Silversea: Special Single Fares

Built to serve the needs of the ultra-luxury market, Silversea's intimate vessels sail to exotic and off the beaten path destinations that other larger liners can't access.

Silversea is offering reduced single supplements of 125% on select Fall and Winter voyages.



All-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite (most with private veranda), personalised butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, sophisticated enrichment and entertainment programmes, and all onboard gratuities.

Silversea is offering reduced single supplements on the following sailings:

• Oct 2, 2013: La Romana to Barbados (11 nights) on the Silver Explorer
• Oct 9, 2013: Barbados to Colon (9 nights) on the Silver Explorer
• Oct 15, 2013: Athens to Venice (9 nights) on the Silver Spirit
• Oct 24, 2013: Athens to Barcelona (10 nights) on the Silver Wind
• Nov 4, 2013: Valparaiso to Ushuaia (11 nights) on the Silver Explorer
• Nov 15, 2013: Barbados Roundtrip (7 nights) on the Silver Whisper
• Nov 19, 2013: Rome to Malaga (7 nights) on the Silver Wind
• Nov 25, 2013: Fort Lauderdale Roundtrip (10 nights) on the Silver Spirit
• Nov 29, 2013: Barbados to Fort Lauderdale (7 nights) on the Silver Whisper
• Dec 2, 2013: Ushuaia Roundtrip (10 nights) on the Silver Explorer - ***Antarctic Cruise***
• Dec 11, 2013: Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires (9 nights) on the Silver Cloud
• Dec 20, 2013: Buenos Aires to Valparaiso (8 nights) on the Silver Cloud
• Jan 19, 2014: Melbourne to Bali (15 nights) on the Silver Shadow
• Mar 1, 2014: Galapagos - North Central (7 nights) on the Silver Galapagos - **Galapagos Cruise**
• Mar 2, 2014: Ushuaia to Valparaiso (11 nights) on the Silver Explorer
• Mar 13, 2014: Valparaiso to Callao (14 nights) on the Silver Explorer
• Mar 15, 2014: Galapagos - North Central (7 nights) on the Silver Galapagos - **Galapagos Cruise**
• Mar 27, 2014: Callao to Colon (11 nights) on the Silver Explorer
• Mar 30, 2014: Hong Kong to Singapore (9 nights) on the Silver Shadow
• Apr 7, 2014: Colon to Barbados (8 nights) on the Silver Explorer

On every Silversea voyage, the ship hosts a welcoming champagne reception exclusively for solo guests. In addition, select voyages are escorted by Gentlemen Hosts.

Restrictions may apply. Contact me for full terms and conditions... and to book your cruise!

Roberta

Holland America: Sailings to/from Vancouver - 2014

Vancouver, BC, Canada is growing as a cruise port. We are seeing more interesting cruise itineraries either ending or beginning in Vancouver. Some are repositioning cruises (when the cruiselines relocate ships for a season, for example, from the Caribbean to Alaska), while others are either world cruises, segments of a world cruise or just new cruise routes. In addition, there are more roundtrip sailings being offered from Vancouver, other than to Alaska. All this is exciting for Vancouverites, British Columbians and anyone planning to travel to Vancouver.

Here are some of Holland America's Vancouver offerings in 2014 - some will sell out quickly, so be sure to book early if something catches your eye (or heart!):

ms Zuiderdam at the Canada Place cruise ship terminal in Vancouver

March 30, 2014 - 33 nights aboard the ms Zaandam
South America cruise from Buenos Aires
More information on this cruise...

April 12, 2014 - 20 nights aboard the ms Zaandam
South America cruise from Valparaiso (Santiago) to Vancouver
Note: this is the same cruise as the one above, only shorter
More information on this cruise...

April 13, 2014 - 29 nights aboard the ms Oosterdam
South Pacific cruise from Sydney to Vancouver
More information on this cruise...

