Upscale Singles Cruise

[flippersam]

Hi all... just joined. Great board. I , like many are looking for a 4-5 star cruise but really don't want to sail with all grandparents! Any thoughts on an uper scale cruise in Jan. 06? Im in my mid-thirties and looking to meet and hang out with people in the 30-45 range. It is tough as most singles seem to go in Carnival. I am looking into Windstar... looks very nice but am woried it is all older and all couples. Any thoughts? I think a smaller ship would create an environment conducive to meeting others more easily, any thoughts? Thanks so much.

[ferret]

it sounds like you might want to check out Seabourn too. They are small and they go out of their way to make single passengers feel welcomed, but it does attract a older crowd.

 

I think it's hard to find upscale and a younger crowd, even before you factor in the single factor. I hear Radisson attracts younger passengers, but they are not known for catering to singles.

[kitty9]

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as an upscale singles cruise line. You will find Windstar is a serious couples/honeymoon line that doesn't attract many singles. Seabourn/Silversea both have average ages of over 65 but Seabourn does a fantastic job in attracting singles. I did my very first solo on Seabourn when I was 39, and I loved it despite the fact that I was by far the youngest person on board. I personally love talking to older persons and hearing their fascinating stories. Actually, you will find that on lines such as Crystal, even though their average age has been higher than the mass market lines, their passengers are very active (bungee jumping in Kenya and doing strenuous day trips in places like Cambodia and Vietnam) and fun to be around. Crystal has really begun to attract a younger cruiser, but not on their world cruise segments on the Serenity. I've found that the Caribbean, Med and Mexico cruises on Crystal attract a younger passenger. But again, the longer the cruise, the older the passenger and since the upscale lines all do mostly long cruises, that's another reason for those lines to attract an older demographic.

 

Have you thought about Celebrity? I'm leaving in a week for the Millennium and Celebrity does attract a number of younger passengers, but again, not many singles.

[flippersam]

Your summary was very informative. I was on the Celebrity Xpedition and there were only three other singles (small ship) but I still had an amazing time. I like the line though. I will look into that as well as shorter Crystal trips. I am waitlisted on a Windstar Costa Rica trip that I may cancel.

[cjcruiser27]

How did you like the Princes line?? Compared to Carnival or RCI?

[flippersam]

I think Princess is fantastic, I really do. I have not been on RCI and my Carnival trip was a long time ago and a short three day Bahamas trip. But I do need to say that I did not travel single on the Princess trips. The only one of the three that would have been okay is the Aus./NZ one. There were some singles on board and a group of school teachers all vacationing together. They were fun.

[ferret]

How did you like the Princes line?? Compared to Carnival or RCI?

 

I've been on all three lines and Princess was a little bit better, but it's basically the same in food and service. The ship itself and the accomodations are a little nicer. I thought Celebrity was the best so far, but ask me again in a few weeks when I come back from my first Radisson cruise. :)

[cjcruiser27]

It looks like you've done some interesting cruises! I would love to go to NZ..

I think Princess is fantastic, I really do. I have not been on RCI and my Carnival trip was a long time ago and a short three day Bahamas trip. But I do need to say that I did not travel single on the Princess trips. The only one of the three that would have been okay is the Aus./NZ one. There were some singles on board and a group of school teachers all vacationing together. They were fun.

[kitty9]

If you want to do more exotic cruises, then you have to go with either Princess or one of the luxury lines. Celebrity, at one time, stated they would start doing cruises in Asia, but for some reason, they dropped plans for that. I've been literally all around the world on Crystal as a single, and for me, the smaller ships with less passengers is the way to go. They can do more interesting itineraries and fantastic shore excursions. For instance, I was on a 35 day Crystal cruise and at our stop in Mumbai, we took a day tour to the Taj Mahal. That's something you won't find on the mass market ships.

