Why are cruises so expensive for 1 person?

A few cruise lines feature a limited number of cabins designated for single occupancy sparing the solo cruiser from having to pay double. While cruise lines advertise these single cabins as having no supplement, the single rate is usually slightly higher than the per-person rate of comparable double occupancy cabins.



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A solo cruise is an excellent vacation choice if you're looking to experience exciting destinations around the world and make new friends along the way. Sometimes you don't want to wait to see a destination until you have a travel partner who can go with you.

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A short three to four-night cruise can start from as low as $200-$300 per person for an inside cabin, while a week-long cruise can cost anywhere from $500-$1500 per person, depending on the cruise line, the destination, and the type of cabin.

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A single passenger takes up a whole cabin; the cruise lines don't match roommates for you. However, some cruise lines are now creating single rooms to be sold at a lower fare than having to pay double for a cabin. The price is less than paying double, but more than if you were sharing a cabin.

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Traveling alone on a cruise could double the cost of your vacation — but this could soon change. The single supplement fee could double the cost of your solo cruise vacation. Cruise lines like Norwegian are now adding more cabins for single travelers. A growing number of travelers have been opting to travel alone.

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While cruise lines advertise these single cabins as having no supplement, the single rate is usually slightly higher than the per-person rate of comparable double occupancy cabins. For instance, where a double occupancy room might cost $599 per-person for a total of $1198, a single occupancy cabin costs $799 total.

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But what if you add a third person into the cabin? You might not realize it, but while most people cruise with two to a cabin, you can cruise with three people… and even a fourth cabinmate. For some passengers this is a great way to sail with family or friends, without the cost of an additional room.

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Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Carnival are all still great choices for this age group, whether you're traveling on your own or with a group of single friends. Another cruise line that works well for young singles is Virgin Voyages, which is child-free and has rooms and activities designed for singles.

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Cruise line fares include a number of items that may usually be additional expenses for travelers, like food. And while a number of offerings, such as specialty restaurants and alcohol, might cost extra, passengers can generally dine well while spending as much or as little as they like.

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10 Ways to Cruise When You're Totally Broke
  1. Learn how to hunt for deals. ...
  2. Sail close to home. ...
  3. Look at budget-friendly cruise lines. ...
  4. Go during peak hurricane season. ...
  5. Don't bet on seven days. ...
  6. Book an inside cabin. ...
  7. Eat only in free dining venues. ...
  8. Fill up on free drinks.


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A solo cruise travel is a great idea because cruises can be both isolating and very social; you can relax and have alone time in your cabin or at the spa, while having opportunities to mingle with people at one of the many shows and events on board.

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Most cruise lines will let you book a cruise on your own when you turn 21. Some let you cruise when you're 18, but not if there's a US port on the itinerary. A couple, including Carnival, set 25 as the minimum age (with a couple of exceptions). What cruise can you go on alone at 18?

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Many regular cruise rooms, also called cabins or staterooms, can sleep up to four people. All rooms have two twin beds that can be pushed together to form a queen or king; additional sleeping spots might be a pullout sofa or upper bunks that fold down or pull down from the wall or ceiling.

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Cruise ship workers are not supposed to hook up with passengers, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It is rare though – most crew follow the rules because they know they'll lose their job if they're caught. You won't be surprised to hear that cruise lines ban crew from having sex with passengers.

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Tip: Unlike hotel prices, cruise fares are listed per person, not per cabin, with rates based on two people occupying a stateroom. Cruise lines offer single travelers the opportunity to book a double cabin for themselves by charging a “single supplement,” which is basically 1½ or 2 times the list price for one person.

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Many first-time cruisers don't realize that they won't be able to go directly to their staterooms upon boarding. Pass the time while you wait for your room to be ready and for the ship to set sail by enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck of the ship. This is a great way to make sure you aren't starving by dinner time!

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Cruise lines report that as many as 20% of their passengers are solo travelers, so there are plenty of opportunities to make friends and have a great time. If you previously ignored cruises as an option for solo travel, think again. Your next solo adventure might be on a cruise ship.

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Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.

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The cruise lines' profit model is based on getting bodies onboard and then upcharging the heck out of them. They want to have at least two people in every cabin. If you're a solo in a cabin, you are basically paying for two bodies, much of the time (in other words, the cruise lines charge you a 100% supplement).

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