Did you know they have deals for single passenger on cruise lines now.
By greatsasuke
@greatsasuke (472)
United States
February 8, 2010 12:01pm CST
I just heard of it. I know people usually go on cruises with someone else, but what if you wanted to go on vacation all by yourself. To me the idea sounds great. Sometimes I would just love to get away from everyone I know and go cruising out on the ocean. Of course other passengers will be on the ship, but since I don't know them, I am not obliged to entertain them.
The cruise lines are promoting special deals for solo travelers instead of punishing them for cruising solo. That means no more prices that are 100 to 200% higher than if you were traveling with someone else. That is good news for those that just want to get away from everything including their loved ones.
I think this came about because these cruise lines realized that around 35 million people take solo vacations every year, but only 5% of them go on cruises. So, to increase business why not attract those 35 million to travel on ships by slashing single travel prices for cruising the seas. It makes perfect sense to me.
Solo travelers be warned, however, it seems that the main cruise line, which is offering this service at this time is Norwegian, but if they are successful then other cruise lines are sure to follow. Nothing breeds competition like success.
Do any of you like to travel aboard cruise ships alone? If so, what is your solo experience like?
4 responses
@smacksman (6053)
•
9 Feb 10
I went on my own on a ship and had a fabulous time because in no time at all I met loads of people and had a great time together. Non stop partying!!! At the end of 12 days I was totally exhausted and need a holiday! haha
On the ocean? Well I don't know that that really enters into it because you are really on a floating city. The sea is way down below you and the horizon is blank for days so you end up not looking at it.
If you want to getaway from people then a cruise is not for you, Better to take a cottage in the hills and veg out.
@smacksman (6053)
•
13 Feb 10
Yes, I kept in touch. In fact I'm still in touch with one very special person from the first voyage 40 years ago because I married her. haha
On another voyage we became good friends with a couple who we thought were an 'old' married couple and then five years later we were invited to their wedding! In those days 'living in sin' was quite shocking though today no one bats an eye.
Yes, there are a few places to go for some quiet and most ships have a reading room or a library or both. Playing cards is also very popular and if you play whist or bridge then you will find plenty of partners.
Our cabins were always in the bowls of the ship so not really the place to stay during the day. Much better to find a shady spot and a good book or just 'people watch' which I find just as entertaining.
Go for a cruise. I think you will love it.
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
13 Feb 10
Thanks for the advice. Maybe a single cruise would be ideal for those who want to meet new people. Just curious, did you stay in touch with any of the people you made friends with on the cruise? In any case, I am still looking forward to going on a single cruise, and if I am not in the mood for meeting people, then I will just stay in my room and come out for the eating feasts.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
9 Feb 10
I traveled as a solo traveler for years. I didn't go on a cruise liner. I think that mostly couples go on cruises. Now I have a disabled toddler son and baby daughter I don't think it would all that cheap for me to go on a cruise. I would need a cabin bigger than a single. I don't think many babies and toddlers get to go on cruise liners. Yes, cruise companies should cater for single people that travel alone.
If I went on a cruise I would take in the sights of South America or the islands of the Caribbean. I think that I would take a cruise for up to three weeks. I know cruising around the Galapagos Islands would be amazing. I would be able to see all the wildlife.
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
9 Feb 10
You should go on a cruise and bring your toddlers along. Of course they will not charge you the single fare, but because of the economic situation in the U.S. and across the world, I'm sure they would happily cater to your needs and the needs of your children. I think they are also trying to change the fact of people thinking that cruises are just for couples. They will attract more business this way.
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
9 Feb 10
If you shop around you will find cruises for all kinds of interests. I received an email about a cruise that will feature and investment seminar, another one for people to learn about today's political issues, for singles who want to meet other singles. As they look to fill the ship they will offer all kinds of deals.
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Good to hear. Thank you for this info. I do feel, however, that this will be an ongoing thing even in the future, even when the world economy picks up again and people start to travel more. The reason is that the cruise lines have realized that they have been leaving money on the table by penalizing single passengers. Of course, the whole ship is not going to be catered to single passengers only, but they will figure out a good equilibrium between single and multiple passenger rooms and activities and find a way to make money from this system.
@HansonFan (1653)
• United States
8 Feb 10
I have never been on one alone, but if they cut the prices I would probably be more likely to do so. I prefer to travel with others but sometimes it would be nice to go on a vacation that I know I will like without worrying if the other(s) are really not looking forward to whatever was planned. I hope the other cruise lines join in on this soon or I might just travel Norweigian from now on. Its a great idea and I just might take advantage of it one of these days. Thanks for the tip!
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Glad you liked it. I am seriously considering taking a cruise myself. As for me, I don't care if it is only Norwegian cruise lines or any other one, because I think it is too good a deal to pass up.