[Vancouverite]

Hi Everyone,

 

I just booked with Celebrity going to Mexico leaving December 23 on The Mercury. I'm travelling solo and wanted to make sure there would be other solo travellers on the ship. Turns out there are over 40 staterooms with one person in them so I assume there are going to be plenty of people to have fun with. :o

[Pearl Jammer]

Hi Everyone,

 

I just booked with Celebrity going to Mexico leaving December 23 on The Mercury. I'm travelling solo and wanted to make sure there would be other solo travellers on the ship. Turns out there are over 40 staterooms with one person in them so I assume there are going to be plenty of people to have fun with. :o

 

I cruised Mercury in January with the family...so I was alone for alot of activities. I met so many people...SOOOOO much fun!! You'll make lots of friends. Have fun!!!

 

Sidenote: I travelled to Vancouver in September...GORGEOUS city! Absolutely LOVED it! I wish we had been there longer, though. I can't wait to go back!

[4cruisinforfun]

Hi flippersam,

 

I just came across this board and I am looking for a similar cruising experience. I was wondering if you were able to find any information regarding the Crystal program for singles? I have looked and looked but to no avail. I am 34 and divorced and will be going on the HAL Zuiderdam for New Years with my sister (31 and also single) so I can let you all know what I think of it.

 

Thanks!

Angela

[kitty9]

Angela, Crystal really doesn't have a "singles" program in the true sense of the word. I'm leaving in April for my 15th Crystal cruise, as a solo, and I think they're the best for an older single (by older I mean 40+) who isn't looking to hook up with those of the opposite sex for "adventure" if you know what I mean. I'm not saying that younger singles won't love Crystal, but since their average age is over 60 (and some cruises having an average age above 70), some younger singles might not care for that environment. Personally, I have come to know, and made friends with, many older Crystal passengers who can run rings around me with their energy, and I've found them fun to be with. Crystal treats singles very well, and with all their on board activities, you're never in want of something to do. Actually, I've found that there's so much to do on Crystal cruises, there's not enough hours in the day. Their entertainment in the evening rivals that of the mass market lines and the lounges at night are hopping for many hours.

[zqvol]

As much as my wife and I have had trouble with Sea Dream canceling our cruises because of charters, I think that you would enjoy them.

 

(They have two ships. Whenever we have been canceled they have offered to move us to the other ship and have taken care of any out of pockets we have incurred, etc, but we always get move to the one doing the itinerary that we have done twice and are tired of.)

 

They are typically a younger, more active group than Seaborne. No formal nights, and no days at sea (usually).

 

I would give them a look see.

[husky]

Hi all... just joined. Great board. I , like many are looking for a 4-5 star cruise but really don't want to sail with all grandparents! Any thoughts on an uper scale cruise in Jan. 06? Im in my mid-thirties and looking to meet and hang out with people in the 30-45 range. It is tough as most singles seem to go in Carnival. I am looking into Windstar... looks very nice but am woried it is all older and all couples. Any thoughts? I think a smaller ship would create an environment conducive to meeting others more easily, any thoughts? Thanks so much.

 

 

Hi, I've just joined as well. I have been on 3 cruises before on my own, all with with carnival. Like you I wanted to cruise 4/5 star ship so the last one I went on was with Royal Caribbean great ship, just found most people to be over 55, mostly couples, it was the worst cruise I had ever had. Felt really lonely. It just made me realize that I should have just stuck with carnival. So being single, just turned 40, I am treating myself, cruising on Carnival Liberty, sailing 21/1/06, just hope I meet other singles in our age range Where to sum it up, what I'm trying to say its better the devil you know. What ever you decide happy cruising.

 

Husky

[ferret]

Royal Caribbean isn't really upscale....basically on par with Carnival, imo.

 

anyway, my review about Radisson in respect to being a single on board...

