Luv2travel4FunNSun

Yeah we are sailing June too. 

I just sailed with NCL as a solo. I got the inside cabin rate without being charged more for solos. It was like $659 from Miami.

It is TRUE that the sailaway cabin choice had no perks, but the REGULAR inside cabin did.

So we selected a $100 more base rate (instead of sailaway), got $50 OBC and picked one perk. We could have picked the Booze option, but we chose instead the $50 per port shore excursion credit.

THEN we got an option to upgrade, and I bid $85 (charged double $170) and was upgraded to a balcony spa like five days before sailing. FYI-there are no additional perks when upgrading.

My travel agent matched the $50 OBC and I booked though an agent.

So two of us sailed as singles and got our own cabins.

A former NCL cruiser, booked a single, then the rates dropped, and she was given cabin upgrades, more perks and then was offered for $82 more a balcony... She got way more perks. That of course is what she said.

It pays to look at the cabin choices and perks associated. NCL DOES limit perks when you choose "sailaway".

The no single supplement rate was dropped...about two weeks out from the cruise.

You very well MAY have been able to pick a different inside cabin for a few bucks more and get one perk...like we did. It was well worth it.

Is it just me or is the NCL pricing hideous?

 

Let me explain. I just pulled up a few last minute cruises out of Miami to the Caribbean. I would be cruising solo so I check to see which cruises have deals for solo travelers.

 

For example, look at the 10/28 sailing on the Escape. It shows $649 + Tax for a balcony cabin "sail away rate" which is their basic guarantee balcony. Ok that's fine, I don't really care about where the cabin is. But the catch is that you don't get the 2 free perks you would get with a regular fare. Now if you look at their regular cabin fares for 1 person it starts at $1,798 in a balcony cabin. Whaaaaat????? That makes absolutely no sense. I can go and pay full price on a beverage package and the price would bring me to about $1,400. Wouldn't it make sense to have a regular balcony cabin option with the free perks they offer for around $1,200-1,300?

 

I don't know who does the NCL pricing but considering that even their studio cabins are sold out they should offer competitive pricing for singles in other cabins.

It was a great review!!!

Great Review! We sail on her next Week!

I used easy ETA.

Be sure to double check the info.

I used the same passport number for both my husband and me. Easy ETA was super nice about it. If you make a mistake there is a $2.95 fee to change. I made a mistake on the correction (sheesh):eek: ...and they refunded change fee and fixed it free.

Now easy ETA you get a printed receipt.

If you pay $20 you get an online number and can verify.

I would use easy ETA again. You get visa in 24 hours (it is electronic, they send a confirmation receipt).

They have great customer service.

Where's the best place to get an Australia Travel Visa? The internet shows some sites charging $9.95 and up to $39 for a visa. Is the Easy ETA $9.95 visa a legitimate service or we better off using the ones that are higher priced?????:confused: Thanks for your help!

Today I got this official word from Celebrity "for international flights is 12:30 p.m. to dismbark for Sydney, to allow a two hour advance check in."

Hope this helps.

THAT is the cruise line's stated preference (or advice).

If all the passengers are off by 10 am. and it takes 1/2 hour to get to the airport, then 12:30 for international would be a safe bet.

I wondered the same thing myself.

We have a 10:10 AM flight option for international flight.

That seems to be a bit tight. What do you think???

It would be nice for folks who KNOW to weigh in. Hate to wait around 24 hours if we dont have to.

I cruise solo. Married, mid-fifties, retired. My spouse usually doesnt want to go.

I dont want to share sleeping space. But would love a travel buddy.

I am very open to tour buddies...and traveling with others...but not necessarily sharing a cabin.

And if you are a slow walker or want to take pictures...I am cool with that!

I am great about finding deals.

I'm a solo cruiser, but not single. Married. 55 Plus. Active. Going on Nov 16 2013 Celebrity Solstice in Australia/New Zealand. and Radiance ROTS October 24. I convinced my spouse to go this time, so I won' t be solo after all. Still would love to have other solos to pal around with on excursions and on the ship. I've cruised solo before three times. I'm currently retired, so I enjoy traveling. But have limited budget. Doing an Adventure Bus trip in June.

