Love2Cruise4Less

Sorry in advance if my inquiry is in the wrong forum. I looked for a specific C&A on but couldn't find.

A user in anther CC forum (solo/deals) mentioned possible discounts for C&A members. The post reminded me that, while I haven't sailed a great deal on RCL I did/do have an account. My account shows my past three cruises (back to 1999) and my total points at a whopping 23! Shows I received 8 points for a 4 night cruise (2016), (On this cruise I sailed solo.) Received 7 points for a 7 night cruise (2012) and only 1 point for a 10 nigher (1999).

Question 1: for an infrequent cruiser like myself do a handful of C&A points have any "value" (better rates, freebies, etc.)?

Not sure why I received only 1 point for a 10 night sailing. Alas, life's too short to be concerned about something that happened over 30 years ago!

Thanks for any C&A insight.

Mine may be both a naive inquiry and posted in the wrong thread. If so, sorry.

My sister, who is a school teacher, is interested in a summer (July/August) west-coast cruise. I told her I'd do some research.

I am fully aware of the spring/fall cruises when ships are headed to/from Alaska. But July/August west coast cruises??

I thought, a year or so ago, I read that some cruise line was going to start doing regular west coast cruises. Maybe I read it wrongly. I can't find any such itineraries.

Help appreciated.

Is this my imagination or are there fewer good solo deals out there than normal? Or is it just the time of year?

For several years I've wondered the same thing. I've followed this thread for some time and, often, when I see a posted cruise price I think "yikes!"

Maybe I keep dreaming of 1980's prices. Or when gas was 25 cents a gallon.

As I mentioned in this thread some time ago my idea of a GREAT deal is:

Solo

Balcony

+/- $100/day.

In the past few years I've sailed on a couple of cruises at that price point. Lucky flukes perhaps as they are very, very rare.

Not sure where to post this question.... What software/program does Cruise Critic use for its forums?

Smoking should not be permitted anywhere on ship. It is disgusting and grossly offensive.

jdshaw1000, thank you for that observation. Smoking truly IS both 'disgusting and grossly offensive' ... not to mention a grave health hazard.

BUT, how about you review a year's worth of posts in this thread? How about you book on ANY other cruise line other than HAL? How about you book any cabin other than a balcony/suite.

Naw, that's not gonna happen. Non-smokers love to complain. Huge SIGH.

Could we get smokers to try bagpipes, instead? We'd all live longer -- and may learn to enjoy bagpipe music.

Could we get non-smokers to cruise on any other cruise line in the world than HAL? Naw!!

<<...Upon disembarkation I originally planned to get to the airport using Uber/Light Rail. But with a broken bag I opted to purchase bus transfer on the ship ($25.00). Oddly, no one ever asked to see my transfer proof-of-purchase / receipt...>>

 

Can we ask to see the receipt? Yes. Do we? Not very often. We tend to trust people at the pier.

 

<<...Taxis. The taxi line was as long as was the line for the shuttle busses. So don’t, necessarily, think you will save time taking a taxi over a shuttle. Too, I thought Seattle’s taxis are metered but at the port I saw a sign indicating ‘taxis to the airport $40.’ I still don’t know if taxi fares are based on the meter or a flat fee...>>

 

That sign has been reported to CTA (Cruise Terminals of America) as being misleading but so far nothing has been done on it. Supposedly, it is flat rate from the pier to SeaTac, but I've heard otherwise also. I would recommend questioning the driver before you leave the pier to find out what he/she says. If the driver says otherwise than what the sign says and you have the time to spend, I would then ask one of the people directing taxis about the actual cost. The "lead man" of the taxi line is a fairly short, grey-haired gentleman and he should be able to clear the matter up. I was not aware that the sign was still up.

 

Tom

 

Normally, unless all the available taxis have been taken and/or there is a long line of people who are waiting for taxis, the taxis are quicker than the large 50+ pax shuttle buses for the simple reason that it's quicker to 3-4 people into a number of different taxis at the same, or almost the same, time than it is to load 50 people onto a bus.

