Cruise Solo Without Paying For Two! How Do I Do It?

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  • Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
  • Solo Cruising can be costly, as you often have to pay the same as two people. I explore how I cruise solo without paying too much. My solo cruise tips and tricks to cruise without breaking the bank.
    List of cruise lines and ships with solo cabins: www.tipsfortravellers.com/sol...
    ABOUT TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS: If you want to get cruising right, Tips For Travellers makes it easy to plan and have the incredible cruise experiences you dream of every time. All my Tips For Travellers advice, tips and tricks tips draw on everything that I have learnt on the 77 cruises I have done to date.
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    00:00 Start
    01:26 Be A Cruise Mate
    03:44 Place Of My Own
    07:29 Something Different
    09:35 Put To The Test
    11:21 Problems

Комментарии • 512

  • @davedove67
    @davedove67 3 года назад +371

    Being a frequent solo cruiser myself and having met many other solo cruisers, I wonder why the lines don't make it easier for us. There is a HUGE solo traveler market out there.

    • @peterjaro6804
      @peterjaro6804 3 года назад +15

      They are... but its happening slowly. If we had not have had the 'covid stuff' I'm convinced more cruise lines would have developed more single friendly products (such as NCL) but right now, all priority is to get sailing again, and get their whole fleet active again. Some cruise ships will not be into commercial use again until late 2022 or early 2023, and overall bookings are going threw the roof at the moment, so the priority to develop new single products for us is low at the moment... Sad but true!

    • @gavinpotts6747
      @gavinpotts6747 3 года назад +12

      I couldn't agree more. They are rip off merchants most of them.

    • @dogcrazy25
      @dogcrazy25 3 года назад +6

      @@gavinpotts6747 hmm. If you were reselling your couch and one person offerred $200 usd and one person offerred $100 usd, if everything else was the same, what offer would you take? Its the same principle.

    • @gavinpotts6747
      @gavinpotts6747 3 года назад +30

      @@dogcrazy25 Well I wouldn't be selling a couch for $ anyway. But there's no comparison. Double the fare for no good reason? I don't think so. Te cruise lines & hotels as well come up with the excuse that the room still needs to be serviced. Agreed but it doesn't take as long and it certainly doesn't warrant charging double. It's discrimination pure and simple.

    • @davedove67
      @davedove67 3 года назад +38

      @@gavinpotts6747 That's my gripe. I don't make the cabin twice as dirty. I don't eat twice as much food.

  • @nitab1971
    @nitab1971 3 года назад +63

    As a solo woman traveler, I'm always seeking out providers who respect and accomodate solo travelers. That's what turned me onto NCL. Not only do they have the solo cabins, they have solo lounges and solo-specific activities to offer to those that want to mingle. I am not sharing my room with a stranger. It would make me anxious.

    • @arobauer
      @arobauer Год назад

      You must really love IKEA furniture 😃

    • @roamer1588
      @roamer1588 Год назад +3

      Thanks for the tip Nita....I’ll check out NCL 👍

    • @Pavelpetuniablue
      @Pavelpetuniablue 2 месяца назад

      @@roamer1588 Did your solo cabin have a deck?

  • @mistypotter5948
    @mistypotter5948 3 года назад +84

    Thanks Gary. I also cruise solo and cringe at the thought of sharing a cabin with a stranger. Your videos are superb.

    • @rgruenhaus
      @rgruenhaus 3 года назад +7

      The snoring alone is a chance I can't take with a stranger. A family member you can wake up and interrupt the snore session. LOL

    • @PetroicaRodinogaster264
      @PetroicaRodinogaster264 3 года назад +11

      I agree Alice. The money is not a priority, privacy and comfort are. I would never share even with a best friend or family member, let alone a stranger. I have had too many bad experiences with snorers, farters and messy people.
      I save money by not over spending in other areas. I don't drink, excessively, if at all so that saves. I don't gamble and I don't need to buy souvenirs. If I go on an excursion it must be something I really want to do, otherwise I use public transport on the shore and just see the sites. But share never.

    • @SparklingHarmony
      @SparklingHarmony 2 года назад +3

      Yeah, and when you realize that you won't gel with that person, it's too late. You're basically stuck with him/her.

    • @alisonlee3314
      @alisonlee3314 2 года назад +1

      Same here Alice. I just COULDN'T share with a stranger. I'm pretty anti social 😆

  • @mel8771
    @mel8771 3 года назад +24

    I checked the prices for one person on rc symphony of the seas. It was MORE expensive for a tiny solo room than a regular larger interior room. Crazy to charge/pay more for a tiny room.

    • @izengolf1
      @izengolf1 Год назад

      My mom and I just booked on Uniworld with 0 solo supplement and each have our own room feo the price of sharing. River cruise, yes, but no extra fee to travel solo.

  • @samedelcup1878
    @samedelcup1878 3 года назад +47

    I live in Florida. I do this to avoid a single supplement charge: 2-3 days prior to a ship's sailing date, I check on Vacations-to-Go to find a ship that still has vacancies. So, time is short for the cruise line to fill the ship. I offer to take a balcony cabin WITHOUT any single supplement. A vacant cabin produces NO revenue. This is a good workaround for the single traveler.

