Epic deal for singles

IS THERE anything as unfair in travel as the dreaded single supplement? Having to pay a prohibitive levy simply for wanting to travel alone is, well, prohibitive.

Just how many more holidays would be booked by the happily independent if it didn’t exist? Lots, would be my best guess.

Three cheers, therefore, for Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) whose massive new ship, Norwegian Epic, took its maiden voyage this summer complete with 128 cabins specifically designated for solo travellers.

At around 9sq m (97sq ft), the cabins are tiny but have full-sized double beds (who knows, you might get lucky) and are priced for single occupancy only.

What’s more, those staying in them have the use of a shared social space, the two-storey Studios Lounge, enabling solo passengers meet up with one another, should they so wish.

There are downsides, not least that 9sq m is tiny. That double bed leaves precious little room for anything else, such as furniture.

What’s more, all of the single occupancy studios are on the inside. Your frosted portholes face out onto corridors.

Still, the ship has plenty to make up for it, including its very own water park, a top notch entertainment programme and oodles of dining options.

NCL’s signature freestyle cruising, which lets you sit where you want, when you want, will also suit solo travellers looking for flexibility.

What’s more, it’s got to be better than the services other cruise lines offer – to make up having punitive single supplements – of pairing you up with a travel buddy to cut costs.

Now there’s one guaranteed way to give you cabin fever before you even leave port.

Epic performance, NCL.

• epic.ncl.com