Cruise Solo Without Paying For Two! How Do I Do It?

[@davedove67]

Being a frequent solo cruiser myself and having met many other solo cruisers, I wonder why the lines don't make it easier for us. There is a HUGE solo traveler market out there.

[@peterjaro6804]

They are... but its happening slowly. If we had not have had the 'covid stuff' I'm convinced more cruise lines would have developed more single friendly products (such as NCL) but right now, all priority is to get sailing again, and get their whole fleet active again. Some cruise ships will not be into commercial use again until late 2022 or early 2023, and overall bookings are going threw the roof at the moment, so the priority to develop new single products for us is low at the moment... Sad but true!

[@gavinpotts6747]

I couldn't agree more. They are rip off merchants most of them.

[@dogcrazy25]

@@gavinpotts6747 hmm. If you were reselling your couch and one person offerred $200 usd and one person offerred $100 usd, if everything else was the same, what offer would you take? Its the same principle.

[@gavinpotts6747]

@@dogcrazy25 Well I wouldn't be selling a couch for $ anyway. But there's no comparison. Double the fare for no good reason? I don't think so. Te cruise lines & hotels as well come up with the excuse that the room still needs to be serviced. Agreed but it doesn't take as long and it certainly doesn't warrant charging double. It's discrimination pure and simple.

[@davedove67]

@@gavinpotts6747 That's my gripe. I don't make the cabin twice as dirty. I don't eat twice as much food.

[@nitab1971]

As a solo woman traveler, I'm always seeking out providers who respect and accomodate solo travelers. That's what turned me onto NCL. Not only do they have the solo cabins, they have solo lounges and solo-specific activities to offer to those that want to mingle. I am not sharing my room with a stranger. It would make me anxious.

[@arobauer]

You must really love IKEA furniture 😃

[@roamer1588]

Thanks for the tip Nita....I’ll check out NCL 👍

[@Pavelpetuniablue]

@@roamer1588 Did your solo cabin have a deck?

[@mel8771]

I checked the prices for one person on rc symphony of the seas. It was MORE expensive for a tiny solo room than a regular larger interior room. Crazy to charge/pay more for a tiny room.

[@izengolf1]

My mom and I just booked on Uniworld with 0 solo supplement and each have our own room feo the price of sharing. River cruise, yes, but no extra fee to travel solo.

[@mistypotter5948]

Thanks Gary. I also cruise solo and cringe at the thought of sharing a cabin with a stranger. Your videos are superb.

[@rgruenhaus]

The snoring alone is a chance I can't take with a stranger. A family member you can wake up and interrupt the snore session. LOL

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

I agree Alice. The money is not a priority, privacy and comfort are. I would never share even with a best friend or family member, let alone a stranger. I have had too many bad experiences with snorers, farters and messy people. I save money by not over spending in other areas. I don't drink, excessively, if at all so that saves. I don't gamble and I don't need to buy souvenirs. If I go on an excursion it must be something I really want to do, otherwise I use public transport on the shore and just see the sites. But share never.

[@SparklingHarmony]

Yeah, and when you realize that you won't gel with that person, it's too late. You're basically stuck with him/her.

[@alisonlee3314]

Same here Alice. I just COULDN'T share with a stranger. I'm pretty anti social 😆

[@samedelcup1878]

I live in Florida. I do this to avoid a single supplement charge: 2-3 days prior to a ship's sailing date, I check on Vacations-to-Go to find a ship that still has vacancies. So, time is short for the cruise line to fill the ship. I offer to take a balcony cabin WITHOUT any single supplement. A vacant cabin produces NO revenue. This is a good workaround for the single traveler.

[@biblicalgodisonlytruegod]

Wow! Really? It works? I am going to try it! I ALWAYS use “Vacations-to-Go”. If there was an award for “BEST SITE” Vacations-to-Go has it hands down!

[@chriswilliams6568]

That is all ok if you do not have to fly to the cruise, as last minute airfares are very high.

[@samedelcup1878]

@@chriswilliams6568 Correct-a-mundo! My technique is suitable for Floridians who can drive to a port on very short notice.

[@jlawrence0181]

@@chriswilliams6568 If you are near an airport that Southwest Airlines serves, you can book a flight for the dates that you might want to travel and you will get your money credited back if you cancel at least an hour before the flight. No need to buy last minute flights.

[@lauriestrong9972]

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You! I also prefer having a cabin to myself. Also don’t want to have to consider anyone else in my schedule.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

[@ghjcmo]

Yeah this is one of those things that irk me the most. I'm a solo traveller, no wife, no girlfriend and none of my friends like cruising. And there's NO WAY I'm sharing a cabin with a stranger. That's just not happening. And I've spoiled myself with balcony cabins, so the solo cabins is not really an option. Back a few years ago, I booked a Carnival cruise about a month out, and was able to get a balcony cabin for the price of 1 person. That's never happened since. :( I try to mitigate the cost some by being a tightwad on board and just not buy ANYTHING if I can help it.

