An Epic Announcement for Solo Travelers on NCL!

Earlier this week when I posted the Wave Season specials, I highlighted that solo occupancy cruisers were being offered reduced single supplements on the Epic. Today, NCL makes the offer even better!

NCL has not traditionally been a solo-friendly line, with almost entirely 200% supplements fleet-wide, and only a few reduced supplement sailings each year. Starting Monday, January 18, they will put their Studio cabins on the Epic on sale with ZERO single supplement! Pricing as low as $799 single occupancy for a 7-night sailing, these cabins were designed for solos and singles.

The Studios on Norwegian Epic are a private key-card access complex on two decks consisting of 128 staterooms and the Studio Lounge. Each Studio stateroom, at approximately 100 square feet of living space, features a contemporary design with a full-size bed and separate areas for the bathroom, sink and shower. In addition, guests in the Studios have private access to the exclusive Studio Lounge. Here, guests can grab a cup of coffee in the morning, meet up with fellow cruisers and plan their day or relax with a drink in the evening. Since many of the Studio staterooms are connecting, there is also the opportunity for friends to travel together while giving each their own private space.

“Historically, the cruise industry has not embraced the large number of people
who enjoy traveling solo,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief
executive officer. “We are breaking the mold of traditional cruising once
again by offering a stateroom designed and priced specifically for solo
travelers, making cruising a more attractive travel option. We invite all
solo travelers – whether they are first-time cruisers or cruising veterans -- to
sail on our incredible new Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic.”

These definitely are a different concept, but a good value for solos who are willing to sail in an inside cabin. The Living Room option gives an added socialization factor unique to this ship, and for those who want their own cabin, but don't want to feel like they are the only solos on a cruise, it's worth looking at.

However, as I've written before, these cabins do have "mood" lighting as one of their features. If you book one of these cabins, be very careful of using the red light choice - you might be sending an unintended message, especially if you're sitting in the window!

Happy New Year Singles from Cunard!

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you had a wonderful holiday season!

Sorry for the absence of the blog for a bit, but I was taking a writing holiday.

The new year is starting well for singles who have longed to take a historic Cunard Transatlantic crossing. A client found at least one sailing with NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT on the Queen Mary 2! Sailing date I have confirmed is November 10, 2010, with fares as low as $993.81 single occupancy including all port charges and taxes. Simply amazing!

If you're interested, or would like me to search other similar sailings, email or call immediately! I'd love to have as many of you as possible take advantage of this very special fare.

Solos Antarctica Alert! Single Supplement Waived!

A quick note to my solo cruiser subscribers: I've just received notice that CruiseWest, the small ship expeditionary cruise line, is waiving the single supplement for their February 8, 2010 18-night Antarctica cruise round trip from Buenos Aires on the Corinthian II.

This cruise spends 2 nights in the Falkland Islands, visits South Georgia Island, the Orkneys and Antarctic Peninsula.

This is a wonderful itinerary, with the convenience of a Buenos Aires round trip plus an extended voyage to give you more time in each destination.

If you're interested, email me for more details!

Hurtigruten Expands No Single Supplement Offers!

Specialty cruise line Hurtigruten, one of the best value expeditionary and specialty cruise lines, has announced new sailings with NO single supplement!

Book selected 12, 7 and 6-day Norwegian Coastal voyages departing in Jan 1-Mar 31 & Oct 1-Dec 31, 2009 and receive a free special upgrade on single staterooms at the per person double occupancy rates.

Offer applies to cabin categories: U, P, N, J, L, I and H. Cruise Fuel surcharge is additional. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion, except early booking rates, is valid for selected categories and departures. Offer is valid for new bookings only. Restrictions apply.

If you'd like more information about this unusual line, feel free to give me a call! They sail the world, and are an interesting option for those looking for more unusual itineraries and experiences.

More No Single Supplement Sailings (or Second Passener Free) from Abercrombie and Kent!

Abercrombie and Kent is one of the premiere expeditionary and adventure vendors for unusual itineraries and customized touring, and they've just announced three new no single supplement (or bring a friend for free) sailings!

Book any of the following cruises by January 31, and singles will sail with no supplement, or two in a cabin cruise for the price of one!

The sailings are all on the MV Clipper Odyssey:

February 16-March 5, 2009, Lost Islands of the Pacific, Auckland to Fiji
March 2-20, 2009, Voyage to Melanesia, Fiji to Cairns, Australia
April 9-26, 2009, Voyage to Micronesia, Cairns, Australia to Guam

The discount applies to categories 1-4.

