Regent Reduces Single Supplement!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has today announced a program of reduced single supplements on many of their 2010 sailings! Offering supplements of 30-50% on selected sailings on both the Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, this represents an exceptional value for solos looking for a relaxed experience on a true luxury line.

Regent offers all-inclusive pricing, encompassing gratuities, wine and alcohol with lunch and dinner along with a bar set up of your choice in your suite, bottled water and soda, and for 2010, also includes free air and unlimited excursions of your choice!

I've long held that luxury lines many times are the most solo-friendly, and Regent (along with Crystal) are working hard this year to prove me correct! If you're looking to move up into luxury cruising, call me toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123) or email me at amber@cruiseresource.com for a personal consultation and quote. Remember, I hold the exclusive Luxury Cruise Specialist designation from CLIA, so I can help you navigate the choices between lines.

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!

It's Wave Season! FULL List of Special Offers!

Once again, cruise wave season is upon us, the time when most bookings for the year are made, and the cruise lines roll out attractive specials to entice you. Below is a FULL list of wave season offers by cruise line! Most of these offers are available through February 4, 2010, though other booking dates may be listed in the specific offers:

Azamara Club Cruises: Receive up to $400 in Onboard Credit (per stateroom) when you book an Ocean View stateroom or higher on select Azamara Club departures. Booking Window: January 7 - February 4, 2010

Applicable Sailings:
Azamara Journey, 5/2/10
Azamara Journey, 5/23/10
Azamara Journey, 6/18/10
Azamara Journey, 8/29/10
Azamara Quest, 7/12/10
Azamara Quest, 11/27/10

Carnival: Up to 2 Category Upgrade on select dates.

Celebrity: Up to $100/cabin onboard credit! Celebrity January Sale

Interested in an Alaska or Europe cruisetour? Up to $200/cabin onboard
credit on Alaska cruisetours if booked by January 31, or $300/cabin onboard
credit for Europe cruisetours if booked by March 31!

Crystal: In addition to the absolutely wonderful As You Wish onboard credits up to $2,000/cabin, 2-for-1 fares and free air on select sailings, an additional $200/cabin onboard credit and pre-paid gratuities.

Solo Travelers: Remember that Crystal has some of the
lowest single supplements in the industry, standard starting at only 25%.
Crystal can be a fabulous value for solo travelers.

Cunard: Up to $300/cabin onboard credit for all 2010/2011 sailings (except 2011 World Cruise) on QM2, Queen Victoria and the new Queen Elizabeth.

Solo traveler alert: I have found ZERO single supplement on some fall 2010 Transatlantic sailings on the Queen Mary 2! Most notably the 11/10/10 sailing. Zero. Nada. Zip! Current inside fares are less than $1,000 SINGLE OCCUPANCY! If you've dreamed of a classic Cunard Transatlantic and sail solo... DO NOT WAIT! These sailings are also eligible for the onboard credit and reduced deposit offers!

Disney: Onboard credit for selected 3- and 4-night spring sailings!

Holland America: Reduced deposit and coupon book for all bookings! Don't forget the ongoing View and Verandah sale with lowered fares for oceanview cabins and above, 50% reduced deposit, savings for 3rd and 4th passengers, and even savings on pre- and post-cruise hotels!

In addition, in an EXCLUSIVE for my clients, I have some Limited Edition The Art
of Cruising books from Holland America! This lovely coffee table book
highlights the fine art and antiques aboard Holland America ships. Book
with me on Holland America by February 5, and I'll enter you into a drawing for
these collectible books!

NCL: Year of Freestyle Vacation offers. Up to 6 category upgrades, certificate books, plus rotating offers every two weeks. Currently on sale: Norwegian Epic with upgrades and reduced deposits!

In addition, for solo travelers, Norwegian Epic is offering
150% single supplements for most 2010 and 2011 sailings! This is huge, as
NCL rarely reduces single supplements. A great opportunity to try not only
NCL, but their brand new Epic!

Princess: Through January 21, reduced deposits of $100/person and coupon books on all sailings 7 days or longer.

In addition, for select 2010 European, Caribbean and Alaska sailings, book a balcony at the price of an Oceanview!

Alaska Cruisetours including Denali are on sale! Up to 25% off Alaska
Cruisetour packages! Book by February 28. Prices start as low as
$1,274/person.

Royal Caribbean: Up to $200/cabin savings for select sailings throughout 2010! Book an oceanview cabin or above by February 28 on select sailings and receive up to $200/cabin savings!

River Cruising: River cruise lines continue to offer tremendous savings, with 2-for-1 pricing, free or reduced air and other special offers. These specials are frequently changing, but if you're considering a river cruise for 2010, don't wait. Unlike 2009, many special dates are already extremely limited.

This is the time to book your 2010 (or even 2011) cruise!

If you're thinking of Alaska this year, I can't emphasize enough to BOOK NOW! Because of the reduction in the number of ships and sailings, I expect Alaska cruises and cruisetours to be going up in price throughout the year. Booking now locks in your preferred cabin and pricing.

