Ask any solo traveler what the worst thing about booking a cruise is as a single traveler; and, the answer you'll hear the majority of the time is the unfair pricing structure. Solo travelers often have to pay the same price (or sometimes slightly less - usually less than $100 or $200 difference) as those travelers with two people sharing a cabin. However, the tides are changing and cruise lines are waking up and solo travelers can rejoice as single occupancy cabins are becoming a reality!
The concept of single cabins for the solo traveler isn't new. Cunard long offered single occupancy cabins on the now retired QE2, but, that fell to the wayside as the cruise line brought its newer ships into the fleet. However, NCL's new ship "Norwegian Epic" offers 128 Studio Cabins - designed specifically for the solo traveler.
NCL's Epic Studio Cabins offer:
- Full-size bed – so feel free to stretch out
- Private access to the Studios Complex & Studio Lounge
- Innovative bathroom design – separate sink and shower provide more personal space
- Window to the corridor – you see out but others can’t see in
- 100 sq ft of space also includes unique storage areas, flat screen TV and a desk
- 128 Studios - Many connecting
Other cruise lines plan to follow NCL's lead
P&O Cruise Lines Azure offers 18 cabins for solo travelers, and, according to Royal Caribbean's president and chief executive Adam Goldstein during a recent seminar, Royal Caribbean has the matter under serious consideration. Ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet who are slated for the possible refit of single cabins include: Grandeur of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas. Liberty of the Seas, and, Freedom of the Seas; however, these plans are not solid at this time.
Booking NCL Epic
NCL Epic is currently in Miami, Florida and offers 7 night Caribbean itineraries. The ship will be repositioned to Europe in Spring, 2011 offering 7 night round trip sailings from Barcelona, Spain with ports of call including: Livorno, Italy; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: Naples, Italy; and, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Both Miami, Florida and Barcelona, Spain are easily accessible from the New York City area via non-stop flight service from several major air carriers. Domestic flights to Miami are available from all three area airports (La Guardia, Newark and JFK); and, international flights to Barcelona are available from JFK and Newark.
To book NCL Epic visit your favorite travel agent or online travel agency or book online yourself at: http://www.epic.ncl.com/
Comments
It's about bloody time! I'm so tired of being charged double to take a cruise!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!