How does Singles Travel work?
As a member, you will receive invitations from your Matchmaker to a wide variety of trips for singles based on what you indicate you are interested in. Trips include singles cruises to many different destinations, exotic voyages to locations ranging from Egypt to Machu Pichu to the Galapagos Islands, and fun-filled Weekend Getaways in the Berkshire Mountains where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, sports, fun activities, and all-night partying with other great single people. Pricing for these events vary widely as well to help make sure that there is something suitable for everyone.
How are these cruises different from regular cruises?
By taking a singles cruise, you will be traveling with a large group of singles, usually 250-500+ of them. Before your cruise begins, there is an online message board where our singles 'chat.' This is where the fun begins. There is often a pre-cruise get-together in the city of departure the night before the cruise. There are 'singles' cruise directors who go onboard to assist singles and make sure everyone is having a good time. There are daily and nightly organized activities/events exclusively for our singles. This includes 'private' singles cocktail parties, singles games, pool parties, etc. There are nametags and wristbands to identify singles that are part of the group. Onboard singles activities are NOT open to the public, but are solely designed to provide a way for singles to get to know each other. There is also a separate area of the dining room just for our group, where singles switch tables each night. Singles are grouped together at meals based on age range, so everyone has the opportunity to meet other singles close to their age.
Is everyone on the entire ship single?
Our singles groups generally have anywhere from 250-500+ singles onboard. There are other non-single guests onboard as well, but there is a block of cabins just for singles, and there are 'private' singles activities exclusively for our group (such as singles cocktail parties, games, lectures, pool parties, nightly singles get-togethers, etc.). We also have an exclusive area in the dining room just for our group (so you will not be seated with families/kids). You will be seated with other singles your age (equal number men/women). We have our own private singles cruise directors onboard who will be hosting our singles group.
Who will you find sailing with us on our singles cruises?
There is no 'typical' guest on our 'singles' cruises. Our cruises are for anyone who wants to have the most fun possible. Our guests come from every state in the union, and we sort people by different age groups for different cruises. They include students, secretaries, teachers, lawyers, doctors, athletes – basically people from every trade and profession. Our guests include first-time cruisers as well as many returning guests who sail with us every year.
What is the ratio of men to women?
We and our designated Travel Agency strive to offer a balanced booking policy in order to ensure an equal number of male and female guests; however, the male/female ratio varies slightly with each cruise.
What if I'm traveling alone?
For those passengers traveling alone, you can be matched to a roommate of the same sex at no additional cost, if you choose. We try to match singles that we feel will be compatible by age, region of the country, smoking preferences, etc. We offer roommate matching as a courtesy so you can take advantage of the lower double occupancy price; however, we accept no responsibility for compatibility. Many people traveling alone enjoy being matched with a roommate because it allows them to have someone to share experiences with right away. Many great friendships have been born out of these roommate pairings. We match our singles into full-size cabins with two beds (not the closet size cabins with bunk beds). We can also provide rates on single occupancy cabins if you wish to have a private cabin. All prices quoted are based on double occupancy (two to a cabin). If you wish to occupy a cabin solely by yourself (single occupancy), please call or email our designated travel agency for rates.
Are there ever more than 2 passengers in a room?
Some cabins can accommodate up to a maximum of four people. Generally, there is a reduction in price for the 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin. The cabins accommodating triples and quads will be situated with two lower beds and two upper bunks. Ask us about pricing and availability on any triple or quad cabins.
Can I upgrade my cabin?
Passengers desiring more deluxe accommodations (rooms with balconies, or even suites), are encouraged to request rates and availability from our designated travel agency.
How much is my deposit and when is final payment due?
A deposit of $250 per person is due to reserve your cabin space for all cruises, unless otherwise stated on the booking form. Your deposit payments will be deducted from your balance, and final payment is due generally 60 days prior to the sailing date. Once your deposit is paid, you can also opt to make monthly payments until final payment is due. Personal check, Visa, MC, Discover, or AMEX can be used for payments. For those passengers booking within 60 days of sailing, full payment is required at the time of making the reservation.
What is included in my price of the cruise?
The price of your cruise includes shipboard accommodations, all meals, 24-hour snacks and complimentary room service, nightly entertainment, dancing, day and night activities, some soft drinks with meals, and roundtrip transportation to the ship from the airport (if airfare was purchased through our designated travel agency). Your price also includes private activities exclusively for our singles group, such as singles cocktail parties, games, dances, mixers, onboard matchmaking services, etc. Generally, the agency we work with has negotiated excellent group rates with the cruise lines. These rates include lots of 'extras' that you will be getting. Keep in mind that you are getting a special service and additional amenities for being part of our singles group. These additional benefits are not offered to the general public, and include complimentary cabin upgrades, several complimentary 'private' cocktail parties, daily 'private' singles functions, singles dining privileges, the service of our own special singles cruise directors onboard.... and the list goes on.
