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Quote:

Originally Posted by Kay_nyc (Post 22778309)

I've been researching this too. Island Windjammers and Blount are two casual, small-ship lines that will let you book the regular rate is you're willing to be paired with a roommate. I think both these lines are a bit offbeat - they're really casual, and the cruises are pricey even though they're not luxury. But they look really appealing to me because I want to spend my entire vacation in flip-flops and bringing a prom dress is a minus. :)

I found this cruise critic article helpful.

Island Windjammers:
Solo Sailors
For those traveling solo, we offer the option of paying the published cruise rate and being paired with a same sex cabin mate. Solo Sailors also have the option of booking a private cabin for a premium “Single Supplement” rate. Single Supplement rates are not valid in Owners’ Suite and are subject to blackout dates. Holiday surcharges and other restrictions may apply. Check out Sagitta's Solo Sojourn, an exclusive sailing for Solo Sailors. Fares on request.

Blount:
Several options are available if you are traveling alone. We do have select cabins configured as single accommodations and priced for single occupancy only. We also offer a “Willing to Share” program that allows you to pay a per person rate for a double occupancy room. You will be waitlisted for a same-gender traveling companion, however should no other person reserve under this program you will be placed alone in that double occupancy cabin. We also have designated double occupancy cabins you may reserve at an additional cost. Please ask your reservationist for details.

You could not have chosen two companies more different regarding passenger demographic. What they have in common would be a low customer satisfaction rating.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iruvmattree (Post 21659414)

Why do you cruise solo?.

I never have - but probably will have to for a major bucket item of mine. I really want to go to Antarctica but have been told the Drake passage is brutal. I thus will not be able to get anyone (definitely not my wife) to go with me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hedoman (Post 22879569)

You could not have chosen two companies more different regarding passenger demographic. What they have in common would be a low customer satisfaction rating.

Could you elaborate? I'm just researching cruises with solo fares at this point, so your perspective would be useful. Both companies seem to fit my casual preferences.

Sure, for starters see post #7.

Over sixty, Blount could be an option. Under thirty, Windjammer could be. You can read about Blount on Cruise Critic under "other." That Windjammer boat....it was sitting off St. Barts during February. It was anchored fifty feet from where I first saw it in 1977. Have run into it a few times over the years and always talk to a few passengers. Not sure any of them were from anywhere other than NY/NJ. Always wanting for a warm water shower.

I've looked at Blount a few times. You might find a nice last minute deal, but it seems high risk/low reward for the dollars IMO. Both have their following, which comprises .00000005% of the cruise market. Do your homework before buying into either and you might be a good fit for one, but certainly not both.

I have gone on 5 cruises by myself and will go on my 6th this next week (to the Galapagos). Aside from not having somebody to take pictures of me I don't see what the big deal is about travelling solo. Forces you to be more extroverted and find out what interests others. As far as sharing - I figure I won't be living with them once the cruise is over so who cares. The bar is usually open late :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldsant (Post 22923779)

+1

I've been on 4 cruises solo and would echo these sentiments. My friends & family just aren't travellers never mind cruisers so would rather go solo than not at all as I very much enjoy cruising.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRALISTAIR (Post 22880699)

It's not a given. When we cruised to Sough Georgia and Antarctica, it was considerably less than "brutal", and back from Antarctica to Ushuaia, it was "Drake's Lake" we crossed - flat as Walden Pond, and we had a barbecue on deck whilst sightseeing Cape Horn on a mild day.

This is (and well should be) a bucket list trip for many; I do suspect you might find a share companion for your trip. And iirc a few of the vessels do offer singles (and triples, private or share twins, etc.)

G Adventures does an expedition ship to Antarctica from Ushuaia. Given Antarctica is a bucket list trip and more expensive than typical vacation, the passenger mix is older (probably average 40s) than typical G Adventures of 30s somethings, there are few/no kids under teen agers on G Adventures.

The tour/cruise has an historian, naturalist, marine biologist and many land and water guides on board. Check with your travel agent, G sells to single passengers (singles, doubles, and triples). You can book @ SinglesCruise.com as well 1.800.393.5000.

Recommend highly the Norwegian Breakaway class ships - they have studio rooms for singles, and a studio lounge where singles can meet and mingle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by safra1 (Post 24518260)

Recommend highly the Norwegian Breakaway class ships - they have studio rooms for singles, and a studio lounge where singles can meet and mingle.

I'll be trying this ship out in 2016. Like the fact their studio is not double the price of an interior stateroom, as it would be for a single passenger.