Cruise Surcharges: Why You Pay Double When You Cruise Alone

If you planned and budgeted for a trip But suddenly finding out you’ll have to pay double what you expected, would you still go? That’s what most solo cruise travelers experience almost every time they try to book a cruise. Cruise lines charge a fee called a single person supplement for travelers who want to cruise alone in a cabin meant for a couple.

It’s not fair, but there’s a reason for this surcharge. Here, I’ll explain what a single person surcharge is, why cruise lines charge this exorbitant amount, and what you can do to avoid paying it the next time you’re on a solo cruise.

What is a single supplement on a cruise?

Almost all cruise ship cabins are designed to accommodate at least two people. Unlike hotel rooms, prices are charged per person, not per room, and fares are based on two people. A single supplement is an additional fee that cruise lines charge passengers traveling alone when they book a cabin that accommodates two or more people.

Because cruise lines generate the majority of revenue from purchases on boardThey charge a single room surcharge to compensate for the fact that only one person will be sailing in your cabin instead of two. With only one person in that room, the cruise line loses out on the potential revenue that a second person would generate with onboard spending on things like beach trip, ale, spa treatment And play casino. The supplement is the airline’s attempt to offset expected financial losses as fewer people sail.

How much is the single supplement on a cruise?

In general, the single room supplement is 100% of the fare for one person. If you travel alone In a multi-occupancy cabin, you may be charged double the listed price for any cabin — your fare and the fare of the missing person not in the same cabin as you on the trip.

The only positive is that you won’t have to pay double taxes and fees. You’ll only have to pay those for yourself, even if you’re traveling alone.

Do you have to pay a single supplement on a cruise ship?

Depending on your cruise line, you will be charged a single supplement if you are sailing alone in a multi-occupancy stateroom.

Some cruise lines will offer limited-time promotions with a reduced surcharge of just 25% or 50% of the second cruise fare, instead of the full amount. You still have to pay, but it will cost less.

How to avoid surcharges when going on a cruise?

As solo travel becomes more popular, many mainstream cruise lines have added cabin for one person on their newest ships. Single occupancy rates are higher than double occupancy rates for one person, but are still always cheaper than paying a single supplement.

Passengers looking to save money on their own cruise should consider Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea Cruise And Virgin Voyages. They are some best line for solo yachting.

Other ways to save include Shop for deals. During key times of the year, such as Black Friday and wave seasonSome cruise lines may waive the single supplement altogether for bookings made within a certain period of time. You can also ask your travel agent to keep you updated on any single-occupancy-specific promotions that come up.

You might also consider booking through a charter company that has trips geared toward solo travelers. Sometimes they can pair you up with a roommate so you can split the cost and avoid the solo traveler surcharge.

Do you have any questions about cruises? TPG has the answers: