I agree completely with MacPherson of Gosport. Who in their right mind would want to share a cabin with a complete stranger. If that was the only choice, I would prefer not to go. It is unfortunate but the reason the cruise companies charge an extra percentage for single occupancy is because, in most cases, the cabin is for two persons and two persons obviously spend more money in the bars, shops, tours etc. However, having said that not many cruises sail completely full so a few cabins could be set aside each cruise for single occupancy at no increase in cost as a gesture by the cruise companies. After all, I would think it is better to have one person in a cabin than none at all. Once the ship sails the income for that cabin is lost for ever if it is empty. I am sure these cabins could be offered (possibly, say, a month before sailing)to single travellers. Just a thought, I know that will never happen. Jeannette, B4ridlington

Have you ever heard of "not being able to afford a cruise as a single passenger". I have had nearly 30 years of crusing under my belt and yes for many of them I shared with a stranger. There was the very odd occasion when things "had to be sorted out between us", but if you laid your cards on the table so to speak at the beginning of the cruise and came to some agreement ie like leaving the bathroom light on so that the last person coming in at night could see what she was doing but did not need to put on the main lights and disturb the other occupant. Some of the larger cruise lines like P&O have I am told stopped doing shares, I can assure you that 95% of the time they work. There is always the Purser's office if things were so bad that you could not bear it any longer. Not only that, have you ever been away with a friend and got so fed up with being with them 24/7 that you could scream, sharing with a stranger where you could do exactly what you want, when you want would seem like a blessing then wouldn't it?

i would recommend Fred Olsen for single travellers........they are no dearer than other companies and do cater well for those on their own............. if anyone out there finds a company that does not charge extra for "singles" please let us all know!!