Organized or unorganized single cruises?- Organized single cruises are highly recommend especially for first timers. Firstly, you will know without a doubt that there will be plenty other single people on the voyage and secondly, special singles activities will be rive the whole cruise long which include group seated dining, shore adventures and cocktail parties.
Disadvantages of not using a singles cruise agency- Its a fact that booking singles cruises via singles cruise agencies you will cost a lot more than just directly booking with the liner. However the added costs will cover expenses of special planned activities and extra’s such as gift packs, name tags etc. The greatest disadvantage of not using a singles cruise agency will be your restriction to participate in planned singles activities.
Cruise liner attitudes- It is important to realise from the start that not all cruise liners have the same attitude towards singles. On the one hand you will have liners who offers special singles rates and organise special singles events and on the other you will have liners who discourage single travellers totally by making singles packages as unattractive as they possibly can. Ships with larger capacity’s prefer families or couples. These liners also have a tendency to be very overcrowded and lacking in privacy. Luxury liners with a capacity of no more than 300 passengers come highly recommended for singles. Passengers on these smaller liners are more close-knit which makes it easier to meet new people. Some cruise liner try to strike a balance by hosting special singles programmes and supplements on their cruise schedules such as singles cocktail parties.
Rate saving- Single occupancy rates can be saved on by asking your singles cruise agency to find a cabin friend for you to share fare with. It is however important to realise that you are taking a major risk as some cabin friends may not be exactly your cup of tea. You stand the chance of possibly ruining your entire trip if you are couple with the wrong person. Agencies use criterion such as sex, smoking preferences, age, sleeping habits and geographical area when picking your cabin partner for you. There are unfortunately facets which are not considered during the process which include personalities.
Themed cruises- Themed cruises are an extremely popular means to meet singles who share same the interests, hobbies and passions as you do. Usually cruise theme will be a major giveaway of what your shared interests are. The shared-interest camaraderie of these cruises gives a wonderfully relaxed and fun feeling. A major and probably the only disadvantage to themed cruises is very high cost associated with these specially arranged sea voyages.
Packing list- Its essential to compile a packing list well in advance to make sure that you pack according to liner dress codes prescriptions. Casual wear such as shorts, t-shirts and sundresses are suitable for everyday activities on your cruise. Wheeled footwear in any shape or form is totally prohibited. Evenings will be casual code, with exceptions on elegant evening where guests are given the opportunity to dress in formal evening attire. Dining room dress codes vary from casual to elegant. However shorts, jeans, sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, bathing suits, sportswear and baseball hats will not be allowed in the dining area on elegant dinners. For trips to Canada, New England, Alaska, Europe and South America it’s recommended that you pack lots of warm clothing which includes sweaters, raincoats, umbrella’s and lightweight jackets. If you are planning a trip to any religious destination or tourist attraction its important to wear suitable clothing. Some sites prohibit bare legs and shoulders. This is merely a means to show that you have respect for religion.
Age restrictions- Guests are required to be at least 21 years of age on day of embarkation. This should not be a problem as most singles are over the age of 21. Your age will be verified before you are granted access to liner. No exceptions whatsoever. Should you not conform with age restriction policies you will immediately be denied access to the ship and a 100% cancellation penalty levied on any under age chancers who think he or she will get a chance to slip in without being noticed.
Onboard activities- Onboard activities include but are not limited to arts auctions, singles cocktail parties, singles meet and greet, full gambling casino’s, karaoke, midnight and Vegas style shows, nightclubs, guest talent and comedy shows, deck and pool parties, dance classes, spa’s, fitness classes, beauty seminars, Captain’s Dinners, duty-free shopping and pool games.
