Norwegian offers new options for solo cruisers

The solo travel market is set to be boosted following the announcement by Norwegian Cruise Lines that the new vessel Norwegian Epic will feature a total of 128 ‘Epic Studios’ designed especially for single occupancy.

With the cruise industry experiencing a resurgence, the Nordic region is set to experience a growth in passenger numbers continuing on from last year’s rise. The Norwegian Epic has identified the newest travel market and currently represents the only large scale cruise liner offering solo deals.

The new studios are unrivalled in the cruise industry. At just 100 square feet the rooms are certainly small – about the size of a low-end French motel room. However, each studio features a full-size bed, writing desk, flat-screen television and en suite bathroom. All based near the middle of the vessel, some studios even have interconnecting doors for those travelling with friends but requiring an element of privacy. There is also a studio lounge where single passengers can mingle over a coffee or an evening drink.

Though lacking in views of the water, the Epic studios are set apart from the rest of the ship through their location on high deck. Connected by an internal corridor the wing is for studio occupants only meaning separation from the 4,000 other mainly couple guests aboard. Prices are only a fraction above the usual per person rates and represent a huge discount when compared to the usual single supplements. Just how popular the new offering will be remains to be seen.