Los Angeles, CA. Solo travelers can cruise at no additional cost with Uniworld during 2012. The river-cruise specialist has waived single supplement fees on many of its 2012 Europe Boutique River Cruise programs. Solo savings are available on selected dates on the following itineraries:
Details: Uniworld.
The Six Senses Spa at the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum, Turkey will be hosting a yoga retreat with Julien Balmer, a well-known practitioner and teacher of Hatha Yoga. Daily classes are designed to assist with physical, emotional, and spiritual development complemented by daily educational talks and inspirational movies. The cost starts at €1,388 per person based on single occupancy in a standard room, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals, private consultation with Julien Balmer, 5 days of classes, programs and access to spa facilities, 1 massage, and a 15% discount on additional spa treatments.
Details: Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay. Tel. +90-(252)-311-0303.
Miami, FL. Royal Caribbean International is having a Black Friday sale, November 25th at 12am, but you can start checking availability and pricing right now. Costs for singles will no doubt include a 100% add-on over share prices, but some departures will still add up to a good deal.
Details: Royal Caribbean International
Edinburgh, Scotland. If you haven't yet made plans for a New Year's celebration, you still have a brief chance to wine and dine in Italy with Flavours Holidays. This company has just acquired space in a restored Tuscan farmhouse set in a private estate. The cost is £1099, land only, and includes £100.00 towards your flight costs, 4 nights' accommodation, 3 cookery lessons, New Year's Eve party, visit to a local winery.
Details: Flavours Holidays.
Plantation, FL. Singles who want to get away over the holidays ought to be keeping in touch with a favorite cruise line or cruise specialist travel agency. Online Vacation Center, for example, is touting virtually unheard of prices for this time of year, available now through mid-January with Celebrity Cruises. Yes, the pricing is based on at least two people sharing, but even a 100% supplement for single occupancy would still be a deal. Today's offers include:
Details: Online Vacation Center. Tel. 1-800-329-9002.
Solo traveling Americans, age 50+, can expect more money-saving opportunities from Grand Circle Travel and its affiliate, Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). According to a recent press release, the two companies have added even more solo savings and benefits than previously announced earlier this autumn. Here's what they promise for 2012:
Details: Grand Circle Travel.
Travel experts at Vayama.com have compiled a list of Caribbean destinations chosen as "perfect for singles," and they want to share their recommendations with CSTN readers:
>> Old San Juan Puerto Rico. Where to stay? Da House Hotel (dahousehotelpr.com), from US$80 to US$150 per night. Old San Juan, surrounded by a fortified wall, is one of the best preserved Spanish Colonial towns in the Caribbean. Narrow cobblestoned streets open into airy plazas where colonial mansions have been transformed into Nuevo Latino restaurants and trendy lounges. Puerto Ricans take partying seriously, and you can join in easily if you stay at Da House, a boutique hotel in the middle of all the action. Make sure that you sign up for the daytime salsa lessons at the Nuyorican Cafe downstairs because once the sun sets Old San Juan is the place to meet and mingle. Fly from New York to San Juan on Vayama from US$261 round-trip.
>> Cartagena, Colombia. Where to stay? Casa la Fe (casalafe.com), from US$150-$200 per night. Cartagena is the best kept secret of the Caribbean. This vibrant Spanish colonial city knows how to party while offering the best in regional Colombian food. Try the Aguardiente, Colombia’s firewater moonshine, mixed in with fresh tropical fruits. The best clubs don’t get going until 4am and don’t close until the sun comes out. Recover with a hearty fish soup and a cold beer under a palm tree. The Hotel Casa la Fe is a beautifully refurbished colonial mansion with shady interior courtyards and a refreshing pool. Fly Miami to Cartagena on Vayama from US$368 round-trip.
>> Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Where to stay? Casa Sirena (sirena.com.mx), from US$100 per night. If Cancun is spring break central, Isla Mujeres is the thinking person’s tropical party island. Reachable by water-taxi from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a tiny island that is all about beach shack restaurants, turquoise water, powdery sand and wild nightlife. Go for an early swim, have some lobster or catch of the day for lunch, then a spot of snorkelling in the afternoon before the night festivities. The lively beach bars on Isla Mujeres run the gamut from reggae beach bum joints to trendy Mexican cantinas and Casa Sirena, a remodelled colonial home with ocean views is the perfect base to enjoy it. Fly to Cancun from US$267 round-trip on Vayama.
>> Havana, Cuba. Where to stay? Hotel Inglaterra (hotelinglaterracuba.com), from US$65 per night. With the gradual easing of travel restrictions, Havana is back on the American travel map (Canadians and Europeans never stopped visiting). Start your Havana stay with a walk from the historical Hotel Inglaterra to one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite Havana bars – La Floridita – for a cool Daiquiri. Havana’s restored colonial core is home to numerous bars and restaurants, including the world famous “La Bodeguita del Medio,” perfect for that afternoon Mojito. Cuban music is best live so reserve your spot at the Tropicana Cabaret for that Mambo Kings experience. Americans should check the State Department website about how to book trips to Cuba that include cultural tours (music, cuisine, etc...)
>> Kingston Jamaica. Where to stay? The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites, from US$200 per night. Kingston Jamaica is not your typical Jamaican beach resort, but that is what makes it interesting. Visit Port Royal for the refurbished ruins of the original fort and docks of the real Pirates of the Caribbean. Hit Kingston’s many bars, restaurants, Jerk shacks and dance halls for Red Stripes, jerk chicken and wild times. Save some energy for a visit to the Bob Marley Museum or rent a car to drive up the Blue Mountains for the views and the coffee. James Bond fans may want to drive north to Ocho Rios to visit Ian Flemming’s Goldeneye estate and dip into James Bond beach. The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in Kingston is the perfect base with all the amenities you would expect from a business hotel. Fly from New York to Kingston on Vayama from US$354 round-trip.
Details: Vayama.com is part of the global online company, Travix, which manages an extensive portfolio of travel-focused websites operating under the brand names BudgetAir, CheapTickets, Flugladen, and Vliegwinkel. Travix operates its five brands in 15 countries.
Anyone planning to travel solo in or from Australia might find some helpful single-friendly tips in an article recently published by TheAustralian.com.au. Here's a link to the article titled The Power of One.
The article lists several single-friendly companies, summarized as follows:
Bill Peach Journeys: This upscale Australian company has arranged five unusual itineraries and priced them without single surcharges, albeit they are already in the cost-is-no-object category. Prices, however, do include baggage handling, tips, and any optional charges, as well as a single-occupancy room.
>> Great Australian Aircruise, AUD13,995. 12 days, departures May 15; May 30; June 12; July 24; August 21; September 4, 2012.
>> Icons of New Zealand Aircruise, AUD11,651. 12 days, departing November 14 or 16, 2012.
>> Singles Only Rajasthan (India) & Beyond, AUD12,995. 10 days, departing September 9, 2012.
>> Cruising the Rhine River, AUD12,495, 13 days, departing May 21, 2012.
>> Southern Africa Explorer, AUD15,995, land only. 12 days, departing April 5, 2012.
Odyssey Travel: A not-for-profit organisation that assists universities throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia with their continuing education programs. Specialising in so-called "Ed-ventures" for travelers over age 45, Odyssey Travel focuses on itineraries with mind-broadening features. A few of the 2012 tours offer single occupancy rooms.
>> April 28-May 12, 2012. Italy, Featuring Apulia, Calabria & Sicily. Limited singles with no single supplement.
>> May 24-June 17, 2012. France, Featuring typical French villages. Limited singles with no single supplement.
>> July 15-August 18, 2012. Thirty-three Nights in Britain. Limited singles With no single supplement.
Abercrombie & Kent: Another well established high end tour company that has been increasing the number of opportunities for singles to join its exotic, world-wide adventures without surcharges.
