Solo Traveler's Delight: Stunning Itineraries Revealed
Solo voyages on AIDA cruises: Your ultimate guide to the best deals and perfect escapes in 2023
Sailing the seas alone? A vacation without companions has its pros and cons. On one hand, you've got the freedom to shape your day as you wish. On the other, you might miss the company to share experiences with. But what's it truly like to go on a cruise alone?
Companies like AIDA Cruises offer many advantages to solo travelers. Whether it's thrilling shore excursions, such as bike tours, hikes, or whitewater rafting: The program allows you to spend your vacation on your terms. On board, it's a breeze to make new connections—lifelong friendships often blossom from this.
### Score an Affordable AIDA Solo Cruise
The downside? Most cabins on AIDA ships are designed for at least two people, leading to a surcharge of up to 70% for single occupancy. However, this can vary depending on the occupancy and the trip.
On AIDA's solo traveler information page, the company provides additional information about the routes where the surcharge is currently reduced. Furthermore, the newest and largest ships in the fleet— "AIDAcosma" and "AIDAnova" – offer single cabins. These are either inside or have their own small balcony. For these cabins, the single supplement is completely waved.
#### AIDA Offers for Solo Travelers
View Offers
### Unbeatable Value: The Best Price-Performance for Solo Cruisers on AIDA
In recent months, I've observed that AIDA is increasingly making it difficult for solo travelers to find good offers. Since the company wants to fill its ships as well as possible and solo travelers generate less turnover, the number of cabins available for single occupancy has, in my assessment, significantly decreased. Especially popular routes are hardly affordable for solo travelers or so well booked that participation in some trips is only possible via a waiting list.
That's why I've examined all the routes that are bookable for solo travelers in 2023 and compared travel costs to determine the best price-performance ratio for you.
### Europe's Metropolises: Experience the Best Cities Alone
The "Metropolentour" has become an absolute classic. The ports of Southampton, Le Havre, and Zeebrugge are always part of the route and offer the opportunity to explore some of the most exciting metropolises in Europe. For instance, London is only about an hour and a half away from Southampton.
From the other two ports, excursions to Paris and Brussels are possible.
Depending on the date you choose, either Cherbourg or Rotterdam will be on the program. My tip: The stop in Cherbourg is only worth it if you want to take a day trip to the world-famous Mont-Saint-Michel, otherwise, I suggest choosing the variant with Rotterdam.
For unforgettable memories on the "Metropolentour", you don't have to travel to London or Paris. Worthwhile destinations are right around the corner. In Southampton, the last port of the Titanic, the "SeaCity Museum" reminds of its tragic sinking. From Le Havre, a trip to the picturesque Honfleur or a hike along the coast of Étretat with its impressive rock formations is offered. From the port in Zeebrugge, you can reach Bruges, a city full of historical buildings and ramparts, ideal for a walk – best with a portion of Belgian frites.
On the "Metropolentour", you can easily plan land excursions on your own, without having to join groups. Alternatively, the AIDA-Scouts or platforms like Get Your Guide offer guided tours. For solo travelers, the route has another advantage: it starts in Hamburg, so a flight is usually not necessary, saving high additional costs. The "Metropolentour" is also ideal for cruise novices.
Currently, the 70-day route* is bookable with the "AIDAperla" for one person from 1375 euros. The premium booking offers the advantage of being able to choose your own cabin. Instead of being assigned a smaller single cabin at random, you have the opportunity to choose a comfortable double cabin.
The price of 1375 euros refers to the booking of an inside cabin. The next higher category of ocean view cabin costs from 2423 euros (as of June 17) in the premium tariff. The start date for this offer is August 30, 2023.
Advertisement
information page for solo travelers, AIDA Cruises provides additional information about the routes where the surcharge is currently reduced. Furthermore, the newest and largest ships of the fleet, "AIDAcosma" and "AIDAnova", offer single cabins. These are either inside or have their own small balcony. For these cabins, the single supplement is completely waived.
"Metropol from Hamburg"
1375.00 €
Grab the early bird discount now
AIDA: Solo Cruise to the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are among the most popular cruise destinations for Germans. One reason is the summer temperatures. The Canaries also offer a variety of landscapes: Lanzarote impresses with volcanic fields, Fuerteventura with sandy beaches and desert-like nature. Madeira, on the other hand, enchants with lush vegetation and invites you to hike.
The 70-day route "Canaries & Madeira"* with the "AIDAcosma" in the premium tariff costs 975 euros for solo travelers. Embarkation is in the port of Las Palmas. However, only the date from January 10 to 17, 2023 is available for this favorable offer. Those who want to travel earlier or later should expect a travel price between 1000 and 1850 euros, depending on the date.
Advertisement
"Canaries & Madeira from Gran Canaria"
975.00 €
Book now and save
AIDA Canary Islands cruise: Discovery tour on Tenerife and Fuerteventura
On Tenerife, there is the Teide, Spain's highest mountain, and the charming university town of La Laguna, as well as the Anaga mountain range. From there, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Santa Cruz, where your AIDA ship docks, and mystical hikes in the magical Bosque de las Mercedes.
A rental car is ideal for exploring the highlights of Tenerife and Madeira flexibly. If you don't want to travel alone, join fellow travelers or book an excursion directly with the shipping company. You can often find like-minded people on Facebook before the trip, in special groups for each journey where you can connect with other passengers.
Attention: The travel package is not included in the trip price. This means that additional costs for flights will apply to you. For departures from Gran Canaria, additional costs of at least 900 euros can be expected. My tip: If you want to save money, individual travel may be worthwhile. With Ryanair, you can fly from various German airports to Gran Canaria for as little as 200 euros. With the right offer, individual travel can therefore be significantly cheaper than with the shipping company. Read here which Canary Island cruises by AIDA I recommend.
Avoiding Single Supplements: Expert Advice for Solo Cruisers
Traveling alone can seem daunting due to the fear of being charged additional fees for single occupancy. However, there are ways to find affordable AIDA cruises for solo travelers.
For example, booking early is crucial because there are limited single cabins on AIDA ships, and demand tends to be higher as the departure date approaches. Additionally, selecting the right route plays an essential role in finding the best prices. Popular routes and high-demand cruises are more likely to have additional charges for single travelers.
Another important strategy is to be flexible with your travel dates, as sailings during off-peak seasons often have more affordable prices. Finally, consider booking a balcony cabin or an oceanview room, as they tend to attract a lower single supplement compared to inside cabins, potentially saving you hundreds of euros on your cruise.
For solo travelers seeking a cost-effective cruise, the 'lifestyle' of budgeting is key. Booking early can secure a single cabin before demand rises, and avoiding popular routes may help avoid single supplements.
When it comes to 'travel', the 'Metropolis Tour' offers intriguing city experiences at an affordable price, with the added advantage of starting in Hamburg without airfare costs. In contrast, the AIDA cruise to the Canary Islands offers a unique 'travel' experience, yet may require separate flight costs when departing from Gran Canaria.