    • @biblicalgodisonlytruegod
      @biblicalgodisonlytruegod 3 года назад +1

      Wow! Really? It works? I am going to try it! I ALWAYS use “Vacations-to-Go”. If there was an award for “BEST SITE” Vacations-to-Go has it hands down!

    • @chriswilliams6568
      @chriswilliams6568 3 года назад +3

      That is all ok if you do not have to fly to the cruise, as last minute airfares are very high.

    • @samedelcup1878
      @samedelcup1878 3 года назад +5

      @@chriswilliams6568 Correct-a-mundo! My technique is suitable for Floridians who can drive to a port on very short notice.

    • @jlawrence0181
      @jlawrence0181 5 месяцев назад

      @@chriswilliams6568 If you are near an airport that Southwest Airlines serves, you can book a flight for the dates that you might want to travel and you will get your money credited back if you cancel at least an hour before the flight. No need to buy last minute flights.

  • @lauriestrong9972
    @lauriestrong9972 3 года назад +78

    Thank You. Thank You. Thank You! I also prefer having a cabin to myself. Also don’t want to have to consider anyone else in my schedule.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад +4

      Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

  • @ghjcmo
    @ghjcmo 3 года назад +70

    Yeah this is one of those things that irk me the most. I'm a solo traveller, no wife, no girlfriend and none of my friends like cruising. And there's NO WAY I'm sharing a cabin with a stranger. That's just not happening. And I've spoiled myself with balcony cabins, so the solo cabins is not really an option. Back a few years ago, I booked a Carnival cruise about a month out, and was able to get a balcony cabin for the price of 1 person. That's never happened since. :( I try to mitigate the cost some by being a tightwad on board and just not buy ANYTHING if I can help it.

    • @mysavescgf2640
      @mysavescgf2640 3 года назад

      Wow-good find!

    • @ghjcmo
      @ghjcmo 3 года назад +2

      @@mysavescgf2640 Yeah it was awesome. Ironically it was my first solo cruise and stupid me thought at the time I might be able to repeat the process in the future. Yeah not so much.

    • @PetroicaRodinogaster264
      @PetroicaRodinogaster264 2 года назад +3

      I had the joy of a balcony cabin on my last trip which was at a reduced rate. Very pleasant.
      I also would never share. Agree that the expense can be mitigated. I don't drink or care about the internet when cruising so that saves. Though I did buy a $2000 diamond ring one trip, because I liked it.

    • @ghjcmo
      @ghjcmo 2 года назад +3

      @@PetroicaRodinogaster264 I've discovered the MSC cruises seem to not charge double for a solo. The solo price is not half of two people, but it's considerably less than the fare for two. I don't know if this is their regular policy or something special they're doing during the restart. But I'm going to be looking at them for the future. I've read some reviews that were not too favorable, but for a reasonably priced balcony cabin, I probably could put up with a smaller buffet, etc.

  • @kalozakos
    @kalozakos 3 года назад +53

    Thank you Gary for another informative video. I am also a frequent solo traveler. It is a hard thing to swallow that solo travelers get nothing in return for paying double. I would like to see a campaign by solo traveler to get the cruise lines to credit us with by doubling our sea days for rewards programs. If I am paying for two cruises, please give me two cruises worth of sea days. This would cost the cruise lines nothing, but would give the solo traveler some solace. It could be beneficial to the cruise lines to advertise this and attract solo travelers with their loyalty rewards programs. Just a thought.

    • @margaretmcnarry4298
      @margaretmcnarry4298 3 года назад +3

      RCCL after a certain level give double points per day for a solo traveller in a two person cabin! And if you can afford a suite, then 4 times the posts!

    • @burningblue1254
      @burningblue1254 3 года назад

      @@margaretmcnarry4298 My cruise line gives you credit for 2 cruises and double the sea days at any loyalty level. Suite guests get double and a solo quadruple.

    • @elizabethscott3218
      @elizabethscott3218 2 года назад

      Princess counts a solo trip double in their rewards program (if it's not your first trip with them).

  • @jennifer_mertens
    @jennifer_mertens 3 года назад +3

    So happy, I've been waiting for you to do a video on solo cruising. Thank you so much!

  • @duchessofst.andrew7210
    @duchessofst.andrew7210 3 года назад +3

    Gary, this video is brilliant. Thank You. I too am a solo traveler. Do continue to share !!!

  • @Jerkygrrrrl
    @Jerkygrrrrl 2 года назад +2

    This is EXACTLY the information I needed. Thank you so much!

  • @munyeelai880
    @munyeelai880 11 месяцев назад

    I'm enjoying the tips and advice you're sharing for solo cruising - it's incredibly helpful and practical information.

  • @slowrunner3737
    @slowrunner3737 3 года назад +5

    Thank you, I’m booking my first cruise as a solo cruise and it’s all a little intimidating. I enjoy watching all your videos and appreciate the tips.

