Cruising Basics
What is a single supplement?
It's a fact— the price that you see for a cruise ship cabin is typically based on double occupancy. That means the price you are seeing is ½ the total cost of the stateroom. It is the cost paid by each person assuming that two people will be staying in a room, each paying the stated price. Essentially, if you want to travel alone, and have your own room…you pay double. More specifically you pay the Cruise/Port costs times 2, but the taxes and gratuities times 1.The good news, solo cruising is on the rise and many cruise lines have added new features and accommodations for the solo traveler. Several cruise lines are including solo cabins and many are offering no or low single supplements for solo travelers.
What is a "single supplement?"
When you see the term "single supplement" it is a surcharge to recover revenue lost when a solo traveler occupies a room that could accommodate two guests. These single supplements (that amount added to the stated per person price) can range anywhere from not having to pay extra at all to 100 percent of the cruise and port fees for the second person who's not occupying the stateroom.
The best part about being a solo cruiser is that you have your own private space to retreat to but still get to take part in all the exciting activities offered on board if you want. What you do or don't do is completely up to you. You don't have to consult with anyone, you're in complete control. Proverbially speaking, who doesn't like being the captain of their own ship!