Thanks for your input Tom. I'm curious ... who are you? Do you work for RCI? City of Seattle? Port authority?

I’ll add a few more comments in the event they are helpful to anyone who may stumble across this thread in the future….

During my flight to SEA the handle on my suitcase had been bent rendering it unrollable.

At the RCI “desk” at SEA (tiny little thing almost hidden from view) I learned that for a fee of $5.00 they would transport my broken suitcase to the ship. Bingo! That allowed me to continue my original plan of doing a little exploring of Seattle on my own.

I took the Light Rail* from the airport to downtown Seattle ($3.00), looked around downtown for a bit (nothing to see), then took an Uber to Pier 91 ($12.14 + tip). (Taxis and Ubers are plentiful.)

Upon disembarkation I originally planned to get to the airport using Uber/Light Rail. But with a broken bag I opted to purchase bus transfer on the ship ($25.00). Oddly, no one ever asked to see my transfer proof-of-purchase / receipt.

Taxis. The taxi line was as long as was the line for the shuttle busses. So don’t, necessarily, think you will save time taking a taxi over a shuttle. Too, I thought Seattle’s taxis are metered but at the port I saw a sign indicating ‘taxis to the airport $40.’ I still don’t know if taxi fares are based on the meter or a flat fee.

*Light Rail. The Light Rail station at SEATAC is at the far end of the parking structure (a bit of a hike). The downtown Seattle stations are two stories underground. I do NOT recommend doing the Light Rail route if schlepping around a lot of luggage!

Maybe make 40-50 verandah cabins on the top deck smoking. It wouldn't impact as many others as smoke rises. (maybe that's why the smokestack is on top?):rolleyes:

Thanks for your comment. Your idea has been hashed and rehashed (here, in this thread, and elsewhere) many times. Honestly, it doesn't work for several reasons (both business and sociopolitical ones).

We cruised with HAL in Alaska and enjoyed the cruise except for the chain smokers on the balcony next to us. We said "never again" and that is exactly what has happened, as we have been looking for a cruise that visits Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Holland America and Princess both offer the itinerary we like. Our first choice would have been HAL because of the smaller ship/fewer passengers, but will try Princess for the first time because they have the itinerary we want, although the ship is much larger.

 

So, we will take our business, and money, elsewhere until HAL bans balcony smoking. Yes, it's about "choice." But in this case we feel our choice was dictated by smokers, and our "choice" was definitely diminished.

 

I absolutely agree that smokers should have quality designated smoking areas. I just wish balconies weren't part of the equation.

I swore I was not going to follow/reply to this thread anymore. But, nope, I can not resist....

Sheltie (no offense but my forever-favorite breed of dog), have you followed this thread for some time? I suspect you have not. Please review the past several months/years of posts in this thread.

My TA will request that I be seated with other singles. Sometimes it works out well.

Interesting -- and varied -- responses on this subject in this thread. I’ll offer mine….

Freely admitted, I am not an outgoing person. As such and sailing solo, I don’t easily make “cruise buddies.” Therefore, I enjoy good company at my MDR table. At dinner I can make “friends,” review what we did that day, and discuss the next day’s plans. I think of dinner as a learning experience.

I’ve recently concluded my third solo cruise in as many years. I’ve not been happy with ANY of my table assignments. (Remember, I’m a single, solo cruiser.)

 First cruise: seated at a table for ten with a family of eight. (After the first night I DID request a table change!)

 Second cruise: seated with three married couples.

 Third cruise (and most recent): booked my cruise directly with the cruise line (RCI). TA requested a table for six. I was seated at a table for ten. At my assigned table for ten: 1) me 2) another single male and 3) one married couple. Four of us at a table for ten.

I have no idea how cruise lines do MDR table assignments. I suspect it’s left to some computer’s algorithm. But, having struck out three times in a row, I’ve concluded I don’t like algorithms!

Whether sailing single/solo, as a couple, or as a family, I guess MDR table assignment is just a matter of luck. Kinda like gambling.

