Singles no guarantees? Why?

[outerspaceguy]

The cruise line relies heavily on tips to pay certain personnel. The more single travelers there are...the less tips the room attendant receives.

 

My understanding is that the attendants are guaranteed about 60% of the "full capacity" tips. Typically, this only comes into play when the ship has a well publicized Noro scare, or is in drydock.

 

Besides, I think that my "1 x tips" is more than balanced out when Mr and Mrs SoAndSo take little Johnny and Janie along on vacation with them...

[gigmann1]

I have never booked as a single, so my guess may be wrong, but I suspect one reason that a cruise line may limit singles is tips. The cruise line relies heavily on tips to pay certain personnel. The more single travelers there are...the less tips the room attendant receives. He/she still has to clean the room, but gets half the tips. Of course this only applies if the single traveler does not double up on the tips.

 

 

I think you may be right. The single traveler pays fewer tips, and probably (with only one person and not 2) books fewer excursions, has less of a bar bill, spends less in the casino, and buys fewer meals in the premium restaurants. I think it has to come down to money. Why else would you limit the number of single passengers who are paying 200% of the fare?

 

With only one person, less food is consumed, less water used, and (presumably) fewer towels to clean, beds to make, and sheets to launder. From that perspective, the ship would welcome more single travelers paying 200%.

 

I think it comes down to tips and onboard purchases - plain and simple.

[outerspaceguy]

I think you may be right. The single traveler pays fewer tips, and probably (with only one person and not 2) books fewer excursions, has less of a bar bill, spends less in the casino, and buys fewer meals in the premium restaurants. I think it has to come down to money. Why else would you limit the number of single passengers who are paying 200% of the fare?

 

I disagree there, at least on some of the points.

 

Speaking personally, I spend more on excursions than couples my age do. I also cruise/vacation much more often. I'm in my early 30s, and solos who cruise a lot (like me) at that age probably make quite a decent income.

 

Those of my friends and coworkers that have gotten all "coupled-up" tend to become SITCOMs (Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage).

 

They tend to spend less money on excursions, and they also book less of them. Solos are more likely to book an excursion (because it is an activity with others), and are more likely to book an expensive excursion (no SITCOM status to be concerned with).

 

As to your other points:

a] solo = pays fewer tips: yes. We may choose to tip extra for exceptional service, but that extra is unlikely to be a factor of two. As long as the cruise line can guarantee the 60% threshold is paid by customers, well--- the workers are on contract... so I'm not sure if the line cares too much....

b] solo = less of a bar bill: depends on the person(s). I don't think there is a strong correlation between how much one drinks while on vacation and coupledom status. I know couples where only one person drinks (not both), for example.

c] solo = spends less in the casino: again, depends on the person(s). Some couples eschew casinos.

d] premium restaurants: I'll grant that point. Part of the benefit of a cruise (as a solo) is eating at a large table with others you get to know. The specialty restaurants tend to have a "couple" paradigm (Not many tables for 8-10 in there...).

 

My two cents.

[gigmann1]

:)

I disagree there, at least on some of the points.

 

Speaking personally, I spend more on excursions than couples my age do. I also cruise/vacation much more often. I'm in my early 30s, and solos who cruise a lot (like me) at that age probably make quite a decent income.

 

Those of my friends and coworkers that have gotten all "coupled-up" tend to become SITCOMs (Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage).

 

They tend to spend less money on excursions, and they also book less of them. Solos are more likely to book an excursion (because it is an activity with others), and are more likely to book an expensive excursion (no SITCOM status to be concerned with).

 

As to your other points:

a] solo = pays fewer tips: yes. We may choose to tip extra for exceptional service, but that extra is unlikely to be a factor of two. As long as the cruise line can guarantee the 60% threshold is paid by customers, well--- the workers are on contract... so I'm not sure if the line cares too much....

b] solo = less of a bar bill: depends on the person(s). I don't think there is a strong correlation between how much one drinks while on vacation and coupledom status. I know couples where only one person drinks (not both), for example.

c] solo = spends less in the casino: again, depends on the person(s). Some couples eschew casinos.

d] premium restaurants: I'll grant that point. Part of the benefit of a cruise (as a solo) is eating at a large table with others you get to know. The specialty restaurants tend to have a "couple" paradigm (Not many tables for 8-10 in there...).

 

My two cents.

 

Everyone is entitled to an opinion.:) What is your theory as to why cruise ships limit the number of singles?