April 14, 2014 - 16 nights aboard the ms Volendam
Pacific Rim cruise from Yokohama (Japan) to Vancouver
More information on this cruise...

April 15, 2014 - 33 nights aboard the ms Statendam
South Pacific cruise from San Diego to Vancouver
More information on this cruise...

April 18, 2014 - 22 nights aboard the ms Zuiderdam
Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver
More information on this cruise...

April 28, 2014 - 19 nights aboard the ms Amsterdam
Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver
More information on this cruise...

September 19, 2014 - 16 nights aboard the ms Zaandam
Hawaii cruise, roundtrip from Vancouver
More information on this cruise...

September 20, 2014 - 27 nights aboard the ms Zuiderdam
Combination Alaska and Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale
More information on this cruise...

September 27, 2014 - 20 nights aboard the ms Zuiderdam
Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale
Note: this is the same cruise as the one above, only shorter
More information on this cruise...

September 28, 2014 - 35 nights aboard the ms Statendam
South Pacific cruise from Vancouver to San Diego
More information on this cruise...

October 5, 2014 - 22 nights aboard the ms Zaandam
South America cruise from Vancouver to Valparaiso (Santiago)
More information on this cruise...

October 5, 2014 - 35 nights aboard the ms Zaandam
South America cruise from Vancouver to Buenos Aires
Note: this is the same cruise as the one above, only longer
More information on this cruise...

I would be pleased to help you book your Holland America cruise, regardless of where you are located. Please get in touch.

Roberta

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Single Studio Staterooms

Did you know?

Norwegian has a special Studio Stateroom designed just for solo travelers. In fact, the design earned the cruiseline the "Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers" Award by Porthole Magazine in 2012.

The Norwegian Epic was the first of NCL's ships to contain space specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler. (No single supplement required)

The Studio Staterooms feature:

• Full size bed for one guest 
• A one-way window view to the corridor
• Unique, hip design
• Private key card access to "The Living Room", a shared private lounge with comfortable seating, large screen TVs and a bar - perfect to relax or mingle with other solo travelers
• Best of all: no single supplement!

Meet other solo travellers or have a snack in the Epic's Studio Lounge

The Epic has 128 Studio Staterooms (Decks 11 and 12), with a single large lounge on Deck 11.

The new Norwegian Breakaway also boasts Studio Staterooms, as will the Norwegian Gateway when it sets sail next year.

The Breakaway has 59 Studio Staterooms, with a smaller scale lounge.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America, which exclusively sails a Hawaiian Island circle cruise, has also been outfitted with Studio Staterooms.

In at least one cruiser's eyes, the Epic wins the prize for the best overall solo cruise experience, "I can’t help but believe that the Epic might just be the most solo-friendly cruise ship in operation today." Gray Cargill, @SoloFriendly


Studio staterooms are currently available on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Getaway and Pride of America - with more to come!

Reviews:
A Room For One: Norwegian Epic’s Studio Staterooms - Solo Friendly
Norwegian Epic vs. Norwegian Breakaway - Solo Friendly *
Norwegian Epic Deck Plan Review - Cruise Critic

Speaker at Sea: Desmond Tutu

A few cruiselines bring guest speakers aboard their ships, creating an interesting learning opportunity at sea.

Holland America has announced that Desmond Tutu will be aboard the ms Amsterdam March 28 to April 2, 2014, a segment of the ship's world cruise. Tutu will give two lectures while on board.

If you want to hear Tutu at sea, you can join the world cruise in Hong Kong on March 3, 2014 for 29 nights, disembarking in Cape Town, South Africa. Details on the March 3, 2014 ms Amsterdam sailing...

Take a Break on a Beach

As you know, Expedia CruiseShipCenters specializes in cruises, but did you know that we are much more than cruises?

We have a really great promotion on right now - the Everywhere Under the Sun Sale - that includes a number of land vacations, so I thought I'd post them here. The promotion runs until September 30, 2013.

