Cruising and the Single Supplement Charge

Most cabins on cruise ships are designed to accommodate at least two people. The rates listed for these cabins are “per person based on double occupancy” or PPDO. For instance, an advertised rate of $1000 means $1000 per person or $2000 total.

So what happens if you’re traveling alone? Even though the listed rate is supposedly per person, you’re still expected to pay an added charge known as the single supplement. This charge can be up to 100% of the advertised rate. In other words, if the rate is $1000 PPDO, you may be charged the entire $2000 even if you’re on your own.

Are there any ways to avoid the single supplement? Possibly, but you have to keep a sharp eye out for the best deals and perhaps be willing to compromise on traveling solo. Here are some suggestions.

Travel Off Season

Off season cruises are less likely to fill up. Many cruise lines will reduce or even eliminate the single supplement during the off season, reasoning that half-full cabins are better than empty cabins.

Look for Last Minute Deals

If you can get ready to travel at a moment’s notice and if you don’t much care where you end up, check into the many sites that list last minute cruise deals (e.g., Travelocity, Expedia, CruiseDirect, etc.) These cruises haven’t filled up as anticipated, so the companies are often willing to reduce or eliminate the single supplement to entice business and fill cabins.

Check into Single Occupancy Cabins

Although the newer ships aren’t built to accommodate the single traveler, some of the older ships still offer a handful of single occupancy cabins. The cost is usually about 150% of the PPDO rate.

Let the Cruise Line Make a Match

Most cruise lines offer programs that match single cruisers based on gender and smoking preference. If you sign up for the program and a suitable match can’t be found, you get a double occupancy cabin at the PPDO rate. The downside, of course, is that the cruise line might match you with someone you don’t particularly care for.

Find a Traveling Companion

Rather than trust the cruise line to match you with someone, why not make your own match? Perhaps a friend, co-worker, or family member would like to travel with you and split the expenses. Or you could visit a website such as Travel Chums to identify other travelers with interests and traveling preferences similar to yours who would be willing to share a cabin with you.

If you are looking for discount cruises you can find a variety of choices online. From the islands in the Atlantic to Hawaii vacations you can find a deal on a long planned excursion or a last minute getaway.