[@mysavescgf2640]

Wow-good find!

[@ghjcmo]

@@mysavescgf2640 Yeah it was awesome. Ironically it was my first solo cruise and stupid me thought at the time I might be able to repeat the process in the future. Yeah not so much.

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

I had the joy of a balcony cabin on my last trip which was at a reduced rate. Very pleasant. I also would never share. Agree that the expense can be mitigated. I don't drink or care about the internet when cruising so that saves. Though I did buy a $2000 diamond ring one trip, because I liked it.

[@ghjcmo]

@@PetroicaRodinogaster264 I've discovered the MSC cruises seem to not charge double for a solo. The solo price is not half of two people, but it's considerably less than the fare for two. I don't know if this is their regular policy or something special they're doing during the restart. But I'm going to be looking at them for the future. I've read some reviews that were not too favorable, but for a reasonably priced balcony cabin, I probably could put up with a smaller buffet, etc.

[@MG-ot2yr]

I travel solo, and Vacations To Go often has reduced fares for singles within the 90 day window, and I believe these can be booked directly through the cruiseline as well, and you don't share these cabins with anyone, that would be awful, who knows what you'd get and I don't like another person in my room anyway, even if I know them LOL

[@kathyms.]

90 days... Thanks for the info👍🏽

[@adeleshaak4107]

I've cruised before with roommates I didn't know. I don't have any horror stories, but the last roommate - a lovely Danish lady - snored loudly, nonstop, the entire night. She snored lying on her back, her front, her side - even sitting up! I felt sorry for her, but sorrier for me, because I lost 10 nights' sleep. Never again!

[@jeanzinger9693]

I would never cruise with a stranger!!! That's craaaazy!!

[@happycook6737]

And if there is a sudden COVID quarantine, you'd be stuck with a stranger 24 hours a day for an undefined period of time!!!!🤯

[@carolynw4814]

I totally agree, I don’t like to share a cabin with anyone. It’s stressful to coordinate with someone in such a confined space like a cruise cabin.

[@kalozakos]

Thank you Gary for another informative video. I am also a frequent solo traveler. It is a hard thing to swallow that solo travelers get nothing in return for paying double. I would like to see a campaign by solo traveler to get the cruise lines to credit us with by doubling our sea days for rewards programs. If I am paying for two cruises, please give me two cruises worth of sea days. This would cost the cruise lines nothing, but would give the solo traveler some solace. It could be beneficial to the cruise lines to advertise this and attract solo travelers with their loyalty rewards programs. Just a thought.

[@margaretmcnarry4298]

RCCL after a certain level give double points per day for a solo traveller in a two person cabin! And if you can afford a suite, then 4 times the posts!

[@burningblue1254]

@@margaretmcnarry4298 My cruise line gives you credit for 2 cruises and double the sea days at any loyalty level. Suite guests get double and a solo quadruple.

[@elizabethscott3218]

Princess counts a solo trip double in their rewards program (if it's not your first trip with them).

[@angeliner59]

Am sick of paying for 2 and no way would I want to share my cabin with a stranger! Very informative video and yes the cruise lines are missing out on a HUGE market!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching!

[@margaretmcnarry4298]

I recently discovered your channel and have been binge watching while trying to survive the heat dome here in Western Canada. Early this week I booked one of my bucket list cruises (Australia to Hawaii via French Polynesia) in a balcony stateroom and I ending up paying f less than a15% surcharge as a solo cruiser. I lucked into a 60% off second traveller sale, then had my loyalty discount applied, and then there was a flash sale on the evening I booked! All in all I am paying just over $5,000 Cdn for a 17 night cruise in a balcony stateroom! Can’t beat that! I am simply overjoyed, and can’t wait until 2023! So the same evening I thought to check out some other bucket list cruises, and found a 12 night from Hawaii to Vancouver. It would have been lovely if it had connected with my cruise above, but alas it was in 2022, however I did book it for the same deal, 60% off the second guest, loyalty discount, and flash sale. In the meantime I’ll keep checking for one to match up with my 2023 cruise, and if I find one in time I will cancel 2022 and do the whole trip (Sydney to Vancouver) at one go. Wish me luck! I should add these will be my 18 and 19 solo cruises. Happy solo cruising!

[@margaretmcnarry4298]

ExposingMiLabs, it was RCCL! I think I just lucked into the last hour of the flash sale.

[@victoriasmith1897]

Margaret I dont understand how you got 60% off for a second cruiser if you were travelling solo. Do you mean that you found someone to come with you? Those are EXCELLENT deals!

