but don't post there and they were making fun of Carnival doing this, but a few posting were warning those to just watch out it's coming there also!!:o Yep it hurts us true solo's but what can ya do!!:cool: I figure its less to pay later!!:)

 

it already has. i talked to RCI the other day. 200% fares for single cruisers.

[MrFunInTheSun]

it already has. i talked to RCI the other day. 200% fares for single cruisers.

 

When was RCL going to 200%? My most recent RCL cruise I booked for this October I paid 150% or 175%, something like that. Know it was $ 50 less than if it were two people booked.

 

Paid deposit for one person. Booked about a week and half ago or so.

Edited August 22, 2012 by MrFunInTheSun

[misstopgun]

I don't mean to sound unsympathetic so please don't take it that way. I guess I am fortunate that I have never been a position to ever have to cruise solo.

 

My question is, do those that cruise solo do that as a choice? Do they prefer to be alone? If that is the case I think that it would be a premium you would need to pay for.

 

Even if I didn't have my husband, I can always find someone to share my room, a sister or a friend.

 

Please explain to me why some would choose to sail solo, and why they should get breaks when they are in a cabin that could accomodate more people.

 

Once again, please do not take this as a flame, it is not intended to be. I just need a better understanding as to why this is such an issue.

[GraNanny]

I don't mean to sound unsympathetic so please don't take it that way. I guess I am fortunate that I have never been a position to ever have to cruise solo.

 

My question is, do those that cruise solo do that as a choice? Do they prefer to be alone? If that is the case I think that it would be a premium you would need to pay for.

 

Even if I didn't have my husband, I can always find someone to share my room, a sister or a friend.

 

Please explain to me why some would choose to sail solo, and why they should get breaks when they are in a cabin that could accomodate more people.

 

Once again, please do not take this as a flame, it is not intended to be. I just need a better understanding as to why this is such an issue.

 

There is an entire section of cruise critic for solo cruisers, it's actually the preferred method of travel for some folks. I've done it, and I loved it. Sometimes it's nice to have the cabin to yourself, especially if you're single and your other choice for a cabin mate is a friend of family member that you're not that close to. I've traveled with friends before and sometimes it gets tedious, especially if it's more than just a few days. I live alone and I'm not used to sharing close quarters with another person. I like having the room to myself, no sharing the bathroom facilities, I can do what I want, when I want, no having long drawn out conversations about where 'we' want to eat or when. I love sitting by the pool with a good book, sleeping as early or late as I want, and I have no problem meeting people so I still enjoy myself on shore excursions.

 

that being said, I understand the reason why cruise lines charge more since there is an unused bed in my room that they could have sold so if I have to pay 200% then that's what I will do...

[misstopgun]

There is an entire section of cruise critic for solo cruisers, it's actually the preferred method of travel for some folks. I've done it, and I loved it. Sometimes it's nice to have the cabin to yourself, especially if you're single and your other choice for a cabin mate is a friend of family member that you're not that close to. I've traveled with friends before and sometimes it gets tedious, especially if it's more than just a few days. I live alone and I'm not used to sharing close quarters with another person. I like having the room to myself, no sharing the bathroom facilities, I can do what I want, when I want, no having long drawn out conversations about where 'we' want to eat or when. I love sitting by the pool with a good book, sleeping as early or late as I want, and I have no problem meeting people so I still enjoy myself on shore excursions.

 

that being said, I understand the reason why cruise lines charge more since there is an unused bed in my room that they could have sold so if I have to pay 200% then that's what I will do...

That does explain alot and I appreciate that you responded.

 

Currently I cruise with my husband and have cuised with sisters. We have also cruised with others but are very careful to choose cruise mates that don't need us to enjoy their own cruise.

 

I would definatly never cruise with someone that was not accustomed to cruising unless they are very secure and can navigate what they choose to make of their experience on their own. I remember what that was like my first three cruises when I felt I had to experience everything to get my money's worth. A new insecure cruiser would take away from my experience because as you mentioned, I could never really relax.

 

God forbid that day should ever come, but should I have to choose between cruising alone or cruising with someone I have to entertain, I agree, I would choose to cruise solo.

[cocontom]

I still maintain that the solo cruise is of very little value to a cruiseline. We're a waste of space that could be put to use for two, three, or four cruisers, each of which offers additional selling opportunities.