Sage Travel: With a minimum of five nights in each location and en-suite, single-occupancy rooms, these are tours designed exclusively for travelers aged 50-plus. Itineraries offering savings for singles include:
>> Three Countries, Three Universities (England, Wales, and Scotland)
>> Chelsea Flower Show and the Best of English Gardens
>> Historical Villas and Gardens of Italy
>> Treasures of South America
London. Voyages Jules Vern, a well-established British tour company, knows what single travelers want: single occupancy rooms without hefty add-on charges. That is understandable, says Voyages Jules Vern. "We have therefore compiled a selection of tours and arrangements where we have managed to negotiate hard with our travel partners to establish as many tours and dates as possible with 'No Single Supplement' pricing." Additionally, 'No Single Supplement' offers are updated on the Voyages Jules Vern website as the company adds new tours and/or departure dates. It is stressed that these trips are not 'singles club' style programs; rather, they are regular tours that single travelers may join without penalty and no hidden added charges.
Details: Voyages Jules Vern.
Littleton, CO. Avalon Waterways has been waiving single supplement charges on selected river European cruises all through 2011, and I note that the offer has been extended once again with departures available through December 2011 on numerous programs.
Details: Avalon Waterways.
Credit goes to the e-zine Travel Agent Central for reporting today that Orion Expedition Cruises has a good deal for singles. This luxury category cruise line operates two vessels, Orion I and the recently launched Orion II, to exotic ports around the globe.
According to Travel Agent Central, the following departures are offered without single supplement charges, or, alternatively, one of two people sharing a cabin will get a 50% fare reduction.
Sailings on Orion I:
Sailings on Orion II:
The offer is only available on new bookings. Fares and trip lengths vary by destination, and include accommodations, meals, onboard lectures, shore expeditions, and port taxes.
Details: For pricing and availability contact your travel agent.
Helena, AL. International Expeditions has announced price reductions that will help solo travelers afford a dream trip to the Galapagos Islands. While two traveling together can save US$1,000 per person on the Sep 30, Oct 14, and Nov 11, 2011 departures, solo travelers may participate with no added single supplement charges – a US$1,200 savings. In other words, this means that the per person sharing rate drops from US$4,798 to US$3,798 and the single occupancy rate drops from US$5,998 to US$4,798. Comparatively speaking, solos are still paying a hefty US$100 more per day for the 10-day cruise than each of two people sharing, so it's a bit of a back-handed step in the right direction.
Details: International Expeditions.
Thanks to TRAVEL PULSE e-zine for passing on this single-friendly offer from Silversea. This luxury cruise line habitually offers single occupancy rates of 25% on selected cruises, but these five voyages in 2012 are now on sale with the single supplement reduced to 10 percent above the per-person, double-occupancy fare. According to TRAVEL PULSE, the offer applies to the Vista Suites on the following departures.
>> Mar 31-Apr 17, 2012. Transatlantic sailing on board Silver Cloud from Fort Lauderdale Florida to Monte Carlo. From US$7,038.
>> May 17-31, 2012. Sail on board Silver Shadow from Tokyo Japan to Seward Alaska. From US$8,050.
>> Sep 6-23, 2012. Sail on board Silver Shadow from Vancouver British Columbia to Tokyo Japan. From US$8,578.
>> Sep 18-Oct 2, 2012. Sail on board Silver Whisper from Southampton England to New York. From US$7,126.
>> Nov 1-13, 2012. Sail on board Silver Cloud from Las Palmas Canary Islands to Barbados. From US$4,970.
Details: Silversea.com.
Edmonds, WA. Rick Steves, the European travel expert, is making it easier for independent solo travelers to find their way around Europe's top sights. With the release of "Rick Steves' Audio Europe" app in March this year, users of iPhone, iPad, or iPod devices have had free access to Steves' wealth of personal experience, and now users of Android devices can have Steves as a travel buddy, too. Designed to help heighten a traveler’s sightseeing experience, the app organizes Steves’ vast library of audio files, including 25 audio walking tours plus 200 tracks of travel tips and cultural insights from his radio shows. While sightseeing in London, Paris, Venice, Florence, or Rome, Rick’s voice will keep your eyes focused on the surrounding wonders – not buried in a guidebook.
