Questions for solo cruisers

[Destiny0315]

28 minutes ago, vswan said:

I understand that you have to pay double the room rate even if you are traveling solo (single supplement).

You are correct and that is the case with nearly every cruise line. But even HAL has occasional offerings of greatly reduced single supplement rates. If you go to google and type in the word cruise and then the word that describes a purple fruit that the brits love to make a holiday pudding with it will take you to a site that list hundreds of such offerings by many cruise lines. Sorry but CC policy is the reason why my post might seem like a game of charades.🙂  Rob

[Destiny0315]

21 minutes ago, Destiny0315 said:

But even HAL has occasional offerings of greatly reduced single supplement rates.

In fact I just cross checked an verified an offer listed on there with the HAL site and right now there are at least three single OV rooms on the main deck available on the Rotterdam with 0% SS on the 7 day out of FLL on 12/15/23 that with port charges and tips comes to under 1K!! Now it is a close to the holiday cruise and you will be hanging out down by the anchor so it might be a little noisy at times.😀

[RuthC]

42 minutes ago, Red Haired Lady said:

If you book an inside or OV cabin on HAL it is usually 79% supplement on ships that are NOT Pinnacle Class.  It is 100% for balcony or suites on all ships and all cabins on Pinnacle Class (Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam)

Not in my experience. Since my husband's death I have cruised on HAL for over 700 days (not counting bonus days), most of them alone, and most of them in inside cabins. 

I won't guarantee I never paid less than double, but if I did, it was rare enough that I didn't even notice. I do know that at least most of the time I have had to pay double the cruise rate, plus the additional taxes and charges for one. 

[RuthC]

46 minutes ago, Red Haired Lady said:

If you book an inside or OV cabin on HAL it is usually 79% supplement on ships that are NOT Pinnacle Class.  It is 100% for balcony or suites on all ships and all cabins on Pinnacle Class (Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam)

Sorry, double post. 

It seems when you quote from a post on one page, then post to the last page, it doesn't appear on your screen. 
Oops. 

[Pickalily, Wilts]

7 hours ago, bellebaby said:

Pickalily

 

You live in a very beautiful area.

 

Years ago, a friend's daughter married a young man that lived in Allington, near Salisbury.  

 

We went to the engagement party and stayed with his family in The Old Rectory.  

 

Wonderful memories.

 

B

 

Well, bellebaby, it's a very small World! 🙂   I know Allington and the house you mentioned.  Sadly, Michael B died last year - a great loss to the village - but I believe his wife is continuing his philanthropic work.

[vswan]

10 hours ago, Destiny0315 said:

In fact I just cross checked an verified an offer listed on there with the HAL site and right now there are at least three single OV rooms on the main deck available on the Rotterdam with 0% SS on the 7 day out of FLL on 12/15/23 that with port charges and tips comes to under 1K!! Now it is a close to the holiday cruise and you will be hanging out down by the anchor so it might be a little noisy at times.😀

The cruise I was looking at was on the Konsingdam. I was surprised to see that one of the inside options was for single rooms, but of course they they were unavailable, so assume all sold out. I was able to see where they were on the ship, and yep, all very far forward. Been there, done that. Once we got the furthest front cabin when purchasing a guarantee and I was miserable. If you have any motion sickness at all, this/these are not the cabins to choose.

[Navybikermom]

54 minutes ago, vswan said:

The cruise I was looking at was on the Konsingdam. I was surprised to see that one of the inside options was for single rooms, but of course they they were unavailable, so assume all sold out. I was able to see where they were on the ship, and yep, all very far forward. Been there, done that. Once we got the furthest front cabin when purchasing a guarantee and I was miserable. If you have any motion sickness at all, this/these are not the cabins to choose.

I considered a solo cabin for my Rotterdam cruise next year, but the cost was $1000 more than a standard inside cabin! I said no thanks and took the inside. Strange pricing model they have there…

[wdw1972]

1 hour ago, Navybikermom said:

I considered a solo cabin for my Rotterdam cruise next year, but the cost was $1000 more than a standard inside cabin! I said no thanks and took the inside. Strange pricing model they have there…

The solo cabins are ocean view - nice big unobstructed window.  Also, some of them would probably be larger than a standard inside stateroom.  I've booked one of the 2 largest ones a couple times and honestly couldn't tell a difference from any (non-solo) oceanview stateroom.  Got a peek into an inside stateroom and it was indeed tiny - unbelievably small.

 

Sue/WDW1972

[bellebaby]

7 hours ago, Pickalily, Wilts said:

 

Well, bellebaby, it's a very small World! 🙂   I know Allington and the house you mentioned.  Sadly, Michael B died last year - a great loss to the village - but I believe his wife is continuing his philanthropic work.

I heard he had passed.  Hope his family is doing well.

 

It is a small world.  Especially here on Cruise Critic.  Most of the members try to find things we have in common and support each other.  

