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Sunday, July 14, 2013
Solo Travelers on River Cruises: Have you tried this?
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Solo travel on Holland American: part 2
Solo Travel by Sea: Value vs Price
Solo travel on a ship offers challenges, opportunities and many pleasant events.
After taking 3 other cruise lines in the past few years Holland American excelled in several areas:
Crew attitude and personality
It took me two days before I realized that ALL of the staff in the formal dining room was male. No women. Although the comments from the assistant manager were rather negative, HA found that an all male crew could manage the heavy trays that are often required to serve a table of 6 or 8. (women crew members did work in the specialty restaurants)
All of these positions are filled with crew from the same country. Therefore there would be no language problems in this very demanding.
What astounded me was almost ALL of the staff was pleasant, smiled and asked how you were. I know, this is their job, but many of the staff were actually interested! Life off the sea is NEVER like this…..when was the last time someone genuinely smiled at you and meant it?
I think I became a ‘mission’ for the dining room staff. I did not ‘bond’ with many of the other solo travelers who preferred to sit at their assigned tables so I requested a table for 2 in a non conspicuous locations. And if you eat at the end of the last seating there are not many other passengers still in the dining room who continue to look, stare and wonder why I am having such a GOOD TIME?
Except for one incident I was accommodated and was NOT made to feel ‘unusual’.
I worry though, do solo travelers expect staff and other workers to “be their friends’ while cruising? I shall have to be very careful on the next outing.
Solo travel on a ship offers challenges, opportunities and many pleasant events.
After taking 3 other cruise lines in the past few years Holland American excelled in several areas:
Crew attitude and personality
It took me two days before I realized that ALL of the staff in the formal dining room was male. No women. Although the comments from the assistant manager were rather negative, HA found that an all male crew could manage the heavy trays that are often required to serve a table of 6 or 8. (women crew members did work in the specialty restaurants)
All of these positions are filled with crew from the same country. Therefore there would be no language problems in this very demanding.
What astounded me was almost ALL of the staff was pleasant, smiled and asked how you were. I know, this is their job, but many of the staff were actually interested! Life off the sea is NEVER like this…..when was the last time someone genuinely smiled at you and meant it?
I think I became a ‘mission’ for the dining room staff. I did not ‘bond’ with many of the other solo travelers who preferred to sit at their assigned tables so I requested a table for 2 in a non conspicuous locations. And if you eat at the end of the last seating there are not many other passengers still in the dining room who continue to look, stare and wonder why I am having such a GOOD TIME?
Except for one incident I was accommodated and was NOT made to feel ‘unusual’.
I worry though, do solo travelers expect staff and other workers to “be their friends’ while cruising? I shall have to be very careful on the next outing.
No Solo supplements? Solo Travelers Club newsletter
The solo Traveler Club just sent out a newsletter...... solo travelers tell me if $250 to $400+ per day in your budget?
Thank you Solo Travelers Club for this email: now I need to call for the solo fares....
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Deals for Solo Travelers
Azamara Club Cruises
9-Night Northern Europe
Oceanview on the Azamara Quest
Aug 7, 2013 from $4049
13-Night Ocean Crossing
Oceanview on the Azamara Quest
November 13, 2013 from $3129
14-Night Asia
Oceanview on the Azamara Journey
December 9, 2013 from $4521
Call For More Info:
800-787-1871
Holland America Line Special Offers
Western Caribbean Cruise 7 Nights Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale on ms Eurodam Verandah from $1398 Suite from $1798 Sailing: Oct 27, Nov 10*, 24, 2013 and Jan 5, 2014 Eastern Caribbean Itinerary on Nov 17, 2013 Eastern Caribbean Cruise 7 Nights Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale on ms Westerdam Verandah from $1398 Suite from $1798 Sailing: Nov 9, 16*, 23 and Dec 14, 2013 and January 4, 2014
AmaWaterways Special Solo Offers
The Enchanting Rhine 7 Nights Between Amsterdam & Basel Call for Solo Pricing!Including $500 Off Per Stateroom, $100 Onboard Credit, Free Upgrade Sailing: Oct 29, Nov 5, 22 and Dec 2013
Vietnam, Cambodia & the
Riches of the Mekong 7 Nights Between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City Call for Solo Pricing!Single Supplement Waived! Sailing: August 19, 26 and October 7, 28, 2013  |
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Deals for Solo Travelers
Azamara
Club Cruises
9-Night Northern
Europe
Oceanview
on the Azamara Quest
Aug 7, 2013 from $4049
13-Night Ocean
Crossing
Oceanview
on the Azamara Quest
November 13, 2013 from $3129
14-Night Asia
Oceanview
on the Azamara Journey
December 9, 2013 from $4521
Call
For More Info:
800-787-1871
Holland America Line Special Offers
Western Caribbean Cruise 7 Nights Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale on ms Eurodam Verandah from $1398 Suite from $1798 Sailing: Oct 27, Nov 10*, 24, 2013 and Jan 5, 2014 Eastern Caribbean Itinerary on Nov 17, 2013 Eastern Caribbean Cruise 7 Nights Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale on ms Westerdam Verandah from $1398 Suite from $1798 Sailing: Nov 9, 16*, 23 and Dec 14, 2013 and January 4, 2014
AmaWaterways Special Solo Offers
The Enchanting Rhine 7 Nights Between Amsterdam & Basel Call for Solo Pricing!Including $500 Off Per Stateroom, $100 Onboard Credit, Free Upgrade Sailing: Oct 29, Nov 5, 22 and Dec 2013
Vietnam, Cambodia & the
Riches of the Mekong 7 Nights Between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City Call for Solo Pricing!Single Supplement Waived! Sailing: August 19, 26 and October 7, 28, 2013 |
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