These are true adventure sailings, with opportunities for snorkeling, scuba, superb photography, cultural exploration and one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the most beautiful locations of the South Pacific. Drink Kava in Fiji, visit World War II history throughout the islands, and luxuriate in comfort as you travel from island to island.

For more information on the specific itineraries, pricing and to book these remarkable sailings, email me at amber@cruiseresource.com, give me a call at 303-690-8937 or toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123).

Another Antarctic Expedition with No Single Supplements!

Last week, Lindblad Expeditions announced no single supplements on their "Cape to Cape" itinerary from South America to South Africa. This week brings us more offers for Antarctic expeditions!

Popular expedition line, Voyages of Discovery, sails their MV Discovery in South America during the Antarctic season from December through February. They've removed the single supplement from all their sailings, and for most, offer free air from certain gateway cities. In addition, they have included pre- or post-cruise land programs included in their pricing!

Select from 5 different sailings, from 17-22 nights, and from $5,250, single occupancy with air. For an expedition on a quality line, this is a notable value. These are true expeditionary sailings, including landings in Antarctica so you can get up close and personal with the "residents" - both human at the stations and also the flippered varieties.

Call or email me for itineraries, pricing or more information!

Hurtigruten Removes Single Supplements, Too!

It's been quite a week for solo cruisers. First Lindblad removed the single supplement from one of their Antarctic/South American sailings. Then earlier today Uniworld announced that they're removing the supplement for solos on many of their Spring, 2009 river cruise sailings. Now comes Hurtigruten, the specialty cruise line (formerly known as Norwegian Coastal Voyage), who is removing the supplement for a series of wintertime Norwegian coastal voyages in early and late 2009!

See a trend here? So do I. The smaller or specialty lines are definitely feeling the economic pinch, just like the larger lines, but they're responding by making themselves more attractive to solos (along with other offers to double occupancy cruising as well). Let's hope the larger ocean cruise lines follow suit!

I was just talking with a client a few days ago about these Norwegian coastal sailings during the wintertime. He'd been on one, and was saying how beautiful it was, talked about seeing the Northern Lights, and how much he enjoyed the experience.

While most Americans don't think about Norway in the winter, it is a popular time for Europeans, especially those from the Nordic countries, to sail. Crystal clear beautiful nights, and a very different cruise experience.

Here are the details: Book selected 12, 7 and 6-day Norwegian Coastal voyages departing in Jan 1-Apr 30 & Oct 1-Dec 31, 2009 and receive a free special upgrade on single staterooms at the per person double occupancy rates. Offer applies to selected cabin categories. Cruise Fuel surcharge is additional. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion, except early booking rates, is valid for selected categories and departures. Offer is valid for bookings made by December 31, 2008. Offer is valid for new bookings only.

Does this sound interesting to you? Call or email!

Uniworld Removes Single Supplement on Select Sailings!

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced they are removing the single supplement on selected sailings for Spring, 2009! While river cruises often have a few reduced single supplement cabins, this is the most sweeping elimination of single supplements I've seen for river cruises! While supply lasts, cruises must be booked and deposited by December 31.

River cruising is a wonderful way to see Europe. So much is included, such as wine with dinner, beer and soda with meals, bottled water in your cabins, most tours, even bicycles if you want to explore on your own. Uniworld is a true luxury line with terrific itineraries. I've sailed her twice, once for a Christmas Markets sailing, and a second time round-trip from Paris. Both times were exceptional, and I'm a big fan of river cruising.

For solos, river cruising is especially nice, as the ships are small, socializing is in groups and constant, and you're with others from the ship as you explore each destination. Dinner is open seating, and the conversation flows. If you've ever been intimidated about taking a traditional ocean cruise solo, because of fears of being one out of thousands, this is exactly the way to get into cruising.

Since river cruising often attracts extremely well-traveled passengers, the conversations onboard are fascinating. But don't be intimidated if you haven't traveled extensively yet; all are welcome with a sense of adventure. In fact, many who wouldn't consider an ocean cruise love river cruising for the value, quality, ease and ability to be a true traveler.

The itineraries are fabulous. You're right in the heart of your destinations, places ocean cruises can't get to without long bus rides. You see what's special about each location - and it's all included!

Did I mention that English is the language onboard and on the tours?