[@margaretmcnarry4298]

@@victoriasmith1897 The cruise line had a deal on that if one paid full price the second had 60% off - I am a solo traveller however solos can book that deal because they always pay for two - so watch for deals like that and act swiftly!

[@denisepowell9774]

For a very different type of voyage, try Adventure Canada. They do mostly trips in the arctic - I did "Out of the North West Passage" a few years ago. They have many cabins for solo travellers, with no surcharge. They also do other voyages, such as Iceland Circumnavigation, or Scotland Slowly. It's a small ship, about 200 passengers. They have many experts on board, for birding, for archaeology, for history, for local culture, etc. No casino, no specialty dining, no water slides (although you can do a polar dip!) I'm hoping to do another voyage with them next year.

[@NotData]

I used to travel solo with the Single World group annually in the 1990s where we had our own activities and cruise director. Sometimes I was paired with a stranger and sometimes I had room to myself. But one cruise, I became good friends with a some guys from Pittsburgh also traveling as part of Single World. After that, we would synchronize our vacations for the same Single World cruise and arrange for me to be roommates for one of them.

[@chemqueen7399]

I took a cruise on NCL with a solo cabin a few years back and it was great. I liked the privacy of the cabin, and there were some fun things in that cabin I hadn’t seen in traditional cabins. I booked fairly late and was still able to get one. I haven’t had a need since, as I usually travel with a group, but my solo cabin was a good experience.

[@rpruneau68]

Its been my experience as a solo traveler on NCL that the solo cabins are more expensive than a balcony if you wait until the last minute. I usually book my trips between 1 to 6 weeks in advance and have never seen a solo studio low enough for me to consider one. My litmus is $100/day and maybe 15% single supplement which is usually Princess that I have to pay the additional single supplement. NCL usually does not charge additional when booking last minute.

[@Hawkeye2001]

I did a solo to Antarctica with Hurtigruden. With the International Treaty limiting passengers to 500 and I went on a ship with a capacity of 1000. The solo price actually was affordable.

[@HeatherTravels]

I really appreciate this video because, whether they will admit it or not, I know the day will come that my kids will no longer want to travel with me as often as I want to go.

[@LynetteMcGrath]

I am just facing this now, as my mother has been my travel companion but now she is too infirm to cruise. All the people I know are married (I'm divorced), and I can't imagine saying to one of my friends "come for a cruise but leave the old man at home"!

[@VoiceoverMomentum]

I’d love to be a solo traveler. Being a solo keeps me from going. I really find it hard enough to find a dance partner!

[@robertgulfshores4463]

I want to cruise on my own, but I don't want a cabin mate. Thank you for your thoughts on this. Please continue to advocate, to raise awareness.

[@Michael-iw3ek]

Ohh the bald guy is back with his cruise advice! His videos are so tempting and make me wish to finally go on a cruise...

[@michaelx3968]

Gary, Thank you for the information I am a solo Cruiser!!! I LV Carnival, I'm at Platinum level, Carnival has treated me right!!! Happy Cruising!!!!!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

[@hm6485]

Hurtiguten also offers single, no solo surcharge sailings.

[@mysavescgf2640]

Never heard of this line-where does it sail from?

[@hm6485]

Hurtigruten is a Norwegian expedition and Norway coastal cruise line. Wonderful unique experience. Hurtigruten. com.

[@ryanmatthew511]

MSC has amazing rates for solo travelers, no matter what cabin you pick .

[@LadyCatherine538]

Thank you for this topical post. I love to travel solo. On my trip to the North Pole I had the most interesting , well-travelled cabin mate. The next voyage (Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland) the match was a disaster. Going back to solo solo on future trips. Any agent who wants to cater to a solo traveler has my business.

[@lizbogovich3822]

Saw your Abercrombie & Kent shirt. We took their Antarctica cruise that included South Georgia & Falkland Islands. It was their Christmas & New Years cruise on Ponant’s Le Boreal. It was magical!

[@jdane2277]

I want to take that trip! Thanks for posting your experience.

[@jlawrence0181]

I was on Ponant's website and their single supplements llooked very reasonable.

[@dees3179]

I really appreciate you making this sort of content. For some singles, me for example, being on my own is not a choice. I already feel I’m being punished by society in general as everything seems set up for pairs or families. I’m being punished by being lonely too. And then to be punished financially every time we try and go out to do something fun is adding insult to injury. If you revel in your own company etc perhaps it is not quite so lonely, but the financial punishment aspect still sucks. From a business perspective I understand the need to make money and that solo travellers just aren’t as economically sound, but that doesn’t make it feel any better as the recipient. I suppose at least on a cruise with organised activities you don’t get as many insulting comments as when trying to buy a single ticket for a tourist attraction. ‘Just you us it?*sneer sneer*’ charming!

[@missmayflower]

Wow, you sound really over sensitive. I mostly travel alone and have not experienced this.

[@Starfish2145]

Me too

[@GoGreen1977]

Why should "singles" be "uneconomical?" Businesses need to change their business models. I find it hard to believe that they can't figure it out. Providing food, services, amenities, etc., for one person should and can be just as profitable as two people or a family. For that matter, it should be easier. Serving and cleaning up after families has to be more expensive and wearing than for a person traveling solo. Btw, I travel by myself, all over the US and overseas. I just do it! I don't care what people think, if they think at all....

[@samanthathompson9812]

I feel the same about all this. Feel second class in society in general. Will never own a home for instance. Even rent is tough.

[@annaheh2925]

I am a solo cruiser. Husband does not fly so limits number of cruises he is willing to go. Always get very good information from you. Booked for Holland America in solo cabin for 2023 at reasonable cost and Royal Caribbean on inside cabin for good cost with perks. Need to really look around when you travel solo.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear you’re getting good deals and are on the ball !!

[@lornekay8948]

My first cruise was a solo cruise for continuing education with my professional association. I fell in love. I begged and pleaded for my wife to join me on future cruising adventures but for four years she declined. She had a Fear of Floating. So I went on several Norwegian cruises in a studio or inside cabin. Finally she did agreed to cruise with me and went on a one week cruise with me. Now she won’t let me cruise by myself. Sometimes I miss Solo cruising even though I love my wife very much. The freedom of doing whatever I want when I want and having my own private space is a nice part of being on vacation.

[@geebrewer8186]

not only the cruise lines, but the hotels need to pay attention to solo travelers. I have found myself in a similar situation, wanting to travel somewhere, partner cat't go, friends don't want to go or can't afford to go, so, solo is my option. And hotel prices are also based on double occupancy. Don't mind a half regular sized hotel room for a singles price. Also want the choice of views. Years ago I traveled solo with a now defunct group called Singleworld. It was the same as you described some of the hosted solo groups. I did get put with a room-mate on a couple cruises, worked out fine, the gals were nice. They also had private group excursions or you could go on the ship's excursions, or just do your own thing. It was nice to go solo onboard a big cruise ship and already have 20-30 Singleworld 'friends'.

[@wendypappagallo2421]

I know you usually don't cruise Disney but they do solo pricing automatically for single cruisers. Usually they give choices for any stateroom except concierge. They also have strictly adult areas and try to seat you with other adults with the same interests.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Their solo prices are quite $$ though. I’ve had a few bookings (which got cancelled in pandemic) and replacement now in 2022 and the solo was same as double occupancy.

[@tipsfortravellers]

You seen solo lower ?

[@PatJ61]

Although Carnival doesn't have solo cabins, their "interior" cabins that have two portholes and an upper pulldown bunk and a lower single bed seem a good option. There is sunlight, an inexpensive cabin that most couples don't book, and no second set of port taxes and gratuities. It's still not half the cost of two people in the same cabin, but not bad.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great tip !

[@johnhawkins9747]

That is a good option, but even better, on some sailings, those are made available only to solo cruisers and are priced at exactly half the solo traveler's fare for a regular interior room. I just booked one on Carnival Sunrise. It seems a great deal since most "official" solo cabins are well more than half the double-occupancy fare. Despite being called Upper/Lower, some of them (like mine) have a single bed and a convertible sofa. They are classed by Carnival as interior cabins even though some are actually on the exterior and may have the portholes. They range around 160-185 sq. ft., hence much bigger than studios. But again, this is only on some sailings. Other sailings have them priced at or near regular interiors. In fact, on the very next sailing, Carnival treats my cabin as a normal one.

[@HeyItSmellsLikeMike]

This is exactly what booked for this October..my first solo cruise!

[@peterjaro6804]

@@johnhawkins9747 ...this is extremely confusing to me. They call the SAME cabin different things for different sailings!?!? This is (one!) reason I don't go with Carnival...

[@johnhawkins9747]

@@peterjaro6804 It is confusing. But they call them the same thing (Upper/Lower) on all sailings. The difference is what you pay for solo.

[@torycook1215]

I have shared a cruise cabin three times. Each time they booked me with someone with similar interests - basically someone with the same career background. It worked out well.

[@afoodlover]

The problem is NCL started pricing their solo interior cabins more expensive than a solo paying a double occupancy rate. So what's the point of having solo cabins. It's supposed to be cheaper than the double rate but it's NOT.

[@peterjaro6804]

...this is a difficult one. The fact is that NCL doesn't only provide single cabins, but offer a whole specific product with its single cabins... private lounge, private host, private table- and show bookings (conciage) etc. So to them its not just ' ...how can we offer a cheaper alternative to single cruisers' but they offer a 'premium' product for single passengers. Yes, you can book a double cabin for less perhaps, but you will not get access to any of the single cabins 'extras'... So, in this case I do understand why NCL differentiate its pricing for single passengers.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Also, if you do book one of the more expensive cabinets solo with a balcony, you’re allowed to join the others singles at the solo lounge to meet together for dinner. They did like that when I had booked one of those solo cabins

[@burningblue1254]

@@peterjaro6804 Pay the single supplement, and just watch in the Freestyle Daily where and when the singles are meeting etc. You hook up with them but you are not paying for the "extras". If you are able, get one of them to let you in the lounge.

