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Frequently Asked Questions
We have created a FAQ section to provide you with detailed information on what to expect during your cruise with SinglesCruise.com. Please call us at (800) 393-5000 or send us an email if you have any additional questions about our cruises. Be sure to sign-up for our e-specials mailing list to receive exclusive announcements on future SinglesCruise.com deals and the latest information on upcoming sailings!
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Questions
All About SinglesCruise.com
Who is SinglesCruise.com?
SinglesCruise.com is the largest singles cruise operator in the United States and has been booking singles cruises since 1991. Offering exclusive events hosted by professional cruise directors, SinglesCruise.com provides a unique and memorable vacation experience for singles looking for fun and adventure with new travel companions. SinglesCruise.com is part of Travel Leaders Leisure Group, a division of Minneapolis-based Travel Leaders Group, LLC.
What are the ages of the other singles onboard?
Most of our singles cruises are open to singles of all ages 21 years and above with the majority of people in any group usually falling somewhere between 35 to 55 years old. Of course, there will be singles younger than 35 as well as over 55, so don’t let those statistics stop you! We also offer several unique age specific singles cruises throughout the year such as our 20s and 30s sailings, and over 40 sailings that are very popular within those age groups.
What are the average men to women ratios on the singles cruises?
Most of our typical singles cruises are very close to a 50/50 ratio which is what we strive for and again will ultimately depend on who signs up for any particular cruise. We will do our best to get equal numbers of the opposite sex to join all cruises, however this cannot be guaranteed. No matter who ends up in your group, you are sure to make new friends and have the time of your life!
How many travelers are in each singles cruise group?
The number of single travelers in each of our groups varies based on the destination, season and obviously the number of people who sign up, but is typically around 100 people (potentially plus or minus 50 singles). Many of our cruises exceed this number with the most popular cruise of the year being our Halloween sailing which can draw as many as 400 to 500 passengers.
What are the tipping guidelines?
Although most cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity charge to each passengers onboard account, the amount is always at the travelers' discretion and they can increase or decrease the amount. As a guideline, most cruise lines recommend a total of $10.00 per day/per person to cover your waiter, assistant waiter, head waiter, room steward, etc. A 15% gratuity will also be automatically added to any bar bill.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line does not automatically add a daily gratuity charge, but includes envelopes for gratuities in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise (or you can arrange to have them added to your onboard account). They recommend the following gratuity guidelines: Suite attendant - $5.75 USD a day per guest, Stateroom attendant - $3.50 USD a day per guest, Dining Room Waiter - $3.50 USD a day per guest, Assistant Waiter – 2.00 USD a day per guest, and Headwaiter - $.75 USD a day per guest.
When should I plan on arriving for my cruise?
SinglesCruise coordinates an optional pre-cruise meet and greet and also contracts an optional pre-cruise hotel as a special service to our guests. We recommend you arrive the day prior to your cruise departure date (as flights and weather can be unpredictable) and to get a jump start on all of the fun! For those who choose to arrive the day of sailing, please make sure that you plan to arrive to the ship several hours before the departure time so schedule your air flights accordingly (make sure you select the correct arrival airport). We can also assist with air reservations, transfers from the airport to the ships pier (roundtrip) and/or from the SinglesCruise pre-hotel to the pier.
What does a SinglesCruise.com vacation entail?
As part of the private Singles Cruise group, singles who are 21 and older will take part in lively cocktail mixers, lectures, theme parties, poolside get-togethers, games, and a separate dining area just for our group. All of our onboard social activities are organized by our professional cruise directors. We also coordinate optional singles shore excursions, pre/post-cruise hotel, pre-cruise meet and greet and a private Message Board for you to join.
Is the entire ship single travelers?
No, the entire ship is not all single travelers. Although our groups typically have quite a large presence onboard the ships, there are still other "non-single" travelers onboard.
What types of singles cruise with SinglesCruise.com?
Singles who travel with Singles Cruise come from all over the US and even around the world. Some of our guests are looking to make a romantic connection, others are interested in having fun and meeting new friends and many don't like traveling alone and enjoy being part of our large groups.
Are the SinglesCruise.com activities open to any singles onboard the ship?
No, unfortunately singles must book with Singles Cruise to take advantage of our exclusive onboard program.
Do you match singles with roommates? What if I prefer my own room?
We do match singles with roommates of the same gender and similar age (whenever possible) at no additional charge. Booking early will help ensure that you are matched with someone close to your age but this can not be guaranteed. This complimentary matching service saves our guests money by allowing them to take advantage of the shared (double) occupancy cabin rate. This service is available in most standard cabin categories but not available for suites. If a single prefers to room alone, we can provide rates on single occupancy cabins.
