Travel with Val: Norwegian cruise line builds up its singles scene
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Norwegian Cruise Line's newest and largest ship, the Epic, was recently christened at New York’s Pier 88 and is sailing from Miami to the Caribbean with a new singles scene onboard.
It is offering two decks' worth of studio cabins, 128 in all, in the middle of the ship facing the corridor. The concept of studio cabins goes back the glory days of crossings.
“Ocean liners of the past always had lots of single cabins, because you had single businessmen, for instance, traveling to Europe," says travel writer Ted Scull. "And then you have single people who just wanted a cabin on their own and didn’t want to share with anyone."
The studios are a tight 100 square feet, with room for a full-size bed, a flat screen TV and desk and a separate sink, toilet and shower.
“It’s a modern design, it's quite futuristic," says cabin designer Paul Priestman. "I think it appeals to a younger traveler. You have all the stuff you need in the room, everything's in there."
The studios are on Decks 11 and 12, which are conveniently connected by a lounge.
Targeting the single traveler is a smart move that travel agents think will get other cruise lines talking.
“As they start building new ships, I have a feeling they will build more single rooms on the ship," says travel Agent Karen Greenberg. "But for now, where they don’t have it, they are probably going to offer more specials to singles because they need to compete.”
Norwegian Cruise Line says the starting rate for a single cabin is $799. However, a quick check online shows none available at that rate and many that are more expensive. A second person in the single cabin pays the same rate.
Studio cruisers on seven-day sailings get a $12.50 onboard credit when booking before August 1. Use code PGDASH. For more information, visit www.ncl.com or call 1-866-234-7350.
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