Need Help

[123scooter123]

Hi everyone.

Looking for a singles cruise to Alaska from Vancouver. First time for me.

What are the hidden cost they don't tell you about.

Where to start.

Oh ya I am 60.

[mom says]

As a first time cruiser, you don't know the questions you need answers to, so my advice is to find a local TA with cruise experience. A good one will walk you through all your options to find the best cruise for you, and answer questions about all of the various costs involved besides the basic cruise fare.

[GUT2407]

Hi everyone.

Looking for a singles cruise to Alaska from Vancouver. First time for me.

What are the hidden cost they don't tell you about.

Where to start.

Oh ya I am 60.

Might help to know who you are cruising with.

 

Most lines you will need to budget extra for

 

Gratuities (usually around $14 per person per day)

Drinks (free tea, something they try to pass as coffee, water some others by line)

Shore excursions, if you choose to do them.

Gambling

Specialty restaurants, if you want them

Shopping

Souvenirs

 

You can have a very enjoyable cruise for little or no extra than your basic fare and gratuities.

[cb at sea]

Cabin prices are DOUBLE the "per person" price...be prepared for that! Gratuities will be added to your bill. Bar tabs or "packages" will add the tip to the price....no other tips are expected.

[Langley Cruisers]

Hi there, and welcome.

 

There aren't "singles cruises" in the way that you might mean - where everyone on board is single and looking for a partner, or that everyone on board is cruising solo (the more correct term). So, having said that, Alaskan cruises are wonderful but there can be a lot of kids on the ship because it is summer holidays and such. It can be a family atmosphere with many generations cruising together.

 

There are no "hidden costs", but there may be some charges you are not familiar with, as mentioned above.

 

I would also suggest a cruise travel agent in your local area. It can be quite daunting the first time out and someone who specializes in cruises might be the best way to go.

 

Have fun. :)

.

[SPacificbound]

Have you done any reading on the Alaska board?

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

[Heidi13]

As a single, you should be aware that most cruise ship pricing is based on double occupancy, so single cruisers are charged a premium, which can be 150% to 200%. However, some cruise lines are now introducing single cabins - NCL, HAL & RCI are some of the mainstream lines that have some single cabins. However, I am not aware which ships, or if they have any in Alaska.

 

With respect to extra (hidden) costs, this will depend on the cruise line you select. The premium/luxury brands are more inclusive, so have few, if any additional costs. On mainstream lines, your fixed costs are the base fare, port charges/taxes and discretionary service charge (tips). In addition you can expect to receive a plethora of opportunities to spend more - all beverages (except tap water, basic tea/coffee and some juice), wifi, laundry, specialty restaurants, tours, photographers, spa services, casino, shopping, etc. All bar drinks incur an automatic service charge (probably 15%)

[johnson6ofus]

Don't go NCL. Lousy trip in July 2018 with family of 9 (35th anny trip).They were cheap on everything from food to cabin storage. We love Princess and like RCCL.

 

Cruise fare+ port charges+tips..... we have had many wonderful cruises with a check out bill of only tips. BUT, you have to get to the port/ ship/ hotel (if added). Add airfare+ taxi/ Uber fare + pre or post hotel costs + meals before/ after the cruise.

 

Alaska is beautiful and you see wonderful scenery from the ship. Shore excursions are extra and add up fast. Alaska has a short season and they gotta make the $$$ while they can to support the businesses.

[mjkacmom]

Don't go NCL. Lousy trip in July 2018 with family of 9 (35th anny trip).They were cheap on everything from food to cabin storage. We love Princess and like RCCL.

 

Cruise fare+ port charges+tips..... we have had many wonderful cruises with a check out bill of only tips. BUT, you have to get to the port/ ship/ hotel (if added). Add airfare+ taxi/ Uber fare + pre or post hotel costs + meals before/ after the cruise.

 

Alaska is beautiful and you see wonderful scenery from the ship. Shore excursions are extra and add up fast. Alaska has a short season and they gotta make the $$$ while they can to support the businesses.

It’s subjective, our family of 7 has enjoyed 4 NCL cruises very much (4 different ships).

[calliopecruiser]

Do you want a "singles cruise", where everyone is single and it is chartered specifically for that kind of group? Or are you looking for information on traveling solo on a standard cruise voyage? Singles cruising and solo cruising are two different things. If you're looking for a "singles cruise", talk to a travel agent. If you're looking for a cruise and plan to travel solo, you can talk to an agent or look around yourself, but be aware that all cruise lines charge a supplement for people traveling solo, ranging from 30%-100% (i.e. double), unless you find a sale.

[Heidi13]

Don't go NCL. Lousy trip in July 2018 with family of 9 (35th anny trip).They were cheap on everything from food to cabin storage. We love Princess and like RCCL.

 

 

Unfortunately, with many cruise lines you get what you pay for.

 

Selecting a cruise line is highly subjective. Personally we used Princess for almost 40 years until 2015. In our opinion, their standards finally dropped below what we expect. However, while they are no longer a good fit for us, I have no problem suggesting them for other people, if it seems to meet their requirements & expectations.