Cruise line to offer studio cabins for solo travellers

(NCL)

An international cruise line is testing the waters on a new concept it hopes will boost the popularity of cruising -- single cabins.

An international cruise line is testing the waters on a new concept it hopes will boost the popularity of cruising - single cabins.

Norwegian Epic, the newest liner from Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), will feature 128 "Studio" rooms approximately nine square meters in size and designed for single occupancy. Guests staying in the two-deck "singles" complex will also have access to the Studio Lounge, a living space designed for interaction complete with coffee and drinks bars.

Each room will feature a full-sized bed and separate bathroom, sink and shower. They will be priced starting from €749 per person for a seven-night cruise, with no single supplement. Other double-berth options on board include Spa Staterooms and Villas complete with living and dining area. Four-berth options include Family Staterooms, New Wave Staterooms and Deluxe Owner Suites.

"Historically, the cruise industry has not embraced the large number of people who
enjoy travelling solo," said NCL boss Kevin Sheehan. "We are breaking the mold of traditional cruising once again by offering a stateroom designed and priced specifically for solo travellers, making cruising a more attractive travel option."

The concept is a daring one in an industry stereotypically branded for those "overfed, newlywed or almost dead." P&O cruises, owned by industry giant Carnival, estimates that the average age of its passengers is 42, with 30 percent of passengers part of a family and about 45 percent couples. But cruise line operators have been working hard to increase its appeal to a younger audience, increasing the number of bars and clubs onboard, including contemporary acts for on-board entertainment and scheduling larger numbers of shorter cruises.

The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic will make its inaugural voyage on June 19.

http://www.ncl.com