A single supplement is an additional fee that solo travellers may be required to pay when booking accommodations or travel packages that are designed for double occupancy. This fee is imposed to compensate for the fact that the room or cabin is typically priced for two people, and when only one person occupies it, the establishment or tour operator may not recover the full cost of the room or cabin.

Below is a more detailed explanation of the concept of a single supplement:

Pricing Structure: Many hotels, cruise lines, and tour packages price their accommodations or packages based on double occupancy. This means that the standard rate advertised assumes two people will share the room or cabin. When a solo traveller books such accommodations, they are often required to pay a single supplement to cover the cost of the second person's share.

Reasons for Single Supplement:

  1. Revenue: Single supplements are a way for the hotel or tour operator to maintain their revenue. They may not want to reduce the price of the room or package for a single traveller, as it could result in a significant loss.
  2. Operational Costs: Hotels and cruise lines incur certain operational costs that are not halved when only one person stays in a room, such as housekeeping, maintenance, and utilities. The single supplement helps offset these costs.
  3. Variability: The single supplement can vary widely depending on the establishment, destination, and type of accommodation or package. Some places may offer lower or no single supplements during certain periods or for specific room types.
  4. Single-Occupancy Rooms: Some hotels and cruise lines do offer dedicated single-occupancy rooms or cabins, which are designed for solo travellers and do not require a single supplement. These rooms are often smaller and more budget-friendly. On cruise ships this will often mean an inside cabin.  To book Ocean view or balcony will require full payment for two passengers.
  5. Negotiation: It's sometimes possible to negotiate a single supplement with the hotel or tour operator, especially during the booking process. They may be willing to reduce or waive the supplement, particularly if you're booking during a less busy season.
  6. Group Tours: Solo travellers can often avoid or reduce the single supplement by joining group tours or cruises. In such cases, the tour operator may pair solo travellers with roommates of the same gender to share a double-occupancy room, thus avoiding the supplement.
  7. Traveling Off-Peak: Traveling during off-peak seasons can also help reduce the single supplement, as establishments may be more willing to offer discounts or waivers during slower periods.

It's essential for solo travellers to be aware of the single supplement when booking accommodations or travel packages and to factor this additional cost into their budget. While it can increase the overall cost of the trip, there are strategies, such as timing your travel and negotiating with providers, to minimize its impact and make solo travel more affordable.