 

My conversations with other solo cruisers seem to indicate that as a group we are somewhat more frugal than others, more independent and likely to book our own excursions, and less inclined to party hard (that is, blow money on booze and gambling).

 

Not sure how scientific that is, but if I were managing a cruiseline, I wouldn't necessarily welcome solos with open arms. I'd tolerate them just to avoid empty cabins, and hoping that they would occasionally invite others on their vacations.

 

They also book hoping to find a roommate and then cancel right before final payment, if they don't actually intend to be solo cruisers.

[Emilija]

I don't mean to sound unsympathetic so please don't take it that way. I guess I am fortunate that I have never been a position to ever have to cruise solo.

 

My question is, do those that cruise solo do that as a choice? Do they prefer to be alone? If that is the case I think that it would be a premium you would need to pay for.

 

Even if I didn't have my husband, I can always find someone to share my room, a sister or a friend.

 

Please explain to me why some would choose to sail solo, and why they should get breaks when they are in a cabin that could accomodate more people.

 

Once again, please do not take this as a flame, it is not intended to be. I just need a better understanding as to why this is such an issue.

 

Hi Misstopgun,

 

I am a widow and don't "prefer to be alone". All my friends are fortunate enough to have a spouse or partner. Some are not interested in travelling, others suffer from sea sickness and prefer land holidays.

 

This should answer part of your question. I do cruise with son and family out of Australia. My 7 year old granddaughter shares my cabin, but I have to pay the adult fare for her. I'm still paying 200%. Those are the rules.

 

Emi

[Starlight Durban Cruising]

I am a widow and don't "prefer to be alone". All my friends are fortunate enough to have a spouse or partner. Some are not interested in travelling, others suffer from sea sickness and prefer land holidays.

This should answer part of your question. I do cruise with son and family out of Australia.

 

I agree with the above. When my parents visit and I cruise with them then it tends to be that we spend most of the time together as a family. I only see them every other year so it is nice to spend time together when we can. Ok we do try to get a balcony cabin so that when someone gets on someone else's nerves :eek: then they can be sent to timeout on the balcony ... LOL.

 

When they are not here then I cruise single if I cannot get anyone else to tag along. But I must say that my April (single person) cruise was such a blast with the number of people that I met and chatted to onboard that I really did not miss having a second person in the cabin. OK it did help that we had a dynamic M&G and one of the groups in the M&G offered for me to join their dinner group. That was a really fun time.

[k2excursion]

I don't mean to sound unsympathetic so please don't take it that way. I guess I am fortunate that I have never been a position to ever have to cruise solo.

 

My question is, do those that cruise solo do that as a choice? Do they prefer to be alone? If that is the case I think that it would be a premium you would need to pay for.

 

Even if I didn't have my husband, I can always find someone to share my room, a sister or a friend.

 

Please explain to me why some would choose to sail solo, and why they should get breaks when they are in a cabin that could accomodate more people.

 

Once again, please do not take this as a flame, it is not intended to be. I just need a better understanding as to why this is such an issue.

 

Where I'm from, everyone seems to be married by the time they're 19, so being single passed that usually keeps you single. So, I don't have a spouse to cruise with, and most of my friends are married and wouldn't want me in a room with them. Those that aren't married are too wrapped up in college or work, and have little to no money to cruise or do anything. (Although they still have enough money to buy the newest gadget every time a new one comes out.:rolleyes:) People around here don't seem to like taking vacations until they're married and have kids. When there was an opportunity for anyone to join me on a 5-day cruise for a $149 cruise fare, and I told everyone I knew, there were literally no takers. That was my only solo cruise. Friends who live out of town got me into cruising, so I've gone with them. And I've gone with the folks.

 

I do understand solos paying a solo supplement, but 200% is definitely excessive. After all, the port fees (not the gov't taxes) are included within the cruise fare. So when a solo pays 2 cruise fares, the cruiseline only pays port fees for 1, and they get to pocket the rest. They should at least cut a break in the general amount of the port fees, whether that would result in a 175% supplement or whatever. Plus, the cruiseline does save money by only having to feed & service 1 person instead of 2. The room steward is unlucky by getting auto-tips from just 1, but that's about all that can be said against us. Many solos that I've seen seem to be even more willing to indulge in alcohol & gambling, as opposed to families. The people who do independent excursions instead of through Carnival are the more experienced and informed cruisers, who could be solos or families or anyone. So solo cruisers aren't looking for breaks. They just want to be treated equally, providing equal profits for the cruiseline on cruise fares, not more profits.