Are the prices quoted based on sharing a cabin?
We offer rates for both single and double occupancy (which is noted next to each rate), and are not guaranteed until a deposit has been made, the credit card has been charged and an invoice has been physically mailed or emailed to you. Cabin prices are subject to availability and do sell out quickly, so reserve your cabin space early for the best rates.
How much is my deposit and when is my final payment due?
We require a deposit for each cruise booking to reserve your cabin space (unless otherwise stated). Deposit amounts vary and are based on the length of cruise and the cruise destination. Deposit information for each cruise is posted next to the online pricing information. Full payment is generally due 90 days prior to the sailing date (but may vary by cruise line). For your convenience, charges will automatically be processed at time of final payment. Payments can be made by personal check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. For those guests who book within 90 days of sailing, full payment is required at the time of reservation.
Can I book shore excursions through SinglesCruise.com?
Yes, SinglesCruise.com offers optional shore excursions for our group. Shore excursions are guided tours or adventures in a cruise ship's port of call. We will provide information and booking instructions on these excursions approximately 60 days prior to each cruise. You may also purchase shore excursions directly with the cruise lines through their own Shore Excursion Desk.
Does SinglesCruise.com cruise with multiple cruise lines?
Yes, we currently host our groups onboard a variety of cruise lines. Please visit our homepage for a complete list of upcoming sailings.
Where do I sit in the dining room?
One of the benefits of cruising with SinglesCruise.com is that we have a separate area of the dining room just for our group. With the exception of the first night, you do not have an assigned seat in the dining room and we encourage you to sit with different dinner partners each night (open-seating) within our reserved Singles Cruise tables. We generally reserve late dining (8:00 p.m.) for our entire singles group.
How do I find the onboard singles events?
You will be invited to a welcome reception on the first day of the cruise to receive your SinglesCruise.com ID necklace and schedule of events for the week. Our cruise directors also post each day's events at the onboard SinglesCruise.com hospitality desk. Your ID necklace also acts as your entry pass into all of our private and exclusive events.
Does SinglesCruise.com always cruise to the same locations?
No, Singles Cruise selects a variety of itineraries each year from three nights to twelve nights sailing to popular cruise destinations like the Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and New England. All of our upcoming cruises are featured on our Web site home page of www.SinglesCruise.com or call us for more details.
Can we meet any of the singles on our cruise before we depart?
Yes, you will be given access to our message board to communicate with and get to know other singles on your single cruises. We typically hold an optional pre-cruise meet and greet and arrange a pre-cruise hotel in the port city the night before the cruise departs to welcome all of our singles and begin the fun! Ask our cruise specialists for the pre-cruise details after your booking is completed.
Will a cruise ever be modified or cancelled?
The safety and satisfaction of our guests is always the #1 concern of the cruise line and Singles Cruise. The cruise line or SinglesCruise.com may modify, change or cancel a cruise at any time and for any reason whatsoever. A hosted group departure may also be modified, changed or cancelled and may go un-hosted should there be an insufficient number of guests.
What about last minute reservations?
Due to our strong relationship with the cruise lines, we are often able to accommodate last minute guests, so please contact us even if a sailing is noted as “sold-out”. We may likely still have cabins available even if the cruise line is sold-out as last minute cancellations are a regular occurrence.
Does a Singles Cruise cost more then a regular cruise?
As the leading singles cruise operator, we are able to negotiate very favorable pricing with the cruise lines. SinglesCruise.com provides a complete exclusive onboard program including private activities, events, complimentary cocktail parties, open seating dining, private message boards for pre cruise communication and much more! We offer optional pre cruise meet and greets, hotel, shore excursions and transfers. Our cruises are also fully hosted by a team of professional group cruise directors who sail with you to ensure that you have a great time and fully enjoy your singles cruise experience. All of this is in addition to the standard cruise line offerings and there may be a slight premium over the cruise line.
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General Cruise Questions
How do I obtain a passport?
United States citizens can visit the State Department's travel website www.travel.state.gov, or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center: 1-877-4USA-PPT; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793. The standard processing of a passport is six weeks if you apply from inside the U.S. SinglesCruise recommends that all travelers gain a passport even if just considering a cruise vacation.
Do I need a passport?
The destination and embarkation/disembarkation port of the cruise will determine what form of ID you will need for boarding. Most cruise lines require a valid proof of citizenship such as a passport, certified birth certificate with photo ID, military ID, and/or original naturalization papers. US laws have recently changed. The new laws are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors.
