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The Pluses of Romantic Solo Cruises for Singles
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Cruising is an ideal romantic getaway for singles; it offers the breathing space of a resort getaway, pampering service, and the chance to visit a new place almost every day. This article lists some of the top reasons and tips for going solo. By Susan Bigmore Are you single and dreaming of taking a cruise, but unsure of what to expect? Are you worried about sticking out like a sore thumb, being surrounded by smug singletons, or everyone trying to be your friend and having to hide in your cabin to avoid them? Cruising is an ideal getaway for singles; it offers the breathing space of a resort getaway, pampering service, and the chance to visit a new place almost every day. Here are some of the top reasons and tips for going solo. Booking your Cruise Like any holiday, you need to ask yourself what appeals to you. Do you want something where you can relax, something that is informal, or has plenty of entertainment on offer, etc.? Your local travel agent should be able to pick the cruise line and ship that is right for you. If you want to do some initial research yourself, the Internet is a minefield of information, whether you search the cruise line websites or a cruise community such as Inside Cruise, where people post their own reviews. Roll Call If you want to check out some of your fellow cruisers before you set sail, sign up on a cruise forum like Inside Cruise. There is a section called 'Roll Call' where you can meet others who are going on the same cruise. Many cruisers start a roll call a year or more before the cruise itself, giving them a chance to get to know other passengers beforehand and perhaps arranging to share excursions and guides. For solo cruisers it is a great way to find out if there will be other singles onboard. If you join a roll call before booking a cruise and find someone you seem to get along with, you could end up sharing a cabin and saving on single supplements. Plenty to Keep you Busy The trouble with staying in a resort is that there are not always many activities you can take part in. All you end up doing is wandering around the local sites by yourself. Cruise ships, however, offer plenty of activities - both aboard and on-shore. Onboard you could learn how to cook, taste wines, take part in a keep-fit class, or listen to a guest lecturer. If you choose to go ashore as well as visiting the local sites, you could go cycling, horseback riding, abseiling, or snorkeling, to name a few! Getting involved in activities is a great way to meet people, as you will have a common interest, which is good for breaking the ice. Easy to Meet People Many cruise lines welcome singles onboard with receptions where they can meet other solo passengers. For example, Island Cruises holds a 'Solos Lunch' at the beginning of each cruise. Getting involved in organized activities is ideal for meeting fellow passengers and making friends. Dining rooms mainly have seating for groups of four, six, or eight people, and can be an easy way to meet new friends. If you want to sit with other solo cruisers, make sure you ask the Maitre d', and he or she will accommodate your needs. Passengers tend to be grouped together with others of a similar age and background, so you should never feel left out. Dance the Night Away If you like to dance, but do not want to be a wallflower, fear not. Some cruise lines, such as Fred. Olsen and Orient Lines offer male dance hosts with excellent dancing abilities. If you are a male traveling alone and love to dance, you will certainly have your pick of the women, as they outnumber men traveling along by three to one. Sense of Community As everyone is literally in the same boat (excuse the pun), there tends to be a lot of camaraderie. Unlike holidaying in hotels, where you tend to see fellow holidaymakers at mealtimes only, you can (if you want to) see other passengers throughout the day, whether it be lounging by the pool or taking part in activities. Therefore, cruisers tend to bond, giving a sense of community where people look out for each other. Safety For starters, there are always many people, including staff, around so you are unlikely to be pestered. You do not have to worry about wandering around late at night to get back to your room, as you will not be walking along dark streets trying to find your hotel. If you take an organized excursion, you will be in a group on land too, best in certain countries if you are a solo female traveler. Of course, you can go it alone and go at your own pace if you prefer. I hope that we have set your mind at ease about going on a cruise by yourself. The only downside we can think of is single supplements. Some cruise lines hit you harder than others. However, if you do not mind sharing a cabin, some lines offer a share scheme. They will match you up with someone of the same sex and similar age. However, do not forget, your cruise agent should know which cruise lines are best for singles, whether it be age range, single supplements, or special activities offered to introduce single cruisers to each other. So go on, book that cruise! About the Author: Susan Bigmore is the web editor for http://www.insidecruise.co.uk, a cruise community packed full of articles and discussions, as well as a specialist cruise travel agent. Article Source: Adult Escapes - http://www.AdultEscapes.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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