I just cruised solo on Europe and had a blast.

I found some other cruisers who stayed in my pre cruise hotel...so we shared a water taxi both to the hotel and to the ship.

I ask to be joined a group of solo ladies at dinner whom I was also taking several tours with. You can get your booking corss referenced to others to get seated together in dining room.

There is a group of 80 that met on cruise critic for the Europe cruise and keep in touch via another site. (Cruise critic also has past cruiser groups).

I had four days post cruise on my own.

I missed my cruise buddies to talk with.

I just signed up for a solo Australia New Zealand cruise.

Right now four other couples are signed up on cruise critic.

I'd say if you use cruise critic to book some private tours as a group

you will have buddies.

I did one tour bought by the ship and ended up by myself.

It was fine for touring as a group. I did have some alone time.

I introduced myself to folks on the ship.

I could have had more company had I wanted to.

I got a balcony cabin which means more alone time

(unless you invite friends).

I am married (26 years). I go alone because he doesnt want to go.

He is happy that I go for it.

I'd love to find a travel buddy. Not to share a room...but to share other experiences, have dinner with....just have fun.

At home I do things with Meetup.com. I find Kayak buddies.

I suggest you first find a cruise on cruise critic...and read the messages board. See if there are some folks you like, some openings on a tour, maybe someone local, and then sign up.

Good luck...

Maybe I'll meet you some time.

Some of the cruise lines are now booking single cabins.

Or you can book some cheaper insides and one balcony...and

meet up! Or even get side by side balconies and open the partition.

I usually get a larger balcony.

I lost my husband of 43 years last April and I've just been moping around since. We went on one cruise after retirement (to the Caribbean) and loved it. We had planned a cruise for this May to Alaska, but I cancelled it because I didn't want to go alone. I was wondering about other solo ladies and their experiences cruising alone.

I contacting them. They are in process of fixing this.

My issue was they advertised cruise pick up..and transfer along with a tour. The folks in the office were not familiar and did not listen to what I want to do (which was what was advertised).

Apparently they are a family owned company...and had some new girls in the office.

I don't cruise for several months. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Linda

I tried to pre-book with them. They are not helpful and I will make sure everyone knows this.

I tried to pre-book with them.

First they told me to book the bus..which does not hold luggage, as no pick up or drop off, and did go where I wanted. Then they told me they ONLY start and end at Train station (It was $59 pp minimum of four but they would match me).

NOW I specifically told them I wanted to start at cruise and end at Avis (at train station). They argued only do train station. AVIS is at train station. As a local they should know this.

So I am NOT impressed. They are not helpful and I will make sure everyone knows this.

Dear Linda,

Thanks for your email.

I will keep you on a waiting list and will update you as soon we reached the minimum required to guarantee the tour. Below is a brief description of the tour and of course we can drop you off at a train station not at any Avis.

Semi-private tour in a small group of only 4-12 persons - 59 Euros per person (subject to minimum 4 persons signed up).

On our tours you can expect:

* Personal pick-up at the start of the tour - from the train station

* Personal drop-off at the end of the tour – to the train

* Touring in a new, comfortable and air-conditioned van (Europe's best)

* If the group is up to 7 persons - touring with an English speaking driver-guide

* If the group is 8-12 persons - touring with a driver + English speaking guide

* Flexible and accommodating service during the 4 hour tour

* High quality and personal excursion experience

The price includes, transportation, petrol, toll roads, parking, driver-guide (or driver and guide), and all taxes. The price does not include entry fees - which are not needed with the normal itinerary. During the tour we will visit all the highlights of Barcelona (including La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, National Palace, and more!) and you will have time at each of the sites to explore the places and take photos. This is a great way to discover Barcelona and I am sure you will be very happy with your decision to travel with us!

Thanks and again.

Kind regards,

Sofia Delgado

Barcelona Day Tours

Top-Day-Tours Group

www.BarcelonaDayTours.com

Tel: +34 931 815 287

Fax:+34 933 728 413

Email: info@BarcelonaDayTours.com

Registered Tour Operator #: GC002094

Registered Tax ID #: B65440869

American Society of Travel Agents Member #: 900203555

Cruise Line International Association Member #: 00425541

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