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
For more details, to apply for a passport and other country requirements, please visit www.travel.state.gov.
What happens in the event of a hurricane?
Hurricane season begins June 1and continues through November 30. During this time, cruise lines keep a close watch of any tropical storms or hurricanes forming in the warm waters of the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. In the event of a hurricane, the cruise lines top priority is the safety of its guests and may choose to delay the start of the cruise, extend the cruise, or cancel the cruise completely. SinglesCruise.com closely monitor's any hurricane activity that could affect our cruises and will keep you informed of any delays or cancellations. The latest hurricane information can also be viewed at www.nhc.noaa.gov.
Do many passengers get seasick?
No, most passengers do not experience motion sickness on today's modern cruise ships because of their large size, stabilizing devices and advance weather notification systems. If you feel you might be prone to motion sickness, there are a number of over-the-counter medications available in your local pharmacy as well as onboard the ship.
Can I stay in touch with the outside?
Of course! Most cruise cabins are equipped with a telephone that offer direct dialing (ship to shore) for a slight charge and free satellite t.v. and most cruise lines offer daily news bulletins (with the world's headlines) for their guests. Many of the newer ships even offer wireless and/or wired Internet access so you can e-mail all of your family and friends at home.
What should I pack?
Daytime calls for casual clothing, and the dress code for the evenings includes anything from casual resort wear to a sport coat and tie. Remember, jeans, shorts and t-shirts are never permitted in the dining room during dinner. Each cruise generally has one or two formal nights onboard the ship where passengers get decked out in party dresses, evening gowns, suits or tuxedos. Don't forget to pack your special outfits for the SinglesCruise.com theme nights (you will receive a description of your cruise theme nights prior to departure).
When can we board the ship?
Embarkation normally begins three to four hours before the cruise departure time (see your cruise documents for details).
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Now that You're Booked
Do you offer a special rate for a pre/post cruise hotel stay?
SinglesCruise.com usually negotiates a special rate for a pre/post cruise hotel stay for our passengers. You will receive detailed information on the hotel prior to your cruise. We also organize an optional pre cruise dinner near the embarkation port so we encourage our guests to arrive one night prior to the cruise departure date.
When will I receive my cruise documents?
We will supply you with instructions on how to print your electronic cruise documents approximately 14 days prior to sailing.
What if I need to cancel my cruise?
We encourage our guests to purchase travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances and occurrences. SinglesCruise has a special travel insurance policy designed to protect our customers (see the details under the question "What is travel insurance? Do I need it?). If you need to cancel your cruise, please contact our office immediately by phone at (800) 393-5000 or in writing to cruises@singlescruise.com. Cancellation penalties vary depending on cruise line, destination and length of sailing. Please refer to your confirmation letter for cancellation penalties.
Please note: Cancellations must occur during regular business hours. Should you need to cancel, after business hours, weekends or holidays, your cancellation will be processed on the next business day. Additional penalties may occur if a new penalty level is reached.
What is travel insurance? Do I need it?
Travel Insurance is available for purchase through SinglesCruise.com to protect your vacation investment should you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. We highly recommend travel insurance for your vacation investment. Our special insurance plan will cover you for most illness and accidents, your personal belongings, trip delays and much more. The cost of travel insurance is non-refundable.
TRAVEL PROTECTION FOR VACATIONS ADVANTAGES:
• Coverage if you have to cancel or interrupt a trip for a variety of reasons.
• Coverage for medical emergencies and emergency medical transportation.
• Included BizPack coverage if you're required to work.
• Coverage for lost, damaged or delayed baggage.
• 24/7 assistance through our Access America hotline.
• Coverage for existing medical conditions when purchased prior to making your final trip payment.
The best time to buy Travel Protection for Vacations:
• Within 14 days of initial trip deposit [to ensure availability of all coverages. Other conditions, restrictions and
exclusions may apply.]
Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company, rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 or 52.401, or Jefferson Insurance Company, rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C-XX-01 or 101-P-XX-01, depending on the insured's state. World Access Service Corp., a company of Mondial Assistance, is the producer and administrator of this plan and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage because of the affiliation between World Access Service Corp. and Jefferson Insurance Company.
SinglesCruise.com Insurance Policies are linked below:
For All Bookings Beginning 02/01/2008
Do I need a passport for my cruise?
The destination of the cruise will determine what form of ID you will need for boarding. Most cruise lines require a valid proof of citizenship such as a passport, certified birth certificate with photo ID, military ID, and/or original naturalization papers. As of June 1, 2009, the rule requires most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov.
