Do solo cruisers have to pay a double-occupancy rate?

Yes, solo cruisers often have to pay the equivalent of a double occupancy rate, due to the way cruise pricing is traditionally structured.

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⚓ Why This Happens:

Cruise cabins are typically priced based on two people per room (double occupancy). If you're sailing alone, you're still occupying an entire stateroom, so cruise lines charge a "single supplement"—an additional fee to make up for the revenue loss from not having a second fare-paying guest.

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💰 What Is a Single Supplement?

• Usually ranges from 125% to 200% of the per-person fare.

• Example: If the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, a solo traveler might pay $1,250 to $2,000 total, depending on the cruise line and sailing.

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🚢 Ways to Cruise Solo Without Paying Full Double Fare:

1. Look for Solo Cabins

Some cruise lines offer studio or solo staterooms that are priced specifically for one guest:

• Norwegian Cruise Line – Studio cabins with no supplement, plus access to a solo lounge

• Royal Caribbean – Some ships offer studio interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins

• Holland America – "Solo Ocean View" rooms on select ships

• Celebrity Cruises & MSC – Limited solo cabins on newer ships

2. Watch for Waived Single Supplements

• Occasionally, cruise lines waive or reduce the supplement on select sailings, especially during promotions or off-peak seasons.

• Look for sales marked “No Single Supplement” or “Solo Traveler Special.”

 

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✅ In Summary: