Expedition Cruises for Solo Travelers

Have you longed to do some expedition-style cruises? Sail solo? Been put off by the single supplement pricing? Believe me, I understand! When I'm questioned by my solo occupancy clients (www.singlescruiseresource.com) about the options for solo cruising, we usually focus on the mainstream cruise brands, though I do mention that luxury and river cruising often have much reduced supplements.

Today, small cruise operator CruiseWest sent me notice that they're opening up single share pricing for the following Spirit of Oceanus sailings:

• Grand Asia — 2008 cruises
• South Pacific — Dec 2008 through Feb 2009 cruises
• Japan — Spring 2009 cruises

While a single share does mean that you have the potential of a same-sex roommate, on cruises of this nature, travelers often are more open to that than on a traditional-style cruise. Why? With the small ships, you spend even less of your time in your cabin, there's more a sense of camaraderie onboard, and you're experiencing the environments in an expeditionary mode - all which attract someone who is usually more adventurous and open to the unknown, even in a roommate.

CruiseWest also does offer attractive single supplements for those who wish their own cabins. But this is yet another option, both in terms of line and types of cruises, for you to consider.

CruiseWest is an interesting small-ship company many frequent cruisers are familiar with due to their long history of cruising in Alaska. Because they're smaller, they get more up close and personal with smaller, more out of the way ports, and even water critters. Excursions such as kayaking are a frequent activity on their sailings. What most cruisers don't know is they have world-wide offerings, heading across the Pacific and down to the Sea of Cortez, for example, in the winter months. This is soft expedition, not camping on a ship, offering comfortable accommodations, though more basic than the larger ships.

If this sounds like your style, let me know!