Royal Caribbean introduce solo cabins

Royal Caribbean has announced it will unveil cabins designed for solo travellers on Radiance of the Seas. However don’t get too excited just yet.

This is a first for the cruise line however the cabins so far have only been confirmed on one of their 22 strong fleet and they will only introduce 3 cabins all of which will be standard inside. Radiance of the Seas is due to enter dry dock for the additions in May and will emerge with the new cabins in early June.

Royal Caribbean president and CEO Adam Goldstein hinted cabins for singles were coming in November during a preview cruise for international travel agents on the line's new Allure of the Seas. At the time, Goldstein said only that the line was considering retro-fitting several older vessels with singles cabins.

Although it is a step in the right direction is it actually worth it? Cabins for solo travellers sell out extremely fast and can often be booked more than a year in advance. Will these 3 cabins actually make a difference, is it worth fighting to book one when you only have a one in three chance.

Take for example Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Epic, she has more than 100 cabins for single travellers and there are plans to add a similar amount to the lines new ships scheduled for delivery in 2013 and 2014. P&O Cruises also offers a good amount of single cabins on Azura and other Cruise Lines follow suit.

Finally Royal Caribbean acknowledges the need for single cabins but three seems very unpromising and more hassle than it’s worth.