Cruising and single supplement fee...?

[KitKat77]

Hi, my name is Kate and Im 24 and I really want to go on a cruise December 2011 to the Eastern or Southern Caribbean. I want to book a cruise now so I can save up some money. I dont have any friends or family that want to go with me though. Are there any cruise lines that waive the single supplement fee or something? I just dont want to end up paying an arm and a leg for a cruise. I wanted to go on a 5 to 7 day cruise. Thanks!

[dina]

None that I know of wave the fee. The ships expect at least 2 people per cabin and if there's only one then you have to make up the difference. To make it more affordable, go with an inside cabin. Also check out single cruises. sometimes they can match you up with another single who's on the same cruise and you can save some money that way.

[colorcrazie]

I don't know if they still do, but some cruise lines used to have a Single Share program, where they would match you up with roommates. I did that several times when I was single. Once in a very great while, you can find a cruise that offers cabins at just regular rate for singles, but those are usually very last minute and I'm not even sure they still do them. I would suggest talking to several different travel agents and try to find one who will work on your behalf to find something that fits your budget.
But, be prepared for the possibility that you will have to cough up that extra money. If my memory is working today, the supplement is only for the actual cruise fare, not for the gov't taxes, fees, etc. Again, a good agent can give you current answers.
Good luck! Let us know what you find out, please,
Marty

[Mike M]

There are a number of Caribbean and Alaska cruises that have single supplements that range from 25% to 45%. These cruises are affordable with inside cabins available for around $600 to $1100.

There are a number of other cruises that, even with a single supplement, will still cost an arm and perhaps two legs. These are longer European, Asia and World cruises.

Holland America is the line that has the most discounts but all cruise lines have them on select sailings.

My advice is to get in touch with a travel agent who is knowledgeable about single supplements and have them do the looking for you.

Take care,
Mike

[CruzNut]

I cruise on Princess as a single - last cruise to the Panama Canal for 10 days Oceanview cabin cost 160% of the regular fee; present cruise in a few days to the southern Caribbean for an Oceanview cabin costs 150% of the regular fee.

I'm looking into a 7 day western Caribbean for next April (Oceanview) and it looks like they're charging 200% - so don't know what gives with that.

With Princess, a single pays two port charges (which they don't split out but your TA can tell you what that is) and only one government and tax fee.

[misguidedangel]

I have only cruised Carnival and in a balcony cabin. In the six solo cruises I have done five have been at 200% of the fare and one was at 160%.

Solo cruisers have to pay the full 200% for certain category cabins and up, but you can get 1A's and some inside for less than the 200%.

Good luck in selecting your cruise, you'll love cruising solo!