 

B

[kangforpres]

when I get a "free" casino offer for a cabin I don't get charged the single supplement. Also if you are 4 or 5 stars you get "Private sale offers" and these fares are greatly reduced and make the single supplement much less painful to shallow. When I have been charged the single supplement for cruising solo they are kind enough to leave 2 Mariner Cocktail coupons in my cabin instead of just 1. 😅

[cruising sister]

I really envy people who can be in inside cabins. I am claustrophobic and can not do it. I will be doing an OV on the Volendam for the Grand Australian cruise but chose it on the promenade deck where I am steps from outside. If I am successful with OV it will open up more affordable solo cruises. 

[RD64]

1 hour ago, kangforpres said:

when I get a "free" casino offer for a cabin I don't get charged the single supplement. Also if you are 4 or 5 stars you get "Private sale offers" and these fares are greatly reduced and make the single supplement much less painful to shallow. When I have been charged the single supplement for cruising solo they are kind enough to leave 2 Mariner Cocktail coupons in my cabin instead of just 1. 😅

Private Sale Offers are not always necessarily better. I received a private sale offer on Friday for a currently booked / paid for upcoming cruise. The private fare is approx $400 more all other things being equal.

[durangoscots]

1 hour ago, cruising sister said:

I really envy people who can be in inside cabins. I am claustrophobic and can not do it. I will be doing an OV on the Volendam for the Grand Australian cruise but chose it on the promenade deck where I am steps from outside. If I am successful with OV it will open up more affordable solo cruises. 

Look a the spread sheet and see where I am. I think you will like it there.... although I have been on the Dolphin deck next to the anchor a number of times. Always got up early on port days.

[Destiny0315]

2 hours ago, cruising sister said:

I really envy people who can be in inside cabins. I am claustrophobic and can not do it. I will be doing an OV on the Volendam for the Grand Australian cruise but chose it on the promenade deck where I am steps from outside. If I am successful with OV it will open up more affordable solo cruises. 

https://halfacts.com/vista-class/10024-zuiderdam/

There are a couple of K class 'inside' cabins (10021 & 10024) with windows on the Observation Deck(10) of the Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam that a lot of people don't know about. They are sold as insides and are small but they do have a window that looks out to the barely used walkway behind the retractable roof. You won't see the ocean but you will see the sky, the stars, and maybe the sun and the moon. There location is excellent though as they are just steps away from the Observation Deck and Crows Nest and seem perfect for a solo cruiser.

[3rdGenCunarder]

3 hours ago, Destiny0315 said:

https://halfacts.com/vista-class/10024-zuiderdam/

There are a couple of K class 'inside' cabins (10021 & 10024) with windows on the Observation Deck(10) of the Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam that a lot of people don't know about. They are sold as insides and are small but they do have a window that looks out to the barely used walkway behind the retractable roof. You won't see the ocean but you will see the sky, the stars, and maybe the sun and the moon. There location is excellent though as they are just steps away from the Observation Deck and Crows Nest and seem perfect for a solo cruiser.

 

I think I saw cabins like that on Eurodam, too.

[Destiny0315]

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/deckbydeck.php?ship=Eurodam&deck=10

Your right. The Eurodam has two larger 'inside' rooms with a window(10043 and 10044)on the Panorama Deck(10)that are category IQ and called Interior Spa suites. This page with the deck plan has two camera icons that you can click on to see photos showing the walkway with the windows of these two unique cabins and there is another icon for room 10043 with cabin interior pics. 

[TiogaCruiser]

8 hours ago, kangforpres said:

when I get a "free" casino offer for a cabin I don't get charged the single supplement. Also if you are 4 or 5 stars you get "Private sale offers" and these fares are greatly reduced and make the single supplement much less painful to shallow. When I have been charged the single supplement for cruising solo they are kind enough to leave 2 Mariner Cocktail coupons in my cabin instead of just 1. 😅

It’s not your star status that got you Private Sales. At 2 and 3 star, DH and i alternate getting Private sales. Some are jokes, and the last one was awesome. We never get the same ones. 

6 hours ago, RD64 said:

Private Sale Offers are not always necessarily better. I received a private sale offer on Friday for a currently booked / paid for upcoming cruise. The private fare is approx $400 more all other things being equal.

 

[Haljo1935]

10 hours ago, Destiny0315 said:

https://halfacts.com/vista-class/10024-zuiderdam/

There are a couple of K class 'inside' cabins (10021 & 10024) with windows on the Observation Deck(10) of the Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam that a lot of people don't know about. They are sold as insides and are small but they do have a window that looks out to the barely used walkway behind the retractable roof. You won't see the ocean but you will see the sky, the stars, and maybe the sun and the moon. There location is excellent though as they are just steps away from the Observation Deck and Crows Nest and seem perfect for a solo cruiser.

Nieuw Amsterdam has these, as well. But shhhh - everyone will learn about the hidden gems, lol.

[Pickalily, Wilts]

Just a gentle 'bump' to keep the topic live.

[WriterOnDeck]

On 3/5/2023 at 4:44 AM, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I think the 100% supplement is unfair. One person eats less food, uses fewer towels and less water than two people do. We should get a little break. Cunard's supplement is 75% until you get up to the Grills Level, and then it's 100%. Once in a while they do a sale with a reduced single supplement.