Here are some highlights for a break on the beach:



Air Canada Vacations: Book a winter vacation package to any destination in Mexico or the Caribbean and save $400 per couple - or $600 for a family ($200 per adult, $100 per child ages 2-12). Plus, earn up to 3,000 bonus Aeroplan Miles per member! Details on the Air Canada Vacations offer...

Transat Holidays: Book and save for vacations in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and more! Details on the Transat Holidays offer...

WestJet Vacations: Book your vacation package now & enjoy WestJet Vacations' Price Guarantee.* Details on the WestJet Vacations offer...


The promotion has lots of great cruise values as well. Full details on the Everywhere Under the Sun promotion...

Or, just contact me if you'd like more information.

Azamara Club Cruises: Monaco Grand Prix Voyages

Imagine enjoying the Formula One racing up close and personal on the narrow streets of Monte-Carlo.

If you are a Formula One fan, then you know that the Monaco Grand Prix is the race to see. If you never thought you would find yourself rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, under the buzz of helicopters, as the tires screech, you might have to update your dreams.

Azamara Club Cruises is positioning it's two ships so as to be in Monte-Carlo for the 2014 Grand Prix. You can choose between:

• May 19, 2014: 8 Night Formula 1 Grand Prix Voyage aboard the Journey - sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona
• May 22, 2014: 4 Night Monaco Grand Prix Voyage aboard the Quest - sailing roundtrip from Nice, France

You can hang out and enjoy the party and, if you wish, see the race itself (race tickets are optional, for an additional cost).

If you're interested, act fast, as these sailings will sell out quickly.

I would be pleased to help you book your Azamara Club Cruise, regardless of where you are located, please get in touch.

Roberta

Cruise Awards 2013: Larry Pimentel - Lifetime Achievement

The Cruise International Awards 2013 were awarded today. For full results and details on the awards, visit the Cruise International Awards 2013 website.

I was excited to see a Lifetime Achievement award go to Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. I "met" Larry recently in a Twitter #cruisechat.

I asked Larry about the process of redesigning a traditional cruise itinerary into today's Azamara Cruise Clubs product with overnight and extended stays in ports. He said it wasn't easy (no surprise) and that it took about 3 years (that surprised me).


Azamara Journey

I am also a huge fan of what Azamara has done with the dreaded single supplement, offering a broad selection of cruises at a fair price.

I know the award will bring articles and blog posts on Larry and his contribution to the industry - I am looking forward to them!

Congratulations Larry!

PS. If you want to follow Larry on Twitter, he is @LarryPimentel

Related:

• Blog Post: Azamara Club Cruises, Reduced Single Supplements
• Azamara Club Cruises Profile
• Sail on an Azamara Club Cruise

Azamara Club Cruises: Reduced Single Supplements

Azamara Club Cruises offers a truly one-of-a-kind luxury cruising experience. With just two small ships, the Journey and Quest, Azamara sails to ports that larger ships simply can't access. With overnight stays, no other cruise line spends as much time in port.

Think you can't afford the experience as a solo traveler? Think again. On select Azamara voyages, singles pay just 125% of the double occupancy fares. When you compare that to the industry standard of 200%, your dollar gets you superior value.

Consider this: your Azamara all inclusive experience includes fresh cut flowers, a daily fruit basket, butler service, afternoon canapés, specialty dining (2 nights), unlimited bottled water, specialty coffee, beer, wine, standard spirits, port shuttle services... and that's just the beginning!



