Cruise single supplements: Here's why you'll pay double to cruise alone
If you planned and budgeted for a cruise but suddenly found out it would cost you double what you expected, would you still go? That’s what most solo cruisers experience nearly every time they try to book a cruise. Cruise lines levy a fee called a single supplement on travelers looking to sail solo in a cabin intended for a couple.
It’s not fair, but there is a reason for the extra charge. Here, I’ll cover what a single supplement is, why cruise lines levy the hefty charges and what you can do to try to avoid them the next time you sail by yourself.
What is a single supplement on a cruise?
Nearly all cruise cabins are designed to accommodate at least two people. Unlike hotel rooms, pricing is per person, not per room, and fares are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is an added fee that cruise lines charge solo passengers when they book cabins meant for two or more people.
Because cruise lines generate much of their revenue from onboard purchases, they charge single supplements to compensate for the fact that only one person will be sailing in your cabin instead of two. With only one person in that room, the cruise line misses out on the potential revenue a second person would generate with onboard spending for things like shore excursions, alcohol, spa treatments and casino play. The supplement is an effort by the line to offset the financial loss anticipated when fewer people sail.
How much is a single supplement on a cruise?
Generally, single supplements are 100% of the per-person fare. If you’re cruising alone in a cabin meant for more than one person, you can expect to pay double the price you see listed for any given cabin — your fare and the fare for the missing person who isn’t sharing a cabin with you on your voyage.
The only silver lining is that you won’t have to pay double the taxes and fees. You’ll pay those for yourself only, even if you’re cruising solo.
Do you have to pay a single supplement on a cruise ship?
That’s up to your cruise line, but you should expect to pay a single supplement any time you cruise by yourself in a room meant for more than one person.
Some cruise lines will offer limited-time sales with a reduced single supplement, only 25% or 50% of the second cruise fare, rather than the full amount. You'd still have to pay, but the cost would be less.
How can you avoid single supplements on a cruise?
As solo cruising gains popularity, many mainstream cruise lines have added cabins for one to their newest vessels. Solo cabins are priced higher than per-person double-occupancy rates, but they are still almost always less expensive than paying a single supplement.
Passengers looking to save money on their very own digs at sea should consider Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises and Virgin Voyages. They’re some of the best lines for solo cruisers.
Other ways to save include shopping for deals. During key times of the year, such as Black Friday and wave season, some cruise lines might waive the single supplement completely for bookings made within a certain window. You can also ask your travel agent to keep you posted on any single-specific promotions that pop up.
You might also want to consider booking through a charter company that runs voyages geared toward solo travelers. Sometimes, they can match you with a roommate so you can split costs and avoid single supplements.
Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:
- Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board
- Man overboard: Cruise ship overboards and how they happen
- What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
- What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
- What is the Jones Act and how does it impact cruise ships?
- What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
- What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
- What's the difference between a cruise ship concierge and a butler?
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.