‘What’s the singles supplement?’ That’s what future generations of cruisers could be asking as more cruise lines expand their solo products with new singles cabins at-sea.
Currently, most single travellers who want to book a cruise holiday need to reserve a twin share – room for two.
But because they’re using space reserved for two passengers, they’re required to pay a single supplement, which covers the cost of the absent second cruiser.
The singles supplement fee varies, but can often see the solo cruiser paying anywhere between 25-50 percent on top of the cost of a regular fare.
Not surprisingly, this is often met with mixed feelings from cruisers, with many happy to pay the fee for some privacy, while others see it as a tax on their single status.
Why do individuals traveling alone have to pay a single supplement which equals to the price of double occupancy #vacation2015 #notfair
— StacyJo (@sbolden) November 24, 2014
To ease the cost on singles, cruise line have started introducing more one-person cabins aboard their vessels.
Norwegian Cruise Line became the first to cater to single cruisers aboard Norwegian Epic.
Norwegian Cruise Line made waves as the first cruise line to introduce singles cabins back in 2010 aboard Norwegian Epic.
The singles studios were spacious and fitted with a full-size bed and ensuite.
The line has since continued to lead the way for singles, introducing more solo staterooms aboard its newer ships, including Norwegian Getaway, which launched earlier this year and Norwegian Escape due to launch late 2015.
Queen Elizabeth received solo cabins this year during a multi-million dollar makeover.
Other cruise lines have started to follow suit, and this year Queen Elizabeth became the first Cunard ship to cater to singles.
During a multi-million dollar makeover, the ship received nine solo staterooms – eight ocean view and one inside.
At 120 centimetres wide, the rooms boast a single bed, satellite TV, refrigerator and bathroom.
Meanwhile, when Royal Caribbean’s innovative Quantum of the Seas launched last month, she set sail with 28 single studio rooms, 16 interior and 12 with balconies.
The largest single room measures up to 199-square-feet in size and features a full-sized bed and full bathroom.
The studio interior is 101-square-feet and offers virtual views via a projection on the wall, which uses a camera outside the ship to project real-time images of the ocean.
Holland America’s forthcoming vessel will also have 12 single cabins onboard, when she launches in 2016.
ms Koningsdam’s dozen solo rooms will range from 127- to- 172-square-feet in size.
Not only will they be spacious, they will all offer ocean views and will be available on multiple decks at a variety of forward, mid-ship and aft locations.
P&O Cruises International’s new ship launching next year, Britannia, will have 27 single cabins equipped with a large flat screen TV, single bed and ensuite. Many of them will also have balconies.
In the river cruising sector, Evergreen Tours’ Emerald Sky and Emerald Star launched earlier this year with 72 suites and 20 staterooms, including two specifically built for solo travellers.
The rooms include a single bed, bedside table and ensuite.