[@DanetteSWhite]

I wouldn't want to share my space with a stranger either. Inside cabins are fine with me.

[@CruisingWithJT]

I will be going solo for the first time this year, one of many solo cruises as I start my cruise content journey but I am definitely looking forward to my solo studio balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean or just doing the regular balcony oceanview room and paying a little more. More space is a good thing and being by yourself is kinda nice, do what you want when you want where you want!

[@cindybridges3046]

Thanks for the solo tips. I travel alone and also face pricing issues.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

[@slowrunner3737]

Thank you, I’m booking my first cruise as a solo cruise and it’s all a little intimidating. I enjoy watching all your videos and appreciate the tips.

[@jlizardi5013]

I prefer not to share as you do. Usually, I start planning way in advance but don't book until after the final 90 day period and I go for the cheapest Ocean view rate (can't do interior cabins) , days prior to departure look to upgrade. The last time I moved to a balcony for an additional $150 (HAL Partial Panama canal 11 days).

[@yoladee]

Book last minute for solo special.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good tip!

[@jennifer_mertens]

So happy, I've been waiting for you to do a video on solo cruising. Thank you so much!

[@kays749]

If you haven't done the Falklands yet, you will find seeing those penguins absolutely worth the trip.

[@donnaschuepbach3830]

OMG, I so agree. Fantastic.

[@rgruenhaus]

Last time I was in that area was when in the US Navy and we couldn't go near the Falkland islands because the UK and Argentina were battling it out! The Straits of Magellan were very nice!

[@glenda6607]

I'm taking my 5th solo cruise next Spring with Princess.I get flyers in the mail for special VIP Casino sailings that give me 35% off plus some other perks. I pay double occupancy for an inside cabin and then take the discount.If the rate goes down I can usually get it reduced before my final payment.I love having my own room and doing things on my own schedule.

[@duchessofst.andrew7210]

Gary, this video is brilliant. Thank You. I too am a solo traveler. Do continue to share !!!

[@devorahanatolia8999]

Solo cruiser here since 2003. Like you, I've learned to work all the angles and your excellent video gave me a few more tips and ideas. HAL has decent solo fares if you book an inside or outside cabin. Have taken 3 solo European river cruises, and found I could book a more upscale experience on Uniworld, Tauck, or AMA by taking advantage of their no single supplement or reduced single supplement cruises, as opposed to Viking who almost always charges 200%. People need to know that Viking isn't the only game in town. There are lots of options for solo river cruise passengers.

[@tamarajohnson5771]

I agree found certain times of year better rates. Found the first two weeks of December pricing is better

[@burningblue1254]

River cruise margins are a lot higher than ocean cruises, a lot. River cruises make their money on the cabin fare while most ocean lines in the lower to mid market make it on the extras, drinks, excursions, spa, etc. Compare a 7 night Rhine versus a 7 night Mexican Riviera, the price differential is astronomical.

[@devorahanatolia8999]

@@tamarajohnson5771 , agree with you that the beginning of December is an excellent time to find reduced fares, especially for solos.

[@devorahanatolia8999]

@@burningblue1254 , I wasn't trying to compare ocean and river cruises, just point out to those interested in solo river cruises that there are options they may not be aware of.

[@burningblue1254]

@@devorahanatolia8999 Very true! Good points you made.

[@eben6787]

Thanks for this one Gary. I've literally sa5 the whole day making lists and comparing cruises to find affordable solo cruises. Will be adding your tips to my finds and will hopefully be taking my first cruise next year!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

[@druidsadwyrnemrys232]

thanks for the info for solo cruisers - I will visit your website for the up to date list of lines-ships-solo cabins

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

[@rjrnj1]

I will never go on a cruise (incapacitating Mal de mer), yet I stumbled across your channel and watch every vid. Thanks for keeping the shows so entertaining. 👍

[@geebrewer8186]

well, hotels are basically the same, their rooms are always 'double occupancy' rates.

[@Boertje247]

Gary looking dejected holding hands full of benjamins. Fabulous!

[@Jerkygrrrrl]

This is EXACTLY the information I needed. Thank you so much!

[@johndea3110]

Riviera river cruise has solo with no surcharge

[@oaktree1626]

Very thankful I was able to get great solo rates on the MSC Meraviglia this fall and a solo balcony on the RCCL Ovation of the Seas to Alaska next year.

