How can person traveling alone book a cruise without paying double?

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stepmiller2

Sorry but there is no way to avoid it...so find yourself a bunk mate.

Zef H

The single supplement (which is what you are referring to) varies by cruise line and cabin class. This amount can be anywhere from an extra 10% to an extra 100%.

The more expensive lines have the lower single supplement.

Sometimes the inside cabins, even on the mass market lines, have only a 50% single supplement.

You can also look for single cabins. There are very few, but there are still some.

Some lines offer a program that will match you up with someone who is the same gender and smoking preference as you. However, this means you are cruising with a stranger.

See if there is someone who wants to come with you.

Basically the cruise lines always price their cruises based on two people. They frequently increase or reduce the price of the cabin overall, but their calculations are pretty much based on 2x. Sometimes it's 1.75x for a single, but you get the idea.

Occasionally, a cruise line will use take the approach of catering to singles by reducing the "single supplement" but usually they appeal to more people by just lowering the price of the cabin overall. Crystal is the only one I remember doing any serious discounting for solo travelers, and even that was way back in 2004:
http://www.cruisesavvy.com/news/2004/09/crystal_offers_holiday_sailings_with_special_savings_and_a_reduced_single_supplement

Some classic vessels (Holland America Line's Prinsendam and, I think, Cunard's QE2) have a few single cabins. But if those would probably cost more than you'd want to spend on a first cruise.

In general, you have to think of it like a hotel room -- whether you're one person or two, the price is about the same.

kimmer727

You can't. You have to pay the double price.

cruisecrazy

I don't think you can avoid it. Cruise lines want to get the most money and the fullest ship they can so of course if you have 2 beds in a room you'll have to pay double occupencey. My only suggestion would be to find a friends to go with you! Its much more fun to go with someone. Royal Caribbean is a GREAT cruise line to go on. They are a great line.

DCDARLING

Okay, here is the REAL DEAL. Carnival has cabins hat are called category 1A which are bunk beds, but sometimes if booked in a guarantee you can get upgraded. Although you still have the single supp. you get a nice discount by booking that category. Holland America used to go match ups, but not anymore. Your best bet is to call a singles agency and go on a singles cruise. No, you don't have to want to pick up someone or even participate, but they will match you up with someone therefore you not having to pay the single supplement.

Try:

www.singlescruises.com
www.vacationstogo.com/singles
www.cruisingforlove.com

Good Luck!

shaystar

Can't do it. Sorry. I am about to embark on my fifth "solo" cruise.

Sherry B

I'm currently in the same boat (ha ha) so here's my email...sherrymandalay@yahoo.com
I went on a Norweigan xmas cruise and loved it and would like to go on a cruise again but don't want to pay double. I highly recommend Norweigan.

se7enteen

I'm afraid you can't, if you go alone you'll pay double because their promo is for two...i suggest you invite a friend

http://asiatouristspots.blogspot.com/

1Cheapcruise

Which cruise line are you looking into?
Not always but once in a while you can find a single rate that won't charge you the same as a double.

Judipat

There are at least two cruise lines, Holland America and Carnival that do not change double. You will probably pay 1 1/2 times the fare. However, if you book late and there is a lot of space left, contact the cruise line directly and see what you can negotiate. Also most cruise lines include their port charges in their fares. See if they will at least deduct the charges for a second non-existant person. If you have to pay double try and get an upgrade.

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