Solo cruising on HAL

[Haljo1935]

4 hours ago, wdw1972 said:

 

4 hours ago, wdw1972 said:

What ship & cabin numbers? Thanks!

[ski ww]

That cabin looks very comfortable, I could enjoy cruising in that as a single. On the opposite side of this discussion I like the fact that 2nd, 3thrd passengers in the cabin are so cheap, we have taken our great grand daughter on three cruises so far & next year there will be four of us. 

[wdw1972]

5 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

 

What ship & cabin numbers? Thanks!

Rotterdam 1018.  It would be the same on the other 2 pinnacles. 
 

sue/WDW1972

[sambamama]

I never said I got casino free cruises. I got one casino free cruise-ONE- in the 30 years I've been sailing HAL. The Pinnacle cabins are way up at the absolute front of the ship, and I don't regard them as good value. If they sold those cabins at half the cabin rate, I would consider them. But they don't.  People are taking what I said out of context. I never said I hate HAL. Why would I have sailed so many times? What I said was HAL is out of step with the other cruise lines with regard to single supplements. That is true. You can choose to still sail on HAL at a 80-100% supplement. I understand that. I choose not to. I only mentioned about my ability to get flights and hotel rooms in response to an earlier post about how expensive flights were and how expensive the poster's Vancouver hotel room was, and how in light of that, a 100% supplement was ok.

What is apparent is that not everyone reads every post or takes statements in posts in isolation and doesn't follow responses. It also seems some people don't want to have a discussion but prefer to attack me for expressing a valid point as they think I am anti HAL- which I am not. I am however, trying to use my money economically.  I am not a big fan of Have It All because I don't need it all or want it all. I cruise to get away from the internet. I really don't drink, and I can buy a dinner or two at the Pinnacle. So that package does nothing for me. I don't go to all inclusives for the same reason. 

[wdw1972]

6 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Do I understand that a single who books one of the single cabins pays the cost of the cabin and a single supplement on top of that?

 

I’ve sailed several times as a solo, and frankly, on several of those cruises, (not all) my total fare ( including the fare for my invisible roommate) wasn’t that much because the rate I booked under was reasonable. 

With the solo stateroom there's not an option to put 2 people in it, so the price is the price for 1 person.  It's not a per-person based on 2 that then changes to a solo person like the non-solo staterooms.  When they first came out for Koningsdam 2016, they were the same price as the "per person" price in a regular oceanview - that lasted literally a day or 2 before being increased and it's been higher ever since.  It works out to be less than the price of 1 person staying in a regular stateroom, but it's not a huge savings (on 10-11 day sailings).  I like the location - it's quiet, movement of the ship isn't an issue/not really noticed, and since I ALWAYS have a cabana in the Retreat it's very convenient (quick elevator ride) to where I spend most of my daytime time.  Evenings I'm found in Music Walk (very convenient to that) and specialty dining - not a MDR fan.

 

Of course, everyone need to do their research and then pick what makes the most sense for them.  There's really no right or wrong unless you throw a dart at the deck plan and pick your stateroom that way 😉 

 

Sue/WDW1972

[kangforpres]

I'm sailing right now as a solo on a casino offer. I get around the solo penalty by using casino offers. Now if I can only get a tax deduction for not having any kids.

[cruisemom42]

Sambamama, I think I understand what you’re saying. As a longtime solo traveler I am well used to playing the supplement game. Thankfully for me I am equally happy aboard several lines so I have a wider field to survey for a good deal. But like you I have wondered whether in future we will see cruise lines change their long-held business model to be less solo-unfriendly. 
 

Several trends mitigate toward this happening. First, as most lines continue increasing their cabin capacities fleet wide, they’re going to have to accept the idea that not every cabin will be filled by that ideal of two persons. I think we will see lower solo supplements with the realization that it may be better to have a solo onboard with discretionary income to spend rather than a cash-strapped couple who has to wait for a last minute fire sail to be able to afford a cabin.

 

The other trend is the increased numbers of solo travelers among key demographics like retirees. Either because they are longtime solos ( like myself) comfortable with traveling alone, or because it is easier to hear about and learn how to travel solo via the internet and various guide books, solo travel is on the increase and cruise lines would be foolish to write themselves off the list of these travelers.

 

Covid seems to have accelerated a number of changes especially in the travel industry. I suspect within the next decade solo travelers will be more sought after.

 

Let’s hope HAL doesn’t “miss the boat”!!

[BermudaBound2014]

12 hours ago, kazu said:

 

Thanks but nearly 5,000 passengers is way too many for me.  😱 

 

For me it's not about the number of passengers, but the space ratio on each individual ship.