[@elihernandez330]

That's nice I'm also going on the Ovation of the seas in Alaska next year I'm going on May 20th to 27th.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

A very useful video for me, being a solo traveler. I would rather stay home than share accommodation, so the tips are very helpful. The limited number of solo cabins means - book early, if you can! Thank you for the video!

[@Sharkwhisperer]

Cruising solo, if there are interesting people aboard and if you meet them once, you may not meet them again because the ship is so big.....

[@mountaincat8]

I think you would have to get their phone number and text them to meet them again.

[@bolaplenty1024]

Great and very informative video. I am going to use this information to try and book a cruise in November, a month my husband cannot take off work.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

[@Gianemakeup]

Good to know! I only knew about the single cabins on NCL. Thank you for sharing. You and your partner are definitely a handsome couple!

[@PaulDobsonMuttley]

Great video Gary! Some really good advice there. I’m always looking for ways to save on those dreaded single supplements for my customers, and for myself! Especially as I’m too much of a snob to have anything below a balcony grade. 🤭

[@tipsfortravellers]

I’m with you on the balcony must have ....

[@arobauer]

My wife and I are not solo cruisers. But after 35 years of cruising, we prefer to let the truly intelligent people cruise on the large ships well, the idiot's like us prefer to cruise on ships of 2,200 or less these ships go to smaller ports, the old Panama canal and I have to agree that we meet a lot of single cruisers on these voices. Many of them and their 70s and above like we are and everybody is so friendly and includes them in all the activities. That does not happen on the mega ships .. but as I said, we're not the brightest people in the world, but we have a lot of fun 🙂

[@DaveTexas]

Staying in a solo cabin might be why I hate cruising. The first cruise I went in was with my family. An aunt and I were solo for the trip, so my parents (who booked and paid for the cruise) booked solo cabins for us. They were on the lowest passenger deck and were interior cabins with no window. They were tiny cabins and had poorer furniture and very plain, non-luxurious bathrooms. It actually felt like my aunt and I were put in cabins that had been originally designed for crew members. Anyway, I hated being in that cabin. I’d hang out in my brother & sister-in-law’s cabin or in the ship’s library most of the time. I’ve been on one other cruise since then, but I hated that cruise as well. I just don’t like feeling trapped in a ship. Being solo made it worse.

[@mikkiduf]

Thank you Gary!! I’d rather cruise in a solo cabin than sharing with a stranger! My best friend is refusing to get the vaccine so she won’t be cruising any time soon .

[@dawnpowers7626]

I was going to go solo to Bermuda but then decided to take my daughter with me. Because she'll want shore excursions and souvenirs and I'm treating, it'll cost more than just paying the 100% supplement! lol

[@tipsfortravellers]

Oh dear !!!!

[@amyrivers4093]

I hope that you enjoy spending time together. Xx

[@dawnpowers7626]

@@amyrivers4093 We do. Getting out her teen years helped a lot. :)

[@AmyLSchulte]

I grew up watching Love Boat and I remember always thinking how strange it was when people were in a cabin with a stranger.

[@ericdrews5050]

Last time I checked paying for two in an interior cabin was cheaper than a solo cabin. Plus the interior cabin was considerably larger.

[@SerielThriller]

Great tips, the best way I find to save money on cruises is to just not go. I can't afford them anyway!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Hopefully you will one day though !!

[@geebrewer8186]

agree, my travel days have slowed WAY down since I retired

[@jerrywillard6957]

Norwegian Encore is an omission from your solo cabin list.

[@aroundglobe2435]

my big dream is a world cruise as a solo but i know it will never happen with double prices

[@tipsfortravellers]

You really will have to plan but Cunard in their solo cabins could be the answer

[@robrob5081]

@ExposingMiLabs would be nice to be able to afford 10 a year without working.

[@missyengelhard7927]

I am doing two long HAL cruises including a 71 day grand South America in inside cabins because it makes it affordable and on the older ships they use the insides are a good size and I know there is plenty of quiet outdoor space I can find.

[@peeratv1288]

@@robrob5081 To be fair, Cruising is his job

[@garywrege4326]

I would never ever go on a cruise with a stranger in my room, I have paid double before and I would definitely pay double again, And you only pay port charges for one person!

[@adamlawrence4690]

Fantastic- Huge THANK YOU 😊

[@ashleyhughes2623]

As a solo traveller, I have done numerous trips around the world on group tours & backpacker tours. Sometime you just have to share. But I do appreciate the rise in single cabins on cruise ships. They are small, but a lot cheaper than standard twin cabins. I also sometimes manage to find great sales and deals on regular cabins.

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

Thank You For The great Tips! One thing I love as a solo traveler is that MSC doesn’t charge double occupancy for us and also only 1 round of taxes and port charges which means that when I sail MSC I can still get a balcony cabin for a Terrific rate! I’m really hoping that cruise lines realize that there are a LOT of us solo cruisers out here and we deserve some credit and space on these ships! I love that NCL does that but do I really want a 99 sq ft inside cabin? I hope to see more options for us in the near future!