  • @kpalm7368
    @kpalm7368 3 года назад +44

    I’m a youngish widow that loves cruising. This has been an issue for me as well. I don’t want to pair up with anyone. Keeping an eye out for low solo supplements is practically a full time job. Thank you for the helpful ideas.

    • @Star-Boarder
      @Star-Boarder 3 года назад +6

      I'm sorry for your loss. I'm in agreement. It's difficult enough to share with a family member much less a total stranger.

    • @amyrivers4093
      @amyrivers4093 3 года назад +2

      I find the same with a lot of other accommodation.

    • @AlbertMilliron
      @AlbertMilliron Год назад

      Tell me about it! It’s so disappointing to click on a deal and as soon as I click (1) traveler - the prices go up - WAY up!

  • @CruisingWithJT
    @CruisingWithJT 3 года назад +6

    I will be going solo for the first time this year, one of many solo cruises as I start my cruise content journey but I am definitely looking forward to my solo studio balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean or just doing the regular balcony oceanview room and paying a little more. More space is a good thing and being by yourself is kinda nice, do what you want when you want where you want!

  • @avlea2
    @avlea2 3 года назад

    Your subject matter is always of welcome interest. Thank you!

  • @dogcrazy25
    @dogcrazy25 3 года назад +1

    Really good information. I saved this video for when im ready to plan a cruise.

  • @ianoreilly8468
    @ianoreilly8468 2 года назад +1

    Thanks so much for this Gary! This will definitely allow me to cruise more, in particular when the 2nd half cannot.

  • @kathy8764
    @kathy8764 3 года назад

    Thank you! I’m a solo traveler and try to get the best deal. I appreciate your tips.

  • @LadyCatherine538
    @LadyCatherine538 3 года назад +8

    Thank you for this topical post. I love to travel solo. On my trip to the North Pole I had the most interesting , well-travelled cabin mate. The next voyage (Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland) the match was a disaster. Going back to solo solo on future trips. Any agent who wants to cater to a solo traveler has my business.

  • @denisepowell9774
    @denisepowell9774 3 года назад +5

    For a very different type of voyage, try Adventure Canada. They do mostly trips in the arctic - I did "Out of the North West Passage" a few years ago. They have many cabins for solo travellers, with no surcharge.
    They also do other voyages, such as Iceland Circumnavigation, or Scotland Slowly. It's a small ship, about 200 passengers. They have many experts on board, for birding, for archaeology, for history, for local culture, etc. No casino, no specialty dining, no water slides (although you can do a polar dip!) I'm hoping to do another voyage with them next year.

  • @angeliner59
    @angeliner59 3 года назад +8

    Am sick of paying for 2 and no way would I want to share my cabin with a stranger! Very informative video and yes the cruise lines are missing out on a HUGE market!

  • @MG-ot2yr
    @MG-ot2yr 3 года назад +36

    I travel solo, and Vacations To Go often has reduced fares for singles within the 90 day window, and I believe these can be booked directly through the cruiseline as well, and you don't share these cabins with anyone, that would be awful, who knows what you'd get and I don't like another person in my room anyway, even if I know them LOL

    • @kathyms.
      @kathyms. 3 года назад

      90 days... Thanks for the info👍🏽

    • @adeleshaak4107
      @adeleshaak4107 3 года назад +2

      I've cruised before with roommates I didn't know. I don't have any horror stories, but the last roommate - a lovely Danish lady - snored loudly, nonstop, the entire night. She snored lying on her back, her front, her side - even sitting up! I felt sorry for her, but sorrier for me, because I lost 10 nights' sleep. Never again!

    • @jeanzinger9693
      @jeanzinger9693 3 года назад +6

      I would never cruise with a stranger!!! That's craaaazy!!

    • @happycook6737
      @happycook6737 2 года назад +5

      And if there is a sudden COVID quarantine, you'd be stuck with a stranger 24 hours a day for an undefined period of time!!!!🤯

    • @carolynw4814
      @carolynw4814 Год назад +1

      I totally agree, I don’t like to share a cabin with anyone. It’s stressful to coordinate with someone in such a confined space like a cruise cabin.

  • @Hawkeye2001
    @Hawkeye2001 3 года назад +8

    I did a solo to Antarctica with Hurtigruden. With the International Treaty limiting passengers to 500 and I went on a ship with a capacity of 1000. The solo price actually was affordable.

  • @robertgulfshores4463
    @robertgulfshores4463 2 года назад +6

    I want to cruise on my own, but I don't want a cabin mate. Thank you for your thoughts on this. Please continue to advocate, to raise awareness.

  • @mattw9966
    @mattw9966 2 года назад +1

    Thank you Gary, really useful video!

  • @chemqueen7399
    @chemqueen7399 2 года назад +13

    I took a cruise on NCL with a solo cabin a few years back and it was great. I liked the privacy of the cabin, and there were some fun things in that cabin I hadn’t seen in traditional cabins. I booked fairly late and was still able to get one. I haven’t had a need since, as I usually travel with a group, but my solo cabin was a good experience.

