Once, they were double charged and considered almost pariahs. Now, demographics have made solo sailors the flavour of the month, with more lines reducing single supplements and offering special activities to win their business.

Most lines are rushing to retro-fit more solo cabins or include them in refurbishment.

Cunard Cruise Line has added an additional 15 staterooms on Queen Mary 2 for travellers sailing independently. These rooms now replace what used to be the ship’s art gallery and casino.

P&O U.K have a range of ships that include single cabins so single travellers can attain the independence they desire on their trip. Their Azura cruise ship committed 18 singles cabins, including cabins with a sea view, with no supplement; a solo sailor’s dream.

Seabourn’s luxurious and intimate ships are ‘ideal for the sophisticated solo traveller’, according to the line’s brochures.

Single supplements range between 150% and 175% for accommodation and guests are offered the chance to sit at tables with fellow solo travellers so they can make new friends.

Holland America Line has a Single Traveller’s Program that offer events like mixers; cocktail parties; dance classes, and over forty other activities that are perfect for singles who are interested in meeting other singles.

Royal Caribbean Lines manages a range of cruise lines that present deals; single rooms; activities and reduced single supplements to accommodate the intrepid traveller. Royal Caribbean Cruises offer 28 technologically advanced single studios on ships Quantum and Anthem of the Seas that lets solo sailors to be captivated by attractive interiors rather than ‘have to make do’ with sufficient single cabins.

Azamara Club Cruises provide single rooms with a single supplement of 150%. There are also solo cruise deals for complementary AzAmazing Evenings cultural events that take place onshore, and deals on inclusive and value-priced beverage packages.

Silversea’s single supplements starting at an additional 25% on the full fare, the luxury cruise line also welcomes solo travellers with a champagne reception to become well acquainted with other passengers on their trip.

Genting Cruise Line’s Crystal Cruises presents a great amount of singles events onboard their luxury ships like low supplements beginning at 110% of the advertised per person fare. The Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony cruise ships offer dancing classes on ships that are ideal for solo travellers and partners.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings retain a portfolio of cruise lines that proffer similar perks and deals bouncing between adequate and exceptional quality.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s cruise ship, The Norwegian Epic, provides 128 solo studio cabins to accommodate a large portion of independent travellers’ desires for privacy. Oceania Cruises mostly charge single travellers double the price, however they feature reduced supplements on their website for selected cruises. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ are a little kinder with their solo travellers and offer single supplements that start at 125% for their luxury cruises all over the world.

Independent cruise lines like MSC Cruises allow guests who are sailing alone to pay the full fare advertised, without single supplements, on all rooms which are subject to availability. On the other hand, independent cruise line Disney Cruise Line charges solo guests double the price.

The move follows more emphasis on adult-only areas.

Carnival Cruises Australia offers the Serenity Adult Only Retreat, available on all ships with the option to relax on your own, or with partners or friends, enjoying the peace al fresco. P&O Australia also offers a similar seclusion called The Oasis on a selection of their cruise ships. Princess Cruises, again, share a similar outdoor haven, The Sanctuary; on 16 of their ships, designed for solitude seekers that include outdoor massages and cool refreshments. These retreats do come at a cost; The Sanctuary experience on Princess Cruises can cost between $20 and $75.