The Unloved Solo

[Shipbound]

As far as solos not spending much, I think quite the opposite is true. Because I'm by myself, I tend to not like to sit in my room and drink, so I go to one of the bars for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail or glass of wine. I play bingo and participate in other onboard activities that may have a fee attached to them. Since I'm a single female, I book excursions thru the ship for safety and as a way to meet other passengers.

 

Roz

 

This March will be my 31st cruise with CCL all but 2 have been solo. I am very out going and I'll talk to anyone but I am not a pest. I like having my own room so I really do not mind going solo besides how can you be alone with 2500 other people on the ship. I do spend a good amount of $$ on the ship.

 

Gary

[Bill&Karen]

 

Please explain to me why some would choose to sail solo, and why they should get breaks when they are in a cabin that could accomodate more people.

 

 

So should you and your husband pay 200% each because your cabin has a pull-out sofa that "could accommodate more people"?

[Chirpbird]

I didn't realize it, but I've found a different solution to paying the "double" rate as a solo. I invite my sister on my dime. It sounds (from the postings about being charged 200%) like I'm paying the same amount, and treating someone I love to something she loves.

 

Now, if I could just find a way to pack her into my suitcase so I didn't have to pay her airfare.

[GraNanny]

Sorry, I assumed it was an "very old" thread because the solo suppliment on Carnival went up to 200% a long LONG time ago and I thought OP said it just happened yesterday for CCL so I assumed the post was entered a long LONG time ago! Didn't know they were talking about Disney. These abreviations get me sometimes. I also did not realize they were talking about the deposit. I just checked online TA and they still have only a $250 deposit for a 7 day CCL cruise even for solo. Same as before. I had to pay $750 for me and my 2 sisters to cruise next march but if I booked solo right now it would cost $250 for me.

 

Ditto about the abbreviations! Some of them I never figure out!

[Jana60]

I didn't realize it, but I've found a different solution to paying the "double" rate as a solo. I invite my sister on my dime. It sounds (from the postings about being charged 200%) like I'm paying the same amount, and treating someone I love to something she loves.

 

Now, if I could just find a way to pack her into my suitcase so I didn't have to pay her airfare.

 

I'm like you. I've cruised 18 times and 17 times I paid all expenses but I've only cruised solo 4 times. It does add expense to the airfare, gratuities, and port charges and tax but I guess they are worth it! :p

[C Cruise Dude]

Just a short while ago we solo cruisers were discussing Carnival's new policy for the 200% deposit.

 

Well, today DCL informed TA's that from today forward solos will now pay 200% fare rather than the previous 175%. (although I looked a short time ago and the fare is the same right now for the solo November '13 cruise I have booked).

 

So it's not just Carnival! DCL has probably lost me from future cruises because they are so high priced to begin with before they upped solo cruising by 25%. That and I don't care for the way they laid out the new ships, so I tend to only do concierge on them, which makes for a much longer time between cruises. Now, probably not again.

 

I sure hope I like Carnival! Don't like the higher deposit, but once past that fares are better and since they have more ships near enough to sail from, more ports and ships to choose from.

 

Look at Princess and Royal Caribbean. I'm booked on a Princess cruise, and am cruising solo. I saved over $300 compared to an NCL cruise that I cancelled. I found a great deal on Royal Caribbean for a 10 day cruise (solo) last fall (less than 200%) :D:D

Edited August 22, 2012 by C Cruise Dude

[misstopgun]

Reasons I would like to cruise solo (notice I said LIKE to, not HAVE to):

 

1. I have three teenagers at home and need a break from people.

 

2. I'm enrolled more than full time in a challenging academic program and need a break from people.

 

3. DH works and can't always get away. Plus, someone has to stay home with the three teenagers.

 

4. I've always preferred to live alone but of course won't toss DH and kids out the window in order to have my own space. Why not have my own space for a week or so per year?

 

5. I'm one of the funniest, smartest, and most entertaining people I know; why wouldn't I want to travel with myself?

 

In answer to your other question, I don't think the cruise lines should be obligated to give solo travelers breaks. They will lose revenue because pax #2 won't be buying drinks, pics, shore excursions, trinkets, etc. I get it and so do most of the others here. That doesn't mean we have to be happy about it.

