Cruise passengers who travel alone are questioning a pricing policy that requires them to pay the same rate as two people sharing a cabin, leading Carnival Cruise Line to defend its stance on solo traveler fees.
The issue came to light when passenger Janene McAlpine reached out to Carnival’s Brand Ambassador about why single occupants must pay double occupancy rates. While common across the cruise industry, this pricing structure often surprises and frustrates solo travelers who feel they’re being penalized for cruising alone.
Unlike traditional hotels, cruise ships must maintain precise passenger counts due to safety regulations, particularly regarding lifeboat capacity. This requirement means every cabin booking must specify the exact number of occupants. While hotels typically charge the same rate whether one or two people stay in a room, the cruise industry’s transparent booking system makes the double charging for solo travelers more apparent.
The majority of cruise ships, including Carnival’s entire fleet, do not offer dedicated single-occupancy cabins. This limitation means solo travelers must book cabins designed and priced for two people, effectively paying for space and amenities sized for double occupancy.
In response to McAlpine’s inquiry, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador acknowledged the concern while explaining that single-occupancy rates are currently not available. However, he mentioned ongoing efforts to potentially implement double loyalty points for solo cruisers as a way to add value for these passengers.
Some cruise lines have already introduced measures to ease the financial burden on single travelers. Royal Caribbean, for instance, offers both double loyalty program points and a reduced solo supplement of 150% instead of 200% for passengers who have accumulated 340 or more Crown & Anchor loyalty program points.
Cruise industry expert Bob Kissinger weighed in on the discussion, emphasizing that the pricing structure reflects the reality of cabin design. Since Carnival doesn’t offer single cabins, travelers must pay the full rate for a double-occupancy room regardless of how many people actually stay in it.
The pricing structure has drawn particular attention because solo travelers recognize they consume fewer onboard resources than two passengers would – they occupy one seat at shows, use one spot in pools and hot tubs, and eat single portions at restaurants. However, the cruise line’s operational model continues to be built around double occupancy as the standard.
While cruise ships share some similarities with land-based resorts regarding fees and charges, they face unique considerations due to their mobile nature and international travel components. Additional costs like port charges and daily gratuities are part of the cruising experience, though these are now typically disclosed upfront by major cruise lines.
The discussion around solo traveler pricing comes at a time when the travel industry faces increased scrutiny over fee transparency, with initiatives like President Biden’s push for hotels to either eliminate resort fees or include them in advertised prices gaining traction. While cruise lines have made progress in transparent pricing for port charges and other fees, the solo supplement remains a standard industry practice that continues to generate debate among cruise enthusiasts.
As the cruise industry evolves, the treatment of solo travelers remains an ongoing discussion point, with some companies beginning to explore ways to better accommodate and reward passengers who choose to cruise alone, even as traditional pricing structures remain in place.