[outerspaceguy]

What is your theory as to why cruise ships limit the number of singles?

 

In the case of Holland, their demographic tends to be so old that they are trying to limit the number of widows...? ...Who are (I'm venturing a guess due to their old age) unlikely to be very active and thus purchase the [more active-y] expensive excursions.

 

Holland's rule doesn't really bother me: I'm happy to spend my money at companies who want it. I'm one who thinks businesses should operate under the paradigm of "never make it hard for someone to give you money..."

[Lois R]

Quote by outerspaceguy

" I'm happy to spend my money at companies who want it. I'm one who thinks businesses should operate under the paradigm of "never make it hard for someone to give you money"

 

What a wonderful thought:):):)...green is green!:D:D:D

[gigmann1]

In the case of Holland, their demographic tends to be so old that they are trying to limit the number of widows...? ...Who are (I'm venturing a guess due to their old age) unlikely to be very active and thus purchase the [more active-y] expensive excursions

 

LOL:D:D

 

Actually, Celebrity and Princess (at least according to Orbitz) has an older (at the upper age limit) demographic than HAL:

 

From Orbitz.com's website:

 

 

While the demographic will potentially vary with each sailing, there are some general patterns.

• Carnival Cruise Line - 0-35 years of age
  
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - 25-54 years of age
  
• Celebrity Cruise Line - 35-64 years of age
  
• Crystal Cruise Line - 60+ years of age.
  
• Holland America Line- Mixed, 40-60 generally, with some younger guests.
  
• Norwegian Cruise Line- 25-54 years of age
  
• Princess Cruise Line- 35-64 years of age
  
• Windstar Cruise Line- 40-50 years of age, with some honeymooners as well.
  

 

 

Still would be interested in your theory as to why a cruise line would limit the number of single travelers:)

[ironin]

Andy, I've never had any luck booking guarantees either. Granted I have never 'gone to the mats' about it but you do know I try everything to get the cruise and the dreaded single supplement down to a reasonable price.

 

At least X is not taking HAL's route. HAL is now limiting the number of single cabins they will sell, even if you are paying 200%! Now THAT'S discrimination!!

 

I share your frustration about supplements! WRT: HAL limiting # of singles aboard, this is the first I've heard of that. Can you provide a link to the report about that? May make a difference in some of my planning. TIA.

[outerspaceguy]

I share your frustration about supplements! WRT: HAL limiting # of singles aboard, this is the first I've heard of that. Can you provide a link to the report about that? May make a difference in some of my planning. TIA.

 

I don't want to link to another site... so google this phrase, and you should get the article:

 

In addition, Holland America is now limiting the number of solo occupancy cabins they will sell on each sailing, EVEN at 200% supplement!

[ironin]

I don't want to link to another site... so google this phrase, and you should get the article:

 

In addition, Holland America is now limiting the number of solo occupancy cabins they will sell on each sailing, EVEN at 200% supplement!

 

Thanks!

[KruzPrincess]

I agree with outerspaceguy about the money spent!

 

But let's face it, singles have always been the step child of the cruise lines! We don't get the respect we deserve for the amount of money we collectively put in the cruise lines pocket. I wish it would change but if HAL's new policy is any indication, we are in for an even rougher ride! :rolleyes:

 

 

 

At least on Princess, you get double cruise credit for booking a solo cabin. You even get double credit if you don't pay 200%. I've gotten it with a cabin I paid a 130% for. OTOH, I've booked my first cruise on Celebrity because it was much cheaper than a comparable cruise on Princess. I've booked CC, so I do get double credit. I do applaud Princess, though, for giving a nod to solos who pay more.

 

I, too, would suggest booking it in 2 peoples names and then cancel the "other" person before sailing.

[KruzPrincess]

LOL:D:D

 

Actually, Celebrity and Princess (at least according to Orbitz) has an older (at the upper age limit) demographic than HAL:

 

From Orbitz.com's website:

 

 

While the demographic will potentially vary with each sailing, there are some general patterns.

• Carnival Cruise Line - 0-35 years of age
  
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - 25-54 years of age
  
• Celebrity Cruise Line - 35-64 years of age
  
• Crystal Cruise Line - 60+ years of age.
  
• Holland America Line- Mixed, 40-60 generally, with some younger guests.
  
• Norwegian Cruise Line- 25-54 years of age
  
• Princess Cruise Line- 35-64 years of age
  
• Windstar Cruise Line- 40-50 years of age, with some honeymooners as well.
  

