Is cruising becoming more solo-friendly or less solo-friendly?

[calliopecruiser]

As far as your "fact" that solo's spend more on activities and booze that couples what is your source for this?? Unless you have actual data provided by the cruise lines themselves this is just speculation and of no real value. Bottom line is you don't find value in solo cabins and that is fine, but, to say those of us that do are somehow having the wool pulled over our eyes is just asinine.

 

I don't think my opinion is asinine, but I also know not everyone will agree with my opinion ;) I still believe it though.

 

Yes, there is actual data that people traveling solo spend, per person, more on drinks and excursions (and other activities) - it's from the cruise industry analysts. I'll post back with a link, but it might take a day or so to find it again. Stay tuned......

[Cruisercl]

I don't think my opinion is asinine, but I also know not everyone will agree with my opinion ;) I still believe it though.

 

Yes, there is actual data that people traveling solo spend, per person, more on drinks and excursions (and other activities) - it's from the cruise industry analysts. I'll post back with a link, but it might take a day or so to find it again. Stay tuned......

 

Hi calliopecruiser,

 

I agree, even though it may be anecdotal, solo cruisers spend more on a cruise.

I do have a question for you though; can you tell me a bit about your experiences on the ships that offer the solo experiences and cabins that helped to formulate your opinion on this? I have cruised solo on several cruise lines and all offer different experiences none of which I thought was 'crappy' (your words) though some are better than others. :) I am not just talking about the solo cabins because I have cruised solo in everything from an inside, solo, OV and balcony.

 

I also agree that all of this is subjective but really like to hear other's opinions and experiences; I could tell you many of mine, good and bad. :p

 

Happy and safe cruising all!!

[GUEST080219]

insulting move intended to make extra money by selling off lousy real estate while pretending that the buyer is getting something special.

 

Yes it was a good marketing move of NCL but studio cabins are really not in the worst place on the ship. As long as you don't expect them to get rid of the Haven area for solo cabins they choose a good place for them. They are not down deck 5 all the way forward either.

 

I have travelled solo in a 2 bedroom family suite and booked a studio on the Norwegian Escape without any regret.

[GUEST080219]

I haven't done any cruising until 2012, and before then, only caught glimpses of it from TV commercials.

 

I have done 11 cruises solo but my first cruise was when NCL introduced the Epic in 2010 and the other 10 since 2012 like you. So I don't have lots of experience but even over those 4 years I have seen lots of improvement especially from the staff. Seeing people dining by themselves in the MDR or specialty restaurants is a known sight by now and the staff knows how to adjust to that situation.

No strange looks any more. In the beginning there were a few "Oh you are really alone for dinner???" or "Don't you have friends who can travel with you?" type of questions but that has not happened for quite a while now and I feel very welcome at any bar, show or restaurant.

[calliopecruiser]

Hi calliopecruiser,

 

I agree, even though it may be anecdotal, solo cruisers spend more on a cruise.

I do have a question for you though; can you tell me a bit about your experiences on the ships that offer the solo experiences and cabins that helped to formulate your opinion on this? I have cruised solo on several cruise lines and all offer different experiences none of which I thought was 'crappy' (your words) though some are better than others. :) I am not just talking about the solo cabins because I have cruised solo in everything from an inside, solo, OV and balcony.

 

I also agree that all of this is subjective but really like to hear other's opinions and experiences; I could tell you many of mine, good and bad. :p

 

Happy and safe cruising all!!

 

Actually, I didn't say that they offered a "crappy" experience, I said that they offered crappy space - inside (no natural light), small, and dark.....and crappy spaces that are in previously unused space, which makes the ship more crowded. I have not sailed in them. I will not sail in them. I think selling them for anything other than a steerage rate is shameful.

 

Oh, while writing this I just found out that the QE will have outside solo staterooms next year, though when I did a price check, they are the same price or higher as sailing solo in any other outside cabin (on the voyage I looked at). However, they are outside cabins with a window view, and it seems they will be about 50% larger than the solo cabins on NCL (but they are just outside the casino).

