A giant is finally awakening in the cruise business. The single passenger market, which I have firmly believed is a sleeping giant, is beginning to be recognized! According to some statistics, over 50% of US households are headed by single women - a market that has been discriminated against by forcing single passengers to pay a 100% surcharge to cruise. For years I've been telling passengers that it all began with Noah and his ark, where the animals came on two by two by two. (You have to wonder at the wisdom of Noah in inviting two termites aboard a wooden ship, but I digress).
I've mentioned in previous blogs that Norwegian Cruise Lines is setting the trend with single occupancy cabins ... now Silversea, a trés luxury line, has announced it is reducing its single supplement -- to just 10 percent of the base fare for a range of cabins on four upcoming voyages, and to 25% on nine additional voyages. Earlier this year I saw a similar effort by Avalon Waterways.
Over 50% of US households ... I'll take that kind of market share any day. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America & Princess -- are you listening? Build it and they will come!