 

 

Still would be interested in your theory as to why a cruise line would limit the number of single travelers:)

 

Where does Orbitz get that information? From HAL?? HAL has always been considered the cruise line with the oldest demographic. It's been a while since I've been on a HAL cruise, so who knows.

[The_Big_M]

b] solo = less of a bar bill: depends on the person(s). I don't think there is a strong correlation between how much one drinks while on vacation and coupledom status. I know couples where only one person drinks (not both), for example.

 

Certainly, but if absolute numbers are lower, the total will be lower, unless the probability also changes to more than double for the single somehow.

 

c] solo = spends less in the casino: again, depends on the person(s). Some couples eschew casinos.

 

Again, individuals differ, but unless there is some reason that the probability of spending of a solo is more than double then it necessarily means that takings will be lower.

 

Fewer pax on board does relate to fewer takings. Also, a company's not going to introduce a deliberate policy to reduce their income (assuming not related to growth/capacity or some other constraints).

[The_Big_M]

Where does Orbitz get that information? From HAL?? HAL has always been considered the cruise line with the oldest demographic.

 

It does indicate a higher base age, and not as young clientele as the others.

[tuggers]

Personally, on the HAL cruises I've done I haven't found their to be that many of the much older crowd. Sort of looked like RCI and X to me.

As for tipping, if the service is good I always try to tip the CS the suggested for 2 people because I know he could do better with 2 people in the cabin. I think others do this too.

With the two hour reception X is now doing for Elite, I think lots of people are spending less on alcohol.

I don't spend a mint in the casino but I do go there daily. And I donate. And donate!

I have talked up what I think is a good solution:

30 to 45 days out offer the cabins left (could be all cabins or select ones) at 125% to singles. Or, let a single buy 3 cruises at 200% and the 4th would be 125%. There has to be SOME solution where we would get a deal and the cruise line would sell some empty cabins.

I, for one, want to feel like my patronage is appreciated!:D

[youngcruiserFL]

I have booked a cruise on 8/15 as a single. Traveling with a friend who wants his own room. I booked a partially obstructed room and have been regularly checking for a reasonable upcharge to switch into at least a 2B. Yesterday I saw a guarantee on a concierge class for about $50pp more than I paid. I was elated. I thought for $100 more I could get a CC cabin. Short answer is nope. Celebrity won't allow any singles to book a guarantee. Why the heck not! I am paying double (actually slightly more) for the room. Why can't I book a guarantee?:mad:

 

Are you on the 8/15 Solstice sailing? I was planning to go alone but at the last minute I convinced my best friend to come with me. :)

 

To answer your question, I think you got an inexperienced agent. Singles can indeed book qty categories, though in most cases they will make you pay 200% of the cruise fare as well as the taxes twice as if there was another person in the room.

[youngcruiserFL]

I think you may be right. The single traveler pays fewer tips, and probably (with only one person and not 2) books fewer excursions, has less of a bar bill, spends less in the casino, and buys fewer meals in the premium restaurants. I think it has to come down to money. Why else would you limit the number of single passengers who are paying 200% of the fare?

 

With only one person, less food is consumed, less water used, and (presumably) fewer towels to clean, beds to make, and sheets to launder. From that perspective, the ship would welcome more single travelers paying 200%.

 

I think it comes down to tips and onboard purchases - plain and simple.

 

So not true. On all the cruises I have sailed solo on, I have spent far more money on spa treatments, shore excursions, and specialty restaurants than most people at my dinner table. I have even met people whose children have paid for their suite accommodations and feel bad about spending a lot of money onboard.

[gcorgain]

Yes, I am going on 8/15. I have a friend going, but he is older and wanted his own room, so we are both in singles. He was able to book a single rate (a better cabin for significantly less money -- not that I am complaining about that).

 

I am still trying to push this a bit. I am working through a TA, and did work with a supervisor. The XC is still available on two TA sites, so I am crossing my fingers.

 

Adding to the tipping comment: I agree that tipping the room steward more is reasonable. The one other time that I have cruised single I did just did that myself. In my opinion the wait staff shouldn't get more, as I am generally at a table with others, and thus they should be adequately compensated.

[tuggers]

Tipping is such a personal thing and I certainly do not want this to turn into one of those horrible tipping threads. Still, I would bet singles tip better in most catagories.

I have always felt the waiters work VERY hard for their money and the tip is not just for what they do at dinner. These are the same people you see in the morning at the buffet straight through to any late night venues that are available. In my opinion, they earn every penny.