 

First, it's awkward that thre is no assigned dining so you are on your own. You could eat alone every night, but I don't like that. I went to the dining room every night but one and was seated immediately at a table for 6, with two couples (different each time). There are people that enjoy dining with new people so they are all seated together. It's easy to be sociable once the wine starts flowing. :)

 

There was an invite when I first got there for a solo travelrs cocktail party. I went and it wasn't for me. it was mostly older women and one from China that didn't speak English very well. There was also an invite for dinner the next night with two dancers for all those in their 20s. I was the only one that showed up, but it was nice to eat with the dancers.

 

I had fun. I like to spend my days alone so that wasn't an issue. I tried dancing in the night club, but the music was a little too out-of-date for me. I also didn't want to dance with the gentlemen hosts....made me feel weird. I still found lots to do at night, mostly the shows, casino or movies. If I drank more, I'd have spent time at the bars.

 

it was so easy to meet people because they are normally curious about people who travel alone, so they will approach you.

 

I had a great time and will only cruise upscale again. I think that as long as you are somewhat sociable, you will not feel lonely. I actually fit in more on Radisson than I did on Carnival, except for the night clubs. I really like those more on carnival since there is music that suits my taste more.

[FlorenceItaly]

Hi flippersam,

 

I just came across this board and I am looking for a similar cruising experience. I was wondering if you were able to find any information regarding the Crystal program for singles? I have looked and looked but to no avail. I am 34 and divorced and will be going on the HAL Zuiderdam for New Years with my sister (31 and also single) so I can let you all know what I think of it.

 

Thanks!

Angela

 

Hi Angela - I am very happily married but sometimes cruise without my dh. My first solo cruise was on HAL last year, and enjoyed it so much, I came home and booked another HAL solo for just a few months later...to Alaska. Imo, HAL is very solo friendly. On both sailings I was seated in the dining room with other solo cruisers. They also offer solo/single activities, and I attended a luncheon. I am still in contact with others I met on both sailings.

 

My dh just returned from the Zuiderdam on the 10th and had a fabulous time. I enjoyed it so much, and decided I just had to sail on another Vista class ship, that I came home and booked the Oosterdam. My sis on the west coast is meeting me there, and we will have our own staterooms. HAL is very solo friendly with pricing, imo.

 

Marie

[flippersam]

I have not logged in for a while or I would have responded sooner. I don't have too much to report. I was booked standby on Windstar to Costa Rica which looked pretty cool, classy and unique. Due to work I canceled the wait-list, and part of me is happy as it could have been all couples. Since then I did find a web site that had some upscale looking singles cruises like to South America and even one river cruise through various wine regions in France. I am trying to find that site again! Anyone know of it? What about you Angela, any luck? Thanks..

[Loralu]

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as an upscale singles cruise line. You will find Windstar is a serious couples/honeymoon line that doesn't attract many singles. Seabourn/Silversea both have average ages of over 65 but Seabourn does a fantastic job in attracting singles. I did my very first solo on Seabourn when I was 39, and I loved it despite the fact that I was by far the youngest person on board. I personally love talking to older persons and hearing their fascinating stories. Actually, you will find that on lines such as Crystal, even though their average age has been higher than the mass market lines, their passengers are very active (bungee jumping in Kenya and doing strenuous day trips in places like Cambodia and Vietnam) and fun to be around. Crystal has really begun to attract a younger cruiser, but not on their world cruise segments on the Serenity. I've found that the Caribbean, Med and Mexico cruises on Crystal attract a younger passenger. But again, the longer the cruise, the older the passenger and since the upscale lines all do mostly long cruises, that's another reason for those lines to attract an older demographic.

 

Have you thought about Celebrity? I'm leaving in a week for the Millennium and Celebrity does attract a number of younger passengers, but again, not many singles.

 

Darcie - I need some information on singles cruises for me and my Mom. I am 44 and she is 65, we travel together and are hooked on cruising now. We are also looking for upscale cruising. We have been on HAL Zuiderdam last year, and just finished RC's Navigator, both Caribbean. What would you recommend?

thank you

[4cruisinforfun]

Hello~

 

Sorry I did not reply sooner, I was cruising on the HAL Zuiderdam for New Years. I was not very impressed with the ship, however, the ports were fabulous. The crowd was much older and the service and food were mediocre at best.

