Royal Caribbean Plans For Single Cabins

Royal Caribbean will look to introduce single cabins on several of its ship over the next few years, the cruise line’s president and chief executive has revealed.

At a seminar onboard Allure of the Seas, Adam Goldstein told international travel agents that the issue of single cabins was a question which had increasingly been raised, and that Royal Caribbean was now looking at how they could be introduced.

“Our organization’s business model depends on having two or more people in a stateroom, so we have traditionally been focused on that,” he said. “We probably won’t make any big changes to our two new biggest ships [Oasis and Allure], but we recognize that there is a demand for the single traveller business."

“We are going to be revitalizing our older ships such as Radiance of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas, and so we will have opportunity to create spaces for single travellers then. It is definitely something that we are looking at,” he added.

Source: USA Today

Norwegian Epic - Wonder or Blunder

It's difficult for a new cruise ship to get noticed when it has 10 other new competitors in the same year - that is unless the particular ship offers something other cruise ships don't . . . 

I personally was excited to hear that Epic was going against all the major cruise lines in finally eliminating the dreaded "single cruise supplement" - and offering cabins specifically designed for the solo traveler.

My friend Toni loves to cruise, and often complains about not having a cruise companion available when she wants to travel. Paying the extra single supplement, or having a stranger as a cabin mate are not acceptable to her.
So when I sent her info on the Epic, she was game!

Upon her return, Toni had LOTS to say -

CABINS:

• Prior to the booking, Toni was aware that the cabin space would be small - and in her opinion the cabin only has ample space for one average sized person.

• The large bed was far too big for one person, and takes up valuable space, making it difficult to move around the cabin. 

• No balconies are available in the Solo cabin cateogry - all cabins are inside with a small frosted window that face a neon hallway.  Many of the solo cruisers felt the frosted window was a joke, and the cabins would be better without the neon glare.  

• Solo cabins have lots of lighting and cubbies for storage - however there is no room diagram provided on where to turn on/off the lights. Most of the solo cruisers complained of not finding the hidden cubbies, or being able to turn on/off lights until well into the cruise.

• The shower in the Solo cabins was a plus, and offers more space than your average cabin bath room.

•  Toni was able to view several cabins of fellow cruisers. The Deluxe Balcony Stateroom would be great for a couple, but way too small for 3-4 people.  And the regular Inside Cabins were enough to make her appreciate her solo cabin. She says the cabins are very small - the shower is located on one side of the cabin, while the toilet is on the other side - with the sink in the middle. Very strange configuration!

ENTERTAINMENT:

• The Studio Lounge and Bar - reserved for the Solo cabins - was a good place to meet and mingle with other solo travelers.

• The entertainment areas like the Epic Theatre (800 seats) and Spiegel Tent (120 seats) are much too small for 4,100 passengers. You definitely have to book everything as soon as you get onboard - as the performances sell out for the entire cruise. 

• AND be prepared to pay a cover for the onboard entertainment such as the Ice Bar, Cirque Show, Murder Mystery Lunch!

DINING:

• While Epic offers many dining venues (20 restaurants), only 3 are included in your cruise price. The other "specialty restaurants" have cover charges. Toni recommends the specialty dining at  Le Bistro ($20 cover), however declined the other specialty restaurant cover charges to stay on budget.

• The main dining venues that are included in your cruise price offer good food, but not much of a variety from day to day.

FACILITIES:

• The Gym has great facilities, and also one of the few places to view the sea! It's difficult to imagine a cruise ship that offers few sea view. 

• Jogging path has no sea views! Path is located on Deck 7 between the lifeboats and exhaust vents - providing little fresh air.

• The 2 pools are narrow, small and crowded. Water on the pool deck does not have proper drainage - an accident waiting to happen. 

• Epic offers no Library, Study or Secluded Lounges.

All in all, Toni says she had a great time, and met up with a lot of great people. Being a long time cruiser, she has seen the best, along with the worst. 

How does she rate the Epic overall?
Great price for solo cruisers, however she would not recommend for families - unless they are well aware of the small cabin spaces/odd bathroom configuration, and the many nickel and dime charges for entertainment/activities that quickly add up on your room cabin bill.

Would she sail Epic again?
Maybe - with one travel companion, and a Deluxe Balcony Stateroom.

MSC New Single Rates on Fall Cruises

Single travelers can experience the fall foliage of Canada/New England cruises on MSC Poesia for new, reduced rates.

Guests who book an interior, oceanview or balcony stateroom for one on MSC Cruises' 2010 Canada/New England cruises by August 31 are entitled to savings.

The six-night "Maple Leaves & Mansions" cruise from Quebec City, calling in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York, is not $718. This cruise departs October 23.

The seven-night "Scenic Splendors of Fall," departing from New York City and calling in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada, and Quebec City, Quebec; Canada, departs October 2. The new single rate is now $838.80.

The 10-night "Dazzling Fall Foliage" itinerary, which departs September 22 from New York City calls in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Newport, Rhode Island; and New York. The new rate is now $1,198.80.

The 14-night "Autumn Leaves and Lighthouses" cruise from Quebec City calls in Sydney, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This cruise departs October 9. Rates are now $1,618.80.

Visit www.msccruisesusa.com

Norwegian Welcomes Solo Cruisers

"Solo Cruisers" have never been courted by the major cruise lines. However that is changing in today's cruise market which recognizes this is one area of marketing that has often been overlooked.

Major cruise lines charge solor cruisers a hefty penalty single supplement of 50% up to 100% to occupy a cabin alone. Cruise lines even offer a "find a roomie" service. While this may appeal to some, most solo travelers DO NOT want to share a room with a stranger.

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the first major cruise lines to specifically court the "solo cruiser" market. The new Norwegian Epic has 128 "Epic Studios" designed for single occupancy.

All the studios are inside cabins, and some even have connecting doors to others. Each studio cabin offers a full-size bed, flat-screen TV, and small desk. Norwegian even offers a two-story "studio lounge" to meet other singles.

Epic's single supplement is 23 - 25%, which is obviously a much better deal than the other major lines.