And with the Dollar gaining ground almost daily with the Euro right now, and at favorable rates not seen in several years, it's a perfect time to be exploring Europe again!

The sailings which have the no single supplement offer are:

• Tulips and Windmills - Amsterdam to Antwerp 11 days
• Enchanting Danube - Budapest to Passau 9 days
• Eastern Europe Explorer - Vienna to Bucharest 16 days
• Grand European Discovery - Basel to Vienna 16 days
• Rhine Discovery - Nuremberg to Basel 9 days
• Danube Discovery - Vienna to Nuremberg 9 days
• Paris & Normandy - Paris to Paris 9 days
• Burgundy & Provence - Arles to Chalon 9 days
• Grand France - Paris to Arles 16 days
• Portugal, Spain, & the Douro River Valley - Lisbon to Porto 11 Days
• Paris & European River Romance - Paris to Nuremberg 11 Days
• Paris & the Heart of Europe - Paris to Vienna 18 days
• Paris & Grand European Waterways - Paris to Bucharest 32 days

If you're interested in getting more information, and specific dates please call me immediately at 303-690-8937 or toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123) or email me at amber@singlescruiseresource.com. This offer is capacity controlled, and I'm sure the applicable sailings will go quickly.

No Single Supplement on Lindblad Expedition Itinerary!

Just announced! For all my solo occupancy clients, Lindblad Expeditions, the leader in expeditionary cruising and travel, is offering NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT for their February 11, 2009 Cape Horn to the Cape of Good Hope Voyage! This sailing explores South America, Antarctica and South Africa. In addition, this is an Aspen Institute sailing, offering further enrichment lectures onboard.

The itinerary is:

• Day 1-2 - U.S./Fly overnight to Santiago, Chile
• Day 3 - Santiago/Ushuaia, Argentina/Embark
• Day 4 - At Sea
• Day 5-9 - Antarctica
• Day 10 - South Orkney Island
• Day 11 -At Sea
• Day 12-15 - South Georgia
• Day 16-19 - Sail the Southern Atlantic
• Day 20-21 - Tristan da Cunha/Nightingale Island
• Day 22-25 - At Sea
• Day 26 - Cape Town, South Africa/Disembark/Overnight Hotel
• Day 27-28 - Cape Town/Home

This is a true expedition sailing, including the famous Lindblad landings in Antarctica.

Lindblad describes this sailing as:

Extraordinary and unusual, an expedition from Cape to Cape has been the challenge and dream of many sailors and explorers. Colorful milestones line our route on this epic voyage from Cape Horn, at the tip of South America, to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Explore the wildlife and icebergs of Antarctica and South Georgia, with its vast king penguins colonies. Visit the remote outpost of Tristan da Cunha — one of the least accessible, least visited and most dreamed-of places anywhere — before ending in lively Cape Town. You explore the Antarctic in prime season, mid-February, accompanied by the best Ice Team on earth. We always change course for wildlife sightings — and our Zodiacs, kayaks and an Undersea Specialist help us understand these remote lands.

ASPEN INSTITUTE SEMINAR. Lindblad has arranged for The Aspen Institute to conduct a customized on-board seminar to explore the ideas and issues that impact this region of the world. For almost 60 years, The Aspen Institute has brought together diverse groups of people to learn from each other and from the great thinkers of the world. In an environment conducive to reflecting and dialogue, guests may participate (if they wish) to wrestle with fundamental questions about the nature of life, society and the environment.

Book by November 30 to receive the no single supplement offer. Oh, did I mention that there's also free air (coach) included as well if you book by November 30? Interested? Then call or email me immediately! 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123) or amber@cruiseresource.com.

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!

Crazy Low Single Occupancy Pricing

Looking to sail solo occupancy? Can you get away on short notice? Interested in a repositioning cruise? I've got an amazing offer for you!

NCL Jewel is repositioning from New York to Miami later this month with a 12-night sailing, departing October 28, and I have solo occupancy fares starting from $627.81 for inside cabins, $727.81 for oceanview, and an unbelievable $1,027.81 for a balcony. That's SINGLE occupancy, INCLUDING the port charges, taxes AND fuel supplement. Yup, that's the full fare.

This sailing has been on no single supplement for quite awhile in several categories, but the fares have just been reduced to this ridiculously low price, and I wanted to let you know about it. Give me a call immediately if you're interested!

Oh yes, double occupancy fares are similarly crazy, too.