 

The cruiseline clears quite a bit more money on a solo paying 200% as opposed to 2 people in the room paying the same amount. Does it offset the lack of drinks, souvenir purchases, and gambling for the 2nd person that's not there? Sometimes it doesn't, but sometimes it does, as some of the 2nd people in cabins don't do any of those things. And some of the solos contribute more than double their share of drinks & gambling. Carnival (and some other cruiselines) are not doing this for the reasons that many people think. They're doing it because they know solos will pay it. They don't want to just break even on profits on a solo vs. 2 people in the room. They want to come out ahead, and they do.

[Chigirlcruzin]

I don't mean to sound unsympathetic so please don't take it that way. I guess I am fortunate that I have never been a position to ever have to cruise solo.

 

My question is, do those that cruise solo do that as a choice? Do they prefer to be alone? If that is the case I think that it would be a premium you would need to pay for.

 

Even if I didn't have my husband, I can always find someone to share my room, a sister or a friend.

 

Please explain to me why some would choose to sail solo, and why they should get breaks when they are in a cabin that could accomodate more people.

 

Once again, please do not take this as a flame, it is not intended to be. I just need a better understanding as to why this is such an issue.

 

I sometimes cruise solo by choice. It's very liberating and I generally love it. I completely understand why cruise lines charge what they do. I get that solos are not a target demographic, so I don't really have issue with pricing policies. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not going to look for a deal :)

 

That said, it's not always easy to find a cruise partner. I'm 35. I have been very unlucky (and sometimes stupid) in the men department (the stories I could tell lol), plus it's hard to get something going when I travel internationally for weeks at a time for my job. My sister is married with two little ones, so it's not like she can just hop on a cruise. Same thing with most of my friends...married with young children. Some of my single friends just can't afford to cruise. The ones that can afford it are physicians where getting 9 days off in a row is difficult. My trips with these friends are land trips of about 5 days (next up, Oktoberfest in Munich). I really don't want to do cruises shorter than 7 days any more.

[crusinpsychRN]

I prefer to go solo. I do what I want when I want. In some ports I book Carnival excursion, ie. Belize.

 

I will be wearing my carnival "Unfriendly to Solos" tshirt made by carnival on my next cruise. Interesting embarkation picture...

[AdGuyMG]

I prefer to go solo. I do what I want when I want. In some ports I book Carnival excursion, ie. Belize.

 

I will be wearing my carnival "Unfriendly to Solos" tshirt made by carnival on my next cruise.

 

Where does Carnival sell these t-shirts they make? Bon Voyage?

[Roz]

People who are part of a couple often don't realize how difficult it is to find someone to cruise with. It just can't be anyone; afterall, we don't want to led off the cruise ship in handcuffs because we strangled our cabinmate. :D

 

1. The person must want/like to cruise. Some of my friends have never been on a cruise ship but have decided they would hate it.

 

2. The person must have the money to cruise. Everyone wants to go until it's time to put the deposit down.

 

3. The person must have the time to cruise. I'm childless and want to cruise during the times of the year when there are fewer children and when cruises are cheaper. For instance, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. My girlfriend who wants to cruise with me works in retail, so all holiday seasons are off limits. When I get Presidents' Day off or even Veterans' Day, she has some stupid sale to orchestrate.

 

4. The person must be on a similar schedule and compatible. For instance, I took a land vacation with someone one time who could not get out of bed before noon. Precious hours of sightseeing time were wasted while I waited around for her to get up and get going. Do you know how many tourist venues close at 5 pm? Quite a few. And once it gets dark, you can't even look at the scenery.

 

Well, those are just a few of the reasons why it's just easier to book a solo cabin and be done with it.

 

Roz

[LandlockedCruiser01]

I originally cruised solo because I didn't have a choice. My friends and family didn't have the time or money, which is understandable. Or they gave excuses like "too regimented" (I like the predictability), "too frou-frou" (what!?), or even "too dangerous" (seriously?).