 

The Oasis class has better space ratio than the Eurodam and significantly more space per passenger than the Koningsdam.  In other words, Oasis class ships feel less crowded even though there are gobs more people. I can testify this is true from personal experience.

 

I understand that some people prefer fewer passengers even if the ship feels more crowded. But for me, it's more all about how the space is allocated. Of course, there are other reasons to select smaller ships (even the Pinnacle class is not very big by industry standards); but I would never rule out a mega ship with great space ratio. 

 

This is the solo balcony on Quantum class. Why they have two chairs for a solo cabin is odd; but I always like a cabin that has a chaise. 

 

[cruisemom42]

37 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

For me it's not about the number of passengers, but the space ratio on each individual ship.

 

The Oasis class has better space ratio than the Eurodam and significantly more space per passenger than the Koningsdam.  In other words, Oasis class ships feel less crowded even though there are gobs more people. I can testify this is true from personal experience.

 

I understand that some people prefer fewer passengers even if the ship feels more crowded. But for me, it's more all about how the space is allocated. Of course, there are other reasons to select smaller ships (even the Pinnacle class is not very big by industry standards); but I would never rule out a mega ship with great space ratio. 

 

This is the solo balcony on Quantum class. Why they have two chairs for a solo cabin is odd; but I always like a cabin that has a chaise. 

 

I wish I could limit myself just to ships under 1,000 pax. It’s nothing really to do with the space ratio (don’t think I’ve ever been on a small ship that seemed crowded), I just like being with fewer people who I stand a good chance of running into multiple times. I’m not looking for a new best friend, but traveling solo on longer cruise, it’s nice to have a few touch points during the day, whether it’s the barista who remembers your name and drink of choice or the couple who like to read in the same location as you during the day and with whom you exchange casual chat.

 

Of course I also like smaller ships for opportunities to visit smaller ports.

 

Unfortunately there are only a few remaining “small” ships that don’t charge luxury prices, making them out of my target range.

 

[BermudaBound2014]

2 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

I wish I could limit myself just to ships under 1,000 pax. It’s nothing really to do with the space ratio (don’t think I’ve ever been on a small ship that seemed crowded), I just like being with fewer people who I stand a good chance of running into multiple times. I’m not looking for a new best friend, but traveling solo on longer cruise, it’s nice to have a few touch points during the day, whether it’s the barista who remembers your name and drink of choice or the couple who like to read in the same location as you during the day and with whom you exchange casual chat.

 

Of course I also like smaller ships for opportunities to visit smaller ports.

 

Unfortunately there are only a few remaining “small” ships that don’t charge luxury prices, making them out of my target range.

 

 

I do get it. The mega ships aren't going to do the long itineraries or get into the unique ports, if you want to do that you are going to pay.  I have sailed solo on a several mega ships, and I did find that I'd run into the same people in the same area. Habits. But, those are typical 'bus' runs of 7-14 days. I would absolutely consider a mega for a longer repositioning cruise. The mega's offer so much more to do in terms of entertainment. But, I understand it's not everyone cup of tea. Just sharing info for those who maybe new to the solo game. 

[BermudaBound2014]

@kazu and @cruisemom42 another reason for increased solo's is that Generation Xer's are entering retirement. Often times, their spouse continues to work (my case). Generation Xer's are known travelers. Perhaps even more so than Baby-boomers. 

[Lakesregion]

7 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

Sambamama, I think I understand what you’re saying. As a longtime solo traveler I am well used to playing the supplement game. Thankfully for me I am equally happy aboard several lines so I have a wider field to survey for a good deal. But like you I have wondered whether in future we will see cruise lines change their long-held business model to be less solo-unfriendly. 
 

Several trends mitigate toward this happening. First, as most lines continue increasing their cabin capacities fleet wide, they’re going to have to accept the idea that not every cabin will be filled by that ideal of two persons. I think we will see lower solo supplements with the realization that it may be better to have a solo onboard with discretionary income to spend rather than a cash-strapped couple who has to wait for a last minute fire sail to be able to afford a cabin.

 

The other trend is the increased numbers of solo travelers among key demographics like retirees. Either because they are longtime solos ( like myself) comfortable with traveling alone, or because it is easier to hear about and learn how to travel solo via the internet and various guide books, solo travel is on the increase and cruise lines would be foolish to write themselves off the list of these travelers.

 

Covid seems to have accelerated a number of changes especially in the travel industry. I suspect within the next decade solo travelers will be more sought after.

 

Let’s hope HAL doesn’t “miss the boat”!!

Also being a solo traveler for the past 23 years I have noticed the cruies lines slowly increase the single supplement from 50% to 100% depending on cabin ctegory. On occasion, Usually available if you can catch a short notice cruise) they will eliminate or significatly drop the suppliment if they can not sell the cabins to two people.

