Singles Activities Crasher

[idocdlw]

Please don't flame...I know what I'm proposing probably isn't the classiest, but I'd appreciate input from those who have experience...

 

I'm single and booked on an upcoming cruise on which several single cruiser groups are booked. It was much, much cheaper for me to book at the military rate (even with the single supplement) than to book through the singles groups.

 

The singles group cruises offer "singles activities coordinated by **insert group name here**". My question is...is it appropriate to intentionally mingle with the organized singles groups on cruises, i.e., crash their activities? It seems to me that if what they are doing is in public areas, one should feel free to join. After all, the goal of a group that organizes singles cruises is to have their subscribers meet singles. Of course, if access to areas for specific events are taking place that is another story.

 

Opinions and personal experience welcomed...bring it on!

[snowbird1]

Dawn,

 

Like you I am going on a cruise that happens to have a Singles group on it but I didn't book with them. From what I have heard (makes perfect sense), you will Not be allowed in their private parties because they give their guest passes of some sort or at least that is what I hear. To be honest that is understandable because the company is forking out money for those hosted get togethers and maybe supplying some drinks, etc and as you have noted they may have paid a little more for these special activities. I would imagine others have more information.

 

Now, havings said this, you are perfectly free to meet and mingle with any of these people in the lounges, piano bars, and everywhere else you may meet someone. You may meet them on Shore Excursions or something like that. Try to look at it positive because at least you know there will be more singles than usual onboard. Have a great time and thanks for your service to our country.

[rogue bkpkr]

Hi Dawn:

 

You singlecrasher. <G>

 

If I'm thinking of the same group that you are looking at, there maybe another option that would solve your problem. Perhaps.

 

One of the agencies will book the military rate. I have not comfirmed this but it was posted on the website.

 

You will not be eligible to go to their "exclusive" parties, games, dinners, excursions ect if you are not with the "group".

 

I've thought of doing the same thing since a 1A on Carnival with the military discount is a lot cheaper than paying the price with a singles group.

 

I concur with Snowbird1's reply.

 

Rogue

[kitty9]

Those with the group will have wristbands or some other type of identification that tells they're with this group. The reason it's more expensive to book with the agency is because the members of this group paid to have parties and activities, which are included in their cruise fare. I don't think you'll be able to crash the parties, but that doesn't mean you can't mingle with the people outside of their parties. These events are controlled by the organizers, and therefore difficult to crash. Afterall, the members of this group have already paid a good amount to have these parties, and I personally feel it's rather tacky to crash something you've not paid for.

[LunaTEKKE]

No "flaming" from me...I also booked a cruise that happens to be hosting a singles group, but through my travel agent. My issue wasn't so much the cost differential, but the fact that I knew nothing at all about the Internet company that is hosting the singles cruise. This will be my first cruise, and if I was going to spend that much money, I wanted to make sure that I was doing business with someone I knew and trusted.

 

From reading other boards, my understanding is that the organized singles events are strictly limited to folks who booked through the singles agency...you can't even join in the event if you offer to pay additional $$.

 

Even so, I figure that with the presence of the singles group, this will at least *slightly* improve the ratio of singles to honeymooning couples!

 

As a side note, I think it would be great PR for the singles agencies to host one paid event, maybe at the end of the cruise, for *all* singles on board. If I had a chance to attend an event in person and get some feedback from the other attendees, I would be more likely to spend my $$ with that agency in the future.

 

-- Kimberly

[DolphinFan]

No "flaming" from me...I also booked a cruise that happens to be hosting a singles group, but through my travel agent. My issue wasn't so much the cost differential, but the fact that I knew nothing at all about the Internet company that is hosting the singles cruise. This will be my first cruise, and if I was going to spend that much money, I wanted to make sure that I was doing business with someone I knew and trusted.

 

From reading other boards, my understanding is that the organized singles events are strictly limited to folks who booked through the singles agency...you can't even join in the event if you offer to pay additional $$.

 

Even so, I figure that with the presence of the singles group, this will at least *slightly* improve the ratio of singles to honeymooning couples!

 

As a side note, I think it would be great PR for the singles agencies to host one paid event, maybe at the end of the cruise, for *all* singles on board. If I had a chance to attend an event in person and get some feedback from the other attendees, I would be more likely to spend my $$ with that agency in the future.

 

-- Kimberly

Luna..just read your message. We too (4 of us single girls) booked a Singles Cruise through a TA to later find out that they were not having any events and they just assumed because there were single events, there would be more singles than not. Needless to say, this will be the last time we book with this TA!

[houstontaylor]

yes, that is exactly what happens. You will get a wristband to join in the singles activities, and those with no wristbands will not be allowed in. But not to mimic what has already been said you are more than welcome to mingle with the people at the pool, or in the casino or bars. Please dont crash the parties or activites that is pretty rude, but hey on some of the singles cruises there are up to 300 singles so your chances of meeting someone compatible are pretty good! Happy hunting, Lo;)

[yearnin4cruisin]

I just came back from a singles cruise a week ago. While it's true we had identifying necklaces on (most didn't wear them anyway) there was a hospitality table set up on the Lido deck. The table wasn't "open" all day long, but it had business cards and advertisement on it, AND a list of the singles activities for the day. Anyone could read them. Every day we had activities that weren't exclusive, like meeting in a particular lounge for dancing or the casino for gambling. I'm sure you could buddy up with some singles if you tried. Good luck!

 

Tricia