What is NOT included in the price of the cruise?
Wines, liquors and some soft drinks, optional shore excursions, tipping (at your own discretion), any personal services such as laundry, beauty salon, etc., and transportation to and from the ship (except if you purchase airfare from the cruise line).
What is the best way to go about making airline reservations?
Passengers needing roundtrip airfare to the port city can purchase their airline tickets through the cruise lines. You are actually encouraged to purchase your airfare from the cruise line because that will make them responsible for getting you on the ship. The cruise lines will have a representative waiting for you at the airport to escort you and your bags from the airport to the ship. This service is designated to facilitate the easy transfer of passengers to the ship, and to eliminate as much stress as possible. The cruise lines also have very reasonable airfare prices from most U.S. cities. Airfare may be limited from certain gateway cities, so let our designated travel agency know where you are flying from as soon as possible. The price of your airline ticket will be added to your total cruise fare, and the ticket will be sent to you with your final documents.
How do I get my flight schedule?
Flight schedules are not available from the cruise line until 21-30 days prior to sailing. The choice of airline, routing and flight times are at the discretion of the cruise line. The cruise lines are very good at booking the most convenient times with the most direct routing. However, if a passenger wants to request a specific airline with a specific routing and/or times, most cruise lines offer special 'air deviation programs.' There will be an airfare deviation charge of $35-$50 per person for this service.
Is there transportation available to the ship from the airport?
If you purchase airfare through the cruise line, transportation to the ship is already included in the price. For those of you arranging your own airfare, you can purchase ground transportation from the airport to the ship for approximately $40 per person, roundtrip (someone from the cruise line will pick you up and take you to the ship). Be sure to provide all your flight details such as flight times, flight numbers, etc. This bus transportation is non-refundable. As an alternative, local taxicabs are available at the airport, you can find them right outside the baggage claim area.
Will I get seasick?
Because of the large size and stabilizers of today's cruise ships, very few people ever experience seasickness. In our experience, only a few people have ever gotten seasick on a cruise ship and that was because of very stormy weather and choppy waters. If you are afraid you might be prone to seasickness, there are many over-the-counter medications available. If you forget to bring your own, these medications are also available onboard the ship.
What forms of payment can I use?
You can pay by check (made payable to our designated travel agency), Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.
What happens after I pay?
Once final payment is made, the cruise line will issue your cruise travel documents. These documents are generally issued 14 days prior to sailing, and they will be sent to you at that time. Your actual cabin number will be assigned and printed on your cruise documents, as well as your dining room seating. If airfare was purchased, it will also be included with your final documents. Along with your cruise documents there will be lots of useful information regarding your upcoming cruise.
What travel requirements and forms of identification are needed?
Due to heightened security at check-in, the cruise lines want to remind everyone that valid proof of citizenship is required for boarding. Anyone without proof of citizenship will be denied boarding and no refund will be given. A driver's license is NOT proof of citizenship. Acceptable documentation is a passport (valid or expired for less than 10 yrs.), original or certified birth certificate with photo I.D., military I.D. and/or original naturalization papers. Photocopies of documents are NOT acceptable. If you are not an American citizen, be sure that you are carrying proper documents for the countries that you will be visiting.
What about dining room reservations?
We generally reserve late dining (approx. 8 pm for dinner) for our entire singles group. We do schedule our other singles activities around this time (e.g., singles cocktail parties before dinner). There is a separate area of the dining room just for our singles (no families/no kids). We will put you at a dinner table with other singles your age. We work closely with the maitre'd onboard each ship who allows our group to switch tables each night. This allows our singles the ability to meet new friends each night. This is a special service offered to our singles group only.
Is smoking permitted on the ship?
Smoking is permitted on the ship in designated areas only. By popular request, dining rooms are now smoke free. You can request a smoking cabin; however, no requests are guaranteed. If we assign you to a roommate, we try to accommodate your smoking preference; however, nothing is guaranteed.
What about shore excursions?
At every port of call, various sightseeing tours are available for purchase (such as snorkeling/scuba tours, horseback riding, shopping excursions, beach barbecue parties, museum tours, etc.). Our agency will have private 'singles' shore excursions available on each cruise (no families/kids). You will be provided with this information with your final cruise tickets, which arrive approximately 10 days prior to sailing.
Are there charge accounts onboard?
Most ships have a no-cash policy during the cruise. When you get on board, the cruise line will open a credit account for you. All on board purchases will be charged directly to this account (instead of accepting cash) and you can pay in one lump sum at the end of your cruise. You can open the account with a major credit card or if you don't have a credit card, you can set up a cash deposit. You can pay your account at the end of the cruise by whatever means ever you wish; however, most ships do not accept personal checks.
