Amanda PhillipsIf you take a cruise on your own, you’ll find yourself in good company – literally. On average, no less than a quarter of all cruise passengers travel unaccompanied and there are few types of holiday that offer the solo traveller more of a chance to mix and socialise with like-minded people.
Cruising certainly offers a convivial, safe haven, with pastimes for solo travellers of all ages. There are singles get-together parties as well as a wealth of organised activities, while at dinner the maitre d’ seats solo cruisers together in compatible groups at large tables, sometimes hosted by senior officers.
Unpartnered cruisers opting to sail on ships less than 20 years old have little option but to check out the often iniquitous supplements for occupying a double cabin. Surcharges vary enormously, from as little as 10 per cent to twice the fare, and can change according to time of year and availability. There is an upside, though: the single-berth cabins of yesteryear, resembling something out of a prison hulk, have been banished to the deep.
A few popular cruise lines such as Thomson Cruises; Cruise & Maritime Voyages and Saga Cruises are notable for offering a range of cabins designed specifically for sole occupancy; while Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines often have some great ‘twin-for-sole-occupancy’ discounts.
Major cruise lines got with the act when they began designing ships with solo cruisers in mind. This began with P&O Cruises’ Azura, which entered service in 2010 offering 18 dedicated single cabins. Major refits to other P&O Cruises ships swiftly followed, and its new flagship, Britannia reflects a significant sea-change in attitudes towards the solo cruiser, with the first dedicated single cabins with balconies. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 came out of a major refurbishment last year with 15 new single cabins.
Single travellers can look forward to dictating how much they want to socialise onboard. One of the most sought-after benefits for ladies travelling alone is the introduction of ‘Gentlemen Hosts’. These are impeccably well-mannered single gentlemen employed by the cruise line as roving dance partners and general social butterflies, accompanying ladies at dinner and on excursions ashore. Tales of romantic strolls around the boat deck after a couple of waltzes and foxtrots are not unknown. One thing’s for sure, there’s now a ship for every traveller who prefers to sail alone. For more details call our cruise specialists now on 0800 484 0314 or click on www.barrheadtravel.co.uk.