Princess and solo cruisers.

[KruzPrincess]

Thank you to everyone for your responses.

 

Once, many years back, on the old Island Princess (I think), I had what I considered a single cabin. It was actually a small cabin with bunks and one was left up in the wall when I had it. It was very nice. When I was much younger I thought I might try the share thing, but I'd never do it now. It's hard enough for me to spend all those days with my actual friends. ;) Unfortunately, I've been spoiling myself lately and booking balcony cabins and mini-suites, so I've been paying 200%. I have booked inside and OV cabins at about 130%, but by the time we cruised the price I paid was much closer to 200% because Princess dropped the price for double occupancy people but not for solos. My cost never changed as others were getting price drops. When I book a balcony or mini at 200% I do get the price drops.

 

I agree with the person who said they book Princess because they're familiar with it. I do, too. Like others, I do appreciate the loyalty program. I think Princess has been good to me and I don't have complaints about service or how I've been treated. I just think that this market is growing and Princess might want to do more. Reading that article makes me thing I might want to try something else.

 

I have been trying to book a good deal for a summer cruise. I was going to try the inside cabin route to save money and pricing on some other cruise lines surprised me. With Princess, I know I'm going to pay the single supplement and I'm used to how it works out. I was pricing a HAL cruise and the double occupancy sale price total was much less than the single occupancy total. Has anyone seen that? Then I saw something similar on another cruise line. I was thinking I'm better off staying with Princess until I read that CC article. Now I've confused myself. LOL.

 

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts.

[SoCal Cruiser78]

I know at least 5 single people who would love to take a cruise but will not pay such a huge up charge for a solo traveller. Princess is missing a segment of society that would love to cruise but not for that kind of price. Wonder what kind of response they would get with a special price sale for solo's and a little advertising?

 

I get that most cruise lines generally set pricing expecting two pax per cabin. So one per cabin often pays double or almost double, and the third or fourth in a cabin pay little or nothing.

 

I do find it interesting, however, that Carnival (same parent company as Princess) has MANY cruises this next year for no single supplement at all. I wonder if that is because their brand was damaged by bad publicity and they can't fill ships, or if they see an opportunity to poach some solo travelers from other brands, or both?

[KruzPrincess]

I get that most cruise lines generally set pricing expecting two pax per cabin. So one per cabin often pays double or almost double, and the third or fourth in a cabin pay little or nothing.

 

I do find it interesting, however, that Carnival (same parent company as Princess) has MANY cruises this next year for no single supplement at all. I wonder if that is because their brand was damaged by bad publicity and they can't fill ships, or if they see an opportunity to poach some solo travelers from other brands, or both?

 

Good question. I think it's that they can't fill some of the ships due to negative press, but who knows? Have to say I did price a Carnival cruise and I could get a balcony cabin at 100%. It's tempting to try it.

[SoCal Cruiser78]

...I was going to try the inside cabin route to save money and pricing on some other cruise lines surprised me. With Princess, I know I'm going to pay the single supplement and I'm used to how it works out. I was pricing a HAL cruise and the double occupancy sale price total was much less than the single occupancy total. Has anyone seen that? Then I saw something similar on another cruise line. I was thinking I'm better off staying with Princess until I read that CC article. Now I've confused myself...

 

Are you speaking directly with a cruise line rep or a TA, or basing this off a website? The reason I ask is that I have noticed glitches in some sites when it comes to pricing single supplements. One "big box" retailer with a travel site wanted approximately TEN times the per person double occupancy rate for a single when I entered "1" for the # of occupants!

Edited June 9, 2014 by Ryndam2002

[jrzebird]

I know at least 5 single people who would love to take a cruise but will not pay such a huge up charge for a solo traveller. Princess is missing a segment of society that would love to cruise but not for that kind of price. Wonder what kind of response they would get with a special price sale for solo's and a little advertising?

 

I'm not sure that the bean counters think that a special price sale that encourages solo cruises is such a hot idea. After all, with only 1 person in a cabin the spending on board (alcohol, excursions, shops, casino, etc.) is greatly decreased, by an average of 50% or more. I'm sure they shudder when they see us coming. But I don't care! I'm going to continue enjoying my time with me.

 

As for the solo cabins on one of the other lines that have a community room. I have seen photos and I'm very turned off by them. Perhps if I were in my 20's or 30's, but not at my age.

[mistyPA]

The solo cabins on NCL are very small, but comfortable. As for the community room, you don't have to use it. You don't even have to go near it if you choose not to. It was helpful to get a drink - water, juice, coffee, wine or a snack/continental breakfast without having to venture to the other areas on the ship. It's a nice option if you can't afford or choose not to pay a 200% up charge.

 

I like to travel the newer ships, so it's very nice that Princess offers a better price option than the other lines. I checked a single cabin on Quantum of the Seas for a 12 day out of New Jersey and for an inside cabin you can expect to pay over $3000 (3400 actually) - that is just a lot of money vs 10 day out of Ft. Lauderdale with a similar itinerary for the same week at less than $2000. I wish they offered a balcony, but not unless you want to pay double.