The rationale is that the cruise line loses the opportunity to sell more booze, more shore excursions, more casino play, more photographs, etc. Not saying I agree with it, but they won't make as much money off a cabin with one person, even paying double, as a cabin with 2 people.

[WriterOnDeck]

On 3/5/2023 at 5:03 AM, Red Haired Lady said:

If you book an inside or OV cabin on HAL it is usually 79% supplement on ships that are NOT Pinnacle Class.  It is 100% for balcony or suites on all ships and all cabins on Pinnacle Class (Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam)

 

On the Grand Voyages it is 60% for an inside or OV. This includes segments of Grand Voyages.

This varies greatly -- it's not a set percentage by cabin category or by cruise type. If the cruise is selling quickly, it's less. If not, the discount might kick in. Just like airplane tickets. You and the person sitting next to you might pay vastly different prices.

[Destiny0315]

7 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Nieuw Amsterdam has these, as well. But shhhh - everyone will learn about the hidden gems, lol.

Too late I let the cat out of the bag.😀 Just reminding the solo cruisers out there that there are some nice cabins for them on the higher decks that are available too.

[Z0nker]

On 3/1/2023 at 4:22 PM, vswan said:

My husband passed away last week after bypass surgery. He was home one week and gone. I had booked a cruise for 8 weeks after the surgery and was wise enough to by the cancel for any reason insurance. I know the kind hearted people on CC will offer sympathy and prayers, so thank you in advance.

 

We had traveled together on more than 30 cruises and this is my favorite type of vacation and know that I will want to continue. I have a number of questions for those who have needed to make the switch from sailing as a couple to sailing as a solo.

 

I understand that most of the time you will be charged for two people in the cabin, even if there is only one. There are occasionally sales which only charge solo, but sounds like those are far and few...

 

How long did you wait to take your first solo cruise. Did you go alone or take a family member or friend with you? Would you go sooner or wait longer?

 

If you want to purchase the HIA, do you pay once since there is only one passenger or do you pay double. Same with Club Orange.

 

We have not been loyal to one cruise line, but have cruised the most on HAL. I'm only 65, but no party animal. Would you stay with HAL or try something else?

 

Are there things you would recommend for a solo to do? Book more shore excursions versus doing your own thing, etc.

 

Do know that I would probably go to the meet and greets. Husband wasn't a joiner, so we didn't participate.

 

For a little context. Have been sailing primarily in balcony cabins. Enjoy just sitting on my own balcony with a book and cocktail. Don't feel the need to be entertained at all times. Primarily looking to get out of the frigid north to someplace warm. Love to travel and can not see myself at a resort someplace by myself. On a ship there is lots to do and people around.

Sorry for your loss. I know it’s hard (I was a widower in my 40s and even then it was tough.) My dad passed in the fall of 2020. Mom resumed cruising in fall 2022, taking a 7 day out of our local home port with my wife and I. Mom got her own balcony room. Single supplement was around 20-25% on Princess at that time, but I think it’s gone up since then. She had a blast and will be cruising with us two more times. Best of luck to you. 

[vswan]

Does anyone recall how often HAL includes the daily service charge with the HIA during promotions. I'm looking ahead and that would save dollars, make the other HIA options more reasonable. The HIA promo for me would be questionable. A couple of drinks, probably max of 4 per day, I don't drink coffee and limited soda, will use limited internet, but would keep me connected with family at home. Generally don't do the shore excursions, but may do as a solo traveler. The plus of the HIA is that I CAN use the internet and drink what I want without thinking about it. Of course they probably increase the base price while offering this.

[3rdGenCunarder]

16 minutes ago, vswan said:

Does anyone recall how often HAL includes the daily service charge with the HIA during promotions. I'm looking ahead and that would save dollars, make the other HIA options more reasonable. The HIA promo for me would be questionable. A couple of drinks, probably max of 4 per day, I don't drink coffee and limited soda, will use limited internet, but would keep me connected with family at home. Generally don't do the shore excursions, but may do as a solo traveler. The plus of the HIA is that I CAN use the internet and drink what I want without thinking about it. Of course they probably increase the base price while offering this.

 

Lately it seems that the "crew appreciation/service charge/tips" (the name keeps changing, maybe it's crew incentive now?) are included in HIA only when it's an early booking bonus. 

 

I had HIA (without the crew appreciation) on my recent cruise and I guess I came out near to even. I would have come out ahead if HAL hadn't cancelled a shorex I couldn't replace with another. Once I was on board, I remembered that I get 50% off specialty dining and the fancy coffees, so that made HIA a bit less valuable to me. Since it wasn't a big winner for me, I decided not to get it on the next cruise I booked, for next winter.

 

Then I booked a cruise for next summer with the early booking bonus, and that extra amount (about $15 per day in a vista suite) made HIA definitely worth it, still at $50 per day.

 

And now that internet prices are going up and Canaletto prices are going up, maybe HIA will look better to me.