I doubt there is a perfect solution. But what I do wish is that the cruise line’s algorithm would take a little more notice of us solo cruisers!

I was wondering the best transportation to use from Pier 91 coming in Friday June 24 to Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square 612 2nd street. This is the last part of transportation we need to plan and I am having a hard time to figure out the best way. There are 8 of us in the party. Thank you ahead of time for any help.

I typed a long reply to your inquiry ... then re-read your post. Wondering ... if you can get 8 people TO the port, why can't you get them OUT?

I just concluded a cruise from Pier 91. Getting out was a nightmare (albeit there were two ships arriving/departing on same day). Given your circumstances (8 people) I'd suggest arranging a limo service (provided the limo can handle 8 people and all your luggage). Otherwise, use two taxis.

Either way, especially if there are two ships in port at the same time, be prepared to be patient! Relax and enjoy your cruise.

I was wondering the best transportation to use from Pier 91 coming in Friday June 24 to Courtyard Seattle Downtown/Pioneer Square 612 2nd street. This is the last part of transportation we need to plan and I am having a hard time to figure out the best way. There are 8 of us in the party. Thank you ahead of time for any help.

My reply is probably of no help but I'll offer it anyway.... I recently finished a cruise to/from SEA Pier 91. Getting TO the port was easy. Getting OUT of the port was a nightmare. (Note: there were two cruise ships at the port on our day of arrival. Hopefully, on your day, yours is the only ship.)

In your case (with 8 people) I would seriously consider contacting a limo service. Two taxis or Ubers might be a bit cheaper ... but more complicated. Do the limo thing ... provided the limo can handle 8 passengers and all their luggage. WARNING: do not be in a rush to get out of Pier 91. It's a nightmare!

I've chimed in on this thread a few times over the years. I suspect, in the future, both my visits here and my cruises will be severely curtailed. But before I go, please allow me to say just one thing one more time....

There are dozens and dozens of cruise lines. There are hundreds and hundreds of ships. Nonsmokers have thousands of options. Currently, to the best of my knowledge, smokers have ONE option: balcony cabin on HAL. (Which, BTW, are rarely discounted for us single/solo folks.)

Alas, nonsmokers will not rest until even this ONE choice for smokers is gone.

One last caveat and I'll be gone.... I spent several decades as a dealer in Las Vegas. Innumerable times over the years I'd see a nonsmoker walk up to a table, sit down, then immediately start huffing and puffing (complete with arm waving) at the sight of a smoker. We would often inform them there was a completely smoke-free casino just across the street.

That completely smoke-free Las Vegas casino went out of business in a few short years.

Carry on with your fight for a completely smoke-free world (at least at sea). We smoking cruisers will all be dead and gone soon enough.

The end.

I've followed this thread for many years. Enjoy it. But sometimes it makes me a little ... dizzy.

I’ve been a semi-follower of this thread for a very long time. I know I should keep my mouth shut. What good does it do to open it? But I can’t resist.

As a life-long smoker, I fully realize the smoking vs. non-smoking issue is a huge, divisive, hot-potato issue. As a smoker, I fully appreciate the “rights” of non-smokers (I am a very considerate smoker.)

I also appreciate the concept of free-market capitalism.

Of ALL the cruise lines in the world, and of ALL the cabin-types on each of those ships, political correctness has limited the selection of us smokers to ONE cruise line and ONE cabin type: HAL and balcony. And, still, that’s not enough restrictions for you anti-smokers!

Fear not: within another decade or two all of us smokers will be dead. Tobacco will be outlawed – everywhere!

You have pretty much killed cruising for us soon-to-be dead smokers. Congratulations. Be proud!

:eek:

Crazy transatlantic price...

 

13 nights departing May 27, 2016 on Pullmantur's Monarch. Double occupancy is $159, solo price still cheap $318 and includes drink package.

 

FastDeal 13056

I *think* that's Euros not dollars. Still, inexpensive for anyone who can fly to/from Panama/Lisbon.

