Solo travelers have their work cut out for them when it comes to finding a good value on a cruise vacation. With most lines calculating fares based on double-occupancy, solo travelers most often come up short in the value department. Now, another line is taking the solo market seriously with a special offer.
“A Crystal cruise is a wonderful option for solo travelers who seek luxury and pampering while on vacation and also the fast, easy friendships that are made on board,” says Jack Anderson, senior vice president of marketing and sales.
What solo travelers look for is the amount of the “single supplement” often expressed as a discount vs. double-occupancy fares. For example, solo travelers most often pay the same as if two people were occupying the same cabin, minus the port charges for ports that second (invisible) passenger will never see.
“Crystal Cruises already charges one of the lowest rates in the luxury cruise industry for sole occupancy of a double occupancy room,” said Crystal Cruises in a press release, “but taking advantage of a new solo travelers’ sale on fall Mediterranean voyages, guests traveling alone can enjoy even lower fares to vacation in ease through one of the most beautiful cruising areas in the world.”
Occasionally, some cruise lines will reduce the amount of the second (non-existent) guest as an incentive to book, usually at the last minute. Other cruise line, catering to couples and families, know they will fill up the ship with at least two people per cabin, fulfilling the double-occupancy requirement. They see no need to discount solo travelers.
On the Crystal offer, a significantly reduced solo supplement of just 10% can save individuals up to almost $900 off a private, deluxe outside stateroom (Category C) of their own on select sailings.
The savings are offered on eight 11- and 12-day Crystal Serenity sailings through the Black Sea, Middle East, Canary Islands, and entire Mediterranean. The all-inclusive luxury cruises embark in Athens, Istanbul, Venice, Barcelona, and Lisbon from September through November, with overnight visits and more time in both smaller, off-the-beaten-path and favorite, large ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Montenegro, Israel, Croatia, Morocco and the Canary Islands. Attractive air add-ons are offered from more than 200 North American ports.
Big into the solo market, Crystal provides Ambassador hosts for solo travelers on every sailing for those seeking a dance partner, assigned seating for dinner in the Crystal Dining Room, and “Table for 8,” which brings individuals together for friendly shared dining in the specialty restaurants at night.