[Stevesan]

I lost my cruise companion last year, so am new to solo cruising. Recently did my first inside to keep the cost down, and I was fine with it. Did the bridge cam on the TV with volume turned down overnight thing....worked great. Not thrilled with paying double, but it is what it is.

 

Try the Stick N Click light. I place one on the top shelf in the head.

Another in the cabin if you want a night light there.

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Fulcrum-30010-301-Battery-Operated-Stick-On-Silver/dp/B000R7PM36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402321014&sr=8-1&keywords=stick+n+click

 

Bed Bath is another source.

 

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/55798-stick-n-click-lights-set-of-3.html

[KruzPrincess]

Are you speaking directly with a cruise line rep or a TA, or basing this off a website? The reason I ask is that I have noticed glitches in some sites when it comes to pricing single supplements. One "big box" retailer with a travel site wanted approximately TEN times the per person double occupancy rate for a single when I entered "1" for the # of occupants!

 

I was using a search engine on both a travel agency and the cruise line's website. I check so many different cruises that I couldn't burden a TA with checking all of them. I guess when something really unusual comes up I could call an agent to check.

 

 

Try the Stick N Click light. I place one on the top shelf in the head.

Another in the cabin if you want a night light there.

 

I've gotten those cheap little battery operated candles at the dollar store. One of them ran for almost the whole time on a 14 day cruise. I click it on in the bathroom before I go to bed and click it off in the AM. I used to leave the bathroom light on, but (similar to Pam) it would wake me up too much.

[caribill]

I was using a search engine on both a travel agency and the cruise line's website. I check so many different cruises that I couldn't burden a TA with checking all of them. I guess when something really unusual comes up I could call an agent to check.

 

 

At least as far as Princess is concerned, this will not get you accurate pricing possible from a TA as a TA web site is not allowed to post the discount pricing they might offer of you asked for a quote.

[travling1]

I've done a Princess cruise solo once, with a last minute fare that was amazingly low. So the 200% penalty still put me below $110 a day for a weeks cruise.

 

I would recommend Crystal cruises, which charges 25% solo penalty for their lowest category. And there are NO interior cabins on Crystal! I've done many solo cruises on Crystal. As expected, you will find many other solos on Crystal. Try them once,...and you will probably be 'crystalized'. :)

[kruisey]

On a 17 day cruise is under $110 for an inside.

This was booked on a'Special' Limited time deal.

I do believe that Princess is beginning to listen to solo cruisers.:)

This will be the first time this has ever happened to me and its my 22nd cruise with them...:)

I know I have spent years moaning to Princess and on CC on this subject.:p

The world is changing and I know in my City Vital Statistics show there are many

homes with one only occupant.

[shredie]

It's a sad fact, but regular Princess cruisers will be losing their partners. They will still want to cruise. The giant baby boomer demographic has money to spend and as we all get older, our ranks begin to thin out. If Princess doesn't tap into this market, I suspect someone will. I know the conventional wisdom is that Princess is trying for the younger crown with little or no cruising experience, but I don't think that is the whole story. Princess wants money and is happy to take it from anyone, even solo old folks. :(

 

Yes, I am the cheeriest person on the boards today. :D:rolleyes::p

[Potstech]

I'm not sure that the bean counters think that a special price sale that encourages solo cruises is such a hot idea. After all, with only 1 person in a cabin the spending on board (alcohol, excursions, shops, casino, etc.) is greatly decreased, by an average of 50% or more. I'm sure they shudder when they see us coming. But I don't care! I'm going to continue enjoying my time with me.

 

As for the solo cabins on one of the other lines that have a community room. I have seen photos and I'm very turned off by them. Perhps if I were in my 20's or 30's, but not at my age.

 

And I agree with what your are saying in your post. But they are telling a segment of society that for one reason or another have to solo cruise that they do not care about them. And that segment is acknowledging that by vacationing at other venues that do have pricing they can afford. How large that group is presents a good question that would be interesting to know. I would think maybe several millions in revenue if addressed properly.

[LoveThisCruisingThing]

I've had some experience with other cruise lines, and I'm most comfortable with Princess. As a solo cruiser I've never experienced a 200% single supplement. It's been 125-150%, which I think is worth it not to have to share a cabin with someone - unless it's a snuggle bunny that I'm really involved with. More importantly I'm not having to share the bathroom.

 

Agree, I have never paid 200% either. It is usually 150%. For me it is worth it as I refused to be 90, sitting in my rocking chair, saying "if I only...." I like not sharing the bathroom, deciding what to do where I want and when. Since my snuggle bunny is a fur baby, I have the entire bed by myself. :)

[Pam in CA]

Agree, I have never paid 200% either. It is usually 150%. For me it is worth it as I refused to be 90, sitting in my rocking chair, saying "if I only...." I like not sharing the bathroom, deciding what to do where I want and when. Since my snuggle bunny is a fur baby, I have the entire bed by myself. :)

Bet you'd pay 200% for a mini-suite. :)

 

As long as I can afford it, I like having my own space, get up when I want, turn off the light when I want, use whatever drawers I want.