I am finding more and more that Norwegian is offering many great deals for solos. Last night I found an Alaska cruise for 2017 at $799 for a solo oceanview, 7 days from Seward (Anchorage) to Vancouver. The oceanview is $100 cheaper than the inside. Total airfare from Florida would add $500. I am seriously considering this, I have to decide by Monday. Should include the free drinks, too.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Any time I see ZERO single supplement I sit up and take note.

Radiance of the Seas - May 26, 2016

Anchorage - Vancouver

Yesterday (Feb. 27) the RCI website showed Oceanview ($707), Balcony ($1318), and Mini-Suite ($1977) cabins with ZERO single supplement.

Today the website shows 100% supplement. He who hesitates??

BTW Anyone know when cruiseplum is updated?

I'm a long-time CC fan and single/solo cruiser. The last two cruises I enjoyed I found and booked a single balcony cabin for less than $100/day. Since last year I haven't been able to find anything close to that price! Do tell, are cruise prices for single's going up?

Yes, I *do* know of many online agencies. (CC rules restrict us from mentioning these many agencies.) Yet, searching many resources, I can't find my goal. Am I dreaming??

My goal: A single/solo balcony cabin priced at less than $100/day.

In March and April of this year I was looking for an Alaska cruise for $1,000/under for an inside or OV on any cruise line sailing in May or June. No luck.

Faith, I admit that in recent years I haven’t been searching for, specifically, Alaska cruises. But I have found that, Caribbean cruises excepted, Alaska is not all that pricey. Inside/ocean view cabins are very reasonable. Where have you been searching? (Admittedly, I forgot this is an HAL thread…. For Alaska, try a different cruise line for inexpensive, in/out cabin prices.)

Many many many years ago (when newspapers were the most common form of communication :) ) a friend of mine wanted to see the world, so advertised for a travel companion. She got a number of replies and found someone compatible. They actually did travel most of the world together, over the course of a few years.

 

I just googled "solo travel seeking roommate" and got a number of returns. Have you tried anything like that? Having a roommate would certainly help with the cost of a balcony cabin.

Well, yikes CowPrincess, you may be older than am I! I love my computer and I am addicted to Google. Yet, some days I long for the days before computers, Google, email and texting. LOL @ newspapers! Anyone remember the old days of actually going to a library to read/do research?!?

Thanks, all, for your replies above. For the sake of brevity I made my last post short. This time around I’ll make it lengthier. (Warning: MUCH lengthier!). For those who have the time to read -- and have any thoughts/comments/suggestions -- my thanks in advance. Here’s my story….

I am neither retired nor wealthy! Years ago I was blessed with the opportunities to do a number of “working” cruises. I fell in love with cruising! But those days are now over and whatever few cruises I have done since I’ve have to pay for in full.

I have been around Cruise Critic’s boards for many years. I do believe I’ve spent more time reading the boards than I’ve spent on a ship! Alas, as much as I love to cruise, I am a computer addict. I do know how to Google and I do know how to find information and websites. Nevertheless, with the exception of one website in particular, no websites that I have found make it easy to find great deals on solo cruises. It’s very frustrating/time-consuming to search website by website, cruise line by cruise line, sailing by sailing to see if a great single-supplement rate pops up. My original post was to inquire if anyone was aware of any new places, of which I was unaware, which may have popped up in recent years. V.T.G. excepted.

To further complicate my situation I smoke. Like a chimney. In years’ past smoking (for me) was not an issue. Alas, all the cruise lines -- save one -- have succumbed to political correctness. And, has been noted, HAL’s balcony cabin’s single-supplement rates are rarely (never?) inexpensive. Therefore, I conclude that going forward I must either 1) find an extremely rare (non-existent?) inexpensive HAL, balcony, single’s rate, 2) hit the lottery and become a millionaire, 3) give up cruising or, 4) give up smoking -- which will never happen! [Note: kindly do NOT turn my mention of smoking into a thread about smoking.] I mention it only to help describe myself and the cruise(s) which I seek. Lord knows, in my lifetime I’ve heard enough sermons on the evils of smoking. Too, I notice there is a ‘Smoking’ thread on the CC boards. Browsing through it I noted there are more posts from the “politically correct” than there are from those who smoke. Enough on that subject….

