Topic: Solo travellers to get own single rooms

Solo cruise passengers, who often have to pay for double occupancy, are to be offered single rooms on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship, Norwegian Epic.

128 'studio' staterooms on board the vessel will be smaller cabins marketed explicitly for those travelling alone, although they will all have double beds.

Passengers in these rooms will have exclusive access to a studio lounge, where they will be able to mingle with fellow singletons.

Crucially, occupants will not have to pay a single supplement, and prices start at
$799 (£490). The rooms go on sale on January 18th for Norwegian Epic's inaugural voyage.

The vessel, which is currently under construction in France, is scheduled to be delivered to the cruise operator later this year.

Kevin Sheehan, the company's chief executive, said: "Historically, the cruise industry has not embraced the large number of people who enjoy traveling solo.

"We are breaking the mould of traditional cruising once again by offering a stateroom designed and priced specifically for solo travellers, making cruising a more attractive travel option."

Do you think aiming to attract people going on cruises alone will prove a good strategy?

Well it is good news for single travellers but typical of NCL to do a U-Turn. It suggests a lack of foresight to me.

Maybe they were just not selling well to couples. These are VERY small cabins (100 sq ft) by modern standards yet the 'standard inside' cabins are somewhat bigger (128 sq ft) and the same price.




The 'Living Room' (private lounge for studio guests) will now be a 'singles Bar' but have half the number of clients and sell half the number of drinks...duh!

QUOTE:

Solo cruise passengers, who often have to pay for double occupancy, are to be offered single rooms on board Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship, Norwegian Epic.

128 'studio' staterooms on board the vessel will be smaller cabins marketed explicitly for those travelling alone, although they will all have double beds.

Passengers in these rooms will have exclusive access to a studio lounge, where they will be able to mingle with fellow singletons.

Crucially, occupants will not have to pay a single supplement, and prices start at
$799 (£490). The rooms go on sale on January 18th for Norwegian Epic's inaugural voyage.

The vessel, which is currently under construction in France, is scheduled to be delivered to the cruise operator later this year.

Kevin Sheehan, the company's chief executive, said: "Historically, the cruise industry has not embraced the large number of people who enjoy traveling solo.

"We are breaking the mould of traditional cruising once again by offering a stateroom designed and priced specifically for solo travellers, making cruising a more attractive travel option."

Do you think aiming to attract people going on cruises alone will prove a good strategy?

It would attract both singles and married , not all couples agree on destinations ......my husband refuses to go to the Carribean or even the US for that matter.

To me it would not matter if the cabin is smaller as long as there is a window but preferably a balcony.

The singles bar is of no interest as I don't drink anyway but I do enjoy meeting people at dinner and as long as I have a good book to read at night I am happy for a week or two. .

Excursions are taken in groups so another way to meet interesting people .

All in all a good idea .

I prefer the term 'Solo Traveller' , singles this and singles that - they all assume you want to meet up with other 'singles' I just prefer cruising solo. Zero supplement sounds attractive tho.

QUOTE:

To me it would not matter if the cabin is smaller as long as there is a window but preferably a balcony.

Strangely the Norwegian Epic 'Studio' cabins have a window overlooking the corridor outside!

QUOTE:

Strangely the Norwegian Epic 'Studio' cabins have a window overlooking the corridor outside!

Not even a periscope ?

With a window to the corridor I would feel like a zoo exhibit .

Not for me then , I have very mild claustrophobia.

Hardly first to offer single cabins in a new ship ! Is it not Azura this year that has single cabins which are already sold out?

One difficulty is that I've tried to find one of these cabins (just to see how it would work out for my adult children in the future) and ... every TA and the NCL sites say "no studios available" ... are they that popular?

David

QUOTE:

One difficulty is that I've tried to find one of these cabins (just to see how it would work out for my adult children in the future) and ... every TA and the NCL sites say "no studios available" ... are they that popular?

David

Hi, I think you will find that they don't go on sale until 18/1. Read that on here, see original post above.

Regards, Lizzie.

D'oh!


Thanks

David