Remember that several lines will allow me to adjust your fare if they lower prices, EVEN AFTER FINAL PAYMENT! If you're concerned with getting the best fare, and who isn't, ask for information on these policies. I never charge a fee for changes to your booking, unless the cruise line imposes one directly. So you're protected when booking with me!

Call me at 303-690-8937, or toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123), or email at amber@cruiseresource.com for more information on any sailing, offer, or to book your cruise! You deserve a great vacation in 2010!

More Terrific Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Happy Hours

It's the time of year where I really love posting Happy Hours, as there are usually amazing values offered. This week is no exception.

For Royal Caribbean, of particular note is a 9-Nt Canada-New England sailing on 10/1, which should be fabulous for color, with a balcony at only $849/person AND a reduced supplement for solos!

If you are looking for 7-nt Caribbean, there are several Freedom of the Seas sailings starting at $549/person.

West coast? Mariner of the Seas 7-nighters are here too starting at $339/person and reduced single supplements. However, on the 9/27 sailing, along with the 11/8, 11/15/AND 11/29 sailings, I have some cabins at $299/person, and that's not even a Happy Hour rate, so that can be booked any time!

Want something shorter? While east coasters are used to having lots of good deals on short sailings, finally the West Coast is getting some Happy Hour love, too! How about Radiance of the Seas 4-night Mexican Riviera starting at $179/person? Amazing!

Finally on the Royal Caribbean side is a 13-Nt San Diego to Miami Panama Canal sailing which is the lowest I think I've ever seen for a full transit starting at $849/person, and there's a reduced single supplement on that one, too!

Those are just a sampling of the HUGE number of offers this week. Check out the link below for all the options!

On the Celebrity side, while there aren't as many offers, both of them are excellent! The Equinox 13-Nt sailing from Rome on 10/10 starting at $1,349/person is amazing for this beautiful new ship, and the Summit's 14-Nt sailing from Venice on 11/14 starting at $949/person with Concierge balconies at only $1,349/person is a steal! And better yet for my solo occupancy clients, both are on reduced single supplement!

Here are the links to the full lists. As always, these are good for sale on Tuesday, September 22 only, and it's best to call me before Tuesday so I can reserve your cabin as soon as the pricing becomes available to ensure your choice of cabin and lock in the price.

Royal Caribbean Sales Event/Happy Hour Specials for Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Celebrity Xciting Deals/Happy Hour Specials for Tuesday, September 22, 2009

NCL Reduced Single Supplements

While NCL isn't the most generous when it comes to reduced single supplements, they do from time to time make me aware of a few specials. I know that some of you anxiously await notification of these specials, so here they are!

• Norwegian Jewel, 10/10 and 10/20/09, 10 Nt Canada/New England from New York, 150% supplement
• Norwegian Majesty, 9/13 and 9/23/09, 10 Nt Canada/New England from Philadelphia, 150% Supplement
• Norwegian Spirit, 10/16/09, 7 Nt Canada/New England from Quebec to Boston, 150% supplement
• Norwegian Sky, 7/10/09 through 9/11/09, all 3-Nt Bahamas sailings from Miami, 150% supplement

Not all categories may be included, but a quick peek at the dates look promising. So if you're wanting a getaway this summer or fall and love solo Freestyle Cruising, NCL is making you an offer you shouldn't refuse! Call or email me for more details and to book these special fares.

NCL Reduced Single Supplements Are Back!

Great news for all my single occupancy NCL fans! After negotiations, NCL is once again bringing us news of reduced single supplements!

Since October, they'd removed all notifications of reduced single supplements. I've been working with the highest levels of NCL to bring them back, and just in time for the new year they've agreed!

I've updated the NCL page at www.singlescruiseresource.com - Norwegian Reduced Single Supplements, and will keep it updated with new specials as NCL announces them.

The two reduced supplement sailings announced today are the Norewgian Jewel's Spring Transatlantic from Miami to Dover, and the fall return Transatlantic from London to New York. Of course, bookings on these two sailings are also eligible for the Freestyle Savings Event onboard credit benefits.

If you're interested in either of these sailings, let me know!

More Reduced Single Supplements From MSC

MSC Cruises, the Italian line which is making inroads into the US market, has announced more sailings this winter with reduced single supplement! The prices below are the single occupancy pricing, with port charges, but before taxes. Bookings must be made by December 31, 2008.

10 Night Sailings:

• MSC LIRICA, January 23, 2009 Deep Caribbean, Inside - $838.80, Oceanview - $1,078.80, Balcony - $2,798
• MSC LIRICA, March 4, 2009 Deep Caribbean, Inside - $718.80, Oceanview - $1,258.80, Balcony - $2,998
• MSC LIRICA, March 14, 2009 Caribbean Featuring Panama, Inside - $1,078.80, Oceanview - $1,258.80, Balcony - $2,998
• MSC LIRICA, March 24, 2009 Deep Caribbean, Inside - $838.80, Oceanview - $1,258.80, Balcony - $2,998
• MSC LIRICA, April 13, 2009 Deep Caribbean, Inside - $1,078.80, Oceanview - $1,258.80, Balcony - $2,998

7 Night Sailings:

• MSC Orchestra, March 7, 2009 Western Caribbean, Inside - $658.80, Oceanview - $838.80, Balcony - $1,018.80
• MSC Orchestra, March 21, 2009 Western Caribbean, Inside - $658.80, Oceanview - $838.80, Balcony - $1,018.80
• MSC Orchestra, April 4, 2009 Western Caribbean, Inside - $694.80, Oceanview - $934.80, Balcony - $1,054.80
• MSC Orchestra, April 11, 2009 Eastern Caribbean, Inside - $694.80, Oceanview - $934.80, Balcony - $1,054.80

I'm going to be sailing on the March 21 sailing of the Orchestra, as I want to see what changes MSC has made and make sure it's still as solo-friendly as my last experience with them. I will report back!