    • @rpruneau68
      @rpruneau68 Год назад +2

      Its been my experience as a solo traveler on NCL that the solo cabins are more expensive than a balcony if you wait until the last minute. I usually book my trips between 1 to 6 weeks in advance and have never seen a solo studio low enough for me to consider one. My litmus is $100/day and maybe 15% single supplement which is usually Princess that I have to pay the additional single supplement. NCL usually does not charge additional when booking last minute.

  • @twaccountwright7448
    @twaccountwright7448 3 года назад

    Thank you, Gary, for all your advice

  • @Gianemakeup
    @Gianemakeup 2 года назад +1

    Good to know! I only knew about the single cabins on NCL. Thank you for sharing. You and your partner are definitely a handsome couple!

  • @lyncampbell992
    @lyncampbell992 Год назад

    This was very interesting. Thank you for another very informative video

  • @Boertje247
    @Boertje247 3 года назад +1

    Gary looking dejected holding hands full of benjamins. Fabulous!

  • @majors9508
    @majors9508 2 года назад

    You do such a great job with B-roll and editing!

  • @lyndaturner9294
    @lyndaturner9294 3 года назад +1

    THIS is the kind of content I need!

  • @rjrnj1
    @rjrnj1 2 года назад +1

    I will never go on a cruise (incapacitating Mal de mer), yet I stumbled across your channel and watch every vid. Thanks for keeping the shows so entertaining. 👍

    • @geebrewer8186
      @geebrewer8186 11 месяцев назад

      well, hotels are basically the same, their rooms are always 'double occupancy' rates.

  • @Michael-iw3ek
    @Michael-iw3ek 2 года назад +3

    Ohh the bald guy is back with his cruise advice! His videos are so tempting and make me wish to finally go on a cruise...

  • @glenda6607
    @glenda6607 3 года назад +3

    I'm taking my 5th solo cruise next Spring with Princess.I get flyers in the mail for special VIP Casino sailings that give me 35% off plus some other perks. I pay double occupancy for an inside cabin and then take the discount.If the rate goes down I can usually get it reduced before my final payment.I love having my own room and doing things on my own schedule.

  • @danielintheantipodes6741
    @danielintheantipodes6741 2 года назад +3

    A very useful video for me, being a solo traveler. I would rather stay home than share accommodation, so the tips are very helpful. The limited number of solo cabins means - book early, if you can!
    Thank you for the video!

  • @joanevans3872
    @joanevans3872 Год назад

    thank you Gary, I've only been on one Queen Mary cruise .Quebec to NYC .. I am 65 years old and hadnt done it before...OMG I am now addicted .. doing a Celebrity Reflection cruise to the Meditteranean in 2023 with 3 friends, however, cannot share !!! so will gave to pay double, your solo cruise you tube helped me for the future as I will travel sole (as I was on QM2) I m retired so can go at last minute .. I'm from Australia, and so appreciate your comments.. really helpful...hope to see you on future cruises !!!

  • @druidsadwyrnemrys232
    @druidsadwyrnemrys232 3 года назад +5

    thanks for the info for solo cruisers - I will visit your website for the up to date list of lines-ships-solo cabins

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад

      Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

  • @Rantsfromacar
    @Rantsfromacar Год назад

    Gary thank you for your advice and your amazingly helpful videos. Thanks to you I am leaving tomorrow on the ruby princess as a solo cruiser with a zero % surcharge.

  • @michaelx3968
    @michaelx3968 3 года назад +7

    Gary, Thank you for the information I am a solo Cruiser!!! I LV Carnival, I'm at Platinum level, Carnival has treated me right!!!
    Happy Cruising!!!!!

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад +1

      Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

  • @NotData
    @NotData 3 года назад +5

    I used to travel solo with the Single World group annually in the 1990s where we had our own activities and cruise director. Sometimes I was paired with a stranger and sometimes I had room to myself. But one cruise, I became good friends with a some guys from Pittsburgh also traveling as part of Single World. After that, we would synchronize our vacations for the same Single World cruise and arrange for me to be roommates for one of them.

  • @eben6787
    @eben6787 3 года назад +13

    Thanks for this one Gary. I've literally sa5 the whole day making lists and comparing cruises to find affordable solo cruises. Will be adding your tips to my finds and will hopefully be taking my first cruise next year!

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад +2

      Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

  • @torycook1215
    @torycook1215 2 года назад +3

    I have shared a cruise cabin three times.
    Each time they booked me with someone with similar interests - basically someone with the same career background.
    It worked out well.

  • @adamlawrence4690
    @adamlawrence4690 2 года назад +1

    Fantastic- Huge THANK YOU 😊

  • @davidcarter1492
    @davidcarter1492 3 года назад +2

    Thanks for the information. I am sailing in a solo balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean to Alaska. (2022) I believe all of their Quantum class ships have a handful of actual solo balconies. I noticed that they are called studio ocean view balcony cabins. A bit confusing, but they are true balconies not the virtual ones.

