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Seniors Travel > Cruising > Tips > Q&A Cruising Solo

Q&A Cruising Solo

13th Feb 2012

YOURLifeChoices reader Frank doesn’t want to pay full price for a double room when he goes cruising, but how can he avoid the dangers of being paired with an unknown roommate?

Q:
I am wondering where I can go to check out cruise info for the single traveller? Am I destined to book half a twin share and just hope my mystery companion is not too much of a monster?

A: Many thanks for your question about single cruising – and this is one we receive a lot. The good news is that there are a few options and sites you can explore. Firstly, we asked our friends at Holland America how they cater for single cruisers, as they are well-known for being singles-minded.

Holland America Single Partner’s Program
The Single Partner's Program,  Holland America’s roommate-matching service, matches passengers of the same sex with others who also wish to share. It guarantees that you will only pay the double occupancy price, even if no partner can be found. This can be a great way of keeping the cost of your cruising down. If you would prefer not to share it is possible to book some double rooms for one-and-a-half times the cost of the double occupancy fee.

Holland America also offers many activities which do not require partners, such as the culinary programs. Single females can enjoy the company of the gentlemen hosts available for dancing on some cruises. These pastimes can also be a great way of meeting new people. You can also meet the other solo-travellers on your cruise by attending some of the singles-specific activities, such as a singles cocktail mixer.

Seniors Holiday Travel
We also think Seniors Holiday Travel, run by Perry Morcombe, is a great company. It has a solo traveller’s club where you can attend organised events to meet other singles interested in travelling. This can be a great way to find a like-minded roommate for your singles cruise, instead of being paired with a total stranger. Seniors Holiday Travel also runs singles-only group tours.

DIY
And if you wish to meet like-minded travellers, why not place an advert in YOURLifeChoices Personals section and see if other YOURLifeChoices members are wishing to hit the open seas? 

Have a solo-traveller tip for Frank? Share it in the comments below!





Barry
13th Jan 2012
3:11pm
Yes this real question many like me want answered
scallywag
13th Jan 2012
3:43pm
I am also a female Solo traveller and always searching for possible cruises that accept Splo bookings without too much extra surcharcharge.
I have travelled with Classic International Cruises twice who agree to match you up with a same sex cabin mate and both times it has worked out very well. They also do give a really good rate for Solo cabins if you want a cabin to yourself and after your first trip a15% discount as a past passenger.
I was pleased to read that Holland America Line does this also so that is another one to add to my list.Thanks
I believe that all the 'Saga' ships based in UK also do the same.
There is also a group called 'Tripmates' that meets regularly in Sydney where different members make contact with each other with a view to sharing a similar trip, hope this helps you Frank and anyone else who may be a frustrated Solo traveller SCALLYWAG
glendym25
13th Jan 2012
6:19pm
Check out Semester at Sea. Lifelong Learning persons can sail on Enrichment Voyages (between semesters) These are available for all. No single supplement - even if travelling with a friend you can both book as single and have a twin bed cabin for each. http://www.semesteratsea.org/
Next Enrichment Voyage is May 2012. Most recent Enrichment Voyage went to the source of the Amazon.
http://www.semesteratsea.org/enrichment-voyages/overview/may-2012-voyage.php
I sailed in MV Explorer in April/May 2011. Began in Mexico and sailed along Central American countries, through the Panama Canal and ended in Florida. Highly recommend this ship and these voyages. Exciting, educational, entertaining, relaxing - all of that and more.
bellapop
13th Jan 2012
7:36pm
I have not been on a cruise alone before but travelled on coach tours with Trafalgar Tours through Europe and British Isles as a solo traveller. This company also offers a shared cost option if you are willing to share with another of the same sex who is travelling alone. If there is no one else solo travelling, the room is yours without a supplement cost. This worked both times where on the first trip I had the room to myself and the second time was paired up with a lovely lady and we got on very well without being in each other's hair all the time. (Sat with others on the bus etc). I would travel this way again.
If you are a male travelling alone, the chances are that you will have the room to yourself as I don't think that there are too many males that travel by themselves (are there?)
Vitold
14th Jan 2012
10:29am
I believe P & O has " T " class cabins which is a single cabin for a solo traveller . Has anyone cruised this way ?
tooloo
24th Mar 2012
10:32pm
hope you get some answers, as would like to hear how they went in the "T" cabins.I want to go on a cruise but I am on my own and don't want to pay for a double room or share with someone I don't know.
lilikrins
14th Jan 2012
11:29am
I didn't want to cruise alone, so I paid half the fare for my son to come along.
Last month b4 it sails is also much cheaper, but risk it being booked out.
This way it was a little cheaper and a big bonus for my son
This could work with anyone you wouldn't mind sharing with.
talofa
14th Jan 2012
11:38am
Hallo ....i have travelled always single, but i don't like tours...i used to
backpack but now i find guesthouses online f.e. venice,italy i paid
ca. $ 60 per night with breakfast & vienna has lots of cheap hotels
with single rooms for ca. $70...in australia i look for hostels which
often have simple single rooms f.e. bondi/sydney....i don't much
like cruises with so many noisy u.s.americans...the internet is so
useful & there are even sites with customers experiences...good
hunting....talofa
gayengarry
15th Jan 2012
12:47pm
There is also a very good Australian website for all those interested in cruising!! www.cruiseclub.com.au
It is especially good for singles as you can log on to the solo cruisers area & get to know others that will be cruising solo &/or even advertise that you would like to share with someone & get to know them before you cruise :)
Vitold
24th Mar 2012
10:59pm
Hi Gayengarry , Can't find www.cruiseclub.com.au though others have similar names .
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