 

I think you are UNFORTUNATE that you are afraid/unable/unwilling to travel solo. Don't pity me; I am very comfortable being by myself and don't have to rely on others for entertainment or validation. I didn't take your post as unsympathetic, I took it as impolite.

My apologies. I seriously didn't mean to offend.

[nonna5]

I prefer to go solo. I do what I want when I want. In some ports I book Carnival excursion, ie. Belize.

 

I will be wearing my carnival "Unfriendly to Solos" tshirt made by carnival on my next cruise. Interesting embarkation picture...

 

Have you received your tshirt from Carnival yet. If so could you post a picture. I would like to see it.

 

By the way I totally disagree that solos spend less. I know I spend three times as much cruising solo as I did with my husband when he was living.

Edited August 23, 2012 by nonna5

[lettienets]

Have you received your tshirt from Carnival yet. If so could you post a picture. I would like to see it.

 

By the way I totally disagree that solos spend less. I know I spend three times as much cruising solo as I did with my husband when he was living.

I spend plenty as well on excursions, flowers, stuff in the shops etc. I can tell you I have spoken to many couples who brag about not spending on the ship like a badge of honor and bragging when the topic comes up on chat boards. At least on Holland America you get an extra sea day point for every $300 spent onboard (and preordered stuff)

Only going to be more and more singles in the future, less marriages, more widows and widowers with the aging population, more divorces etc. Maybe they factor that in.

[evandbob]

Perhaps 75% of my cruises have been solo on CCL, but now I've been branching out to other lines since CCL imposed their 200% rate......guess what? I like the other lines better! CCL has lost my excursion fees and casino donations, oh well, I'm still cruising and having fun!

[Chirpbird]

It's kinda reassuring to have someone with you who will raise the alarm. Plus, she's my sis. Can't spoil her enough.

[fpslim]

I will continue to cruise solo as the friends I used to cruise with stopped

for a variety of reasons, from finances to scheduling conflicts. Since the

1A solo supplement went away, I've enjoyed higher categories for a few

dollars more; since I'm paying 200% anyway, I figured I'd enjoy the space.

My main issue about CCL's solo policy the fact we pay 200%, but

if you try to take advantage of many promotions offering OBC, the solo

cruiser only gets 50%. So now I don't even look at 3 day sales or other

similar promotions.

Edited August 23, 2012 by fpslim

[sjn911]

Wow double the deposit on top of everything else..I go for deals 30 days out usually and bid on air...and hotel..for the best deals paying 200%..

 

I still think paying for food we do not eat for the other guy..and the extras we buy for convenience and entertainment, and last minute excursions with them because of safety last plan situations..and perhaps more apt to pamper at the spa too..we make up for the non gambler..non drinker folks who go in double slots..one is less to clean after in a room too..a neat one,,seriously,,

 

In the end..the higher percentage solo woman will hold the purse strings..percapita the boomer women will last longer..than the guys...and we are a longer timed huge group..i think it will swing back to boosts for the 60 to 80 plus year old solo women in some smart key travel demographics and hopefully some ship demographics seving the right niche somewhere..it will have to..and i am watching for it...Ya hoo!!

Edited August 23, 2012 by sjn911

[cateyes2u]

I booked this week, and was not charged 200%

[MrFunInTheSun]

I booked this week, and was not charged 200%

 

Which cruise line?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Please excuse any typographical errors.

[thephantomsgirl]

I booked this week, and was not charged 200%

 

I believe there is a 50% deposit sale on right now.

[Leo's Rule]

I booked this week, and was not charged 200%

 

Because Carnival has a reduced deposit sale going on.

[wmowan8485]

Back in 1998 I took my first solo cruise with Celebrity. I was going through a divorce and I was always promised a cruise to Bermuda, which never came. One day a light bulb went off and I decided that I was going to take myself on a cruise.

