Here’s some good news for your clients who choose to fly solo. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is set to introduce nearly 1,000 dedicated single traveller staterooms across its 19-ship fleet.
For the first time ever, NCL is opening sales for three new solo stateroom categories -- Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony -- for future sailings starting January 2, 2024.
With the capacity of solo stateroom categories expanding from nine ships currently to the full 19-ship fleet, single cruisers will now have more opportunities to visit destinations such as Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand on vessels which historically have not had this offering.
NCL says pricing and availability will be dependent on the destination and demand, but solo travellers can expect to pay less than a traditional double occupancy room.
"We strive to provide our guests with diverse offerings to create their dream vacation," said NCL president David J. Herrera.
"Since we first launched our solo staterooms in 2010 with Norwegian Epic, they have been quite popular with single travellers. We are continuously listening to our guests to deliver the experience they want. After realizing the growing demand of individuals looking to travel on their own, we have now expanded single occupancy staterooms across our fleet."
Studio Lounges will be available to all guests accommodate in solo staterooms. (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Guests who stay in the new solo stateroom categories will also have access to the key card entry only Studio Lounge, available on select ships, which features a dedicated space to relax, a bar equipped with beer and wine and a variety of snacks served daily.
In addition to their own lounge, solo cruisers can enjoy activities scheduled for single travellers to mix and mingle.
Norwegian’s move comes in response to a recent surge in the popularity of solo travel within the tourism industry, with a growing number of individuals choosing to travel the world on their own, rather than in a traditional group of friends, family or partners.
According to a study by Travelport, solo travel makes up nearly 18% of global bookings in the travel industry. More recently in solo travel statistics, Radical Storage reported a 267% increase in online searches for the term "solo travel" between December 2020 to April 2022. Lastly, from 2019 to 2022, Norwegian itself reports an increase in guests booking accommodations as a single occupant in non-studio staterooms.
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