By Suzanne Fyhrie Parrott
Book shorter singles cruises that pack a lot of fun into a short amount of time.
Traditional ships offer single travelers theme
cruises with plenty of loud music--24-hour discos and nightspots keep the party going until the early morning. Other cruise ships provide a more relaxed atmosphere with open seating dining in all of the on-board restaurants, offering more mingling opportunities. If you seek a serious party vibe, look for shorter cruises that offer singles a lot of partying in a short amount of time.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line's offers a casual atmosphere with bright, cheerful décor and fun online activities, such as bowling alleys and gourmet beer bars. Though they offer flexible dining, a multitude of restaurants, and above-average entertainment, the cabins are smaller than most of the competition.
Although larger cruise lines offer a theme-park ambiance--with large cabins and a diversity of passengers--you are never alone, and no enrichment activities are offered.
Norwegian Cruise Line
866-234-7350
ncl.com/
Costa Cruises--Italian Style
Costa Cruises are fun, festive and international. Sailing to the Caribbean, Europe and Asia, Costa plays up its Italian heritage, with Italian cuisine and traditional Italian music. Inspired by Italy's classic paintings and architecture, the cruise ship's interior has been designed more like a Venice a la Vegas style.
Costa Cruises
200 S. Park Rd., Ste. 200
Hollywood, FL 330121
800-462-6782
costacruise.com/
Smaller Cruise Lines
Life aboard smaller vessels is casual though luxurious. Informality and friendliness is commonplace as there are fewer passengers and making friends is easier---an immense advantage for singles. Sailing with like-minded individuals, especially on a smaller, more intimate cruise, offers more opportunity for developing new friendships. Windstar Cruise vacations combine a casual yet elegant atmosphere, with worldly experiences, all aboard a small sailing ship. Windstar sails to the Caribbean, Europe, the Americas, Greek Isles, and the Transatlantic.
Small ship cruising is not for everyone; some may find it tedious and confining; however, if you yearn for a more intimate setting, a smaller cruise ship may be right for you.
Windstar Cruises
2101 4th Ave. Suite 210
Seattle, WA 98121
800-258-7245
windstarcruises.com/
Planning Tips
Your singles cruise must be children-free. Some cruises have 400, or more, children aboard; to increase your "me" time, try not book a cruise during the holidays, and avoid liners that cater to family travel. Even if you love children, your cruise will be more relaxing without the distraction.
Specialty cruises focus on activities, including whale-watching or exploring ancient ruins. Determine if the itinerary you desire includes more days at sea, more days in port, or a balance of both. There are theme cruises where a jazz festival, scuba diving, golf, sailing, dancing, or wildlife viewing is emphasized.
Resources
About the Author:
Suzanne Fyhrie Parrott is lead graphic designer and owner of OneWay Advertising & Design and founder, owner of Unruly Guides DIY ePublishing. Parrott provides professional advertising, graphic design and book formatting services including book-cover design, website design, Internet marketing strategies, as well as tips, how-to tutorials and videos on ebook formatting, marketing and promotion.
Photo Credits:
cruise ship leaving image by Paula Gent from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
