Cruise Sam Ballard looks at some of the options for solo travellers now that cruise is no longer just the preserve of couples

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Sam Ballard looks at some of the options for solo travellers now that cruise is no longer just the preserve of couples

For years, cruise has been a holiday for couples, whether it’s honeymooners meandering around the Caribbean or grandparents celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. It’s a legacy that has been strengthened by the economics of the industry: hotels charge by the room, cruises charge by the customer. However, that rule isn’t necessarily universal. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is one company that caters to the solo market, offering up to 190 cabins across its fleet to solo passengers, including 11 suites. Each of the company’s four ships allocates between five and ten per cent of its cabins to solo passengers without any additional charge. The onboard experience is finely tuned, too, with solo guests sitting together at dinner and offered companions if they want to go ashore or dance in the evenings. Geoff Ridgeon, head of sales at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We understand that solo travel can be a daunting thought, particularly when it is your first time, but a cruise is such a great way to combine seeing the world and having the comfort and security of not actually travelling alone.

“Typically, the most popular of our sailings among solo travellers are our ‘Grand Voyages’ and aroundthe-world cruises, with specific destinations including the Baltic, Canary Islands and UK also popular. On the longer-duration sailings, around 20 per cent of guests will be solo travellers.”

P&O Cruises is another company that is tapping into the market, with specially designed accommodation for solo travellers across its fleet. The cabins are hugely popular, according to a company spokesperson, as they offer a cheaper alternative than a solo guest occupying a double room.

Solo cabins are available in different categories across the fleet: Arcadia (inside and balcony), Aurora (outside and balcony), Azura (inside and outside), Ventura (inside and outside), Britannia (inside and balcony) and the soon-to-be-launched Iona (inside and balcony).

Special dispensations for solo passengers are given by an increasing number of lines, although there are a few that are renowned for it. Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Saga and Crystal all have great solo

passenger rates and policies.

It’s not just the traditional cruise lines that offer something for solo travellers, however. Aurora, the Australian expedition company also courts the group. Given solo passengers’ fondness for taking that trip of a lifetime, it’s perhaps not that surprising.

The line typically has a number of polar voyages available where it does not charge a single supplement, giving guests the chance to travel to the world’s extremities without paying twice as much as those travelling in a pair.

Alternatively, guests can try out the Cabin Mate service, which is available on every voyage. Solo travellers who sign up will be matched with a fellow solo guest of the same sex and, if no suitable partner can be found, the single occupancy charge is dropped. If solo passengers want their own cabin from the beginning – and aren’t prepared to chance it with the Cabin Mate scheme – they will pay a 50 per cent surcharge. Craig Upshall, director of sales UK at Aurora, said: “Solo travel is an enriching experience for travellers who are keen to share the adventure with new acquaintances and experience everything that a small group adventure has to offer. Guests can now join Aurora Expeditions who offer an informal, enriching style of travel and a small group size, which ensures camaraderie and fun for all. We have shared dining on board so no one is left alone and the expedition team on the voyages are very adept at ensure that everyone is included and part of the group.”

Pay no solo supplement for own cabin *

Pay no solo supplement for our Iceland, Greenland & East Canada voyage *

21 days | 23 Sep ’20 – 13 Oct ’20 From GBP £13,300/pp

This rare, adventurous expedition traverses three enigmatic coastlines, offering a unique insight into the vibrant Inuit and Viking history of the North Atlantic, and the possibility of witnessing the northern lights. Zodiac-cruise the remote south coast of Iceland, home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, and keep watch for whales and seals in their summer feeding grounds. Enjoy a traditional kaffemik with friendly Inuit locals in southern Greenland and discover the magnificent Torngat Mountains National Park in Canada.

Limited time offer

Book a Balcony Stateroom and pay a no solo supplement for a sole use cabin *

Available until 31st March, 2020 or until sold out.

For more information and to book, contact your preferred wholesaler or Aurora Expeditions: Freecall 0 808 189 2005, email agents@auroraexpeditions.co.uk or visit www.auroraexpeditions.co.uk/europe-uk-agents