 

I have only sailed solo on two different cruise lines, in either a standard window or balcony cabin. Experiences ranged from good (on Carnival many years ago) to fabulous (on Crystal, several months ago).

 

 

 

As for the other question about per person spending. I have not yet found the source I read previously, but there is this: "cruise lines concede that solos spend significantly more per diem than double occupancy travelers in lucrative revenue areas such as casino play, shore excursions, spa treatments and bar bills. This is because solos often are looking for opportunities to socialize, so they typically spend more time in public, revenue-producing areas of the ship." from a blog post by a travel agent. I'm still trying to find the actual stats I read the first time.

Edited December 26, 2014 by calliopecruiser
grammar!

[Thoie]

From my own perspective, I think things are disimproving. The studio cabins look claustrophobic to me. I don't need the entire space that a couple needs, but I still want some "sitting" space in my room, and I'd prefer a proper bathroom.

 

The move towards dynamic dining suits some solos - but then can already dine alone today with My Time Dining etc. They're removing the options for people who would like dining companions. It's great saying that a group can meet up and decide if they want to eat at 6:30, or 7, or 7:30, but I prefer to eat around 8:30. The restaurants may be open at that point, but if all the other solos want to eat at 6:30, I'm left with Hobson's choice.

 

My own limited view is that I do indeed spend more than many couples on board, for some of the reasons mentioned above (I'm more likely to be out and about, rather than sitting alone in my room drinking). I'll pay for shore excursions in areas where a woman alone may not be very comfortable, whereas a couple may feel more secure to go it alone.

 

I feel that 200% rates are taking the proverbial - I don't cause the wear and tear of 2 people, or eat for 2 people - that should count for something, particularly combined with higher spending. Maybe a compromise could be something along the lines of a cabin costs $1,000 whether you have one or two people in it, but if you have only one person, then you get $300 in non-refundable OBC (random, made up figures) which can be spent on anything (drinks, excursions, spa, etc.).

[mrobstad]

I've only read backwards about ten posts, and I've cruised solo only on NCL and RCCL. Here's my two cents about crappy, which is not totally subjective. The studios on NCL, though only 100 sf, and well designed and attractive. Not perfect (bathroom too small) but not crappy. My definition of crappy are the RCCL studios. There's nothing redeeming about the room--it's bland, windowless....and 150% of the price of an interior. With the addition of an amenity full studio lounge and solo concierge, NCL wins hands down. Does this mean I won't book a RCCL studio? No. If it's a great itinerary not offered by NCL, I'll take it. The newer studios, not the ones on the refurbished Radiance class, look promising, but they're currently priced sky high....IMHO.....

 

 

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[iaa]

I recently returned from my first solo cruise on the Epic and the studio/solo lounge/gathering aspect was great. The cost for the studio was significantly less than booking an inside for my sailing and I really liked the nightly gathering. I don't want to eat at the same time every day or be potentially stuck at a table with people I have nothing in common with for 7 days. It was great being able to join (some of) the other solos for dinner some nights or eat at a specialty restaurant alone when I didn't feel like socializing.

Edited January 9, 2015 by iaa

[AV8rix]

I think the industry is becoming more solo-friendly only because some of the lines are revising their loyalty programs to award points in keeping with the burdensome supplement that we must pay.

 

But as far as the new solo staterooms are concerned -- no way! The ones I've seen on NCL and RCI (in deck plans and descriptions only, never actually been in one) are too cramped for my taste. And on the newest Holland America Pinnacle Class build they appear to be steerage-class -- down in the bilge and snugged up against the spaces housing the hawser winches and anchor chains. Just my opinion.

 

But those lines that have revised their loyalty awards -- that is (to me) a SIGNIFICANT benefit! I'm actually thinking of switching over from HAL to Celebrity because of it, as well as the fact that Celebrity has more non-smoking areas than HAL. And yeah, I'm a member of HALs core demographic, although not really a blue-haired old lady with a walker. Not quite yet, but very close :).

[kanadakid]

I cruised solo last Jan on Carnival Freedom for 0.00 SS. I booked it through a cruise agent and did a search on their page for solo supplement free cruises. There were quite a few at that time - though I don't see as many this year. I booked it ~ 10 weeks prior to travel in Nov. and did the 8 day East Caribbean with a window for a reasonable $529. Had a great time - met lots of people and retired to my own cabin when I wanted some alone time. A perfect situation. Good Luck!

