Is the cruise industry ‘failing’ solo travellers? Let me know what you think?

Is the cruise industry ‘failing’ solo travellers?  Let me know what you think!

The cruise industry has dismissed claims by an online solo travelling network that it is “failing” solo travellers.

As a single traveller myself, I believe they are failing to some extent.  Over the last several years the numbers for those wanting to, or, having to cruise alone has increased.  I think the cruise industry needs to acknowledge this and instead of penailising this growing community they should either increase the number of single cabins or have more offers when we have to use a twin cabin for ‘sole occupancy’.

Taking any holiday on your own can be daunting especially if it is your first and I do believe that cruises are the best way to meet other fellow like-mind people, however, working on ships was an eye opener to this issue.  Some passengers felt as if they were outcasts just because they were ‘single’ and others said that some ships didn’t cater for their needs.  Some ships didn’t even offer a ‘singles mingle’ event which would help those who were a little shy at making friends and not feeling alone.

I’m not saying that all cruise lines do not offer good deals and some do offer the option to sit on tables solely for single passengers and some even organise events but not enough do.  As I said some even have single cabins but my customers just say there are never enough.  If you are alone and want to see the world it is a fantastic way to travel.

Guests have said they feel ‘safe’ on a cruise and that the range of excursions offered meant they are not ‘alone’ and feel more comfortable venturing ashore as they are discovering new places with like-minded people.

At ABTA’s recent Travel Convention, Ben Bouldin, associate vice-president and managing director Royal Caribbean International, UK & Ireland, said single cabins sold the quickest.

He admitted though the line “did not make it as easy for solo travellers as it might”.

Andy Harmer, Clia’s senior vice-president and director in UK & Ireland, said the marriage between cruise and single travellers was “perfectly matched”.

“I think that for three reasons,” he said. “The industry has worked very hard with them, selling solo cabins and making sure that the rooms are good value.

“The studio rooms on Norwegian Cruise Line with the new lounge areas are amazing. If you look at P&O Britannia it has new cabins with a balcony.

“Celebrity Edge has solo travel cabins so I think there are now advancements.

“Another reason is there are dance hosts onboard ships now and there are a range of dining options for guests – to make everyone feel part of the cruise.

“The final reason is there are a range of excursions which they might not have been comfortable doing alone but within a group they are. You are sharing that experience with like-minded people.”

Toronto-based online community Solo Travellers opted against recognising the cruise industry at its inaugural awards this week.

The decision by the five-man judging panel not to give an award to the cruise industry raises the question once again about the subject of the single supplement – a premium price paid by a solo passenger when they take a room alone.

Selection criteria for the Solo Travellers awards included whether companies included the single supplement or not.

Speaking after the awards, Solo Traveller editor Janice Waugh said: “The ocean cruise industry is failing solo travellers so badly there were no nominees”.

But what about River Cruises? “The river cruise category is not faring much better.”

“All the Solo Traveller awards is doing is highlighting an issue that has been ongoing for 34 years.”

I don’t know what the answer is but as ships are being built bigger and bigger surely there could be more cabins available or better deals for solo travellers.

What do you think?  Is the cruise industry doing enough?

What is the biggest single supplement you have paid for a cruise?

Who do you think is the best cruise line for single travellers?

Leave me your comments!