Grump grump grump

[kruisey]

Latest Grump from me to you regarding we persons that dare to venture on a Princess Ship as SOLO,SINGLE, or whatever.

The latest special from Princess $1000 or $500 each for two sharing a cabin off the cabin price.

Punishment for those daring to request solo status,which cannot be refused due to action in high court for discrimination but this solo business is to be discouraged by allowing the couple to have $1000 or $500 each which also = $1000 off price of their cabin.

Solos,Singles still pay the full double price with no discount of $500 means they pay not only the original double price but an additional $1000 above that.

In other words get a friend or hitch up to some if you want the special discount.

WOW:eek:;)That is the truth ,the whole truth but nothing but the truth.Oh by the way to calm the merky water they do give one added on OBC to try and soften the blow.:rolleyes:

Edited January 20, 2016 by kruisey

[Working 2 Cruise]

Kruisey, I know and understand it's hard to sail as a solo passenger... However, no matter how many times you complain about it, do you really think Princess is going to change its policy?

 

It's the same with every promotion. Is it fair? Probably not... What are your choices? Live with it like many other solo passengers or jump ship...

[fishywood]

deleted; shouldn't have taken the bait in the first place

Edited January 20, 2016 by fishywood

[kruisey]

Kruisey, I know and understand it's hard to sail as a solo passenger... However, no matter how many times you complain about it, do you really think Princess is going to change its policy?

 

It's the same with every promotion. Is it fair? Probably not... What are your choices? Live with it like many other solo passengers or jump ship...

 

They say it is better to 'let it out' than fume to oneself.:D

No I doubt they will ever change. This due to the fact that solo is in the minority on cruise ships so they don't really need our do-Ray -Me.:)

[likeadisguise]

Cruise lines make money off of onboard spending far more than cruise fares. To their view, only one person in a stateroom takes away that chance for revenue.

[windsor26]

On our first Princess cruise 2008 76 day Pacific circle e met a nice couple of ladies most mornings for breakfast in the buffet The explained that one wanted this cruise as could not afford it As a solo cruiser. The other lady had wanted to do the Cherry blossom 35 day cruise but also found it expensive as a solo.

 

They used the same TA who suggested they had a coffee together and chatted a few times. They did this and decided to join up and do both cruises for half the price each.

 

They had a great time so this is a thought Ask your TA to suggest a comp;anion to get to know before you cruise

[kruisey]

On our first Princess cruise 2008 76 day Pacific circle e met a nice couple of ladies most mornings for breakfast in the buffet The explained that one wanted this cruise as could not afford it As a solo cruiser. The other lady had wanted to do the Cherry blossom 35 day cruise but also found it expensive as a solo.

 

They used the same TA who suggested they had a coffee together and chatted a few times. They did this and decided to join up and do both cruises for half the price each.

 

They had a great time so this is a thought Ask your TA to suggest a comp;anion to get to know before you cruise

I would not wish my snoring on even my worst enemy.:eek::D

Seriously the cabins are so small, OK for some, but there are those of us that would not feel comfortable sharing a cabin.

Some do spend on board but in my personal experience there are many couples who are very thrifty indeed and spend less than myself plus solos that just board for the casino.

Sincerely I probably will have to cancel my next cruise if prices are not lowered , which is a long one my choice, due to the fact at the moment it would cost $351 a day that's just for the cabin....Canadian, the highest price ever been given me by Princess.:( Even converted to US$ that is high.)

Yes this is a solo point of view again but I have valid pointers.

[pablo222]

That is the truth ,the whole truth but nothing but the truth.

 

Actually, it's not the whole truth.

 

Singles do not always pay 200%.

 

From time-to-time, prices may be as low as 160% on Princess.

 

I booked one of those less-than-200% fares on Emerald

last year.

[kruisey]

Actually, it's not the whole truth.

 

Singles do not always pay 200%.

 

From time-to-time, prices may be as low as 160% on Princess.

 

I booked one of those less-than-200% fares on Emerald

last year.

 

Maybe in the popular Caribbean places where there is strong competition otherwise the rest even inside cabins are double rate for 2016 and 2017:(

[Croptop]

As a fellow solo traveller, I feel your pain, Kruisey. I recall in the past that the solo supplement on Princess wasn't so onerous (around 125 - 150%) but lately those deals are getting harder to find.

 

As much as I like cruising on Princess, the solo supplement has me seriously looking at other lines like NCL that have so-called "Studio" cabins with little to no supplement.

[jollyjones]

Actually, it's not the whole truth.

 

Singles do not always pay 200%.

 

From time-to-time, prices may be as low as 160% on Princess.

 

I booked one of those less-than-200% fares on Emerald

last year.

 

I think you'll find it's changing. I sail in obstr. OVs (too claustrophobic for insides) and in the past I always paid about 165% for my many Princess cruises. Balconies and up were always 200% but that's OK, I don't need a balcony to enjoy a cruise; actually I'd rather be out and about the ship since I'm solo.

For about the past year, however, I have not found any fare for any cabin category for under 200% - OK, there may be the odd one here or there that I missed but this is definitely a change. When you add to that that the new builds don't have any OV cabins at all and I would be forced to pay for a balcony that I don't want, Princess is becoming much poorer value to me.

In fact, I have largely moved over to Silversea who offer single supps as low as 10% on some sailings, and 25% on many sailings. When you consider that tips and drinks are included in the fare, and even the lowest category of cabin is about equivalent to a Princess minisuite in size but is much better furnished, (and comes with a butler and room steward), and the onboard service generally so far exceeds Princess that I truly feel that I am getting better value for my money. When I calculate the true bottom line, not just the initial cruise fare, Silversea often looks very competitive to Princess for a solo sailor.