 

On land, I have noticed that the reservation services that do on- line booking for restaurants do not like reservations for one person and will state that there are no tables available but if you return later to the site and book for two shazam they have tables. Same for resort hotels. One person rarely consumes the amount of booze nor gambles or uses the same amount of revenue producing asstes that two people do. Just business economics and we do pay for it but staying home and waving at cars in your front yard really is not a vacation.

Edited August 27, 2023 by Lakesregion
spelling

[Lakesregion]

6 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

I do get it. The mega ships aren't going to do the long itineraries or get into the unique ports, if you want to do that you are going to pay.  I have sailed solo on a several mega ships, and I did find that I'd run into the same people in the same area. Habits. But, those are typical 'bus' runs of 7-14 days. I would absolutely consider a mega for a longer repositioning cruise. The mega's offer so much more to do in terms of entertainment. But, I understand it's not everyone cup of tea. Just sharing info for those who maybe new to the solo game. 

Last Janaury I did a 12 day on a 4,000 pax ship as a solo and unless you enjoy stading at the bar with a crowd of load people and lining up for every meal they are not in my opinon fun. Small ships offer better solo experiences.

[whogo]

I have cruised solo. I do not care about reductions from list price or the markup for solo cruisers. I just look at the final cost. It may well be that HAL has a better cruise at a better price with a 100% solo markup than Princess has for a similar cruise with a 50% markup.

 

I do not think the cruise lines will eliminate the solo markup. If the cruise does not sell, they will lower the price until it does. The lowered price may be attractive to solos regardless of the markup percentage.

[wdw1972]

2 minutes ago, whogo said:

I have cruised solo. I do not care about reductions from list price or the markup for solo cruisers. I just look at the final cost. It may well be that HAL has a better cruise at a better price with a 100% solo markup than Princess has for a similar cruise with a 50% markup.

 

I do not think the cruise lines will eliminate the solo markup. If the cruise does not sell, they will lower the price until it does. The lowered price may be attractive to solos regardless of the markup percentage.

This is the best advice.  Find a price you're comfortable with and forget all the other unnecessary drama.

 

Sue/WDW1972

[BermudaBound2014]

52 minutes ago, Lakesregion said:

Last Janaury I did a 12 day on a 4,000 pax ship as a solo and unless you enjoy stading at the bar with a crowd of load people and lining up for every meal they are not in my opinon fun. Small ships offer better solo experiences.

 

Not all 4,000 passenger ships are created equal. It comes down to space ratio. Oasis class holds 6,000 and I never once stood in line for the bar or restaurant. Felt much less crowded than some of the smaller ships I've sailed.

[Roz]

@BermudaBound2014, maybe there are 2 chairs in case you meet a "special" friend on your cruise and invite them in to share your balcony. 😉

[RD64]

18 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

Not all 4,000 passenger ships are created equal. It comes down to space ratio. Oasis class holds 6,000 and I never once stood in line for the bar or restaurant. Felt much less crowded than some of the smaller ships I've sailed.

To each his own, but personally I have no intention of cruising with 4000 or 6000 of my closest friends. I much prefer recognizing familiar faces - or seeing that interesting person on Day 1 and then seeing them again, as opposed to never again.

[BermudaBound2014]

7 minutes ago, RD64 said:

To each his own, but personally I have no intention of cruising with 4000 or 6000 of my closest friends. I much prefer recognizing familiar faces - or seeing that interesting person on Day 1 and then seeing them again, as opposed to never again.

 

What makes you think you wouldn't see the same person(s) again? I've found the opposite to be true. Most of us are creatures of habit. I sat with/near the same group of people every single day in the complementary adult only solarium. Same for a before dinner drink in central park. 

 

Big ships aren't for everyone and I'm not suggesting that. But I am suggesting that crowding is not a reason to dismiss some of the mega ships. Certainly stay away from NCL's away class, but there are lots of choices. 

 

There are plenty of reasons to want small. The biggest reasons I see are itinerary and perhaps those with walking difficulties. But saying you want small because you like to see the same people just doesn't match my experiences.

 

Out of curiosity, What mega ships have you sailed on? 

[dockman]

7 minutes ago, RD64 said:

To each his own, but personally I have no intention of cruising with 4000 or 6000 of my closest friends. I much prefer recognizing familiar faces - or seeing that interesting person on Day 1 and then seeing them again, as opposed to never again.