[@missmayflower]

What is MSC?

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

@@missmayflower MSC is the 4th largest cruise line in the world!

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

@@missmayflower Mediterranean Shipping Company-cargo and also The 4th latest cruise line in the World!

[@joanevans3872]

thank you Gary, I've only been on one Queen Mary cruise .Quebec to NYC .. I am 65 years old and hadnt done it before...OMG I am now addicted .. doing a Celebrity Reflection cruise to the Meditteranean in 2023 with 3 friends, however, cannot share !!! so will gave to pay double, your solo cruise you tube helped me for the future as I will travel sole (as I was on QM2) I m retired so can go at last minute .. I'm from Australia, and so appreciate your comments.. really helpful...hope to see you on future cruises !!!

[@abigailgerlach5443]

I found a Carnival cruise I thought sounded interesting, and discovered that the company charged 110% price for single travelers. I nearly fainted! Your video came at just the right time. Thanks!

[@smcdonald9991]

110%..? That sounds incredible. Was that a special offer for a given cruise or a general policy?

[@abigailgerlach5443]

I'm not sure. I'm still trying to get my heart rate back to nornal!

[@daniellilly7591]

I've never cruised once in my life so forgive my ignorance with this question: Why do cruise lines do this in the first place? And how do they get away with it other than the inertia of "it's always been this way"? I'll say this much: If I ever went alone on a cruise and was charged for two, don't think I wouldn't be getting twice of everything that wasn't bolted, welded, or glued down. Restaurants? 2 of everything, please. Bars? Double every order. I've got plenty of room in my luggage and I'll eat for a month on the leftovers. The entire concept is utterly ridiculous to me. If I'm alone, you, cruise ship companies, aren't having to feed, house, entertain, or be responsible for two, just one. So not ONLY are they scamming their passengers up front with a ridiculous surcharge (for literally nothing), BUT they're also "making" money by NOT serving a THING to the mysterious, imaginary, non existent 2d passenger in my room. Honestly, the more I think about this (heretofore unknown detail) the more pissed off it makes me. What kinda gaul does it take to charge someone for something that is literally never provided? It's just gobsmacking to my sensibilities. It's the kind of thing that turns me completely off the entire concept of cruising to begin with. Because despite all your hard work and the dedication of multiple websites to find work-arounds, the bottom line is that the cruise lines are making gobs of money in exchange for nothing, aren't they? And THAT, I suppose, is the answer to my question, isn't it?

[@gogreen7794]

As a "true" single all of my life, I am very well aware of how so many industries, especially the travel sector, discriminate against solo travelers. At least most hotels don't charge "per person, double occupancy." One or two people are charged the same for one room. Obviously, two people have to pay more for food, for most entertainment and activities, for most transportation, etc., but that's how it should work. Charging a single traveler twice (or just a huge surcharge) for the same cruise or resort experience appears to be one of the last legal manifestations of discrimination.

[@cherifurr3935]

MONEY! Two people buying drinks, gambling, buying things in their shops, paying for excursions, etc. I don’t want an inside room in a tiny studio either!

[@jeanettachurchill4203]

I am taking a 15 day transatlantic cruise on NCL in December 2023. As it is a last minute deal, they are charging a 0% single surcharges, so I'm paying the cost of only one person! Since they have deeply discounted the fare, I'm going for $650 plus tax (they have dropped it another $100 and may go lower!!!)

[@tuvia4082]

Such great information. Companies want to make as much money and fill as much space as possible. They, the cruse lines, are starting to come around to solo travelers, but slowly. We as paying customers need to do due diligence to save our own hard earned money. Thanks for what you do.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Hopefully they will move faster to address solo cruise as it’s only going to grow!

[@amybradley5821]

I cruise solo and haven’t paid twice the price yet. Wait for a great sale then book. I only want a veranda but with a great sale I have paid just a bit more than one person.

[@carine4318]

Well I paid for two back to back cruises $11,000 for balcony and princess plus. Yes it’s nuts but this is for my mental health. I need peace and quiet. Four weeks on my own . I will never share

[@davidcarter1492]

Thanks for the information. I am sailing in a solo balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean to Alaska. (2022) I believe all of their Quantum class ships have a handful of actual solo balconies. I noticed that they are called studio ocean view balcony cabins. A bit confusing, but they are true balconies not the virtual ones.

[@fabtripscruises]

Virgin Voyages also cater to solo travelers.

[@donmckinnon8475]

I live in Australia and would love to be able to cruise solo, but the cost is prohibitive when you have to pay for two

[@philipbridges548]

My Norwegian coastal voyage on Havila-12 nights round trip from/to Bergen was a mere $1500 (inside cabin). November 2024. Single occupancy!

