Singled Out for the Single Supplement

"Single Supplement" - These two words strike dread — not to mention resentment — in the heart of a solo traveler. 

Consider for a moment the cost of a superior ocean-view room on a Royal Caribbean International 7 night Alaska cruise. For two adults, it’s $1,539 each. For a single traveler, the cost is $2,843 - an additional $1,304.

Single supplement? Or single penalty?

Royal Caribbean is by no means alone. Supplements are a widespread industry practice in both the cruise and packaged tour industries. Travel companies say that these surcharges (which are generally anywhere from 10 to 100% or more of the standard rate) are justified because most accommodations, whether in a hotel or on a ship, are priced for double occupancy.

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Solo Traveler Exotic Cruise Deal

International Expeditions is waiving the single supplement fee on 10-day cruises to the Galapagos Islands for it's September 30, 2011 sailing. That's a savings of 25% for solo cruisers.

The itinerary visits nine islands on the 32-guest yacht M/V Evolution, which is small enough to access outlying Genovesa (Tower) Island.

The ship features landing craft that provides easy shore access in addition to an observation deck for whale watching, a canopied bar and complimentary snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and kayaks.

Highlights include visits to Fernandina Island, Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, Puerto Ayora (the islands' largest human settlement), the Charles Darwin Research Center (famous for its tortoise breeding programs), Kicker Rock and Santiago Island.

Guests will snorkel as well as hike through deserts, rainforests and volcanic terrain. Galapagos naturalist guides share their knowledge, bringing guests within inches of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and other animals.

Prices start at $4,998, and include accommodations, tax and transit fees, all excursions, 23 meals, transfers and tips to porters and waiters for included meals.

Visit www.ietravel.com

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.

Single Travel Cruises and Vacations

Singles Cruise
Travel Single . . . Never Alone
Offers guests private meet and greet singles events, cocktail mixers, lectures, theme parties, a separate dining area for our group and ongoing activities organized by our dedicated cruise directors.

Singles who book with us can choose from a variety of cruises and itineraries planned throughout the year with anywhere from 100-400 singles onboard. Our singles are not all necessarily looking for love – some are looking for new friends to travel with.

Cruising For Love
Cruisingforlove.com is not a dating service but a way for everyone who is single to join in the fun of a cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska or Europe by going in a group.

We offer payment plans to make your travel dreams come true, and with our creativity and roommate - matching service - you'll be able to cruise at a very affordable price. We offer singles a safe and comfortable way to cruise with other singles and we'll help you from start to finish.

Singles Travel International
We're more than just another singles cruise company - We cater to the single traveler at heart.

We have sailed the high seas on the new, luxurious QM2 with our guests and have sipped fine wine in Napa. We dined like royalty at a private club in Madrid and played with the "Rich & Famous" on the Costa del Sol. We spent the weekend in New Orleans for their 30th annual Jazz & Heritage Fest, we visited Montreal during the "Just for Laughs" festival and made it to Quebec City just in time to kick off their International Summer Festival.