Is there a difference between being a solo cruiser and a single cruiser? Consider this, while single cruisers tend to want to find others with whom to congregate, those who choose to cruise solo have to be comfortable with the concept that they are responsible for their own good time, whatever path that takes. To be alone aka. solo is a choice. That choice, however, doesn't always guarantee a fabulous cruise vacation. In this coupled-up world, a solo can find it difficult to negotiate the obstacles inherent on most larger cruise ships, from harried and inattentive maitre d's to programs and activities that make it difficult for a solo to participate.
Why does a single or solo cruiser have to
A solo or single cruiser creates "spoilage" in cruise-speak -- in other words, not only an empty bed that doesn't add booking revenue, but also a missing body to add auxiliary revenue from drink sales, casino use, shore excursions and spa treatments. With rare exception, a single or solo can expect to pay between 150 and 200 percent of the published cruise fare to cover the cost of the "missing" guest. What's worse, at least two major cruise lines -- NCL and Princess Cruises -- are now making solo guests pay double the non-commissionable fees (NCF's) that every guest is charged at the discretion of the cruise line. (These are not government-mandated fees and taxes, which by law can only be charged per person.)