 

I have been looking at land trips to Costa Rica and have found some great resorts with fabulous programs. Don't know if you are set on cruising there. Also, I'm thinking about a white water trip to the Patagonia region of Chile maybe for next December or January. It is very upscale and looks amazing.

 

I did find that Princess has some singles cruises (not technically upscale but I've heard very nice??) planned for the coming year. I found those by typing "singles" in the search area of their website. After my experience on HAL I am less inclined to sail single with an older crowd. I think Crystal/Radisson/Silverseas will have to wait until I can convince or bribe family or friends to join me.

 

I will most likely be in France (area between Toulouse and the Pyrenees) for the month of July so maybe I will look into the river cruise thing as well. Maybe the Dordogne though I do not know how much there is to see there.

 

Feel free to email me if you come across any other info. eat_breathe_cruise@yahoo.com.

 

Bye!

Angela

[kitty9]

Loralu, may I ask you a few questions before I give you some pointers? What did you think of HAL and RCCI? Did you feel they were upscale or just your basic cruise? What kind of things are you looking for in a cruise---great food and service, large cabins, lots of things to do during the day and at night? Is ship size important to you---some people aren't comfortable on small ships. Do you have a target price in mind? Do you have limitations on the number of days you can sail? Where would you like to cruise---Med, Alaska, or something more exotic? Do you mind if there are lots of kids, or would you prefer a more adult atmosphere?

 

If you can answer some of those questions, I think I can better able guide you in the right direction. Just for your info, I've been on all the mass market lines and the "big four" of luxury lines, so I can do a fair comparison for you. The only major lines I've haven't been on are Oceania, Windjammer and MSC. I've also cruised literally all over the world, so I can also help with destinations, if you like.

[Nanci]

HI Darcy: Just a quickie to say HI and Happy New Year !! As you may know mom came out of "retirement" for just one more and we were on the Serenity for 10 days the end of November. Fabulous as always !!! Now I am leaving on the 22nd on HAL Westerdam as part of a singles group -- singles over 40. After 30+ cruises this will be my first on HAL and second time with a singles group --- I am going solo.

[kitty9]

Hey Nanci,

 

Happy New Year to you also!!!

 

So mom came out of retirement and cruised? How nice for her. Mom, sis and I are on the Summit for a 14 day Panama Canal cruise, FLL to LA in February. Then less than a month later, I'm on the Symphony from Buenos Aires to Miami. I'm flying in to Buenos Aires a few days early to shop and see Argentina. Supposed to be some great buys on leather in Argentina, plus some really wonderful wineries. I'm also looking at a Med cruise in October on the Century.

 

I'm also considering the first two segments of the Serenity's world cruise in 2007. I would love to take the full world, but it's just too much time at 107 days. Would you believe that the '07 world cruise is booking up quickly?

[Nanci]

Darcy: What a fabulous itinerary and year you have planned!!! Hopefully some day we can meet up on a cruise -- would just love to meet you !!

[kitty9]

Nanci, wouldn't it be great for all of us on the Crystal board to meet up on a cruise? There are so many nice people on that board, including you. I believe that over 25 of us from that board are on the Buenos Aires cruise, so that should be fun. Judith is planning a party for one of the first nights on board, so we can meet and greet each other. Then 14 of us are going to do a dinner in the Vintage Room. Judith is so good at making arrangements. Renee Zelwegger's parents are also supposed to be on that cruise. We sat at the same table for the April Symphony crossing and they are lovely people.

 

They are also going to have a scrapbooking teacher on that cruise. Judith signed a lot of us up for the classes, because on the last cruise where they had scrapbooking, it was booked solid on the first day, with a waiting list of over 40.

 

What I love about Crystal is how single friendly it is. I've never once felt out of place or lonely on a Crystal cruise. Let me know about your future cruise plans. You never know, we might wind up being on the same one.