 

I recall either the TA or Celebrity itself had a program that they would match solo cruisers and put them into cabins.. Anyway, I was living in NJ at the time and my cabin mate was from Philly. We had an absolute blast. We kept in touch for about 6 years after that.

 

I've since always cruised with a group or family member. Until my upcoming June 4th sailing where I'll go solo for the first time since 1998. I have a major event at work from 5/17 - 5/20 and have been putting in 12-15 hours almost daily since the beginning of April. How am I going to relax and unwind when it's all over? Booked a 5 day cruise for $259 pp all totaled out to $581 on the Glory.. That's how :D

[HardToPort]

PG - don't have time to read all threads here but NCL has Studios just for solo's!! Priced right too. Available on Epic and Breakaway.

[firefly333]

PG - don't have time to read all threads here but NCL has Studios just for solo's!! Priced right too. Available on Epic and Breakaway.

 

When I priced those studios they were close to $1000 .. way more than 200% of Conquest and I can drive to Conquest.

 

I do have epic booked, but will probably downgrade to one of those studios if I get a good offer. Right now I have a balcony booked, but I dont use a balcony that much. It was just the best deal on that cruise at the time.

 

Im solo so I was interested in those studios myself, but they dont come cheap, at least the ones I looked at.

[Froufie]

When I priced those studios they were close to $1000 .. way more than 200% of Conquest and I can drive to Conquest.

 

I do have epic booked, but will probably downgrade to one of those studios if I get a good offer. Right now I have a balcony booked, but I dont use a balcony that much. It was just the best deal on that cruise at the time.

 

Im solo so I was interested in those studios myself, but they dont come cheap, at least the ones I looked at.

 

I agree - they try to advertise them as specially priced for solo cruisers but most of the time they are more expensive than the 200% carnival price - and for a teeny tiny space! No thanks!

Edited May 10, 2013 by Froufie

[MrFunInTheSun]

I agree - they try to advertise them as specially priced for solo cruisers but most of the time they are more expensive than the 200% carnival price - and for a teeny tiny space! No thanks!

 

That's what I found too, just never really said anything. Same goes for a Royal Caribbean ship too when I've priced both lines. Better to book a Royal Caribbean room at 150-175% or a Carnival cabin at 200% than one of NCL studios. Royal Caribbean you only pay deposit for one person.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Please excuse any typographical errors.

[larkz]

When I priced those studios they were close to $1000 .. way more than 200% of Conquest and I can drive to Conquest.

 

I do have epic booked, but will probably downgrade to one of those studios if I get a good offer. Right now I have a balcony booked, but I dont use a balcony that much. It was just the best deal on that cruise at the time.

 

Im solo so I was interested in those studios myself, but they dont come cheap, at least the ones I looked at.

 

Same here. I would love to try an Epic studio, and give NCL a tryout, but the price doesn't add up for me.

 

I may do so, however, with a trans-Atlantic crossing -- mainly because I can work with an 11-day cruise, whereas Carnival's crossings are 15-plus. With a day or two added each way for travel, I can't get that much time off all at once.

Edited May 10, 2013 by larkz

[firefly333]

I just priced out my date on epic next year, insides are $689 pp, but studios for one person start at $929.

 

They can say there is no solo supplement on those 100 s.f. cabins, but they sure cost more than the inside pp price. To me thats the same as a solo supplement. They got too popular and they raised the price on them.

[Chigirlcruzin]

That's what I found too, just never really said anything. Same goes for a Royal Caribbean ship too when I've priced both lines. Better to book a Royal Caribbean room at 150-175% or a Carnival cabin at 200% than one of NCL studios. Royal Caribbean you only pay deposit for one person.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Please excuse any typographical errors.

 

I think people are too hung up in the percentages. I look at the total cost and what seems fair. Yes, you can cruise solo on Carnival for less than the cost of a studio on Epic or Breakaway. However, the solo experience on Epic (and I would assume Breakaway) is FAR superior to any solo experience I've had on Carnival (and I've LOVED my Carnival solo cruises). I've done 3 solo cruises in studios on Epic, and I don't want to go solo on any other line! I will only do Carnival again if I have someone to sail with me.