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SinglesCruise.com Disclaimer of Liability
SinglesCruise.com is a travel company acting as an intermediary or agent for suppliers, such as air carriers, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, ground transportation companies, and other independent firms. SinglesCruise.com does not own or operate any of these firms; therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers or cruise directors, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. In addition, SinglesCruise.com cannot guarantee acceptable performance by any of these firms, or our cruise directors, and each participant agrees not to hold SinglesCruise.com liable for the quality of services and the condition or cleanliness of the accommodations. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your ticket, invoice or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, services or reservations. Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on your part to convey the contents here to your travel companions or group members. SinglesCruise.com herein gives notice that we cannot be responsible for any disruption of travel and/or unrest, labor problems, mechanical or construction difficulties, climatic aberrations, acts of God, war, diseases, or any other circumstances beyond its control. There are good travel insurance plans available for passengers to protect themselves. We are not responsible for the neglect or omission of suppliers or carriers, so we strongly recommend travel insurance. SinglesCruise.com reserves the right to refuse service to any individual for any reason.
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Testimonials
Happy Cruisers
Taking a singles cruise was the best thing that I have done, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Neither my husband nor I expected to meet our soul mate on the cruise; we both just wanted to have a good time and meet new friends. Brian and I met at dinner on the first night of our June 13 singles cruise in 2009. Over the next week we ended up spending time together. As the end of the cruise approached, we didn't know if we would see each other again as I was from Australia and Brian from the US. We ended up seeing each other every 3 months, either I would fly to the US or Brian would come to Australia. Almost 9 months to the day after we met (in March 2010), Brian proposed while he was in Australia. We were married in the US on July 5, 2010 and now plan to move to Australia!
Johanna
I recently took the Spring Bash Cruise and was very impressed. As this was my first time doing a vacation with a group I was quite concerned about whether it would be well organized etc. From the moment I booked, I felt that this was very well organized and I felt part of the group. The message boards are great and it gave me the opportunity to share my pre-cruise room in Miami with two other ladies, whom I had never met. This worked out great for the three of us-two of which were 1st timers. I will definitely recommend Singles Cruise to others who are looking to travel but don’t want to travel alone. I have spoken of SC so much since my return and hope to travel with you all again soon. This was a vacation I will remember forever.
Debra
Holy smokes! This is was the best trip and first real vacation I ever had! I got tired of waiting for friends and family to be ready to travel. The travel agents were fantastic, plus using the message boards before the cruise helped to feel even more comfortable and excited about the trip. I met so many wonderful people I became friends with from day one. The cocktail parties and the group activities were the best parts of the trip, just having the chance to meet people and be silly together and sometimes meet a special someone you'll want to connect with.
Elizabeth
“I’ve met over 1,000 singles with SinglesCruise.com in less than two years, and I haven't encountered anyone I didn't like. It is like a family picnic going on these cruises as everyone watches out for each other and everyone is there to have a great time. I have made some great lasting friendships from all over the globe and some even in my own neighborhood. Thank you Singles Cruise for getting us all together.”
Chuck
“This cruise provided me a safe haven where I was able to meet and interact with other people like myself. It was great because there was a wonderful variety of personalities in the group which allowed me to find people that I had a lot in common with. I made a lot of good friends as well as found my lifetime Cruise Mate”.
Mauri
“I went on my first cruise with SinglesCruise.com, in fact my first cruise ever, in January of 2006. I had a great time! But, I won’t be able to go on another one. Want to know why? I won’t be single much longer - I met my fiancée Trish on that cruise! We met about halfway through the cruise in Grand Cayman swimming with the Stingrays. We were standing in line trying to reboard the tender from our excursion and started talking. The following days we tried to spend as much time together as possible doing activities with the singles group, dancing, partying, swimming, and relaxing. I never thought that I would meet the woman of my dreams at sea. Thank you SingleCruise.com for making this all possible!”
Jason
“Well, there I was on the April 2006 20/30s SinglesCruise.com cruise when I was introduced to a gorgeous young lady named Jessica. We kept in touch via telephone and email while I was stationed in Germany and Afghanistan with the US Army. I booked the Halloween '07 SinglesCruise.com cruise shortly after arriving in Afghanistan and informed all my cruising buddies (including Jessica) that if they could join me on the cruise that would really make my vacation all the more better. Together we shared a wonderful cruise with great friends and, in my case, family, since my father was aboard as well. Before I returned to Afghanistan, I flew up to Calgary to propose to Jessica and she accepted! Thank you, SinglesCruise.com, for bringing us together...twice!”