In the meantime, if any of these sailings sound interesting to you, email or give me a call!

MSC Offers Reduced Single Supplement Sailings!

There have been several posts recently about reduced or no single supplements for a bit more exotic destinations such as river cruising or Antarctica, the first of the offers for this season in the Caribbean has just come in!

MSC Cruises, an Italian line which has been sailing the Caribbean for several years, and is marketed toward North Americans during that time, is offering 3 sailings with dramatically reduced single supplements - only 120%! MSC is very much a European line, known for its unique entertainment and "sophisticated" approach to cruising (no announcements, activities such as language lessons over several days, and even pool games which are a bit more adult), is becoming popular with those looking for a different style of cruising, especially those who like European service styles, such as no hovering waiters. While they adjust a bit for the time they sail from the US, they're very much Italian, and you'll notice it everywhere onboard. Their ships also aren't the typical mold, putting more emphasis into their public lounges, and offering many different musical and entertainment venues every night. Have to say their pricing is also extremely attractive, often with "kids go free" promotions as well!

They also have a number of different "theme" cruises, regularly offering such themes as baseball greats and specific types of music. They just announced a "polka" themed sailing, in fact!

It's not a line for everyone - it's not another of the similar mold most North Americans have come to know and expect when boarding a cruise ship for the Caribbean, but it's a wonderful line for someone who wants something a bit different.

I was fortunate enough to sail on the first MSC cruise in the Caribbean a few years back, and am looking forward to sailing the beautiful new MSC Orchestra this March.

Oh, I mentioned deals, didn't I? Here they are!

• MSC Orchestra, January 29, 2009, 7 Nt W. Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale, Inside from $598.80, Oceanview from $826.80, Balcony from $982.80;
• MSC Lirica, January 23, 2009, 10 Nt Deep Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale, Inside from $$898.80, Oceanview from $1,138.80, Balcony Suite from $1,678.80
• MSC Lirica, February 2, 2009, 10 Nt Deep Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale, Inside from $1,018.80, Oceanview from $1,198.80, Balcony Suite from $1,738.80

All the above are for solo occupancy cabins, and include port charges. Taxes and fuel supplement are additional.

If you're interested in trying a new line this winter, this is your chance! Call or email for more details or to book your cruise!

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!

Find Me in Budget Travel Magazine!

If you've read my bio, you know that I have been quoted and recommended in various news and travel publications, such as Fodors, MSNBC, Tripso, Smarter Travel, Frommers.com and others. Many of you have found me through these or other travel sites and publications.

I'm honored to annouce that I am featured in an article in the November issue of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine (on stands now). This magazine has long been the favorite of travelers who look for advice in getting the best value out of their vacation spending, and one I've enjoyed as well.

In an article entitled "Going it Alone," I was interviewed on how solo cruisers can avoid or reduce the single supplements in cruising. My site, www.singlescruiseresource.com, was also featured.

Thank you to all of you who have made this possible. Your loyalty in using and recommending me for solo occupancy cruises, not to mention for group, family and couples cruises, has given me this exposure which will further help my efforts to be able to bring you the news, information and fares you want. Especially for solo cruisers, this kind of publicity assists me in working and negotiating with cruise lines to bring you more reduced single supplements.

Oh, and if you're looking for reduced supplements? Take a look at the Royal Caribbean options over on SinglesCruiseResource.com. There are more than 175 offers with supplements as low as 125% from Royal Caribbean alone! Celebrity, Azamara and NCL also have updated offers (NCL's are at NO single supplement!).

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.

Holiday Single Supplement Special on Queen Mary 2!

Cunard is one of the most solo-friendly lines onboard, with gentlemen hosts on all sailings, many opportunities for socializing, and a usually well-attended solo get-together early in the cruise. However, their pricing policies often are not so friendly. So when a reduced supplement comes along, especially for a holiday sailing, I get excited! And you know when I'm excited about something, I'm going to pass it along.

The Queen Mary 2's December 19, 2008 14-night sailing roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale has just announced a special single occupancy rate. For a Category D8 inside cabin, the fare is just $2,999 solo occupancy! Of course, taxes and fuel supplement are additional.

This is a tremendous savings for this time of year, with a convenient Ft. Lauderdale departure. Looking for something over the holidays? You know they'll be done up right on Cunard. This is your opportunity to be pampered aboard the wonderful Queen Mary 2.

Call or email me at amber@singlescruiseresource.com for more details!