Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is giving solo passengers already booked into Studio cabins on Norwegian Epic a refund following its decision to reprice the rooms as single accommodation.
UK head of marketing Claire Riches said the rooms previously started at £479 per person cruise-only for a seven-night Caribbean cruise. Passengers cruising alone paid up to 100% additional single supplement. However, on January 18, the Studios went on sale as single cabins priced from £599 per room.
NCL said it wants to cater for the growing singles market – it said 34.8 million adults cruised alone in the past three years – but as most bookings for the Studios were from single people, it was repositioning the cabins in line with the market.
There are 128 Studio cabins on Norwegian Epic, each measuring just 100sq ft, come with exclusive access to a lounge that has two TVs, a bar and plenty of seating.
Riches said: “Cruising is ideal for solo travellers but it has been made prohibitive by the single supplement. The Studios are ideal for those cruising alone as they get their privacy and independence but also a communal place to meet friends.”
She added: “This is an exciting opportunity that reflects people’s changing lifestyles. There is no plan to roll it out to other ships. We want to see how it works out on Norwegian Epic.”
Riches said NCL’s UK office will be looking to work with operators that specialise in single holidays.
“This is a key opportunity for us to go out and attract single travellers who have never thought about a cruise.”
The cruiseline will also be loading up an accommodation module on its NCLU training website next month where agents can learn more about the studios.