Solo travelers alert: Crystal Cruises offers new solo rates on Fall Europe cruises

The two most dreaded words for a solo traveler: single supplement. It’s not just the cruise lines that can charge 200% of the going rate, but tour operators as well.

Where it really starts to get painful is in the luxury side of travel. When a cruise or tour is advertised at $5,450 per person based on double occupancy, unless there is a special promotion at that time, you’ll pay close to $10,000 as a solo traveler. (I didn’t exactly double the amount to $10,900 because many times you’ll not pay double on taxes or port charges.) This year, with soaring air fares to Europe and beyond, cruising the continent couldn’t be better.  Crystal Cruises wants to fill their ships and whether you’re a double or single, they’d like you to come along.

Crystal Cruises has always had one of the lowest solo traveler rates for a double occupancy cabin.  The announcement of  the new solo travelers’ sale on fall Mediterranean cruises may just make it possible to a single passenger to experience a luxury cruise in Europe.  A shatteringly-low single supplement of only 10% certainly does make the option quite appealing.  How that translates into dollars is about $900 off a deluxe oceanview stateroom, Category C.

The savings are offered on eight 11 and 12 day Crystal Serenity sailings through the Black Sea, Middle East, Canary Islands, and entire Mediterranean, beginning with the September 6 12-day voyage from Athens to Istanbul. There are five embarkation port from which to choose; Athens, Istanbul, Venice, Barcelona, and Lisbon.

The discounted sailings extend from September through November.  One of the advantages of a Crystal cruise is the opportunity to overnight in many of the ports as well as have more day time in the smaller, less visited ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Montenegro, Israel, Croatia, Morocco and the Canary Islands. Hoping to make the air cost less painful, there are reduced airfares from many North American cities.

“A Crystal cruise is a wonderful option for solo travelers who seek luxury and pampering while on vacation and also the fast, easy friendships that are made on board,” says Jack Anderson, senior vice president of marketing and sales.  “This is an ideal opportunity for cruisers indulging in a room all to themselves to realize significant savings and value with the World’s Best Cruise Line.”

For solo women cruisers who like to dance but don’t have a partner with them, Crystal still offers Ambassador hosts on every sailing.  Solos can opt for assigned seating for dinner in the main dining room, upping their chances of making new friends for the voyage. Crystal also features a unique dinner option called, “Table for 8” which takes place in the complimentary specialty restaurants so solo travelers can experience alternative dining and not have to sit alone.

As on every cruise, wine, premium spirits and gratuities are included.

Photo credit: Crystal Cruises

Sherry Laskin

I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way.  I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying.  Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.