  • @lizbogovich3822
    @lizbogovich3822 3 года назад +8

    Saw your Abercrombie & Kent shirt. We took their Antarctica cruise that included South Georgia & Falkland Islands. It was their Christmas & New Years cruise on Ponant’s Le Boreal. It was magical!

    • @jdane2277
      @jdane2277 3 года назад

      I want to take that trip! Thanks for posting your experience.

    • @jlawrence0181
      @jlawrence0181 5 месяцев назад

      I was on Ponant's website and their single supplements llooked very reasonable.

  • @trbarton743
    @trbarton743 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for your video & sharing your information. 😀👍

  • @paraniomia
    @paraniomia 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for this, first cruise I was as a solo traveler, my agent got me a 50% surcharge on the cruise, with Holland America, so can definitely agree with you. But yes, the solo traveler situation isn't a good one even if I can understand they're situation where the costs are in a large part based on the space used on the ship and ship design are planned years in advance.

  • @realestatebykemi
    @realestatebykemi Год назад

    Thank you. Great tips. 👍

  • @margaretmcnarry4298
    @margaretmcnarry4298 3 года назад +17

    I recently discovered your channel and have been binge watching while trying to survive the heat dome here in Western Canada.
    Early this week I booked one of my bucket list cruises (Australia to Hawaii via French Polynesia) in a balcony stateroom and I ending up paying f less than a15% surcharge as a solo cruiser. I lucked into a 60% off second traveller sale, then had my loyalty discount applied, and then there was a flash sale on the evening I booked! All in all I am paying just over $5,000 Cdn for a 17 night cruise in a balcony stateroom! Can’t beat that! I am simply overjoyed, and can’t wait until 2023!
    So the same evening I thought to check out some other bucket list cruises, and found a 12 night from Hawaii to Vancouver. It would have been lovely if it had connected with my cruise above, but alas it was in 2022, however I did book it for the same deal, 60% off the second guest, loyalty discount, and flash sale. In the meantime I’ll keep checking for one to match up with my 2023 cruise, and if I find one in time I will cancel 2022 and do the whole trip (Sydney to Vancouver) at one go. Wish me luck!
    I should add these will be my 18 and 19 solo cruises.
    Happy solo cruising!

    • @margaretmcnarry4298
      @margaretmcnarry4298 3 года назад

      ExposingMiLabs, it was RCCL! I think I just lucked into the last hour of the flash sale.

    • @victoriasmith1897
      @victoriasmith1897 2 года назад +1

      Margaret I dont understand how you got 60% off for a second cruiser if you were travelling solo. Do you mean that you found someone to come with you? Those are EXCELLENT deals!

    • @margaretmcnarry4298
      @margaretmcnarry4298 2 года назад +1

      @@victoriasmith1897 The cruise line had a deal on that if one paid full price the second had 60% off - I am a solo traveller however solos can book that deal because they always pay for two - so watch for deals like that and act swiftly!

  • @patiencekay3672
    @patiencekay3672 Год назад

    This was very helpful Thank you😊

  • @jglow2
    @jglow2 2 года назад

    Great information even for a couple who have been married for 56 years love cruises .when we sold our big motor home we were doing two cruises a year, looking to bring that number up

  • @ashleyhughes2623
    @ashleyhughes2623 2 года назад +5

    As a solo traveller, I have done numerous trips around the world on group tours & backpacker tours. Sometime you just have to share. But I do appreciate the rise in single cabins on cruise ships. They are small, but a lot cheaper than standard twin cabins. I also sometimes manage to find great sales and deals on regular cabins.

  • @cindybridges3046
    @cindybridges3046 3 года назад +8

    Thanks for the solo tips. I travel alone and also face pricing issues.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад

      Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

  • @tuvia4082
    @tuvia4082 3 года назад +2

    Such great information. Companies want to make as much money and fill as much space as possible. They, the cruse lines, are starting to come around to solo travelers, but slowly. We as paying customers need to do due diligence to save our own hard earned money. Thanks for what you do.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад +1

      Hopefully they will move faster to address solo cruise as it’s only going to grow!

  • @hettytravels
    @hettytravels 3 года назад +1

    Great info Gary.

  • @lilbatz
    @lilbatz 3 года назад +1

    This vid is terrific! THANK YOU 💕

  • @PaulDobsonMuttley
    @PaulDobsonMuttley 3 года назад +10

    Great video Gary! Some really good advice there.
    I’m always looking for ways to save on those dreaded single supplements for my customers, and for myself! Especially as I’m too much of a snob to have anything below a balcony grade. 🤭

  • @bolaplenty1024
    @bolaplenty1024 3 года назад +6

    Great and very informative video. I am going to use this information to try and book a cruise in November, a month my husband cannot take off work.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад

      Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it helpful !

