AE Expeditions have noted a rise in the number of solo travellers making the trip of a lifetime to Antarctica. Figures from the last three years have shown a steady increase in the number of solo travellers booking our small ship adventures, with early season voyages in 2013 showing as many as 29% of passengers travelling alone.
No Single Supplement Option
Our no single supplement options has been popular with solo travellers for years, however there has been a marked increase in solo passengers on voyages offering additional activities including camping, polar snorkelling, photography and kayaking. Interestingly there has also been a signficiant rise in the number of ladies joining our small ship expeditions, with 65% of solo travellers travelling to Antarctica being female over the last 12 months.
Sisters are doing it for themselves
Our Marketing Manager Fiona Twyford believes the trend is indicative of the number of women who simply choose to travel without their partners. “Whilst a proportion of solo passengers are single, we are seeing a growing number of female passengers who despite having partners at home, choose to travel alone or with girlfriends to experience the destinations that appeal to them. The big trip does not always appeal to partners, so instead of missing out they go alone”.
Stateroom Sharing Service
We offer a stateroom sharing service to keep the cost down for would-be solo travellers. We will try to find a same-sex room partner for those travelling alone and if a suitable partner cannot be found, guests only pay the standard single occupancy rate; allowing solo travellers to keep the cost down whilst taking part in the ultimate small group adventure. Alternatively, if guests prefer to be guaranteed a private stateroom, they may book a stateroom for sole occupancy for a 50% surcharge (on top of the twin occupancy rate)
Carrying a maximum of 54 passengers, our ice-strengthened vessel Polar Pioneer is ideally suited for small groups. Led by a team of Polar Experts, voyages lend themselves to an informal style of travel, guided excursions, enriching lecture programme and a diverse range of activity options.
For more information on our inclusive, small group expeditions, contact our Expedition Experts.