Australian boutique cruise specialist Cruise Traveller has removed solo supplements on a selection of luxury Ponant voyages in Europe and the Pacific for 2027, a move aimed at the growing segment of solo travellers seeking small-ship experiences without the usual financial penalty.
The initiative covers several itineraries, including a 17-night 'Summer Escape' departing 16 July 2027. This package combines a three-night land tour from Bergen to Oslo, featuring the Flåm Railway and a cruise on the Nærøyfjord, followed by a 12-night voyage aboard Ponant’s Le Lapérouse from Norway to Portugal. The fare, which includes onboard beverages and excursions, is priced from $9,500 (A$14,799) per person twin-share, with solo fares starting at $11,200 (A$17,399) — a saving of $2,300 (A$3,560) compared to standard solo pricing. Bookings must be made by 2 November 2026.
Additional offers include a 24-night 'Island Explorations' cruise from Fiji to Bali, available from $11,100 (A$17,299) per person twin-share, and a 10-night 'Tahitian Bliss' cruise starting at $4,900 (A$7,599) per person twin-share. Both packages also carry significant savings and require booking by 31 October.
Addressing the solo travel boom
The removal of solo supplements reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry, where solo travellers are increasingly seeking premium experiences without the traditional cost penalty. According to industry data, solo travel has grown steadily, and cruise lines are responding with dedicated solo cabins and waived supplements on select sailings.
“We’ve seen a consistent rise in solo bookings, particularly on expedition and luxury ships where the experience is the main draw,” said a Cruise Traveller spokesperson. “By removing the supplement on these Ponant voyages, we’re making it more accessible for solo explorers to enjoy the same high-end journey as couples.”
The move aligns with similar initiatives across the sector. For instance, polar expedition bookings have surged as travellers prioritise expert-led voyages, and luxury lines are adapting their pricing models to capture this demand.
Ponant, known for its intimate ships and destination-focused itineraries, has been expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The French line’s small vessels, such as Le Lapérouse, carry fewer than 200 passengers, allowing access to ports that larger ships cannot reach.
For travel agents, the waived supplements present a clear selling point. “This is a significant incentive for solo clients who might otherwise hesitate on price,” noted a Sydney-based agent. “It also opens up the possibility of upselling to higher-category cabins.”
The offers are part of a wider strategy by Cruise Traveller to cater to the solo market, which has become a key growth area for the company. The specialist has also introduced solo-friendly shore excursions and onboard meet-ups on select departures.
As the luxury cruise segment continues to evolve, the elimination of solo supplements on premium lines like Ponant could become a differentiator for operators looking to attract independent travellers. With booking deadlines extending into late 2026, agents have ample time to promote these packages to their clientele.