[KruzPrincess]

I agree. I love solo cruising and plan to continue to do it as much as I can. The thing that made me stop and think was the CC article that didn't even put Princess in the Top 10 of the lines that are solo friendly. I don't care at all about hosts and dance partners. Honestly, I probably will still book a balcony or above especially when I'm solo because I love that space to myself. I don't know if I'd like the small solo units on other ships. So, I guess Princess is stuck with me, but I may do more shopping around just to see what's out there.

 

Caribill: I just can't seem to find that great travel agent that discounts a lot. Mine gives me some OBC and she works super hard for me.....and I like her. So, I probably end up paying more.

[Treven]

Agree, I have never paid 200% either. It is usually 150%. For me it is worth it as I refused to be 90, sitting in my rocking chair, saying "if I only...." I like not sharing the bathroom, deciding what to do where I want and when. Since my snuggle bunny is a fur baby, I have the entire bed by myself. :)

Ditto, my snuggle bunny is actually my avatar.

 

I'm a "plus size" cruiser now and I have to have the two beds combined. On a prior cruise neither I nor my TA noticed the notice that the two beds in my particular cabin couldn't be made up as a queen-sized bed. So I spent 14 nights trying to sleep in one of those single beds. Probably 25 years and 100 pounds ago it wouldn't have mattered, but not now.

Edited June 10, 2014 by Treven

[SoCal Cruiser78]

...I just can't seem to find that great travel agent that discounts a lot. Mine gives me some OBC and she works super hard for me.....and I like her. So, I probably end up paying more.

 

Same here. I have used the same one for years, but she no longer discounts the way she used to and no OBC either. She hasn't come right out and said it, but I get the feeling that the cruise lines have either cut their commissions or are strong-arming TAs into not discounting. Can anyone on CC speak to this, in general terms?

[Pam in CA]

Same here. I have used the same one for years, but she no longer discounts the way she used to and no OBC either. She hasn't come right out and said it, but I get the feeling that the cruise lines have either cut their commissions or are strong-arming TAs into not discounting. Can anyone on CC speak to this, in general terms?

You're getting double talk with regards to Princess. Don't know about HAL. She or her agency chooses not to discount which has nothing to do with Princess as Princess allows TAs to discount as much as they want. It's the TA's choice whether to discount or not. With a TA who books a high volume of Princess cruises, you can save 10-20% and get OBC and perks.

[MsSoCalCruiser]

I booked an inside on the Royal for my September cruise. First time in over a decade and a lot of cruises because I couldn't justify the over $2,200 price difference between an inside and the cheapest balcony. My biggest issue with an inside before was not knowing what time of day it was. I've bought a good-sized battery-operated clock with big numbers that'll be like a nightlight plus I'll be able to know the time instantly.

 

Even though the two credits mean little if you're already Elite, they do add up and earn you the little-known loyalty program OBC. I'll get an additional $75 on my upcoming cruise so the credits aren't completely worthless.

I always leave the TV on the channel that shows the outside camera. That way I know if it's day or night.

 

How often do you get obc? Sounds great!

[caribill]

Same here. I have used the same one for years, but she no longer discounts the way she used to and no OBC either. She hasn't come right out and said it, but I get the feeling that the cruise lines have either cut their commissions or are strong-arming TAs into not discounting.

 

I think it is time for you to ask your TA why the discounts are now so little and the OBC has gone the way of the dodo.

[SoCal Cruiser78]

You're getting double talk with regards to Princess. Don't know about HAL. She or her agency chooses not to discount which has nothing to do with Princess as Princess allows TAs to discount as much as they want. It's the TA's choice whether to discount or not. With a TA who books a high volume of Princess cruises, you can save 10-20% and get OBC and perks.

 

I used to get that much off (or more if it was a "group" cruise), but I was recently quoted only 3% off the cruise lines' website price on a HAL cruise, and 0% on a Princess. She says they do a high volume w/Princess.

 

The thing is, I do all the research and cabin selection, and then call her when we're ready to book. So it is an easy sale for her. If I needed a lot of "handholding", that would be another matter entirely.

 

Thanks for the info!

[SoCal Cruiser78]

I think it is time for you to ask your TA why the discounts are now so little and the OBC has gone the way of the dodo.

 

I'm planning on it next time I speak with her. She is a nice lady, and we have been on good terms over the years, so I am not looking forward to bringing up the subject. But I don't want to overpay, either.

Edited June 10, 2014 by Ryndam2002

[eskiemom]

Ditto, my snuggle bunny is actually my avatar.

 

I'm a "plus size" cruiser now and I have to have the two beds combined. On a prior cruise neither I nor my TA noticed the notice that the two beds in my particular cabin couldn't be made up as a queen-sized bed. So I spent 14 nights trying to sleep in one of those single beds. Probably 25 years and 100 pounds ago it wouldn't have mattered, but not now.

 

Lovin the pup! Now how about a pet friendly cruise!?!?!?

 

About the bed-it has nothing to do with being "plus size." Honey with all that money you are paying as a solo cruiser you deserve to have the whole bed to stretch, lounge and do whatever!

[calvin31]

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