Kevin
“I am really thankful and blessed that through SinglesCruise.com I have met and made lifelong friendships with amazing people including my soul mate. My fiancé and I had a connection that we knew had begun on the Halloween 2004 singles cruise and was just getting stronger and better on the Mexican Riviera 2005 singles cruise. Ever since then, we have spoken on the phone every day and have seen each other every eight to 10 weeks even though I live in Texas and he lives in England. He proposed during my family vacation in Key West and we got married the fall of 2008.”
Carrie
“A singles cruise gives you the opportunity to meet other interesting people and create friendships from all over the world. I went on my first singles cruise in April 2005 not looking for that special someone, but for fun and sun. I had such a great time and met so many new friends, some of whom I stay in touch with to this day. On my second singles cruise over Halloween 2005, I still wasn't looking for a serious relationship, but I ended up meeting my future husband Jim from Vancouver.”
Lori
“I recently traded beach sand for snow by moving to Cleveland from North Carolina. I quit my job, sold my house and sold my car, but it was worth it to gain my husband Nick. We started talking on the last day of the Memorial Day singles cruise in 2005 and dated long distance for three years until we recently got married.”
Monica
“I never thought in a million years I'd meet "the one" on a singles' cruise. I was wrong! We met onboard and discovered so many common interests on our first dinner together that we spent the remainder of the cruise together. With him in New York, and me in Memphis, we both assumed our wonderful week together would be it. We began to talk daily and after a month, I surprised him with a visit to New York. That was the first of many visits and I proposed one year to the day of our meeting. We are now both living in Nashville and have set our wedding date for next Fall – four years to the day of our first dinner together onboard the singles cruise. Take a chance and meet the love of your life!”
Liz
"This was the "Best" vacation I have ever taken. I can not say enough about the greatest seven days of ultimate relaxation. The friends that I have met from all over the world and the networking is something that I would have never imagined. It has been five weeks since the cruise and I am still talking to my friends and family about how wonderful it was. I am working on planning the next one and can not wait for another fun packed vacation for a very reasonable price. I have a few single girlfriends that are looking at going with me on the next one. I can't wait! Kudos to you and your group for one of the best times of my life!”
DeeAnn
"Joining SinglesCruise.com was the best vacation I have taken this far. I have met some of the most interesting people from all over the world. Some that I hope will be lifelong friends. From the cocktail parties to snorkeling and the beaches were breathtaking! I am advising all single men and women to try it just once and your experience will be a wonderful memory. I am already planning my next cruise. Thank You Shelby for being a wonderful and fun Cruise Director!!!"
Vikki
“After vacationing alone for years, I thought I'd like to do something with a group of like minded/same age of people. I found singles cruises, and now am about to go on my fourth one! It is an awesome way to meet new people and make new friends while still having the option to do as much or as little as you want in terms of the different activities. I am very shy on first meeting new people but I found everyone to be extremely friendly because most people are in the same boat (pardon the pun!!) as yourself. I have made so many friends in America and Canada whom I would never have otherwise met if not for singles cruises. The hosts are awesome and extremely helpful, friendly and professional. So if you're a single person who is looking for an awesome vacation and the opportunity to make some lifelong friends then do not hesitate to book on a singles cruise. I promise you will not regret it!”
Tracey
“Making the decision to go on a singles cruise was the best decision I could have made! From the moment that I arrived at the pre-cruise hotel, I began one of the best adult vacations I have ever had. The diversity of the group was amazing. The SinglesCruise.com staff made it virtually impossible not to have a good time. I did not know a sole when I arrived, and left with some wonderful friends. I was very unsure, taking my first cruise, wondering if I had made the right choice. Leaving the ship, I was thrilled that I had made the choice, and only sorry that I had not done it years earlier.”
Sue
“My husband and I met on the After Thanksgiving Cruise last year and we just got married in September. He was living in Virginia and I in California. He moved to California three months after we met. It was love at first sight for both of us! We had a big, gorgeous wedding and reception out here in Newport Beach on a yacht. We thought the yacht would be appropriate as we met on the cruise!”
Annie
“To all of you out there asking "should I do this?" YES, but BEWARE it is habit forming, but in a good way. After a lot of soul searching about going with a group, sharing a room, etc, I tried it. That was four cruises ago and a fifth coming up soon. You can enter into all of the activities or just a few that is your choice, either way it adds something to your trip that you yourself can't do. No matter your age, join in, and go on a single cruise with SinglesCruise.com.”
-Joni
Joni
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