The cruise industry is gradually starting up again, at the same time some cruise lines are opening up a certain customer segment: solo travelers.
Royal Caribbean volunteers for Freedom of the Seas sailing in PortMiami on June 20th. Marta Lavandier / AP Photo
Last month, two Florida-based cruise lines – including a newcomer to the industry – unveiled new ships with cabins for solo travelers.
The world navigator. Atlas Ocean Voyages
However, cruising alone is not a new trend: cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages and Norwegian have already successfully introduced single accommodation.
The solo insider. Virgo journeys
And so far it’s been a success. For brands like Virgin, these solo rooms work “very well,” said John Diorio, associate vice president of sales for the cruise line, to Johanna Jainchill for Travel Weekly.
The solo insider. Virgo journeys
Staying in Solo Suites allows independent travelers to avoid paying single room supplements, the fees associated with staying in a room that is designed for more than one person.
The Anthem of the Seas studio cabin with ocean view has a balcony. Royal Caribbean International
Some single travelers see this single room allowance as a “major obstacle” and “punishment” for single travel, Alberto Aliberti, president of Atlas Ocean Voyages, told Insider in an email statement.
The Quantum of the Sea ‘Superior Studio with sea view and balcony. Royal Caribbean International
Atlas Ocean Voyages, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, just debuted this month and, according to the company, is the first luxury cruise line to hit the market in over 20 years.
The world navigator. Atlas Ocean Voyages
To cater to this segment of solo travelers, Atlas Ocean Voyages has decided to include individual suites on board its first and only ship.
The Solo Suite will be available from 2022. Atlas Ocean Voyages
The brand’s cruise ship World Navigator has 98 guest rooms that can accommodate nearly 200 travelers.
The veranda cabin. Atlas Ocean Voyages
From March 2022, the World Navigator will also have six 183-square-meter suites for single travelers.
The Solo Suite will be available from 2022. Atlas Ocean Voyages
These single rooms – which Aliberti says had “very positive reactions” – will have the same benefits as the other suites on the ship. This includes binoculars and Nespresso coffee in the room, a filled mini fridge, and bar and butler service.
The Solo Suite will be available from 2022. Atlas Ocean Voyages
Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Oceania Cruises brand announced plans in July for its cruise ship Vista, which will officially launch in 2023.
The stateroom on the concierge level with solo porch. Oceania cruises
The Miami-based cruise line’s upcoming ship will feature “concierge-level solo porch cabins” for solo travelers, a first for the cruise line.
The cabin on the concierge level with solo porch. Oceania cruises
As with Atlas Ocean Voyages, solo travelers sailing with Oceania enjoy the same luxury amenities as other concierge-level passengers, such as free laundry and access to the concierge lounge.
The cabin on the concierge level with solo porch. Oceania cruises
And that’s exactly what Aliberti says. Many of these “underserved” solo travelers want the suite amenities, just not the single supplement payments.
The solo insider. Virgo journeys
