The approach to single use cabins on board cruise ships

Alan Rennie, who looks after group sales for Ambassador Cruise Line, said they aim to be as inclusive as possible, including in their approach to solo travellers who are part of a group booking.

He told us: “We have allocated 78 single occupancy cabins on Ambition and 89 single occupancy cabins on Ambience, and our single supplements start from just 25 percentage on the equivalent twin category fare. Solo cabins are always discussed with group leaders at the enquiry stage to make sure we are able to facilitate the group requirements with any sailing.”

Solo guests within a group benefit from a standard five per cent discount on their cabin fare.

Ellen Donaldson, Scenic & Emerald Cruises’ partnerships, groups and charters manager, said they frequently welcomed groups that include solo travellers on both river and yacht cruise itineraries.

She added: “For both Scenic and Emerald Cruises, solo travellers in double occupancy suites receive double the group discount when travelling in a group of five cabins or more.”

Gabrielle Alam, CroisiEurope, said wherever possible they are flexible when it comes to single supplements for groups.

She added: “Especially during low season departures, and for 2024 summer promotional offers often include no single supplements. For 2025, early booking offers also include no single supplements on selected cruises. We assess group requests on a case-by-case scenario.”

GTO Olivia Goodfellow, Enfield Over 50’s Forum, believes that a solution to single supplements could be in the approach to building new ships and hotels. 

She said: “Perhaps they could be required to have an allocation of small single rooms in the design and likewise with ships. Maybe room dividers could also be used like in offices, to maximise the use of space, even if the bathroom was shared?”