Details: Learn more at RickSteves.com
Churchill, MB. The Great Canadian Travel Company is offering a new, short summer tour to Canada’s far north to view pods of diminutive Beluga whales congregating by the thousands in the mouth of the Churchill River. These small white whales are extremely vocal, prompting early whalers to call them “sea canaries.” There’s even the possibility of going diving with the whales using "dry suits" – warmer than wet suits.
Cost of this trip is $935 per person, sharing, with a single supplement of C$120, including round-trip air transportation between Winnipeg and Churchill, two nights’ accommodations in Churchill at the Bear Country Inn, plus a three-hour boat tour. Departures are scheduled throughout July and August 2011.
Details: The Great Canadian Travel Company.
Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering an early Christmas present for those booking a cruise along the coast of Costa Rica over Christmas on the graceful, four-masted square rigger, the 170-passenger Star Flyer.
There will be no single supplement in cabin categories 2 to 6 on the following two sailings:
>> Dec 18/11. 10-night Christmas sailing departing Puerto Caldera.
>> Dec 28/11. 11-night New Year sailing departing Puerto Caldera.
On the New Year departure only, these additional offers apply:
Details: Star Clippers.
Bristol, VT. Solo travelers have a chance to save US$625 with VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations. The offer is available for a "limited time" on the following Bike & Barge departures:
>> Holland and Belgium Bike & Barge. 12 days, Amsterdam Netherlands to Bruges Belgium. Departures Aug 18; 24; Sep 7, 2011. From US$3,645. Single supplement reduced from US$1,195 to US$570.
>> Heart of Europe: Bike & Barge. 12 days, Germany, Luxembourg, and France. Departures Jul 6; 14; Aug 11, 2011. Single supplement reduced from US$1,245 to US$620.
Both vacations offer a choice of routes each day, allowing guests to spend time bicycling as much or as little as they please. Pricing includes round-trip international airfare, fuel surcharges, transfers, 1 night accommodation in Amsterdam, 2 nights' in Bruges, 7 nights onboard a canal barge, most meals, 6 days of cycling with van support, use of a VBT bicycle and helmet, bilingual guides, sightseeing, and cultural activities.
Details: VBT Bicycling and walking Vacations.
Beaches Resort wants to "honor single parents everywhere," by waiving the single supplement fee (up to $200 per night) for stays of 3 nights or longer at all four Beaches properties. Special activities include craft sessions, a family beach bonfire, movie, and game night events, a weekly Caribbean Adventure with Parade.
Details: Beaches Resorts
El Segundo, CA. With the announcement of single supplement reductions by yet another "luxury" category tour operator, I'm beginning to wonder if we're seeing a real breakthrough for North American singles. Or, is it just another indication of a continuing rocky economic picture with travel companies turning to singles after running out of double-occupancy marketing tricks?
According to the company's website, "Travcoa is simply celebrating singles by offering a 50% off the usual single supplements." As you will see below, the surcharges are not exactly single-friendly according to our $30 per day limit, but the offer is still worthy of cautious optimism that a trend may be developing among top-end tour companies in recognizing the value of single travelers.
At press time, the offer was still available on the following six trips:
>> Jun 14/11. 12 days. Undiscovered Italy, US$8,395, plus ss US$497.50.
>> Jun 18/11. 12 days. Timeless Namibia by Private Plane, US$7,995, plus ss US$845.
>> Jun 24/11. 10 days. Splendors of Sicily, US$6,995, plus ss US$897.50
>> Sep 1/11. 11 days. Resplendent Russia, US$8,265, plus ss US$777.50.
>> Sep 11/11. 14 days. North Korea, US$7,175, plus ss US$850.
>> Sep 16/11. 16 days. Albania, Macedonia, and Beyond, US$6,995, plus ss US$597.50.
Details: Travcoa. www.travcoa.com.
