MatchUSA wants you to feel secure in booking your cruise vacation through us. We have compiled the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help answer your questions and concerns.

Please call us at (602) 553-8178 or send us an e-mail if you have any additional questions about our cruises.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Is the entire ship singles?
How is this cruise different from a regular cruise?
Am I paying more for a MatchUSA?
Can I book with my local travel agent and still join your singles group activities?
Who will you find sailing with us on our "singles" cruises?
What is the ratio of men to women?
What if I'm traveling alone?
Is there a price guarantee?
What about rates for the single traveler?
What about 3rd and 4th passengers in a stateroom?
Can I upgrade my cabin?
How much is my deposit and when is final payment due?
What is included in my price of the cruise?
What is NOT included in the price of the cruise?
Airline reservations?
Airfare schedules?
Is there transportation to the ship from the airport?
How big is the ship?
Why Do We Book Most of our Groups with Carnival?
Will I Get Seasick?
Forms of payment?
Final Cruise Documents?
What travel requirements and forms of identification are needed?
What if I have to cancel my cruise?
What about Travel Insurance?
When can I board the ship?
What about dining room reservations?
Is smoking permitted on the ship?
What about shore excursions?
What are the tipping guidelines?
Are there charge accounts onboard?
Special needs/celebrating any special occasions?
What type of clothing should I pack?
What about talent show night?
Extend your vacation with pre/post cruise hotel nights.
Disclaimer of Liability

Is the entire ship singles?

No, the entire ship will not be single passengers. Our travel agency generally organizes a group of singles onboard a particular ship. Our singles groups generally tend to have anywhere from 100-300 singles onboard. We have a block of cabins just for our group of singles, and we organize "private" singles activities exclusively for singles group (such as singles cocktail parties, games, lectures, pool parties, singles nightly 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.

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How is this cruise different from a regular cruise?

On any given "regular" cruise, there are very few (if any) singles onboard. The few singles onboard are usually surrounded by families/couples/kids with no "central" place to meet. By booking on one of SingleCruises.net singles groups, you are guaranteed to travel with a large group of singles (usually 100-300 singles on each). Before your cruise begins, our agency organizes an online message board where we allow our singles to "chat." This is where most of the fun begins. Our agency then organizes a pre-cruise get-together in Miami the night before the cruise. We then have our own private "singles" cruise directors who go onboard to assist our singles. We have organized activities/events daily exclusively for our singles. This includes "private" singles cocktail parties, singles games, pool parties, etc. etc. Our agency provides "singles itinerary sheets" with name tags and wristbands to identify our singles. These activities are NOT open to the public, but solely for our single clients. We also have a separate area of the dining room just for our group, where we allow our singles to switch tables each night. This is a great way to meet new friends. We do keep the singles together based on age ranges, so everyone has the opportunity to meet singles their age. Booking through our agency, and being part of the singles group, can make the difference of whether you have a fabulous time or not.

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Am I paying more for a MatchUSA?

Generally, our agency has negotiated fabulous group rates with the cruise lines. These rates include lots of "extras" that you will be getting through our agency. Keep in mind that you are getting a special service and additional amenities as being part of our singles group. These additional things are not offered to the general public, which include complimentary cabin upgrades, several complimentary "private" cocktail parties, "private" singles functions daily, singles dining privileges, the service of our own singles hosts/cruise directors onboard....and the list goes on.

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Can I book with my local travel agent and still join your singles group activities?

No. If you want to be part of our singles group, you do need to book the cruise through our agency. MatchUSA is the official agency organizing the singles aspect of the cruise. The singles activities are not conducted by other agencies or by the cruise line. Our agency hires our own private singles cruise directors to go onboard with the group and we plan private activities exclusively for our group. We have 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. We also arrange "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. We do have 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.

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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. Most are single professionals - age ranging from mid-20's to late 50's (some younger/some older). We advertise with various "singles" organizations around the country, so our guests come from every state in the union. Our guests include first-time cruisers and many returning guests who sail with us every year - from students, secretaries, teachers, lawyers, doctors, athletes...basically people from every trade and profession.

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Ratio of Men to Women

MatchUSA strives to offer a balanced booking policy in order to ensure an equal number of male and female guests; however, the number of these single guests vary with each cruise.

