Solo Cabins Explained
What Is a Single Supplement?
Understanding Solo Cruise Pricing and How to Beat the Extra Fees
A single supplement is a surcharge added when one person occupies a double cabin to cover the missing second guest's revenue. Learn why this fee exists, how it is calculated, and the best strategies to reduce or eliminate it so you never have to pay double for your independence.
The single supplement is a surcharge cruise lines apply when one person occupies a cabin designed for two. Learn why this fee exists, how it impacts your travel budget, and the best strategies to reduce or eliminate it entirely. By understanding how supplements work, you can unlock better value and avoid paying double for your next solo adventure
What is a Single Supplement?
A single supplement is a premium added to the cruise fare to compensate the cruise line for the "missing" second passenger in a double-occupancy room. Because ships are businesses built around two people per cabin spending money on drinks, excursions, and specialty dining, they charge this fee to offset the loss of revenue from an empty bed.
How it works:
Double Occupancy Basis: Cruise fares are advertised “per person, based on double occupancy.”
The Surcharge: If a cabin costs $1,000 per person, a solo traveler might be charged a 100% supplement, making their total cost $2,000.
What it is not:
It is not a “penalty” for being single, but rather a capacity management tool.
It is not a fixed price; it fluctuates based on how many cabins are left on a ship.
The Supplement at a Glance
Typical Range: Supplements usually range from 50% to 100% of the second person’s fare.
Variable Pricing: On low-demand sailings, supplements may drop to 0%ā25%.
Why it Exists: To cover lost “onboard spend” (revenue from bars, casinos, and shops) that a second guest would have generated.
Avoidance Tactics: Booking dedicated solo cabins or hunting for “No Single Supplement” promotional periods.
Pricing Comparison: Standard vs. Solo Fare
The following grid illustrates how the single supplement changes your total “out-of-pocket” cost compared to a standard guest.
| Item | Standard Guest (Per Person) | Solo Guest (100% Supplement) | Solo Guest (25% Promo) |
| Base Cruise Fare | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Supplement Fee | $0 | $1,000 | $250 |
| Port Fees/Taxes | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Total Price | $1,150 | $2,150 | $1,400 |
| Onboard Credit | Standard | Often Double (rarely) | Standard |
Why Do Cruise Lines Charge This Fee?
It helps to understand the "math" of a cruise ship. A cruise line doesn't just make money on the ticket; they rely on onboard revenue.
The Empty Seat Factor: A solo traveler only buys one drink package, one WiFi plan, and one set of excursions.
Operating Costs: The cost to clean the cabin, provide electricity, and staff the ship remains the same whether one or two people are in the room.
Profit Margin: Ships are designed to sail at 104%ā107% capacity (meaning many rooms have 3 or 4 people). A solo guest in a double room brings that average down, which the supplement helps recover.
Tactics: How to Beat the Supplement
Look for “Solo Specials”: Many luxury and river cruise lines (like AmaWaterways or Silversea) frequently run “Single Supplement Waiver” promotions during the shoulder season.
Book Dedicated Solo Cabins: Ships with “Studio” or “Solo” staterooms have the price of one person baked into the rate, effectively removing the supplement.
Last-Minute Bookings: If a ship isn’t full 60ā90 days before sailing, lines often slash the supplement to fill the remaining cabins.
Repositioning Cruises: These long-haul voyages (e.g., crossing the Atlantic) often have the lowest supplements in the industry
The single supplement can be a shock at first, but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. By understanding that this fee is a tool used by cruise lines to manage their inventory, you can learn to use it to your advantage. Whether you choose to book a dedicated solo cabin or wait for a 0% supplement promotion, there is always a way to find a fair price for your solo journey.
Explore More in the Cabins & Deals Series
Everything You Need To Know To Plan And Enjoy Your Solo Cruise
How Much Does a Solo Cruise Really Cost?
Comparing total cost, not just the base fare, is the best way to understand the real price of a solo cruise.
The Cheapest Ways to Cruise Alone
These include sailing during less popular seasons, choosing repositioning or longer itineraries, and monitoring sailings where single supplements are reduced or removed.
When to Find Solo Cruise Deals
Deals may come in the form of reduced single supplements, discounted solo cabins, or onboard credit rather than a lower headline fare
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Everything You Need to Know
About Solo Supplements
Do I have to pay double the port taxes too?
No. Port taxes and government fees are charged per head. Even if your supplement is 100%, you only pay one set of port taxes.
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Is the supplement higher for suites?
Generally, yes. High-demand categories like suites or balconies often have a strict 100% supplement, while interior cabins are more likely to have discounted rates for solos.
Can I book for two people and have one "no-show"?
This is rarely a good idea. While you would only pay one set of port taxes, you would lose the second person’s deposit and wouldn’t receive any “solo” perks or loyalty points for the second person.
Do all cruise lines charge a single supplement?
Most do, but the amount varies. Lines like Virgin Voyages and NCL are much more aggressive about offering low or no supplement options compared to traditional family lines.
How do I find "No Single Supplement" deals?
Check the “Deals” or “Special Offers” page on cruise line websites and look for “Solo Traveler” filters. Travel agents who specialize in solo cruising often have access to a list of these specific sailings.
Does a 0% supplement mean the cruise is half price?
It means you pay exactly the same price as one person in a double room would pay. You are essentially paying the “per person” price without the “empty bed” penalty.
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