Luxury line Silversea drops fares for single travelers
By Gene Sloan, USA TODAY



Luxury line Silversea Cruises' 382-passenger Silver Whisper debuted in 2000.


First Norwegian Cruise Line unveils new cabins for solo travelers. Now Silversea is offering singles reduced pricing.

The luxury line announced Thursday that it is reducing its single supplement -- the extra amount a single traveler must pay to stay in a cabin meant for two people -- to just 10% of the base fare for a range of cabins on four upcoming voyages.

The line also is reducing the single supplement to 25% of the fare on nine more sailings.
Cruise lines traditional price cabins on a per person basis based on double occupancy, and most lines charge a 100% premium when a solo traveler wants to book a cabin designed for two. In others words, single travelers often pay double to cruise -- essentially making up the different for the missing second person.


Silversea's new Solo Traveler fares are available on Vista, Veranda and Midship Veranda suites (Silversea ships are all-suite).

"These special rates make it easier for our single guests to make vacation plans without having to worry about finding a travel companion to keep the costs down," Silversea vice president Steve Tucker says in a statement accompanying the announcement.

The four voyages with the new, lower 10% single supplement:
-- A seven-night Mediterranean sailing from Venice to Athens on the Silver Wind that starts Aug. 20. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,651 (reflecting a 55% Silver Savings discount). Free air also is available from select gateway cities.

-- a 10-night Caribbean sailing from New York to Barbados on the Silver Whisper that starts Oct. 14. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,057 (reflecting a 55% Silver Savings discount), with free air is available from select gateway cities.

-- A seven-night Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon on the Silver Spirit that starts Oct. 16. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,530 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount), with free air available from select gateway cities.

-- A 16-night South America sailing from Santiago to Buenos Aires on the Silver Whisper departing on Dec. 3. Solo Traveler fares start at $7,698 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount), with free Air available from select gateway cities.

Posted Jun 25 2010 6:58AM