What if I have special needs? What if I am celebrating any special occasions?
Be sure to let us know if you have any special passenger needs, such as dietary requirements, wheelchairs, etc. Also let us know if anyone is celebrating a special occasion. The cruise lines will generally work hard to assist you throughout your vacation.
What type of clothing should I pack?
Casual attire is in order during the day. Shorts and t-shirts are not permitted in the dining room during dinner. There are generally one to two 'formal' dress-up nights depending on the length of your cruise, where passengers wear anything from cocktail party dresses, evening gowns and tuxedos, to business suit attire. (Tuxedo rentals are available onboard the ship if you want to get really dressed up.) The dress code for the other evenings range anywhere from sport coat and tie to casual resort wear.
Can I book with my local travel agent and still join your singles group activities?
We have made arrangements with a special Travel Agency to handle all the accommodations for our members. If you want to be part of our singles group, you must book the cruise through our designated agency. There is a special singles cruise director that goes onboard with the group, and there are private activities exclusively for our group. There are nightly get-togethers, complimentary cocktail parties, private pool parties, etc. You will receive an 'official' singles itinerary with your cruise documents stating the time/places of our activities/events. There is also 'round robin' seating with the maitre'd where our group is allowed to switch tables each night in order to meet new singles within our group in an exclusive area of the dining room just for our singles (no families/kids). All of these extra amenities/activities are exclusive to our singles group.
Is there a Talent Show night?
There is usually a Talent Show on the cruise where the passengers are the entertainment. If you have a particular talent, this is your chance to be a star!
Can I extend my vacation with pre/post cruise hotel nights?
Extend your fun with a pre- or post-cruise hotel vacation. These value-priced vacations can include hotel accommodations, car rental, admissions into various attractions, etc. Ask our designated travel agency about various plans and rates when you call.
What are Weekend Getaways?
Weekend Getaways are fun-filled weekend vacations that take place at a scenic resort reserved for singles only. These Weekend Getaways were conceived with a simple philosophy: offer a limitless array of sports, an abundance of delicious food, free flowing wine with dinner, nightly entertainment, and an opportunity to make new friends, and everyone will have the time of their lives.
Where do Weekend Getaways take place?
Weekend Getaways take place at one of New England's most magnificent mountain and lake settings, right in the beautiful Berkshires. Connection Club's designated travel agent can help make travel arrangements for you to get to the resort from wherever you live.
What activities are offered at Weekend Getaways?
At a Weekend Getaway, the lake is the place to be. That's where you can learn to water ski. Or go water tubing. Sail a sunfish. Explore in a kayak or canoe. Go SCUBA Diving. Take a swim across the lake. Play on a paddleboat or the water trampoline. And much more. There's something about mixing sports, water, sun and friends that just feels right.
What land sports are offered at Weekend Getaways?
At a Weekend Getaway, you can join a volleyball game or clinic. Try mountain biking through the woods. Take a tennis or golf lesson. Hike a mountain. Share a keg at the coed softball game. Shoot hoops. Hit a bull's eye. And that's just a small sample. There are so many activities, choosing what to do will be the hard part. And whether you want to try mountain biking, roller blading, volleyball, tennis, golf, or whatever else, you'll find the best instructors
Are there activities available for more adventuresome types?
There are a wide variety of activities for people who love adventure. You can rock climb and rappel down a mountain ledge. Mountain bike through the woods on single-track trails. Experience the thrill of soaring through the air on a circus flying trapeze. Join a hike along the Appalachian Trail up Kent Falls. Sail through the air on a 350-foot aerial zip line or try the 25-foot high climbing wall. Canoe or tube the Housatonic River (on select weekends). We'll challenge you to challenge yourself.
Can I get a good workout?
You'll have plenty of opportunities to get some of the best workouts of your life. Wake up with a morning hike, stretch class, power walk, or jog. Fitness classes are offered throughout the day. Get energized in a body sculpting or pilates mat class. Try kickboxing or work out under the fitness tent. Then relax with a yoga class or a massage.
If I'm not athletic, will I have a good time?
Many people come to these Getaways to just relax and unwind for the weekend. You can enjoy relaxing massages, sunbathing by the lake, arts and crafts, live music, a nap in a hammock, sipping on cool drinks and much more. And once the sun sets, there will be plenty of opportunities to party all night long.
Do these Weekend Getaways offer any nightlife?
The only thing more fun than the days, are the nights. Start the evening with happy hour by the lake. Enjoy live bands or Karaoke. Dine on a delicious dinner and then move on to party at the Boat House. Dance ‘til dawn or just hang out at the bar. You can always take in a movie at the theater, play volleyball under the stars, or relax with friends at the bonfire, and much more.
