The Single Supplement Myth

I often hear complaints from single travellers that they are charged a supplement, especially on cruise ships. Whilst I understand the point, the issue is that in most cases they are actually given a discount.

Here’s why.

Most cabins (and indeed hotel rooms) are designed for two, and a price is set for the cabin. If two people are sharing it, then they will pay half each. If one person is occupying it then the whole accommodation cost falls on them. A £1,000 cabin will cost £500 per person if two share, but a single occupier will bear the entire cost on their own. In reality, they will usually pay around £850, in other words they are given a discount for single occupancy; quite the opposite of their perception.

The real problem is that to date cruise companies have made little effort to focus on the singles sector until, that is, one cruise line created a suite of over 100 single studios on a ship with its own lounge and meeting area, especially for this market. The studios are priced accordingly and whilst they do not quite match the price per head of a shared double cabin, they do offer this sector some special privileges that clearly makes the cost worthwhile, judging by the enormous success of this innovation.

No more do singles have to hover by the bar, uncertain as to which conversation they might join in. The suite has its own exclusive area where guests can meet for a morning coffee or pre-dinner drink, safe in the knowledge that everyone else is also single.

Given the success of this development, perhaps others will soon follow suit.