Frequently Asked Questions about Singles Travel

Q: May I book a vacation on my own and join Singles Travel International activities once I arrive?

A: No. We offer so much more than just a cruise or tour! In addition to our travel directors who coordinate all of the fun, we have parties, events, singles only seating at meals, sightseeing tips, dinner reservations, you name it! Our director serve as a personal concierge and our services extend far beyond what you receive when you book a tour on your own. Finally, we market 360 days a year to get singles together so that your vacation is more enjoyable. Now that's worth the price of admission!

Q: Where do I meet the group?

A: As our guests come from all over the US, Canada, Europe and Australia, your vacation begins onboard the cruise ship or at the first hotel. Of course, we are happy to assist with airline reservations and transportation in the city where the cruise/tour begins.

Q: What is included in your rates?

A: Land or cruise only with features listed in the "Inclusive Features" on the "Highlights" tab for that particular vacation.

Q: How can I get the best rate?

A: All rates are subject to change until you have received a confirmation. Singles Travel International does not control pricing by cruise lines and tour operators. Therefore, if there is a change in pricing due to supply and demand, Singles Travel Internaitonal must pass on the new rate. Therefore, we highly recommend that you reserve early to lock in the best rates and space.

Q: Are there any other expenses which are not included?

A: Our cruise rate does not include port taxes, fuel surcharges and government fees, which are always subject to change, even after deposit has been made. In addition, you are responsible for beverages (except when included in STI events), shore tours, casino gambling, shopping, spa services and gratuities to ship staff, local guides, drivers and STI staff. Cabin/room incidentals such as laundry, phone calls and internet access are also at an additional cost and all items will appear on your final billing statement at the end of the cruise or stay.

Q: Will you match me with a roommate?

A: Absolutely. Our site is so popular that we guarantee to find a roommate for you or the single cabin is on us! In order to take advantage of our offer, you must be paid in full by the final payment date for each vacation. Our guarantee applies to sharing accommodations in the lowest rate published for the cruise or tour. If you choose to upgrade, we will work hard to find you a roommate, but if we are unable, you are responsible for the difference in the cost between the double rate for lowest fare and the double rate for your upgraded fare. Of course, single cabins are available at an additional rate assessed by hotels and cruise lines. Even after the cut-off date, we get so many calls that finding a roommate is easy. So please let us know if you are interested when making your booking.

Q: I've never taken a singles cruise, will I be alone?

A: Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every cruise sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group. In 14 years, we have perfected the singles cruise experience. It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day. From the moment you board the ship, our STI Travel Directors are waiting to meet you at our Hospitality Desk. Our first evening begins with a private, welcome aboard cocktail party followed by daily activities both onboard the ship as well as in each port. We dine together each evening in an open seating arrangement so that you have a chance to meet as many people as possible.

Q: What are the ages of the other guests? What is the ratio of men to women?

A: Our "All Ages" vacations cater to 35+ and our average age range is 38 to 62. We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee the ratio or ages.

Q: Will everyone be single?

A: Our land vacations are exclusively our custom designed tours, so you may be assured that everyone on our tour is single. On cruise vacations, our group makes up a portion of the overall population. Nobody knows what the dynamics will be on a cruise from week to week, so traveling with a singles club is the best way to go.

Q: Is airfare included in your vacation price?

A: In order to accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours and cruises are priced as land/cruise only. Therefore, airfare is additional. Singles Travel International is a licensed ticketing agency and oftentimes has low negotiated fares.

Q: Can I upgrade to Business Class?

A: We offer Business Class upgrades on all our programs, subject to availability. If you have chosen to book the promotional, economy/coach class air, and have not requested a Business or First Class upgrade, please be aware that you will be ticketed on a low-fare group ticket, which is non-transferable and non-refundable. Often, travelers request assistance with an upgrade for the return journey home once they arrive at their destination. Although our staff may be able to assist you with this, you will have to pay the full cost of a First or Business Class ticket. If you wish to upgrade at a reasonable cost, you should do this prior to your departure from the U.S. and prior to your flight being ticketed. Please ask your Singles Travel International Reservations Agent for more information and assistance.

Q: Can I use my frequent flyer miles?

