Travel Question: Why do cruise companies charge huge prices for singles?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

Cruises have so far been slow to respond to social trends, preferring to have two to a cabin for commercial reasons (Getty)

Q I read your story about the rise of solo travellers. That being the case, can you explain why cruise companies still charge astronomical single supplements? Sometimes it costs more for one person than it does for two people put together.

Iris E

A The mainstream travel industry appears to be very slow to respond to changing social trends. A survey earlier this week by ABTA, the travel association, showed that around one in six people between 25 and 75 take holidays alone. And for 75-plus travellers, many of whom take cruises, the figure is one in four.