PHOTO: Quantum-class studio interior stateroom with virtual view. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)
From single travelers to widowers, it's not always easy for solo cruisers to find private accommodations without resorting to seeking out a roommate or paying upwards of twice the cruise fare on a single supplement. Of course, it's financially justifiable for the cruise line's to charge double for one person occupying a room designed for two paying passengers, but it's often far from affordable for an individual to cover. The solution: dedicated solo cabins priced accordingly.
1: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line first introduced its so-called Studio Staterooms on the recently updated Norwegian Epic and has since included them on the Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Pride of America and forthcoming Norwegian Escape.
At around 100 square feet in size depending on the ship, these futuristic-looking inside cabins are much smaller than your average room, but they still comfortably include a full-size bed, separate bath area and window to the hallway. Plus, they feature exclusive access to the private Studio Lounge, shared among other Studio occupants, complete with its own bar, big screen televisions and plush seating.
2: Royal Caribbean International
Studio Interior Staterooms are also available on Royal Caribbean International's two newest ships - the Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas - and they even sport the line's Virtual View technology which displays a live look from outside the ship on a digital panel. The line's Radiance-class ships also feature these cabins save for the Jewel of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean solo cabins are sized around 100 square feet depending on the ship, and they include either a twin (Radiance-class) or full (Quantum-class) sized bed and a private bathroom.
3: Cunard Line
Cunard Line is the only upscale cruise company on the list to offer solo cabins and continues to roll them out on to its fleet. Currently, the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria offer Britannia Single Staterooms, and the Queen Mary 2 flagship is scheduled to receive its own set in May/June 2016.
Unique to these is the fact that most are outside staterooms with a large window, and included single beds are 120cm in width.
4: International Lines (P&O, Costa, Fred. Olsen)
Catering mostly to foreign markets but also offering solo cabins are P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruises on ships like the new Britannia and Costa Diadema and Fred. Olsen's entire fleet.
5: All the Rest
In a pinch, you can always book a room all to yourself on any other cruise ship, but you will pay a single supplement to do so. Not all supplemental costs are priced at 200 percent of the fare though. Occasionally specials are available at around 125 or 150 percent; still not as desirable as the options above but an alternative to consider nonetheless.
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