Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is repositioning the studio accommodation on Norwegian Epic as singles cabins.
There are 128 studios on the new ship, which launches in June this year. All are inside cabins on decks 11 and 12 that measure just 100sq ft, which allows just enough room for a bed, sink, shower and toilet.
However, passengers in studio cabins will also have exclusive access to a two-storey lounge that has two TVs, a bar and plenty of seating where they can meet other solo travellers.
The studios were originally intended for young couples on a budget, but from January 18 they will go on sale as single cabins with no supplement. Prices start from £599 per studio cruise-only.
NCL senior vice-president marketing Maria Miller said the decision comes after talking with passengers and agents, and also based on research into the market on singles travellers.
She said there are 100 million adults aged 18-plus in the US, of which 25-59 million have an income of $35,000 and over. In the last three years, 34.8 million adults cruised alone.
She said: “It’s a market worth going after. Single people are well suited to cruising. They can travel alone and have their privacy but they don’t have to be alone.
“Cruising offers convenience and a variety of things to do, but there has been a huge price barrier [the single supplement]. We are breaking down that barrier.”
Miller admitted a big majority of bookings so far for the studios have been from single travellers, adding: “We are positioning them where the market is.”
NCL executive vice-president global sales and passenger services Andy Stuart said there has been a “fantastic reaction” from clients and agents to the news. He added: “This is a segment the cruise industry has not marketed to previously.”
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This is a feed from Cruise Lines, Jane Archer’s blog for Travel Weekly