  • @linwhinnerah1029
    @linwhinnerah1029 2 года назад

    Hi Gary, love your videos. the new Ambassador cruise line has solo cabins at around 1.5 x usual fare, and offer get togethers for solo cruisers. Havent yet sailed with them, my booking is for 2023. You haven't listed them but their maiden voyage was only last month

  • @connielynn195
    @connielynn195 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the info. I too love to cruise but most of my friends are not yet retired as am I or they just can't afford it. I will be using your advice soon. Thanks again.

  • @HeatherTravels
    @HeatherTravels 3 года назад +11

    I really appreciate this video because, whether they will admit it or not, I know the day will come that my kids will no longer want to travel with me as often as I want to go.

    • @LynetteMcGrath
      @LynetteMcGrath Год назад +1

      I am just facing this now, as my mother has been my travel companion but now she is too infirm to cruise. All the people I know are married (I'm divorced), and I can't imagine saying to one of my friends "come for a cruise but leave the old man at home"!

  • @markt9805
    @markt9805 2 года назад

    Great video, thanks

  • @rostaylor7723
    @rostaylor7723 Год назад +1

    I’ve recently been in my first cruise, travelling solo, and I had a bargain by booking within 2 weeks of departure (P & O). Normal cabin just for me! I’ve also discovered an agent that bags great deals for solos called Passion for Cruises (same one that Gary mentioned) - some really good deals on there!

  • @charcoop2225
    @charcoop2225 3 года назад

    I think I got lucky booking an outside solo cabin with balcony on Ovation of the Seas Aug 20. 7 night round trip Seattle to Alaska ! 119 square feet but enough for me considering unobstructed view balcony ! Enjoy your channel very much !

  • @oaktree1626
    @oaktree1626 3 года назад +10

    Very thankful I was able to get great solo rates on the MSC Meraviglia this fall and a solo balcony on the RCCL Ovation of the Seas to Alaska next year.

    • @elihernandez330
      @elihernandez330 2 года назад

      That's nice I'm also going on the Ovation of the seas in Alaska next year I'm going on May 20th to 27th.

  • @travelingfool9096
    @travelingfool9096 Год назад

    looking forward to try a solo room on a Panama Canal cruise. the list really helped

  • @hm6485
    @hm6485 3 года назад +13

    Hurtiguten also offers single, no solo surcharge sailings.

    • @mysavescgf2640
      @mysavescgf2640 3 года назад

      Never heard of this line-where does it sail from?

    • @hm6485
      @hm6485 3 года назад

      Hurtigruten is a Norwegian expedition and Norway coastal cruise line. Wonderful unique experience. Hurtigruten. com.

  • @ardiffley-zipkin9539
    @ardiffley-zipkin9539 3 года назад

    Thank you for the info.

  • @cruisingforone
    @cruisingforone 2 года назад

    The top question I get is how to avoid the solo supplement. I was glad to watch this again to remind me of your solutions.

  • @jlizardi5013
    @jlizardi5013 3 года назад +6

    I prefer not to share as you do. Usually, I start planning way in advance but don't book until after the final 90 day period and I go for the cheapest Ocean view rate (can't do interior cabins) , days prior to departure look to upgrade. The last time I moved to a balcony for an additional $150 (HAL Partial Panama canal 11 days).

  • @supercoolbrian5929
    @supercoolbrian5929 3 года назад +3

    :Love this video (I usually travel by myself). I know you mention you use a travel agent a lot, I do not. I would love to hear your pros and cons on booking with a travel agent versus booking by yourself with the cruise companies...

  • @DanetteSWhite
    @DanetteSWhite Год назад +1

    I wouldn't want to share my space with a stranger either. Inside cabins are fine with me.

  • @afoodlover
    @afoodlover 3 года назад +11

    The problem is NCL started pricing their solo interior cabins more expensive than a solo paying a double occupancy rate. So what's the point of having solo cabins. It's supposed to be cheaper than the double rate but it's NOT.

    • @peterjaro6804
      @peterjaro6804 3 года назад +6

      ...this is a difficult one. The fact is that NCL doesn't only provide single cabins, but offer a whole specific product with its single cabins... private lounge, private host, private table- and show bookings (conciage) etc. So to them its not just ' ...how can we offer a cheaper alternative to single cruisers' but they offer a 'premium' product for single passengers. Yes, you can book a double cabin for less perhaps, but you will not get access to any of the single cabins 'extras'... So, in this case I do understand why NCL differentiate its pricing for single passengers.

    • @enjoyslearningandtravel7957
      @enjoyslearningandtravel7957 3 года назад +1

      Also, if you do book one of the more expensive cabinets solo with a balcony, you’re allowed to join the others singles at the solo lounge to meet together for dinner. They did like that when I had booked one of those solo cabins

    • @burningblue1254
      @burningblue1254 3 года назад

      @@peterjaro6804 Pay the single supplement, and just watch in the Freestyle Daily where and when the singles are meeting etc. You hook up with them but you are not paying for the "extras". If you are able, get one of them to let you in the lounge.

