Crystal Offers New Low Solo Fares For Fall European Cruises

Crystal Cruises unveiled a new solo travelers' sale on fall Mediterranean voyages that features even lower fares. 

A significantly reduced solo supplement of 10% can save individuals up to almost $900 off a private, deluxe outside stateroom (Category C) of their own.

The savings are offered on eight 11- and 12-day Crystal Serenity sailings through the Black Sea, Middle East, Canary Islands, and entire Mediterranean, starting with Sept. 6, 2012 voyage.

The all-inclusive luxury cruises embark in Athens, Istanbul, Venice, Barcelona, and Lisbon from September through November, with overnight visits and more time in both smaller, off-the-beaten-path and favorite, large ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Montenegro, Israel, Croatia, Morocco and the Canary Islands.  Attractive air add-ons are offered from more than 200 North American ports.

Among benefits that Crystal provides for solo travelers are Ambassador hosts on every sailing for those seeking a dance partner, assigned seating for dinner in the Crystal Dining Room, and "Table for 8," which brings individuals together for friendly shared dining in the specialty restaurants at night.

Crystal’s ocean resort experience always includes fine wines, premium spirits, and gratuities with one's vacation, as well as a host of other complimentary amenities, from enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa.

Source: TravelPulse
http://www.travelpulse.com/

Royal Caribbean's First Solo Traveler Cabins Coming by June

RCI can do A lot better than "windowless" inside rooms for solo travelers - Sue 

Royal Caribbean this year will unveil cabins designed for solo travelers - a first for the line.

A Royal Caribbean representative tells USA TODAY a late spring overhaul of one of its 22 ships, the Radiance of the Seas, will see the addition of three cabins for singles -- all windowless "inside" rooms.

The 2,112-passenger Radiance is scheduled to enter dry dock for the makeover in late May and emerge (with the new single cabins) in early June. The ship will spend the coming summer sailing in Alaska.

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MSC Cruises Cuts Rates for Solo Passengers

MSC Cruises cutting rates for solo travelers this winter on seven-night voyages in the Caribbean.

Fares for singles occupying cabins on its one ship in the region, the 2,550-passenger MSC Poesia, have been slashed to $574.80 - not including government fees and taxes.

The rates, available for all categories of cabins on the ship except suites, represent a savings of more than 30% off the amount solo travelers normally have to pay.


The promotion is available for MSC Poesia cruises that depart between now and Feb. 12, including:

7 Night "Western Caribbean Wonders" cruises on Dec. 5, Jan. 16 and 30, and Feb. 13 out of Fort Lauderdale to Key West, Fla.; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.

7 Night "Eastern Caribbean Enchantment" cruises on Dec. 12, Jan. 9 and 23, and Feb. 6 to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas.

Source: USA Today Cruise Log

Silversea Solo Traveler Fares on Select 2011 Voyages

Initially launched last summer on select 2010 voyages, SilverSea's specially reduced Solo Traveler fares proved such a popular incentive with independent travelers that the company is extending the offer to select 2011 itineraries.

All-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite (most suites feature a private veranda), attentive butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, sophisticated enrichment and entertainment programs, and all on board gratuities.

The ultra-luxury line has reduced the single supplement on more than 20 sailings in 2011 to just 10% to 25% (above the per-person, double-occupancy fare) for Vista, Veranda and Midship Veranda suites.

Also, on several voyages, Gentlemen Hosts will be on board, which is a real plus for single female guests looking for a dining companion or a dance partner.

Following is a sampling of 2011 voyages offering a 10%  single supplement:

Arabian Peninsula 2101 : Silver Wind, January 3 - 10, Dubai to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,058 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

Caribbean Voyage 1103 : Silver Cloud, January 22 - 29, San Juan to Barbados. Solo Traveler fares start at $3,078 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

Caribbean Voyage 1109 : Silver Cloud, March 14 - 24, Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,442 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

Caribbean Voyage 4113: Silver Whisper, April 27 - May 7, Fort Lauderdale to Barbados. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,442 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

Northern Europe Voyage 5111 : Silver Spirit, May 19 - 26, Southampton to Barcelona. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,926 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

Following is a sampling of 2011 voyages offering a 25% single supplement:

South America Voyage 4103 : Silver Whisper, February 5 - 23, Santiago to Fort Lauderdale. Solo Traveler fares start at $8,798 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.

Far East Voyage 3106 : Silver Shadow, April 6 - 15, Singapore to Hong Kong. Solo Traveler fares start at $6,648 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

Far East Voyage 3109  : Silver Shadow, May 7 - 17, Shanghai to Tokyo. Solo Traveler fares start at $7,398 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.

All fares listed above are per person based on single occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees that can range from $100 to $575 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary.

Solo Traveler, Silver Savings and $250 Shipboard Credit are capacity-controlled programs and subject to availability.

The Shipboard Credit is offered per suite, not per voyage, and only once to guests sailing on consecutive voyages. Shipboard Credit is valued in U.S. dollars, regardless of booking currency.

*FREE AIR: A free roundtrip economy air package, that includes transfers between airport and pier on the day of embarkation and disembarkation, is available from 22 gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada. It is a capacity-controlled program offered for a limited time. Additionally, there are specially priced air programs available from another 50 cities.

Click here for complete list of 2011 sailings offering single supplements from 10 to 25%, or visit Silversea.com and click on Special Offers.


Deal Dates: October 14, 2010 - December 31, 2010

Source: Travel Agent Central 

Solo Travel International Cruise Expedition

Deal Dates Through September 29, 2011

International Expeditions is waiving the single supplement fee on 10-day cruises to the Galapagos Islands for January 7, May 27 and September 30, 2011, saving solo travelers 25%.

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

Source: Travel Agent Central

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.