NCL Breakaway "Solo" Traveler Strategy Assistance Requested

[Sthrngary]

Background: Many of you know me as the author of topics on the Haven and Premium Plus Beverage Package.  I love to cruise and going to be cruising again on the December 4, 2022 Sailing on the NCL Breakaway out of New Orleans.  This cruise is the Finals for the Slot Tournament that my wife won when sailing on the Joy, November 27, 2021.  Side note, my wife never gambles and this is a first on so many levels.

 

My Question: My sister wants to join as a solo.  I recently did a solo on the Joy and got a single rate on a club suite.  This same situation is currently not available on the Breakaway.  I know they have studio's but I am hoping that the club suits will open up.  Does anyone know if as the cruise gets closer, if they make those exceptions for the club suites.  Or, it is not going to happen.

 

Any assistance would be appreciated.  Out of my expertise for sure.

 

Cruise well.

[BermudaBound2014]

The first week of December is a micro-shoulder season. I believe those prices will drop. I would  recommend your sister not purchase a studio if she is willing to book last minute. The studios are rarely included in the deep discount cabins. If it were me, I would take care of airfare now and just wait to book until November. She can likely get regular cabin for less than what a studio cost today.  You can monitor inventory to make sure the cruise isn't selling out, but at this point, that is highly doubtful. 

 

Happy Sailing

[ColeThornton]

32 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

The first week of December is a micro-shoulder season

 

 

What does that mean exactly?

 

Thanks.

[BermudaBound2014]

2 minutes ago, ColeThornton said:

 

 

What does that mean exactly?

 

Thanks.

 

Typically the travel industry breaks down time frames into peak (highest), shoulder (middle), low (cheapest). The first week of December is typically very inexpensive because it's after US thanksgiving but preceding the grandest of the peak seasons (Christmas/NY). I term it micro-shoulder because it is very short lived as cruising moves quickly into the peak, so not really a "season" at all.

[Travelicious]

She can probably book an inside for less than a studio.  When I cruised solo in November, I booked a sailaway inside.  Studios were more expensive and booking a regular room with the free at sea options added about $400.  A few weeks, maybe a month before the sailing (and after final payment), I discovered the single supplement had been dropped.  I was able to move to a balcony with free at sea for only about $100 extra.  

[julig22]

Quite a few 2022 cruises have a reduced solo supplement already - the cruise before yours already has the reduced supplement, they often add it in blocks so probably just a matter of time.  My October cruise has a reduced supplement but my December cruise does not (yet anyway!)

 

[UKstages]

this is a long shot... since neither you nor your wife have a strong record of casino play, but you might want to call the folks at casinos at sea (norwegian's cruise consultants who handle booking requests for "free" and discounted cruises for casino players), since the slot tournament is an event affiliated with the casino, they may have "friends and family" rates or may be able to offer some other casino or tournament-associated discount.

[HowardK]

I had a couple of times on the breakaway years ago where I purchased a studio, and then a week before was able to upgrade to a balcony as there was no single supplement last minute- paid about $50 and $100 each time to upgrade

[debenson0723]

7 hours ago, julig22 said:

Quite a few 2022 cruises have a reduced solo supplement already - the cruise before yours already has the reduced supplement, they often add it in blocks so probably just a matter of time.  My October cruise has a reduced supplement but my December cruise does not (yet anyway!)

 

I am a solo traveler and this has been my experience also.  I book my airfare and refundable hotel once I decide on a cruise, then book the cruise in the 10-14 day mark before sailing.  Have gotten a balcony or higher for much less than the price of a studio.  The only time I have had to stay in a studio was the Encore to Alaska, where the solo supplement or price never dropped (at least on my sailing dates last September).

[phillygwm]

I always travel alone in a cabin.  On my first NCL cruise, I was in a Studio.  It was nice but the cost is generally more than a traditional (larger) indoor with supplement.  I'd start with that and see if I can upgrade.

 

If your sister happens to have a casino rating through NCL or perhaps Caesars, the supplement is often waived so a balcony becomes very affordable.