A: Please contact your preferred carrier directly to make your reservation. If Singles Travel International issues a promotional economy fare, granting of frequent flyer credit is entirely at the airline's discretion. If the flights are eligible, to ensure you earn frequent flyer credit from the airline, give your frequent flyer account number when you check in for your flights. In addition, save your boarding passes and the passenger receipt from your airline ticket. You may need to submit these to the airline (not to Singles Travel International) to claim any credit allowed.

Q: How do I get from the airport to the ship/hotel?

A: Arrival and departure transfers are generally not included in our vacation package rates. If we are offering transportation, it will be listed separately and your air arrival/departure dates must coincide with the hotel check-in/check-out or ship embarkation/disembarkation dates of your itinerary. Specific arrival and transfer information varies depending on your city of arrival, which cruise or tour you have reserved and whether or not you have a pre-cruise land tour. Detailed instructions for your individual trip will be provided with your Final Documents. If you are making your own air arrangements, you may be able to purchase transfers at an additional cost. In order to accommodate you, Singles Travel International must receive your flight schedule in writing no less than 40 days prior to departure. We regret that we cannot make reminder calls. If we do not receive your flight schedule, you may not receive your transfers.

Q: Do I need a Passport or Visa to travel?

A: Travel documents vary by destination and details regarding specific trips may be found in the FAQ section for each trip. If you do not have a passport or need a new one, contact the State Department Passport Office in your area immediately or visit http://www.travel.state.gov/. We recommend that you also make copies of your passport, driver's license, photo identification card and/or birth certificate in case of loss, and carry them with you on your trip separate from your passport.

Q: What is the baggage allowance?

A: There is no baggage limit onboard cruise ships. Both airlines and tour companies have restrictions. Currently, most international airlines will allow you to check two bags, weighing 70 pounds each. Rules are slowly changing to 50 pounds, so check with your air carrier before departure. Fees apply for overweight as well as over sized luggage. In addition you may carry-on one bag plus a personal item such as a purse or briefcase. On tour, you are generally limited to one suitcase. Any particular restrictions will be mentioned in the individual trip FAQ section.

Q: What about Traveler's Insurance?

A: Although insurance is optional, Singles Travel International highly recommends Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance to protect your vacation investment. During our 14 years escorting singles tours, we have experineced so many mishaps with our guests. From a simple ear infection to broken limbs, if you are forced to cancel or need emergency assistance in a foreign country, you'll be at ease knowing you are protected. Call us directly for a quotation.

Q: Do I need any vaccinations?

A: Vaccinations vary by destination. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends updating all routine booster shots for travel almost anywhere. Basically, all guests should have a Tetanus/Diptheria update before traveling. In addition, we suggest that you have a physical check-up before your trip, and discuss the type of trip in which you are participating with your physician. You and your physician can access much more, very detailed health information for travelers (including tips on staying healthy while traveling) on the CDC website, cdc.gov. Click their "Traveler's Health" link or call toll-free 24-hours at 1-877-394-8747.

Q: How can my family reach me?

A: Your Final Documents will include fax and phone contact numbers for the ship or hotels in which you'll be staying. Instructions on international dialing codes will be provided. We suggest you leave a copy of this with your family.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: All cancellations must be in writing. For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after airline tickets have been issued, tickets are non-refundable and often times unusable. See Terms & Conditions for specifics on cancellation of this tour.

Q: What are the customs policies?

A: All countries you will visit have laws against the purchase and export of certain items, including antiquities, national cultural property and certain animal products, especially endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, feathers, etc.). Additionally, the United States has laws prohibiting the import of certain items, which include many of the same things. You face having your purchase confiscated and/or heavy fines for exporting or importing prohibited items. On return to the U.S., your baggage is subject to search by U.S. Customs. Currently, you are permitted to bring back $800 of goods duty free. Persons aged 21 or over may also bring in one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes. If you plan to purchase a lot of souvenirs or expensive items, it is important to retain all purchase receipts. However, please note that U.S. Customs may not accept a receipt as true cost if it seems unusually low for the estimated value of the item. You may access the regulations and restrictions governing this at customs.treas.gov/xp/cgov/travel. Read the Know Before You Go booklet to confirm the most recent U.S. Customs regulations.