Solo share vs. single supplement

[Iowa cruiser]

I recently looked into the single share option which Holland America offers. I priced the May 9 and 10 departures of the Amsterdam and Oosterdam out of Seattle to Alaska. There have been some good prices on these routes recently ($599pp inside guarantee and $699pp outside guarantee for doubles).

 

The HAL single supplement is 50% for these cruises. Surprisingly, the single share cost is as much as, or more than, the single supplement on these cruises depending on the cabin category. When I asked why, the HAL agent said that the share cabins are "better" ....

 

To me, an inside is an inside, and I cannot imagine paying so much more than the advertised rate to share a cabin.

 

Is this pricing gambit standard for the industry? Years ago I had a solo share on Carnival to Alaska, had a pleasant roommate, and paid a half double rate. Are those days gone?

[Texas Tillie]

I recently looked into the single share option which Holland America offers. I priced the May 9 and 10 departures of the Amsterdam and Oosterdam out of Seattle to Alaska. There have been some good prices on these routes recently ($599pp inside guarantee and $699pp outside guarantee for doubles).

 

The HAL single supplement is 50% for these cruises. Surprisingly, the single share cost is as much as, or more than, the single supplement on these cruises depending on the cabin category. When I asked why, the HAL agent said that the share cabins are "better" ....

 

To me, an inside is an inside, and I cannot imagine paying so much more than the advertised rate to share a cabin.

 

Is this pricing gambit standard for the industry? Years ago I had a solo share on Carnival to Alaska, had a pleasant roommate, and paid a half double rate. Are those days gone?

 

In a word, yes, those days are gone. I believe that Holland America is the only mass market line that still offers a share program of any kind. Take the 150% single supplement, have a cabin all to yourself and enjoy Alaska!

[AmoMondo]

I cannot imagine anyone willing paying the same to share with a stranger than they would to have the cabin to themselves. I agree with you Iowa Cruiser - to me an inside is an inside and I can't imagine how much "better" it could be to opt for the share programme.

[kitty9]

I would never share a cabin with a stranger. How do you know you won't get the room mate from hell? Spending all that money to have the cruise ruined is not worth it for me.

[yellowbird23]

I would never share a cabin with a stranger. How do you know you won't get the room mate from hell? Spending all that money to have the cruise ruined is not worth it for me.

I'll second that! Been there...done that! Won't do it again either...:)

[Essiesmom]

If you opt for the Oosterdam, and an inside cabin, go for one of the J or K square cabins on Main deck. They are HUGE! Bigger than the OV I had on Oosterdam, EM