 

So prior to April 30, I made peace with the fact that I'd be vacationing solo. And a liability soon became an asset. It felt great to pick the ship, the itinerary, the shore excurions, and not have to compromise. Same thing onboard; I could do whatever I wanted and only what I wanted. Obviously, I met people and hung out with them, but if only one of us wanted to do something, we'd split up and rejoin later. When I vacationed with my friends, on the other hand, they insisted on hanging out together the whole time. And fairly often, that meant I didn't get to do someting I wanted because my opinion was outnumbered.

 

I get it; solos aren't a profitable demographic for Carnival. Can't blame them for subtly trying to discourage solos. But with all the cutbacks they made lately, I'm sure they can afford to have solos on their ships. Luckily, when it came to the social atmosphere among passengers and the onboard activities, as opposed to corporate policies, I found Carnival to be very solo-friendly. So unless they do something really stupid, like have a 2-person minimum per cabin, I'll come back as long as the price is right.

Edited August 22, 2012 by LandlockedCruiser01

[Jana60]

I get it; solos aren't a profitable demographic for Carnival. Can't blame them for subtly trying to discourage solos. But with all the cutbacks they made lately, I'm sure they can afford to have solos on their ships. Luckily, when it came to the social atmosphere among passengers and the onboard activities, as opposed to corporate policies, I found Carnival to be very solo-friendly. So unless they do something really stupid, like have a 2-person minimum per cabin, I'll come back as long as the price is right.

 

This is a very OLD thread and so we now know that Carnival has been charging 200% for years for solos BUT the prices are low enough that its still one the the least expensive ways to go for a Solo Cruiser. I priced out the EPIC solo cabins and Carnival Port hole cabin (I like natural light) for a trip I was planning in December and the EPIC would have cost $998 + tax and port charges and the Carnival cost $778 + tax and port charges. So even at 200% the price was significantly lower + I received 100 OBC with Carnival AND since I'm platinum I'll get chocolate covered strawberries, laundry service, priority boarding and tenders....I just don't think I would get a better deal for a 7 day vacation on land OR sea!

[Roz]

Jana,

 

I agree that because of Carnival's low base price, even at double, it's still an affordable vacation option for a solo.

 

Roz

[ilovetexas]

Just a short while ago we solo cruisers were discussing Carnival's new policy for the 200% deposit. ...

 

I sure hope I like Carnival! Don't like the higher deposit, but once past that fares are better and since they have more ships near enough to sail from, more ports and ships to choose from.

 

You're going to love the Carnival Legend! It's my favorite.

[maryann2]

This is a very OLD thread and so we now know that Carnival has been charging 200% for years for solos BUT the prices are low enough that its still one the the least expensive ways to go for a Solo Cruiser. I priced out the EPIC solo cabins and Carnival Port hole cabin (I like natural light) for a trip I was planning in December and the EPIC would have cost $998 + tax and port charges and the Carnival cost $778 + tax and port charges. So even at 200% the price was significantly lower + I received 100 OBC with Carnival AND since I'm platinum I'll get chocolate covered strawberries, laundry service, priority boarding and tenders....I just don't think I would get a better deal for a 7 day vacation on land OR sea!

 

Check the Tuesday specials on Royal. I just did a 7 day on the Vision of the Seas Baltic cruise for $700 solo including taxes and port charges. Solo supplement only 125%.

If you can wait until after final payment to book there are great deals to be had. Still now great deals in Europe.

Carnival Pack and Go rates are always 200% for a solo.

[Shipbound]

I still maintain that the solo cruise is of very little value to a cruiseline. We're a waste of space that could be put to use for two, three, or four cruisers, each of which offers additional selling opportunities.

 

My conversations with other solo cruisers seem to indicate that as a group we are somewhat more frugal than others, more independent and likely to book our own excursions, and less inclined to party hard (that is, blow money on booze and gambling).

 

Not sure how scientific that is, but if I were managing a cruiseline, I wouldn't necessarily welcome solos with open arms. I'd tolerate them just to avoid empty cabins, and hoping that they would occasionally invite others on their vacations.

 

But really how many solo cruisers do you think there are per 7 day cruise?