For some travelers, a cruise is the ultimate vacation. Since cruise companies arrange most of the details of a vacation, the entire experience can be less stressful for travelers. But if you’re planning a solo vacation and considering a cruise, you may spend more than cruising with a friend or as a couple.
There’s a hidden cost you should budget for before you set sail. Here’s what you need to know about this potential expense and how to minimize or avoid it altogether.
Many cruise lines charge a single supplement fee
Many cruise lines advertise the total price of a cruise by stateroom or cabin. So, it’s common for a per-cabin price to be listed. But it’s typically assumed that two travelers will be rooming together.
If you’re a solo traveler who is thinking about booking a cruise, don’t assume the rate you see advertised is what you’ll be charged. You may be required to pay an additional fee because only one person will be occupying the stateroom you book.
It’s common practice for many popular cruise lines to charge a single supplement fee. This surcharge is factored into the total cost when only one traveler occupies a cabin.
There’s no industry standard rate, but solo cruisers can expect to pay anywhere from 50% to 100% more. This extra cost can vary from one cruise line to another. It’s in your best interest to research the full cost of a cruise before you finalize your booking.
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A closer look at how solo cruising can impact your wallet
How much more might you pay when booking a cruise for yourself? I did some research to get a feel for how much more I might pay to take a solo cruise with Carnival.
I compared pricing for a two-person cabin booking vs. a one-person booking. To compare apples to apples, I looked at prices for the same route, ship, cabin type, and travel dates.
I would pay $304 per traveler if I booked a cabin for two travelers. Meanwhile, the total cost for the same cabin for only one traveler is $499, which is about 64% more.
That’s a noticeable difference in cost. Make sure you know what to expect before you book.
How to avoid paying more for a cruise
The good news is that it may be possible to avoid paying single supplement charges or at least pay only slightly more than those traveling with a companion.
Some cruise lines offer cabins for solo travelers. One example is Norwegian. I researched prices to understand what to expect when setting sail with Norwegian.
I compared the same cruise, ship, and travel dates. I compared the cost of booking a solo studio cabin vs. a two-person inside stateroom booking, which is the cheapest option for two travelers.
The per-traveler cost is $1,432 for a solo cabin. Meanwhile, the per-traveler cost for a two-person cabin is $1,232. You’d pay an extra $200 or about 16% more as a solo cruise goer. That’s much better than 64% more like the scenario above.
I don’t know about you, but if available, I’d much rather book a solo cabin than pay much more to stay in a more expensive room intended for two travelers.
Another way to avoid or minimize added costs is by booking last-minute sailings. Many cruise lines heavily discount rates at the last minute to increase occupancy before a cruise departs. Regardless of the cabin type, you may be able to find a reasonable rate for a solo booking.
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Research all fees before making travel arrangements
Don’t throw your finances in disarray. Whether planning a cruise or a different kind of vacation, you need to research all travel costs before booking. Doing this in advance will allow you to budget accordingly so you can enjoy your trip without feeling financial regret. The last thing you want to do is rack up expensive credit card debt because you didn’t plan for the financial impact.