[Pmorton3360]

It's not just the 200%. Like OP said, sometimes it's even more. I priced a Canal cruise and it was a lot cheaper for 2 in the room.

Edited January 20, 2016 by Pmorton3360

[RocketMan275]

It's not just the 200%. Like OP said, sometimes it's even more. I priced a Canal cruise and it was a lot cheaper for 2 in the room.

 

What happens when you book it for two and only one shows up? Been a lot of threads about having one passenger cancelling and the other only paying for the fare for both.

[Mythros]

Can you not book the cabin with 2 names, and have the other person be a "no show" for the cruise?

[flamomo]

Heaven forbid that a solo wants to book a popular itinerary, like a T/A. They used to be a deal good with solo fares in the 150-160% range. Any more they are at least 200% even for an inside. It used to be one could get somewhat of a break on an inside fare.

 

JMO, but it seems like when the current CEO took over the reins, deals for solos became a thing of the past. She's obviously all about the almighty bottom line!! And then there's all those new builds to pay for!

[susancruzs]

I've been on this bandwagon a very long time! I'm 68, cruising by myself for 2/3rds of my cruises since 1982 some 25, I think.

 

I've had at least 3 or 4 letter published in various cruise magazines, made me feel better at the time stating my case, don't care anymore. I'm going to do the itineraries I've missed. I'm paying just under double for my Spring TA and Baltic cruise on Princess.

 

It isn't just Princess, I check prices and sail with Royal Caribbean also. Cruising has changed drastically in the last 10-15 years, really since 2001. People want new ships, latest and greatest, balcony cabins, amenities, etc.! Having cruised over 30 years, I actually find it rather amusing. People want what they want, but also complain a great deal if they don't get it or it costs too much.

[MrMan]

You may want to take a look at NCL's larger ships. They have the Studio, rooms for solo travelers with an exclusive Studio Lounge and concierge, along with planned activities if one wants to partake. All age ranges, nicely modern decor catering to this nich, and no single supplement

Edited January 20, 2016 by MrMan

[Mud_Shark]

keep on grumping!

 

Although we are married and enjoy cruising as a couple, we still see this practice against single cruisers as completely unfair.

 

Grump grump grump on!

 

Don and Allison

[RocketMan275]

What would be a 'fair' price for a single? Should that be the per person price quoted based upon double occupancy? Should a solo get the same cabin for half the price of a couple booking the same room? Would it be fairer if the cruise lines didn't publish per person prices but only quoted a price for a cabin, ie, twice the current published per person rate?

[Colo Cruiser]

Long story short, nothing has changed.

[land lover]

I think you'll find it's changing. I sail in obstr. OVs (too claustrophobic for insides) and in the past I always paid about 165% for my many Princess cruises. Balconies and up were always 200% but that's OK, I don't need a balcony to enjoy a cruise; actually I'd rather be out and about the ship since I'm solo.

For about the past year, however, I have not found any fare for any cabin category for under 200% - OK, there may be the odd one here or there that I missed but this is definitely a change. When you add to that that the new builds don't have any OV cabins at all and I would be forced to pay for a balcony that I don't want, Princess is becoming much poorer value to me.

In fact, I have largely moved over to Silversea who offer single supps as low as 10% on some sailings, and 25% on many sailings. When you consider that tips and drinks are included in the fare, and even the lowest category of cabin is about equivalent to a Princess minisuite in size but is much better furnished, (and comes with a butler and room steward), and the onboard service generally so far exceeds Princess that I truly feel that I am getting better value for my money. When I calculate the true bottom line, not just the initial cruise fare, Silversea often looks very competitive to Princess for a solo sailor.

 

Very useful info thanks.

[Northender]

Looks like nothing is going to change. Right now anyway. Perhaps an investment in ear plugs?

[kruisey]

I think you'll find it's changing. I sail in obstr. OVs (too claustrophobic for insides) and in the past I always paid about 165% for my many Princess cruises. Balconies and up were always 200% but that's OK, I don't need a balcony to enjoy a cruise; actually I'd rather be out and about the ship since I'm solo.

For about the past year, however, I have not found any fare for any cabin category for under 200% - OK, there may be the odd one here or there that I missed but this is definitely a change. When you add to that that the new builds don't have any OV cabins at all and I would be forced to pay for a balcony that I don't want, Princess is becoming much poorer value to me.

In fact, I have largely moved over to Silversea who offer single supps as low as 10% on some sailings, and 25% on many sailings. When you consider that tips and drinks are included in the fare, and even the lowest category of cabin is about equivalent to a Princess minisuite in size but is much better furnished, (and comes with a butler and room steward), and the onboard service generally so far exceeds Princess that I truly feel that I am getting better value for my money. When I calculate the true bottom line, not just the initial cruise fare, Silversea often looks very competitive to Princess for a solo sailor.

 

I just had a peek at their website and find it a most welcoming one for solos.

A luxury line with all tips and drinks included which is making me begin to think.:)

[kruisey]

What would be a 'fair' price for a single? Should that be the per person price quoted based upon double occupancy? Should a solo get the same cabin for half the price of a couple booking the same room? Would it be fairer if the cruise lines didn't publish per person prices but only quoted a price for a cabin, ie, twice the current published per person rate?

One of my big grumps is that a solo pays $1000 more than the double rate on this cruise for special discount only given to 2 in a room they pay $1000 less.Now is that fair ROcketman?

[windsor26]

One of my big grumps is that a solo pays $1000 more than the double rate on this cruise for special discount only given to 2 in a room they pay $1000 less.Now is that fair ROcketman?

 

Then it has to be better to book for 2 and have one No Show