[@fh6258]

Thank you for the tips. I usually cruise 5-7 times a year (the year I retired I took 14..lol). Being Canadian not only am I stuck with the 200% single supplement, but the exchange rate, averaging 30% more. I see some sailings from the UK at reasonable prices, but we cannot fly there just yet and adding the1.71% for the £ as compared to the Canadian $, the savings soon disappears….

[@burningblue1254]

Generally, you can only book as the resident of a specific country. You can't shop the world as a resident from different countries.

[@fh6258]

@@burningblue1254 no true, I have booked through an Australian agency, a uK agency. Maybe cruise lines don’t like that but with the Internet it us possible. Vacationstogo is a ow ref to example if people booking from many countries!

[@burningblue1254]

@@fh6258 Cruise lines don't like it because of the pricing for different markets but I have seen it done using the local addresses of friends and relatives in that area or country.

[@mattw9966]

Thank you Gary, really useful video!

[@lyndaturner9294]

THIS is the kind of content I need!

[@patrickwhite6792]

So strange that they don't cater more for single travellers. No way I'd share with a stranger lol. Why do you think they don't have more single cabins?

[@Ariadne147]

I cruise almost exclusively solo. There are some cruise lines, like Carnival, which I'm Platinum on, they are not even the slightest bit interested in doing anything for solo cruisers as their ships normally completely sell out and they are a "family" cruise line. NCL has a great solo cruiser program, but their solo cabins are inside cabins, which I find super depressing. I need lots of sunlight in my cabin.

[@RumSoviet]

vacations 2 go also have singles deals where lines have decreased/removed the singles supplement, usually due to low sales. Usually these are on Transpacific/Atlantic voyages

[@jayb429]

I have just returned from a 7 night cruise from Southampton to Norway for £499. I was cruising solo but had a double room. Food, non alcoholic drinks, entertainment and gratuities included. I thought that was great value but have just booked a 15 night cruise with the same company for £614 in October. I think timing and a little bit of luck work wonders

[@kentrobinson7479]

*SOLO CABINS NCL GETAWAY ON MY 1st AND ONLY CRUISE*

[@richardknight8061]

I'm a want-to-be solo cruiser. was going to book one cruise and realised it was cheaper to have 2 people than go alone. was so tempted to post on the work web paage. free ticket, no funny business but will be sharing a cabin with a snorer. if interested inquire. just because I hate wasting money

[@julieb7882]

There are trade offs for the cruiselines for solo passengers. I doubt sole cruisers eat twice the food. They also may not spend twice as much on board.

[@munyeelai880]

I'm enjoying the tips and advice you're sharing for solo cruising - it's incredibly helpful and practical information.

[@herenasaavedra9234]

You will find that Cruises that that have no or low single supplements are jam packed with ... Solo Travels! Which was great to see.

[@CubbyTech]

If you mention sites in your video, please consider listing them in the video description!

[@rostaylor7723]

I’ve recently been in my first cruise, travelling solo, and I had a bargain by booking within 2 weeks of departure (P & O). Normal cabin just for me! I’ve also discovered an agent that bags great deals for solos called Passion for Cruises (same one that Gary mentioned) - some really good deals on there!

[@ianoreilly8468]

Thanks so much for this Gary! This will definitely allow me to cruise more, in particular when the 2nd half cannot.

[@avlea2]

Your subject matter is always of welcome interest. Thank you!

[@jimmcintosh9045]

BOOKED a Fred Olsen Norway cruise and was virtually charged double. Paid for a drinks package which a month later they included it free . I got a bit worried as I had booked an inside cabin but as Covid kicked off I decided it would be hell being in isolation in an interior cabin! I cancelled.

[@GoGreen1977]

I don't share rooms with a friend. I'm sure not sharing a room with stranger! The whole "per person, double-occupancy" is a scam. It's just a way to make the cruise (or vacation at an all-inclusive resort) sound cheaper than it is, especially since cruises are usually oriented to couples. The default should be for ONE person in a room, with a second person supplement.

[@billligon4005]

While my partner and I still cruise, there will come a time when I will have to cruise solo. My plan is to go back to some of the ports I loved while cruising, and book air and hotel for that port or place and just go there. If I can find solo cabins or someone to share with that I know of course I’ll do that but if that does not happen just book air/hotel in a city or port you love.

[@Mariazellerbahn]

Singles shouldn't pay double. They only eat half the inclusive food for a start.

[@debbie8935]

If you are a gambler and go to the casino, try calling thr casino club to book. Often, I get huge discounts on staterooms and only have to pay for myself. You do of course, need to gamble, but I do that anyway. Did 9 night cruise to Greece last year for about $900 solo with balcony. Just be sure to stay within a budget.