Santiago, Chile. Continuing with specials in the upscale category, Chilean-based Explora has waived single supplements on its 3 to 8-night lodge vacations now through October 15, 2011. Solo travelers may "enjoy the same rate charged per person in a double-occupancy guest rooms."
The following price quotes range from 3 to 8 nights in an assortment of room types and include transfers, lodging, meals, and guided explorations:
>> Hotel de Larache in the Atacama Desert. From US$1,980 to US$7,680.
>> Hotel Salto Chico in Patagonia. From US$2,780 to US$7,600.
>> Posada de Mike Rapu on Easter Island. From US$2,385 to US$7,600.
Details: Explora. www.explora.com.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The all-inclusive Velas Resorts are waiving the single supplement for one-parent families traveling with their children. Special offers are available at resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit.
All-inclusive rates range from US$190 per night at Velas Vallarta Suite Resort in Puerto Vallarta to US$320 at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and US$550 at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.
>> At Velas Vallarta, two children may stay and eat free, with airport transportation and late checkout included as part of the package.
>> At the Grand Velas resorts, the cost for each child is $75 per night. The complete package includes private transport from Cancun Airport to the hotel and Croco-Cun Zoo, and a guided tour of the property's eco cenotes (sinkhole).
Ages of children vary by resort and in all cases the rate is based on sharing the suite with their parent. Minimum night and other restrictions apply depending on the resort.
Details: Velas Resorts. www.velasresorts.com.
Churchill, MB. Budget-conscious but adventurous travelers have an opportunity to see polar bears in their natural habitat on the shores of Hudson Bay. The Great Canadian Travel Company has introduced a 10-day Polar Bear Backpacker program especially designed for travelers who wish to experience Canada's arctic region close-up and at minimal cost. Guests observe the bears in comfort and safety aboard a specialized tundra vehicle.
Churchill is located on the western shore of Hudson Bay, about 650 miles north of Winnipeg. Every autumn, polar bears gather along the water's edge near town, anxiously waiting for sea ice to form so they can move out onto the ice and spend the winter hunting seal.
Included in the program are three nights' dorm accommodation at the Winnipeg Downtowner, round-trip train travel between Winnipeg and Churchill, two nights' shared accommodation in Churchill at the Bear Country Inn, and the tundra vehicle tour.
A shorter 6-day program with air travel between Winnipeg and Churchill is priced at C$1,850, sharing. The single supplement for both programs is C$240.
Details: The Great Canadian Travel Company. www.greatcanadiantravel.com.
San Francisco, CA. When Boston native Steve Juba moved to San Francisco and started Singles By the Bay Travel Club, he had already been trip planning for a group of photography enthusiasts. Now, he's joined the two clubs, and here's a list of upcoming trips he has arranged:
Details: Singles By the Bay . www.singlesbythebay.travel.com.
Surrey, UK. Singles Tours Croatia is another of those companies dedicated to singles . . . er, except that "we understand single and solo travelers prefer to travel in groups that do not consist solely of other single/solo travelers." In other words, a regular group mix of singles, couples, whoever. Most of the programs offered are a rather flexible mix of yacht cruises, Balkan road trips, and a combination of cycling and cruising, with scheduling based, I suppose, on who shows up willing to pay the money, with this one exception:
Details: Singles Tours Croatia. www.singlestourscroatia.com.
According to scuttlebutt around the Internet the last few months, Royal Caribbean International is planning on adding single occupancy cabins to some of its ships that are due for refit, including Radiance of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas. This is supposedly in response to the 2010 launch of Norwegian Epic with a whole section of the ship designated just for singles. I did not report on the rumors before now because RCCL would not corroborate details, and as far as I am concerned, RCCL remains mum on the subject. I am reporting now because word was that we could expect the good news by June 2011, and I would appreciate hearing from anyone who gets clued in before I do.
