Crystal Symphony vs. Oceania Marina for solo traveler, etc.

I know that Oceania isn't considered "luxury" but rather "premium," but here are my questions. I'm considering (very last-minute) a northern Europe cruise this summer and would like to take a luxury or premium line and have a cabin with a balcony or verandah. I've gotten info. for August cruises on both Oceania and Crystal, with very similar prices for similar cabins, with either a reduced single supplement or some other kind of discount. I've done a lot of research, including on the forums here, and a lot of people seem to think that Oceania isn't very solo-friendly (and, fyi, I'm a woman over 55) and that Crystal is much more so. Those aren't the only two lines I would have considered initially, but at this late date, since I can only travel during the summer, my cruise options for luxury or premium travel seem limited. Lots of premium or luxury cruises to cooler regions (northern Europe, British Isles, Canada, etc.), which I prefer for summer than, say, the Mediterranean, are either sold out or only have a few cabins left in bad locations (e.g., across from the laundry or elevators). Since I'm a light sleeper and value quiet, I really want a nice cabin, especially if I'm spending a lot of money. Any opinions about solo-friendliness of Oceania vs. Crystal--or other similar lines--would be most appreciated. If I decide there aren't enough available options THIS summer, I'd postpone to next summer, so general advice about solo travel on luxury and premium lines (to Europe or Canada) would be helfpul. Thanks. marilano

You will get many more responses by posting this question on the Crystal and Oceania boards. Even though I don't cruise as a single, I do know from experience that Crystal is very single friendly. It's very easy to meet other singles at various events just for singles, and there are tables reserved for singles to get together at the specialty restaurants. You will feel welcome and comfortable.

We have cruised Oceania many times and I believe I can count the number of singles we have met on two hands. You will not find many on O but from their price structure Crystal is more single friendly.

Thanks, Shorex and orchestrapal, for the info., which is very helpful. I'm definitely leaning more toward Crystal, and may put off my cruise until next year when more options are available. marilano

Crystal has a much better solo fare structure. And because Crystal is a luxury line (which Oceania is not) they will do more to go out of their way to make you happy.

Marilano: We spent 25 days on the Crystal Serenity this spring and we met and observed quite a few women of a certain age traveling solo and having a terrific time. A number of them enjoyed social dance, and there was a great program that included escort partners. A number of the gals seemed to be close friends and enjoyed the company of each other. There were also lots of other activities and enrichment programs that would facilitate solo travelers to meet each other, as well as solo meet-ups regularly scheduled. Never traveled Oceania so I cannot do the comparison shopping thing, but it seemed to us that Crystal did indeed market to solos and attracted a loyal bunch.

I am not a solo passenger but think you have gotten a lot of right advice here.

Crystal does attract many solo travelers because of its fare as Henry mentioned as well as having the added advantage of being a luxury line and providing you with those extra amenities not found on a premium line. As tv24 mentioned for those solo women who like to dance there is the Ambassador Host Program which provides dancing for single women.

Between fares for solo travelers, and programs such as the ambassador host program Crystal does attract a lot of solo guests and we are friends with many of them. They do make you feel right at home.

Fares for solo guests are set on capacity so if a itinerary is selling strong the single supplement will be higher than when it has not been selling for very long so it is always wise to book early not only for that but for location.

If a room is near the stairwell or two or more rooms down from the laundry room I would not worry about that. My hearing is still excellent and I have never heard anything from inside our room from these locations.

Good luck with your decision.

Keith