  • @RumSoviet
    @RumSoviet 6 месяцев назад

    vacations 2 go also have singles deals where lines have decreased/removed the singles supplement, usually due to low sales.
    Usually these are on Transpacific/Atlantic voyages

  • @amybradley5821
    @amybradley5821 3 года назад +3

    I cruise solo and haven’t paid twice the price yet. Wait for a great sale then book. I only want a veranda but with a great sale I have paid just a bit more than one person.

  • @lindaannechancler808
    @lindaannechancler808 2 года назад

    NCl does have balcony cabins for solo travelers. These cabins are not in the single traveler area, but you can still gain entrance there.

  • @annaheh2925
    @annaheh2925 3 года назад +5

    I am a solo cruiser. Husband does not fly so limits number of cruises he is willing to go. Always get very good information from you. Booked for Holland America in solo cabin for 2023 at reasonable cost and Royal Caribbean on inside cabin for good cost with perks. Need to really look around when you travel solo.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад

      Great to hear you’re getting good deals and are on the ball !!

  • @billligon4005
    @billligon4005 3 года назад +1

    While my partner and I still cruise, there will come a time when I will have to cruise solo. My plan is to go back to some of the ports I loved while cruising, and book air and hotel for that port or place and just go there. If I can find solo cabins or someone to share with that I know of course I’ll do that but if that does not happen just book air/hotel in a city or port you love.

  • @cababyboomerq6012
    @cababyboomerq6012 2 года назад +1

    As always, this is a great video. I have this problem. When I have cruised I know I have paid for allot more than just me. Plus I am a light eater and don’t drink booze!!!! I can cruise with friends that are couples, but I always have, and prefer my own cabin. And if I am on vacation, I want a balcony cabin! I was matched with a stranger on a trip to Hawaii years ago. It was awful! I ended up getting my own room and paying allot more after the 3rd night of a 10 day trip! But, it saved my vacation so it ended up being worth it. Costly, but worth it…..8-)

  • @denizalgazi
    @denizalgazi 3 года назад

    Crystal Serenity had a wonderful Northwest Passage Arctic cruise in 2017. So surprised none of your mates would sail the Arctic with you! Very difficult to find a compatible traveller. I prefer the bottom bunk LOL. The best offers for solo cruisers are last-minute. There is a huge difference between solo cruisers and a "singles" cruise which is for hooking up socially. Like yourself, not all solo travellers are single! Vacationstogo is an excellent source for solo discounts. The solo studio cabin on NCL is essentially a mattress in a loo with your bedside basin and then a toilet in one corner and the shower in another corner. The QM2 has added wonderful solo staterooms and also some on P&O with a verandah too, but as you've mentioned, these staterooms do have a premium. MSC discourages solo cruisers and prior to The Blip, didn't offer solo fares. But having sailed on MSC Mediterranean cruise, I would avoid booking them ever again. Also avoid the NCL Epic which also sails the Mediterranean. It has the absolute worst cruise ship deck plans and stateroom designs. That is why their cruisefares are so cheap. Thank you for sharing your tips!

  • @JohnnyFuturePast
    @JohnnyFuturePast 3 года назад +3

    Thank You For The great Tips! One thing I love as a solo traveler is that MSC doesn’t charge double occupancy for us and also only 1 round of taxes and port charges which means that when I sail MSC I can still get a balcony cabin for a Terrific rate! I’m really hoping that cruise lines realize that there are a LOT of us solo cruisers out here and we deserve some credit and space on these ships! I love that NCL does that but do I really want a 99 sq ft inside cabin? I hope to see more options for us in the near future!

    • @missmayflower
      @missmayflower 2 года назад +1

      What is MSC?

    • @JohnnyFuturePast
      @JohnnyFuturePast 2 года назад

      @@missmayflower MSC is the 4th largest cruise line in the world!

    • @JohnnyFuturePast
      @JohnnyFuturePast 2 года назад +1

      @@missmayflower Mediterranean Shipping Company-cargo and also The 4th latest cruise line in the World!

  • @ericdrews5050
    @ericdrews5050 3 года назад +6

    Last time I checked paying for two in an interior cabin was cheaper than a solo cabin. Plus the interior cabin was considerably larger.

  • @ryanmatthew511
    @ryanmatthew511 3 года назад +2

    MSC has amazing rates for solo travelers, no matter what cabin you pick .

  • @highspec_tech90
    @highspec_tech90 3 года назад

    I love finding little to no single supplement deals. I’ve been really lucky this year out of Southampton/Portsmouth. However I had a look at vacations to go singles discounts but they were completely inaccurate. Oct 7th 2022 4 nights Cunard said 0% but it was actually 70%!

  • @richardjohnson5882
    @richardjohnson5882 3 года назад

    Sailaway fares on Norwegian are usually cheaper than studio cabins. Carnival is also giving solo prices for upper-lower rooms. Otherwise, it will take time until all the ships are back in schedule and demand eventually subsides, so I'm seeing solo deals on Mexico and Caribbean but not on Alaska, since there are so few ships this summer and no Vancouver sailings.

    • @sevenninety4893
      @sevenninety4893 3 года назад

      What are Sailaway fares on Norwegian CL?