Southampton, UK. Another cruise line that is paying more attention to what singles really want is P&O Cruises. One of the largest of P&O's fleet, Azura is billed as a family-friendly ship, but she also has 18 single occupancy cabins, all located on F Deck along with two restaurants, a casino, shops, and Brodie's, the ship's "upmarket pub." This design should make for a comfortable mixing area for singles without the on-display atmosphere typically associated with the planned singles get-togethers that are arranged on most ships.
These single-occupancy cabins are proving wildly popular with the 2011 season mostly sold out at press time and sales for the 2012 season well underway. Azura will be operating 7 to 17-night itineraries to a wide range of ports from the Baltics to the Mediterranean, to the Caribbean.
Details: P&O Cruises. www.pocruises.com.
Toronto, ON. Lion World Tours continues doing good deeds for singles. Earlier I reported on its Best of Kenya "low single supplement" offer. Now, I see that the single supplement has been waived entirely in November, with 9-day itineraries scheduled on Nov 3, 7, 10, 13, 17, and 20, 2011. The price is US$2,499 plus US$170 taxes.
With more good news for solo travelers, this Africa specialist has added more "Single Room Specials" in upcoming months:
>> Cape Town on Sale. 9 days. May 1-31, 2011, US$1,599; Aug 11-31, 2011, US$1,899; Sep 1-30, 2011, US$1,599. Taxes and fees, add US$145.
>> South Africa In Style. 9 days. May 1-6, 2011, US$2,499; Aug 11-31, 2011, US$2,699; Sep 1-30, 2011, US$2,699. Taxes and fees, add US$175. This itinerary is an upscale version of Cape Town on Sale, including two days of game viewing from Jackalberry Lodge in Thornybush Private Game Reserve.
>> South Africa on Sale. 9 days. Apr 1-30, 2011, US$2,799; May 1-31, 2011, US$2,499; Aug 11-31, 2011, US$2,799; Sep 1-30, 2011, US$2,499. Taxes and fees, add US$145. This itinerary covers Cape Town with added sightseeing excursions followed by game viewing in Pilanesberg National Park and leisure time at Sun City resort.
>> Sensational Southern Africa. 13 days. May 1-31, 2011, US$3,989; Aug 11-31, 2011, US$4,389; Sep 1-30, 2011, US$3,989. Taxes and fees, add US$310. This 13-day journey takes in Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls.
Each of these programs includes international and domestic flights, single occupancy room, some meals, game drives, and sightseeing as applicable. Flights are from New York or Washington DC, with add-on fares from other cities arranged if necessary.
Details: Lion World Tours. www.lionworldtours.com/singles.
York, England. A train trip is probably among the easiest ways of exploring the world on your own. But there are also advantages to joining an escorted tour for singles arranged by Great Rail Journeys. You travel with ready-made friends, and a tour manager is on hand to oversee the planned excursions or offer advice on alternative sights and local traditions.
The following Great Rail Journeys designed for single travelers depart from London's St Pancras International Station on board the Eurostar. The group continues on, picking up other trains en route and stopping overnight in hotels along the way.
>> Jungfrau Express & Golden Pass. Departures May to Sep, 2011. 8 days. From £1,808.
>> Venice, Lake Bled & the Adriatic. 11 days. Departures May to Sep, 2011. From £1,805.
>> The Beautiful Black Forest. 5 days. Departures Jun to Sep, 2011. From £838.
>> Prague, Berlin & Meissen. 10 days. Departures Jun to Sep, 2011. From £1,705.
The cost includes first-class rail fares, single occupancy room, some meals, transfers, and guided sightseeing.
Details: Great Rail Journeys. www.greatrail.com.
Bolinas, CA. To celebrate 39 years of conducting whitewater river excursions in northern California and Oregon, James Henry River Journeys will bring a touch of refinement to the wilderness this summer. Wine tasting, gourmet cuisine, and classical music will be features of these trips on the Rogue River.
>> Jun 10-13; Jun 17-20, 2011. Celtic Music, Wine Tasting, and California Cuisine. US$935.
>> Sep16-20, 2011. Baroque Music, Wine Tasting, California Cuisine. US$1,035.