 

Me too.  I just do not really like the big monster ships.  I do not need a choice of 20 restaurants many of which are an extra fee.  I do not need rock climbing walls, water slides, go carts, etc.  I much prefer a smaller ship where over a week or two a lot of the staff will recognize you and vice versa...as well as if you do meet interesting people you might actually see them again.  Not to mention the fun of being one of 5000 or so getting off in a port. 

 

Give me a couple of dining rooms, a nice buffet, maybe a burger/pizza/ice cream bar and i am fine.  Give me a nice full promenade deck for walking, sitting in a nice teak lounge chair looking at the ocean close by and not an open air 10 laps to a mile joke of a walking/jogging path with no protection from the elements and the ocean 15 floors below that u can try and see through often dirty plexiglass.  A decent library and some decent enrichment lectures is a plus.  I guess some are bored with what i consider to be an ideal relatively quiet hassle free cruise without all the bells and whistles and shopping mall , circus atmosphere.

 

Of course I know some think that bigger is better and more and more choices is what they want.  Good for them if that is what they want.  I do not.

[BermudaBound2014]

@dockman.. I also prefer a proper promenade deck and enrichment lectures, but those are merely factors in my decision process. In keeping with the OP; I have found much better solo rates on nearly every other line. Not necessarily better itineraries, but certainly better rates for nicer cabins. Depends what I'm sailing for.

 

I do hope HAL starts to match it's competition in offering both more attractive pricing, and better accommodations for it's solo passengers.

[BermudaBound2014]

49 minutes ago, Roz said:

@BermudaBound2014, maybe there are 2 chairs in case you meet a "special" friend on your cruise and invite them in to share your balcony. 😉

 

and a chaise in case you meet two 'special' friends 😉 

[RD64]

1 hour ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

What makes you think you wouldn't see the same person(s) again? I've found the opposite to be true. Most of us are creatures of habit. I sat with/near the same group of people every single day in the complementary adult only solarium. Same for a before dinner drink in central park. 

 

Big ships aren't for everyone and I'm not suggesting that. But I am suggesting that crowding is not a reason to dismiss some of the mega ships. Certainly stay away from NCL's away class, but there are lots of choices. 

 

There are plenty of reasons to want small. The biggest reasons I see are itinerary and perhaps those with walking difficulties. But saying you want small because you like to see the same people just doesn't match my experiences.

 

Out of curiosity, What mega ships have you sailed on? 

Not a mega mega ship but the last large ships were Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze - floating mosh pits.

 

Then there was the Regal Princess - people everywhere. Ran into a coworker on Day 5 (neither one of us knew - or had any idea that the other was on the cruise). Day 6 we set a time to get together for a drink, and lo and behold we ran into a third coworker.

[BermudaBound2014]

5 minutes ago, RD64 said:

Not a mega mega ship but the last large ships were Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze - floating mosh pits.

 

Then there was the Regal Princess - people everywhere. Ran into a coworker on Day 5 (neither one of us knew - or had any idea that the other was on the cruise). Day 6 we set a time to get together for a drink, and lo and behold we ran into a third coworker.

 

Well there you have it. All three of those ships have terrible space ratios :(. The Vista and Breeze are two of the most 'crowded' in the entire industry. 

 

The lower the number the more crowded the ship will feel.

 

Carnival Vista 1: 33.75

Carnival Breeze 1:34.76

Regal Princess 1:39.66

 

In comparison:

Konningsdam 1: 37.55 (actually worse than Regal Princess)

Quantam of the seas 1: 40.35

Allure of the Seas 1:41.60

 

And for giggles: Volendam: 1: 42:51 🙂 

Westerdam 1: 43:00

 

As you can see, sometimes the mega ships have very good space ratios comparatively. 

 

Side note: I've seen space ratio calculated a few different ways, but this site is pretty accurate based on my experience.

https://www2.cruisewatch.com/top-10/ships-space-ratio/

 

 

[dockman]

2 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

@dockman.. I also prefer a proper promenade deck and enrichment lectures, but those are merely factors in my decision process. In keeping with the OP; I have found much better solo rates on nearly every other line. Not necessarily better itineraries, but certainly better rates for nicer cabins. Depends what I'm sailing for.

 

I do hope HAL starts to match it's competition in offering both more attractive pricing, and better accommodations for it's solo passengers.

I seem to find better deals for singles on princess lately than on HAL....too bad as i prefer HAL but not to the point where I am willing to pay all that much more of a premium...there have been some incredible prices on princess for alaska all summer especially on their older ships...still paying full single supplement but prices so low it's not so bad and i am pretty flexible all around and don't mind older ships..in some cases actually prefer them to the latest newest ships which seem to charge a lot more as perhaps they have more demand for people who like new....i am not really all that hard to please and as said don;t need a lot of bells and whistles...