Azamara Club Cruises has single guest rates of 125% of total stateroom fare available on the following sailings: *

• Oct. 1, 2013: 7 Night Tuscany to Provence on the Journey
• Oct. 9, 2013: 7 Night Romantic & Classic Towns on the Quest
• Oct. 16, 2013: 7 Night Principality To Vatican on the Quest
• Oct. 19, 2013: 7 Night Greece & Turquoise Coast on the Journey
• Oct. 23, 2013: 10 Night Shopping In The Med on the Quest
• Oct. 26, 2013: 14 Night Greek Isles, Cyprus & Suez on the Journey
• Nov. 2, 2013: 11 Night Vatican To The Alcazar on the Quest
• Nov. 9, 2013: 16 Night Spices, Tea & Rubber Trees on the Journey
• Nov. 13, 2013: 13 Night Tenerife & Bermuda on the Quest
• Nov. 26, 2013: 12 Night West Indies Hideaway on the Quest
• Dec. 9, 2013: 14 Night Vietnam & Thailand on the Journey
• Dec. 20, 2013: 8 Night Christmas Journey on the Quest
• Jan. 6, 2014: 15 Night Thailand & Vietnam on the Journey
• Jan. 21, 2014: 13 Night Vietnam & Thailand on the Journey
• Feb. 3, 2014: 14 Night Thailand & Vietnam on the Journey
• Feb. 17, 2014: 14 Night East China Sea & Japan on the Journey
• Mar. 3, 2014: 14 Night Trades Of The Orient on the Journey
• Mar. 16, 2014: 11 Night West Indies Hideaways on the Quest
• Mar. 17, 2014: 17 Night The Explorer's Asia on the Journey
• Mar. 27, 2014: 15 Night Transatlantic To France on the Quest
• April 3, 2014: 12 Night The Spice Route on the Journey
• Apr. 15, 2014: 17 Night Emirates, Luxor & Petra on the Journey
• Nov. 10, 2014: 16 Night Route Of The Frankincense on the Quest
• Nov. 27, 2014: 16 Night Costa To Copacabana on the Journey
• Dec. 9, 2014: 13 Night The Spice Route II on the Quest

If you are interested in booking a solo cruise on one of these dates, or want information about other cabin types and sailings, or are just intrigued by Azamara Club Cruises and want to learn more, please get in touch. I am pleased to help.

Roberta .

Suggested reading:
Solo Cruising - my perspectives on single supplements

* Azamara Club Cruises Terms & Conditions:
On select 2012-2013 voyages single guest rates of 125% of total stateroom fare is available. This offer reflects our 50%-off brochure rates offer, and also includes gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff. This offer is available for new, individual bookings only, and is capacity controlled. All rates, offers and itineraries are subject to change without notice. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Government taxes & fees are additional.

Enter to Win 1 of 25 Free Cruises!

We have an incredible new contest that has just started. Not only can you enter to win yourself, but if you use the contest form to tell a friend, you get an extra entry for yourself.

Good luck - and I hope you are one of the winners!

Cruising Solo (UPDATED with current offers)

One of the few things I don't like about cruising is the solo supplement. If you have ever cruised solo, then you know what I am talking about!


The solo supplement, or single supplement, is a premium
charged to solo travellers when they choose to cruise alone. The
amount ranges from 10 to 100% of the standard cruise fare.

In other words, most solo cruisers pay DOUBLE the cruise fare of their shipmates.

It gets under the skin of any solo cruiser. And no matter what justification the cruise lines may use, it's going to hurt.

Having paid this premium more times than I care to remember, upon entering the cruise industry, I made sharing information on cruises and cruise lines with reduced or no single supplement a focus of my work.

I am passionate about helping you avoid the dreaded solo supplement, allowing you to enjoy your cruise without quietly seething as you sit next to someone in a deck chair who paid half what you did.

RECENT OFFERS FOR SOLO CRUISERS (updated November 16, 2013):

• AmaWaterways - Waived Single Supplements
• Azamara Club Cruises - Reduced Single Supplements
• Celebrity Cruise Line - Reduced Single Supplements
• Silversea - Special Single Fares

OTHER RECENT SOLO TRAVEL OFFERS (updated November 16, 2013):

• Club Med - Waived Solo Supplement

Confused? I'd be happy to give you a hand. Please contact me if you'd like my help!

Roberta


Related resources: 

• Singled Out (for the Single Supplement) - New York Times Travel
• 10 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers - Cruise Critic