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I'm Traveling Alone

For those passengers traveling alone, we can match you to a roommate of the same sex/age group at no additional cost. We try and match singles who we feel might 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.   We can also provide rates on single occupancy cabins if you wish to have a private cabin.  If we're matching singles, the cabin will be based on double occupancy only. We do match our singles into full-size cabins with two beds (not the closet size cabins with bunk beds). A single supplement will apply, for the last one booked, should an uneven number of singles need a roommate.

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Price Guarantee

All prices quoted are based on double occupancy, and are not guaranteed until deposit is received. Cabin prices are subject to availability and do sell out quickly, so reserve your cabin space early to ensure the best rates.

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What about rates for the single traveler?

All prices quoted are based on double occupancy (two to a cabin). For those passengers traveling alone, we will match you up with another single roommate of the same sex and age group. If someone desires to occupy a cabin solely by himself (single occupancy), please call or email us for rates.

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What about 3rd and 4th passengers in a stateroom?

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.

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Can I upgrade my cabin?

Passengers desiring more deluxe accommodations (rooms with balconies, or even suites), are encouraged to request rates and availability from us.

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How much is my deposit and when is final payment due?

A deposit of $100 per person is due to reserve your cabin space for the 3 & 4-night cruises. For the 7-night cruises, a deposit of $250 is due, unless other 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. Payments can be made by personal check, Visa, MC, Discover, or AMEX. For those passengers booking within 60 days of sailing, full payment is required at the time of making the reservation.

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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 us). Your price also includes private activities exclusively for our singles group, such as singles cocktail parties, games, dances, mixers, matchmaking services, etc.

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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 parlor, etc., and transportation to and from the ship (except if you purchase airfare from the cruise line).

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Airline Reservations?

Passengers needing roundtrip airfare to Miami or Los Angeles can also purchase their airline tickets through the cruise lines. You are encouraged to purchase your airfare from the cruise line because they are 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 cruise ship. This service is designated to facilitate the easy transfer of passengers to the ship (stress-free traveling). The cruise lines also have very reasonable airfare prices from most U.S. cities. Airfare may be limited from certain gateway cities, so let us know 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.

Passengers who do not purchase airfare from the cruise line are responsible for their own transportation to and from the ship's pier from the airport. You are also responsible for getting to the ship on time, and the cruise line is not responsible for any plane delays, cancellations of flights, lost baggage, etc. If you purchase airfare through the cruise line, they are kept informed of your whereabouts and may choose to hold the ship if they know people are arriving late.

Please remember to reconfirm your flights directly with the airlines at least 24 hours prior to departure.   Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight's departure.  Be sure to allow sufficient time for check-in and to pass through all security checkpoints.  

For passengers arranging their own airfare transportation,  please remember to allow sufficient time to embark and disembark the ship.   The cruise lines recommend arriving at the port as early as possible on the day of departure.   The cruise lines also recommend scheduling your flight home approx. 4 hours after the ship arrives back in port.  This would allow sufficient time to get off the ship and back to the airport. 

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Airfare Schedules

Air 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 passengers 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.

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Transportation to the Ship from the Airport

For those of you arranging your own airfare, you can purchase ground transportation from the airport to the ship for an additional $30 per person (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. Remember, if you purchase airfare through the cruise line, transportation to the ship is already included in the price.

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How big is the ship?

Carnival's "Imagination" ship (4 & 7-night Caribbean) is 855 feet in length (almost 3 football fields long), has a total passenger capacity of 2,040, and was built in 1995.

Carnival's "Fascination" ship (3-night Bahamas) is 855 feet in length and has a total passenger capacity of 2,052.

Carnival's "Inspiration" ship (7-night Caribbean) is 855 feet in length and has a total passenger capacity of 2,052.

Carnival's "Paradise" ship (3-night Bahamas) is 855 feet in length and has a total passenger capacity of 2,052.

Carnival's "Ecstasy" ship (3-night Ensenada) is 855 feet in length and has a total passenger capacity of 2,040.

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Why Do We Book Most of our Groups with Carnival?

We do book our singles groups primarily with Carnival Cruise Line as they are very single-friendly, and known as the "FunShips." Most singles think of "Carnival" when wanting to book a cruise, because Carnival does have onboard activities for singles. Our agency has over 9 years experience in the singles cruise market (this is all we do). Our experience has found that the other cruise lines tend to have more families/kids/couples. Most of the other cruise lines charge double the price (200%) if you want your own cabin....whereas Carnival has special single occupancy rates for us. We do book our groups on Carnival's newest/grandest ships, and therefore, we find the highest satisfaction rate with singles on Carnival.