As avian777 noted the “fix” around the single-supplement is to find a cruise partner. That is obvious. As others noted some enjoy sailing solo. Yet, some of us are stuck in the middle: we have no friends who like to cruise and we have no interest in cruising with a total stranger, but neither can we afford a 100% single-supplement -- especially for HAL’s balcony cabins. What is one such as I to do?

Perhaps I got spoiled on my last cruise: somewhat at the last minute, I found and booked a balcony cabin, seven day, single rate for about $900. It was on Carnival (ick), to the Bahamas (ick), but it was cheap! I think mine was the last sailing on which Carnival allowed smoking on the balcony. As mentioned, perhaps I got spoiled. Since that sailing nearly a year ago, I’ve searched high and low for a balcony cabin, sailing single, seven+ days for less than $1000. Haven’t found anything close since. Do tell, are the “old days” gone forever?

___

Since I’m on a roll (and assuming at least a few of you are still reading) here are a few aside mentions….

-- To further complicate my cruise searches, I’ve had my fill of most Caribbean and Mexico cruises. (For us Americans they are the cheap ones.) I’ve also done Alaska and the Northeast (“fall foliage) cruises. I’d love to do Hawaii. The Baltic. Scandinavia. But, hot dang, those cruises are expensive. Sigh. Now I really am dreaming!

-- I do know that a few great deals appear for Mediterranean cruises. While the Mediterainian is not my first (or second or third) dream-choice, as they say: any cruise is better than no cruise. I could scrape up enough money and frequent-flyer miles to get to Europe. I don’t know about getting back. I may have to stay, post-cruise, forever in Europe!

-- Browsing some threads on CC this weekend I note more posts than I remember in year's past from residents of the UK. Notably, some posts mention searching cruise fares via a UK (European) website results in lower prices than searching via US ones. That, to me, seems both complicated and unfair. (Complicated in that one must convert currency, factor in exchange rates and fees, et al. -- and unfair that a cruise line would offer Europeans a lower price for the exact same cruise as they would offer to US citizens.) Alas, I digress… Have any of you single folks searched for and/or found (lower) fares using a non-US based website?

I could write more -- but I’ll give y’all a break. Comments and thoughts appreciated. But, again, PLEASE do not turn this into an anti-smoking thread! Let’s keep this thread friendly, about cruising solo/single, and about finding GREAT deals.

Lastly, forgive the spell-checker and the split-infinitives. I tend to write as I speak … must be why I’m neither an author nor an editor!

Here are two places for cheap cruises, but no special data on single supplements.

 

Cheap deals

Price drops

Thanks Walt but it seems no one wants to make it easy for us singles to find great deals.

Not sure if this is the correct thread for my comments/questions but I’ll try it here. Too, I’ll try to make this post not too convoluted!

I used to LOVE spending hours and hours browsing Cruise Critic. I don’t spend much time here anymore as I don’t cruise much anymore. Why? Because I’m a smoker. And single. Which, as we all know, means I must cruise only on HAL, balcony cabin, and pay single supplement. Big bucks - which I don’t have!

I subscribe to emails from a couple of online cruise agencies. I love to check out the cruise deals -- and dream of my next sailing. Alas, that is time-consuming.

My specific question is this (realizing CC does not allow references to other websites): is there an easy way to search (somewhere) for great cruise deals 1) on HAL 2) balcony cabins only and 3) showing single supplement prices? One of the weekly emails I receive is pretty good at meeting what I’m looking for. Still, it takes some time to sort through several hundred sailings. Is there an easier way?

I’m sure my question has been asked and answered a million times but I can’t find them. Too, I realize this thread is about using TAs which is not my question. Most of my past cruises were booked as a group so I didn’t have to mess with the bookings. On my last couple of (solo) cruises I booked with an one particular online company. That all said, to my question….

Given that the price and perks shown are all the same, does it make any difference at all which online company one uses to make one’s booking (given, of course, that the company is reputable)?