What is the staff like?
The staff will welcome you with a smile. Members of the staff can teach you a new sport, dine and dance with you, and make sure you enjoy a great weekend. Many of the staff are teachers, doctors, and business people during the week. Many other members of the staff come from around the world and give the resort a wonderful international flavor.
What are the lodgings like?
You'll stay in a comfortable cabin that overlooks the lake and mountains. All are heated, have twin beds and private bathrooms. Beds are made and rooms are cleaned daily. There are no phones, or TV's. After all, you're here to get away.
What kind of food is available?
Breakfast is a sumptuous hot and cold buffet, with every delight you could imagine, and lunch has an international flavor, with buffets and barbeque served under a beautiful white canopy. At dinner, tasty dishes and tempting desserts are served in the main dining room, while the wine flows freely at eight person tables.
Is it easy to meet people at a Weekend Getaway?
All the activities at the resort are designed for you to meet people while having the time of your life. You might meet friends playing volleyball, shooting hoops, catching rays, listening to a band, dining and sipping drinks, or dancing ‘til dawn. One minute you're strangers, and the next you're hanging out like you've known each other forever. You'll be at ease, comfortable, and doing the things you love— the perfect situation to meet lifelong friends or maybe even find romance.
How much does a weekend cost?
An all-inclusive Weekend Getaway ranges from as little as $199 through to $399.
What is included for this price?
Everything you'd ever need or want on a vacation—restaurants, sports, entertainment and more, is right at your fingertips and it is included in the price. A Weekend Getaway vacation includes all your meals, wine with dinner, all sports and activities with pro instruction, sports equipment, nightly entertainment and lodging.
Are drinks included in the price?
Wine is served with dinner nightly and you can purchase any additional drinks for a minimal charge.
Are there any taxes/service charges?
Tax/Service is 17.5%, which includes tour operator charges. All prices will be rounded off to the nearest dollar.
What is the cancellation policy?
You will receive a full refund up to 7 days before your scheduled vacation, minus a $10 cancellation fee. Up to 72 hours prior to departure, a $50 cancellation fee applies, and there will be no refunds thereafter.
Do you have a frequent guest program?
Many guests make return visits over the course of a season, and with our Frequent Guest program, they benefit from significant deals and savings. For example, you'll save $50 on your second Weekend Getaway, and your third will cost $75 less than the first.
Is it OK to come by myself?
Many guests travel by themselves and say that the best thing about these Weekend Getaways is meeting lots of new people. Friendships flourish during these weekends. That's because people have a great time on these Getaways. They kick back, relax and share common experiences and adventures. And that's the stuff friendships are made of.
What is the ratio of men to women?
On any weekend you find the ratios of men to women to be fairly even. The reservationists are very aware of the ratios for the weekends and do what they can to assure an even breakdown.
What is the crowd like?
The crowd tends to be made up of professionals that enjoy all kinds of fun activities. People who attend want to share a love of life and a sense of fun, with warmth that you won't find elsewhere.
Are children allowed?
On adult weekends, only people over 21 years of age are permitted to attend. There are family getaways at certain times each year, during which we welcome children of all ages.
What is the dress code?
Pack your shorts and your t-shirts, bathing suits, beach towels, hiking boots and sneakers, and you will be ready for your weekend. The evening attire is smart/casual wear.
Are the activities additional?
Most activities are included in the weekend price. White water canoeing ($25) and tubing ($10) trips are offered throughout the season, and the flying trapeze is offered at $10 per hour, the trip to the local vineyard including wine tasting is only $5.
What activities do you offer when it rains?
There are indoor activities such swing dancing, self defense, indoor roller blading, arts and crafts, bowling, indoor tennis, massage classes and even game shows, to name a few.
How early can you arrive/What time for departure?
People arrive on Friday after 5:30 pm. Departures on Sunday are between 4pm and 4:30pm.
Where do groups travel to on International Trips?
Groups travel all around the world depending on the trip being put together. Locations include places like Egypt, Ireland, Switzerland, The Galapagos Islands, African Safaris, Machu Picchu and more.
Are these International Trips a good way to meet new people?
These trips will bring you together with other people who love to travel just like you do. You will spend lots of quality time with the people on your trip and have many opportunities to bond with them. These trips offer wonderful opportunities to meet lifelong friends or maybe even find romance.
What kind of activities do these trips include?
These trips are for people with a thirst for adventure and a real interest in seeing the world. Depending on the trip, you will have the chance to hike to an ancient Incan city, experience the grandeur of the Pyramids, or explore the cities and mountains of Switzerland, to name just a few.
What is the cost?
The cost varies from trip to trip. To find out the cost of the trip you are interested in, as well as other details, select 'Contact a Travel Agent' on the Contact Us page.
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