100% Single Supplement or Phantom 2nd Passenger?

[Cruisegoer]

If you were cruising alone, and it's cheaper to book a Phantom 2nd Passenger who was a No-Show the day of the cruise vs booking a single supplement cabin? My understanding is that with no shows the cruise line customarily refunds the port charges and dependent on what TA you might book thru, a double occupancy cabin on discount can be cheaper than a single 100% supplement booking.

 

What are your thoughts?

[Another_Critic]

The main [non-monetary] difference is a double booking with no show will not earn the extra C&A point per day.  That extra C&A point could get you to 340 to get the 150% solo supplement (DP340) and the decision may become moot.

 

However, GTY cabins are not often available for solo bookings, so there could be a large saving for doing the phantom 2nd passenger w/ no show.

 

Edited August 16, 2023 by Another_Critic

[Biker19]

37 minutes ago, Cruisegoer said:

What are your thoughts?

Try to find a sailing with low or no solo supplement.

[Cruisegoer]

52 minutes ago, Another_Critic said:

The main [non-monetary] difference is a double booking with no show will not earn the extra C&A point per day.  That extra C&A point could get you to 340 to get the 150% solo supplement (DP340) and the decision may become moot.

 

However, GTY cabins are not often available for solo bookings, so there could be a large saving for doing the phantom 2nd passenger w/ no show.

 

I'm already Diamond, to get the 150% must you book direct thru C&A? I can't say the online engine shows this discount.

[Cruisegoer]

37 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Try to find a sailing with low or no solo supplement.

Nearly impossible in the last year.

[Another_Critic]

15 minutes ago, Cruisegoer said:

I'm already Diamond, to get the 150% must you book direct thru C&A? I can't say the online engine shows this discount.

You have to be Diamond Plus with at least 340 points to qualify for the 150% single supplement (use code DP340). 

 

"Single members must have at least 340 Cruise Points earned to receive the single cruise fare at 150%. This offer is based on availability with certain restrictions. Ocean Voyage Packages, Holiday sailings (Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Easter/Spring break) and the peak summer months of June 15 thru August 15 are not included in this offer."

 

Edited August 16, 2023 by Another_Critic

[ocean sounds]

2 hours ago, Cruisegoer said:

If you were cruising alone, and it's cheaper to book a Phantom 2nd Passenger who was a No-Show the day of the cruise vs booking a single supplement cabin? My understanding is that with no shows the cruise line customarily refunds the port charges and dependent on what TA you might book thru, a double occupancy cabin on discount can be cheaper than a single 100% supplement booking.

 

What are your thoughts?

I would book as a solo.  
 

I always get 3rd party travel insurance.  
 

If I were to book a phantom #2 in the cabin and have to cancel, the insurance would only pay me the Passenger 1 portion, off of Royal’s booking confirmation breakdown  - showing my portion cruise fare as passenger 1.  

 

I would not get reimbursed  the balance ( 30% off or 60% off, depending on promo)  in passenger #2 name, even though I would pay it all.   
 

But that’s just me.   If you don’t buy insurance, would not apply !

Edited August 16, 2023 by ocean sounds
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