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
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 ProQuest Travel Group, a division of Minneapolis-based Travel Acquisitions Group.
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 dinner and a private chat site 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.
How many singles are on each cruise?
Singles who book with us can choose from a variety of cruises and itineraries planned throughout the year. Each group size varies based on the destination and season and may include an average of 100-400 singles 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. Most of the singles that join us are business professionals that range in age from the mid-20s to mid-60s. We also offer age specific cruises.
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 FREE 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, or American Express. 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 ships 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 including Carnival Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.
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 days 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, about 4-6 weeks prior to each SinglesCruise sailing, we open up an online chat site where you can log in and get to know other singles on your single cruises. We typically hold an optional pre-cruise dinner 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. Please note that reservations made within 30 days of departure may be assessed a small fee.
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 dinner parties, 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.
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.
Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
Implemented on January 31, 2008, ALL PERSONS traveling by land and sea between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
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 1st and 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 monitors any hurricane activity that could affect our cruises and will keep you informed of any delays or cancellations. We also encourage our guests to purchase travel insurance which will cover unforeseen circumstances and natural disasters such as a hurricane. 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 todays 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. Dont forget to pack your special outfits for the SinglesCruise.com theme nights (you will receive a description of your cruise theme nights with your boarding documents).
When can we board the ship?
Embarkation normally begins three to four hours before the cruise departure time (see your cruise documents for details).
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?). Please contact our office immediately (by phone and in writing) if you need to cancel your cruise. Cancellation penalties vary depending on cruise line, destination and length of sailing. Please refer to your invoice 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.
If insurance is purchased at time of initial trip payment (or within 14 days), the following coverage's will apply:
- Change Your Mind, no problem as you are protected against any cancellation penalties up to $250.
- Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver (up to $20,000) as long as you are able to travel when the premium is paid
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption due to Terrorism
Underwritten by the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, a member of the AIG Companies®, with its principal place of business at 70 Pine Street, New York, New York 10270. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. This is only a brief description of the insurance coverage(s) available under policy series T30253NUFIC. The Policy contains reductions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions. Full details of the coverage are contained in the Policy. If there are any conflicts between this document and the Policy, the Policy shall govern.
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 January 31, 2008 a passport is now required for all cruise travel to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico and Canada. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov.
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 dinner 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.
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 hereto 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.