  • @wendypappagallo2421
    @wendypappagallo2421 3 года назад +5

    I know you usually don't cruise Disney but they do solo pricing automatically for single cruisers. Usually they give choices for any stateroom except concierge. They also have strictly adult areas and try to seat you with other adults with the same interests.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад +1

      Their solo prices are quite $$ though. I’ve had a few bookings (which got cancelled in pandemic) and replacement now in 2022 and the solo was same as double occupancy.

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад +1

      You seen solo lower ?

  • @ElJorro
    @ElJorro 3 года назад

    Good tips

  • @asa3409
    @asa3409 3 года назад +1

    I grew up watching Love Boat and I remember always thinking how strange it was when people were in a cabin with a stranger.

  • @DaveTexas
    @DaveTexas 3 года назад +3

    Staying in a solo cabin might be why I hate cruising. The first cruise I went in was with my family. An aunt and I were solo for the trip, so my parents (who booked and paid for the cruise) booked solo cabins for us. They were on the lowest passenger deck and were interior cabins with no window. They were tiny cabins and had poorer furniture and very plain, non-luxurious bathrooms. It actually felt like my aunt and I were put in cabins that had been originally designed for crew members. Anyway, I hated being in that cabin. I’d hang out in my brother & sister-in-law’s cabin or in the ship’s library most of the time. I’ve been on one other cruise since then, but I hated that cruise as well. I just don’t like feeling trapped in a ship. Being solo made it worse.

  • @karenlyles1315
    @karenlyles1315 3 года назад

    Very interesting!

  • @gwenmarshall587
    @gwenmarshall587 3 года назад +15

    I too am a solo traveler mostly on NCL and RCCL. I have found on NCL that the inside cabins are less expensive than the solo cabins on the large ships when I have looked so I may have just looked at the right time. Also currently RCCL is having a 60% off on the second passenger which then turns into a lower price for a solo traveler. The best way that I have found too save money is to book back-to-back or back-to-back-to-back trips to save money on the hotel before the trip and the round trip transportation. I do plan to look at your sites that you suggested though, thanks for the tips.

    • @careym3901
      @careym3901 3 года назад +3

      I did that with my 14 day southern Caribbean cruise next Feb. Got a list of Casino, Free fare cruises and picked an 11 day( western Caribbean/Panama Canal with different ports except Aruba!) that ends in Ft Lauderdale the same day my 14 day Caribbean cruise starts. 2 different lines & ships but one return flight instead of 2 and 1 night hotel before. As well as only needing insurance on the second cruise

    • @tipsfortravellers
      @tipsfortravellers  3 года назад

      Good tip!

    • @rpruneau68
      @rpruneau68 Год назад

      @@careym3901 Fortunately you got a Casino voucher so you only had to pay the Tax & Fees since going through the Canal usually runs around $400 - $700 for the fees and taxes alone. Having done an 11-day with HAL in 2018 I had a pretty good deal solo Ocean view for around $1600 after taxes and fees.

  • @lornekay8948
    @lornekay8948 2 года назад +7

    My first cruise was a solo cruise for continuing education with my professional association. I fell in love. I begged and pleaded for my wife to join me on future cruising adventures but for four years she declined. She had a Fear of Floating. So I went on several Norwegian cruises in a studio or inside cabin. Finally she did agreed to cruise with me and went on a one week cruise with me. Now she won’t let me cruise by myself. Sometimes I miss Solo cruising even though I love my wife very much. The freedom of doing whatever I want when I want and having my own private space is a nice part of being on vacation.

  • @areydas5112
    @areydas5112 3 года назад

    Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady offers Solo cabins; Sea view and interor.

  • @jimmcintosh9045
    @jimmcintosh9045 2 года назад +1

    BOOKED a Fred Olsen Norway cruise and was virtually charged double. Paid for a drinks package which a month later they included it free . I got a bit worried as I had booked an inside cabin but as Covid kicked off I decided it would be hell being in isolation in an interior cabin! I cancelled.

  • @jayb429
    @jayb429 Год назад

    I have just returned from a 7 night cruise from Southampton to Norway for £499. I was cruising solo but had a double room. Food, non alcoholic drinks, entertainment and gratuities included. I thought that was great value but have just booked a 15 night cruise with the same company for £614 in October. I think timing and a little bit of luck work wonders

  • @MiaHessMusic
    @MiaHessMusic 2 года назад

    Great advice!

  • @Ariadne147
    @Ariadne147 2 года назад +1

    I cruise almost exclusively solo. There are some cruise lines, like Carnival, which I'm Platinum on, they are not even the slightest bit interested in doing anything for solo cruisers as their ships normally completely sell out and they are a "family" cruise line. NCL has a great solo cruiser program, but their solo cabins are inside cabins, which I find super depressing. I need lots of sunlight in my cabin.

  • @philipbridges548
    @philipbridges548 29 дней назад

    My Norwegian coastal voyage on Havila-12 nights round trip from/to Bergen was a mere $1500 (inside cabin). November 2024. Single occupancy!