[monctonguy]

I can't compare to what it used to be, as I only started cruising 3 years ago...and have only cruised with one line. But the pricing is killer to go alone.

[Earl Colby Pottinger]

Per person, people traveling solo spend more (on drinks, excursions, etc) than those traveling as part of a couple of group.

 

Who are you talking about?

 

I just did my first solo, Dec.14/2015.

 

I bought zero drinks.

 

I took zero excursions (my legs work just fine, and I hire my own buggy without going thru the cruise line).

 

I bought almost all my stuff on shore.

 

I paid $419 CND in total and won $900 USD on the ship. What is this about singles giving them more money?

[calliopecruiser]

Who are you talking about?

 

 

As I said, I'm talking about an average solo cruiser. Wasn't that clear, or did you just want to brag about how frugal you are?

[Earl Colby Pottinger]

As I said, I'm talking about an average solo cruiser. Wasn't that clear, or did you just want to brag about how frugal you are?

 

My point is I don't think your claim about solo cruisers spending more money is true.

 

It does not match my personal experience, it does not match the few people I also know who have gone on single cruises.

 

Your assumption that solo cruisers spend more money than couples is just that an assumption as far as I can tell.

 

Again, that claim does not match either myself or the other people I know who have also done solo cruises.

 

While I don't claim to know a lot of solos, IE less than 10, none of them spent more money just because they were going by themselves.

 

The reason I went on my first solo in December and just booked another one for March is discovering not only that I could afford then, but that the others had gone before me and their experiences told me I did not need a ton of money to enjoy the cruises.

 

Aside from yourself can you point out other solo cruisers who said they spent more money than going as couples? I know on previous trips where I did go as a couple that I spent a lot more money for things we shared together. By myself, I could just relax, not worry about keeping my companion happy, and spend a lot less at the same time.

 

That is why I posted what I did before.

 

PS. Don't worry, if I am wrong that is okay. I don't mind if you can point to something to show I am wrong. Live and learn.

Edited February 5, 2015 by Earl Colby Pottinger

[calliopecruiser]

deleted

Edited February 5, 2015 by calliopecruiser

[calliopecruiser]

My point is I don't think your claim about solo cruisers spending more money is true.

 

It does not match my personal experience, it does not match the few people I also know who have gone on single cruises.

I actually was not talking about singles cruises, but solo cruisers on typical (non-themed) cruises. I'm not sure if the statement (which isn't a personal assumption) included singles cruises.

 

Your assumption that solo cruisers spend more money than couples is just that an assumption as far as I can tell.

It's not my assumption; it comes from an industry magazine, though I don't have the reference now. But I'm not a magic librarian - it's available on line.

 

Again, that claim does not match either myself or the other people I know who have also done solo cruises.

 

While I don't claim to know a lot of solos, IE less than 10, none of them spent more money just because they were going by themselves.

 

The reason I went on my first solo in December and just booked another one for March is discovering not only that I could afford then, but that the others had gone before me and their experiences told me I did not need a ton of money to enjoy the cruises.

 

Aside from yourself can you point out other solo cruisers who said they spent more money than going as couples? I know on previous trips where I did go as a couple that I spent a lot more money for things we shared together. By myself, I could just relax, not worry about keeping my companion happy, and spend a lot less at the same time.

 

As I said, it's not my assumption but an industry working of historical statistics, which has shown solo passengers are more likely to spend more time in lounges/bars, which includes buying more drinks, are more likely to pay for extra activities on board, and are more likely to buy ship's excursions.

 

That is why I posted what I did before.

 

PS. Don't worry, if I am wrong that is okay. I don't mind if you can point to something to show I am wrong. Live and learn.

 

see my answers in red, above

[mrobstad]

The women I've met in the studio lounge spend TONS in the spa. Personally, I go once or twice for a massage that typically runs about $150-175. And, even before UDP, I dine almost exclusively in the pay restaurants.

 

 

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