The price includes meals, guides, musicians, wines, equipment, and return transport from Galice, Oregon. Singles, couples, families, first-timers as well as veteran river runners are welcome.
Details: James Henry River Journeys. www.riverjourneys.com.
Cairns, Australia. Coral Princess Cruises has a fleet of three expedition ships that sail the southern seas. Coral Princess and Coral Princess II accommodate 50 and 46 guests respectively in twin and double-sized staterooms. The company's newest ship Oceanic Discoverer (formerly Oceanic Princess) accommodates 72 passengers.
Some months ago the company waived "indefinitely" the single supplement fees on all of its Great Barrier Reef sailings. To date, that policy is still in effect, and in March 2011, a new offer to waive the single supplement came about for November 2011 Papua New Guinea or Melanesia cruises.
This new offer is valid for new bookings made between now and June 30, 2011 or "until sold out."
>> The 12-night Papua New Guinea cruise departs Cairns on Nov 3, 2011 on board Oceanic Discoverer and returns from Rabaul Papua New Guinea on Nov 15th. The price of A$8,450 (C$ or US$ at par), is a savings of A$4,225 over regular single occupancy fares.
>> On Nov 28, 2011 Oceanic Discoverer departs Cairns for the 15-night sail to Noumea New Caledonia via Alotau Papua New Guinea. The cost is A$11,200 for a savings of A$5,600 in single supplement fees.
Details: Coral Princes Cruises. www.coralprincess.com.au.
Ft Lauderdale, FL. Weighing in at 11,563 tons, MV Aegean Odyssey is a small ship by today's standards. Not too long ago she underwent a refit that reduced passenger capacity from 570 to 350, which created a more spacious yet intimate cruise experience for discerning clients who like to explore ancient corners of the Mediterranean in understated comfort.
During the 2011 season, the following departures are attractively priced without single supplement add-ons for solo travelers:
>> May 7-22, 2011. Greek Islands, Athens to Athens. From US$3,850.
>> May 19-Jun 3, 2011. Sicily, Athens to Rome. From $3,950.
>> May 31-Jun 15, 2011. Shores of the Mediterranean, Rome to Venice. From US$3,950.
>> Jun 14-29, 2011. Venice to Istanbul. From US$3,950.
>> Jun 23-Jul 6, 2011. Istanbul to Athens. From US$3,295.
>> Jul 1-14, 2011. The Isles of Greece. From US$3,295.
>> Aug 25-Sep 9, 2011. Sicily, Athens to Rome. From US$3,950.
>> Oct 10-25, 2011. Sicily, Athens to Rome. From US$3,950.
Taxes and government fees are not included in the quoted price, and availability is restricted to selected categories.
Details: Voyages to Antiquity. www.voyagestoantiquity.com.
Edinburgh, Scotland. Majestic Line cruises are designed to reveal the sheltered lochs and islands of South Argyll and the Inner Hebrides. Such places are often undiscovered by visitors to Scotland but are well known to Andy Thoms and Ken Grant, who live and sail there. In 2004 they bought the Glen Massan and converted her to a mini cruise liner, sailing out of Holy Loch, near Dunoon. In May 2007 a sister vessel, The Glen Tarsan, was launched, sailing out of Oban to Mull and Islay. The 85-foot vessels comfortably accommodate up to 11 passengers in 6 double-occupancy cabins, and the good news for singles is that two cabins on every departure are reserved for single occupancy. At press time, eleven sailings in the 2011 season were still available for singles:
>> May 17; Jun 11; Oct 15; Oct 18, 2011. 3 nights. Heritage and Wildlife of South Argyle. £895.
>> Aug 13; Aug 27; Sep 3; 2011. 6 nights. Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll. £1,695.
>> Oct 1; 8, 2011. 6 nights. Around Mull: Inlets and Islands. £1,695.
>> Oct 1; 8, 2011. 6 nights. Taste of Autumn in Argyll. £1,695.
Details: Majestic Line. www.majesticline.co.uk.