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Will I Get Seasick?

Because of the large size 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.

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Forms of payment?

We can accept checks (made payable to MatchUSA), Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.

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Final Cruise Documents?

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.

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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 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'll be visiting.

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What if I have to cancel my cruise?

If you find it necessary to cancel your cruise reservation, once deposit or full payment has been made, the following cancellation charges will be assessed:

(Includes administration fee per person for any cancellations.)

(Includes administration fee per person for any cancellations.)

No refunds will be made in the event of "no shows" or interruption by the guest after the start of the cruise. An optional Cruise Protection Plan is available on every cruise sailing. We recommend the purchase of this travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances.

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What about Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is available for an additional $39 per person on the 3-night Cruise, $49 per person on the 4-night Cruises and $99 per person on the 7-night Cruises, unless stated otherwise on the booking form. This cruise travel insurance covers Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Trip Delay, Medical Expenses Coverage, Emergency Evacuation, Baggage Protection, and Worldwide Emergency Assistance 24-hours a day. This insurance must be paid at the time deposit is made, and is non-refundable.

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When can I board the ship?

Embarkation normally begins at 1:00 p.m., and passengers must be aboard no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing. Be sure to arrive early to get situated in your cabin and let the PARTYING begin!

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What about dining room reservations?

We generally reserve late dining (approx. 8 pm for dinner) for our entire singles groups. We do schedule our other singles activities around this time (e.g., singles cocktail parties before dinner).

Our agency has a separate area of the dining room just for our singles (no families/no kids). We will put you on 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.

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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 accomodate your smoking preference; however, nothing is guaranteed.

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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 approx. 10 days prior to sailing.

Of course, you can also purchase optional shore excursions directly with the cruise lines. Their excursions are available for purchase aboard the ship at their Shore Excursion Desk.

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What are the tipping guidelines?

Tipping is always at the travelers' discretion, and is generally done on the last night of your cruise. As a guideline, the cruise lines recommend the following gratuities: Cabin Steward-$3.00 per guest/per day; Waiter-$3.00 per guest/per day; and Busboy-$1.50 per guest/per day. A 15% gratuity will be automatically added to any bar bill.

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Charge Accounts Onboard?

On most ships, you may charge all your drinks and other services to your cabin and pay in one lump sum at the end of your cruise. Most ships do not accept personal checks. Some ships have a no-cash policy during the cruise; however, you may pay your account at the end of your cruise in cash.

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Special needs/celebrating any special occasions?

Be sure to let us know if anyone is celebrating a special occasion, or if you have any special passenger needs, such as dietary requirements, wheelchairs, etc. The cruise lines will generally work hard to assist you throughout your vacation.

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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 is 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 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.

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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!

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Extend your 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, rental car, admissions into various Florida attractions, etc. Ask us about rates today.

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Disclaimer of Liability

MatchUSA is a travel agency acting as an intermediary or agent for suppliers, such as air carriers, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, ground transportation companies, and other independent firms. MatchUSA does not own or operate any of these firms; therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers or cruise directors, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. In addition, MatchUSA cannot guarantee acceptable performance by any of these firms, or our cruise directors, and each participant agrees not to hold MatchUSA liable for the quality of services and the condition or cleanliness of the accommodations. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your ticket, invoice or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, services or reservations. Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on your part to convey the contents hereto to your travel companions or group members. MatchUSA herein gives notice that we cannot be responsible for any disruption of travel and/or unrest, labor problems, mechanical or construction difficulties, climatic aberrations, acts of God, war, diseases, or any other circumstances beyond its control. There are good travel insurance plans available for passengers to protect themselves. We are not responsible for the neglect or omission of suppliers or carriers, so we strongly recommend travel insurance.

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And don't forget, cruising on one of the greatest party boats in the world, you'll be sure to have memories to last a lifetime!

Get a free one-year membership at Match USA Personals a $129 value with any cruise.
Can not be combined with any other offer.

Please call us at (602) 553-8178 or send her us e-mail if you have any additional questions about our cruises.