Congratulations on making a reservation with Singles Travel International for your next vacation!

WHAT NEXT? Complete your profile and post a message on the chat to say hello to your fellow travelers.

REVIEW the important information on the FAQ tab for this trip and visit our Help Center. We strongly encourage all our members to check the latest travel recommendations by the (for international trips only, and please tie to country-specific pages on each of these sites and then add the correct link  US State Department, CDC and air carriers to review the latest information for travel risks in order to make an informed decision about their travel safety.

SOCIALIZE Say hello to your fellow travelers on the chat and start enjoying our live, virtual community events for Singles 50+ where you meet singles your age all year round. Sign Up Today!

DON’T MISS OUT Get the best deals on optional “Add-ons.” Review the Trip Options and make all reservations so you don’t miss out on any limited or time-sensitive offers.

PASSPORT MANDATORY A passport is required for US citizens. Be sure to confirm that your passport is current and will be valid at least six months after your return date. If you do not have one or need a new one, contact the State Department Passport Office in your area immediately or visit their website.

Non US Citizens are responsible for verifying their own required documentation for this tour.

FLIGHT & PASSPORT INFO Two months prior to your vacation, you’ll receive an email with a link to upload your flight and passport information. This is important for us to be able to schedule your arrival and departure transfers.

INSURANCE Travel Insurance is not mandatory, but, based on our experience, we highly recommend it. In addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation.

When selecting a travel insurance policy, we recommend that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. We also strongly recommend that the policy cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us, if you have not received your quote within 3 days, or CLICK HERE to go directly to Travel Guard and request a policy quote. It only takes a few minutes.

Questions and comments after you have reserved your vacation are addressed promptly when you send a message to us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

The trip begins in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, on December 23, 2023 and the cruise ends at Puerto Caldera on December 30, 2023.  Therefore the trip is 7 nights/8 days.

Add our 3 Night Pre Cruise Package for an exceptional experience with nature and the beautiful surroundings of the Arenal Volcano (December 20-23, 2023).  Click “Price My Trip” for rates and inclusions.

A deposit is due at time of reservation, and final payment is due on August 9, 2023.

We’ve made paying your balance online as easy as 1-2-3! You’ll be able to see your balance directly within your Singles Travel International profile. Under the shopping cart icon, choose “Reservations and Payments” from the drop down to view your dashboard. To see how to use this NEW reservation and payment feature, watch this quick VIDEO. You may also call us at 877-765-6874 ext. 4 and provide us with your preferred payment information.

If you make a reservation after August 9, 2023, full payment will be automatically charged at time of reservation and penalties will apply.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends updating all routine booster shots for travel almost anywhere. Please schedule a physical check-up, before your trip, to discuss the type of trip in which you are participating with your physician.

You and your physician may access much more, very detailed health information for travelers (including tips on staying healthy while traveling) on the CDC website. Click their “Traveler’s Health” link or call toll-free 24-hours at 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

Your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information,” including transportation and how to meet up with the group, will be available on the YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS button on the left navigation bar on the trip site 21 days prior to trip start date.

Singles Travel International is a vacation event company that plans singles events and markets our events at our expense to create a “singles only” experience. We do not allow guests to join the group unless the reservation has been made by Singles Travel International. Our policy is firm for tours and cruises, as well as pre and post trip hotel stays. Members and friends that “show up” will not be allowed to participate.

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.

If you plan to join our pre cruise package in Arenal, arrange your own flights to arrive at the San Jose Airport (SJO) by 1:00 pm on December 20, 2023, and depart from the San Jose Airport (SJO) after 1:00 pm on December 30, 2023.

If you are not taking advantage of the 3 Night Pre Package, arrive at the San Jose Airport (SJO) at any time before 12 p.m. on December 23, 2023, and depart from the San Jose Airport (SJO) after 1:00 pm on December 30, 2023. 

If you are not able to arrive prior to 12 p.m. (noon) on December 23, we recommend the AC Hotel Heredia Belen for your early arrival.  It is clean, safe and has an airport shuttle.  Book directly or on Expedia.

AC Hotel Heredia Belen

CITYZEN EPICENTRO LABORAL & SOCIAL, CALLE LA RIBERA
Belen, Costa Rica 40702
506 4036 7200

San Jose is serviced by Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). From there, you may find airport shuttles, taxis, busses and Uber (off airport).

The official taxis are orange, all of them are duly numbered and labeled with the company logo on the side doors. The rates for the services provided are regulated by the Costa Rican State and each unit has a taximeter indicating the amount to be paid.

Taxi service may be contracted at the Terminal building after customs where personnel from authorized taxi companies will be offering the service from the airport to any destination in Costa Rica.

December 20 – Transfer from (SJO) to Tabacon & Arenal – Singles Travel International has chartered a single bus for the group of members reserved on our Pre Cruise Package in Arenal.  The cost is  $52 per person and you may purchase the transfer on the Book Now section of the trip page. We will schedule the single departure so that all members travel together.  We estimate the departure to be approximately 3 p.m. and request that you submit your Fit & Willing to Travel forms as soon as possible so that we are able to make that final determination to accommodate all memebrs.

If you are not able to make our departure for any reason, we recommend RideCR and you may Book Online or call 800-715-1370.  There are 2 transfers per day, 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and the cost is $62.15 per person.

December 23 – Transfer from (SJO) to the Star Clipper – Star Clippers offers a one way transfer from the airport to the ship in Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica for $314.  Other options may be available.

December 30 – Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) from the Star Clipper – Add to your package at check out on the Book Now page.  Be sure that your flight departs after 1:00 pm on December 30, 2023. 

Our cruise does not include airfare, airport transfers, extra hotel nights before and after the cruise, nor shore excursions. You are responsible for alcoholic beverages (except when included in Singles Travel International events), meals not indicated in itinerary, incidentals such as laundry and phone calls, gratuities to your Singles Travel International Concierge ($15 per day) and Star Clipper crew members. The approximate gratuity is $11 USD per day, which is pooled by the entire Star Clipper Crew.

Aboard the Star Clipper, you’ll set up an on-board account with a credit card to charge onboard purchases such as bar tab and shore excursions to your cabin. The currently onboard Star Clippers is the Euro.

Your onboard account is billed in Euros and that charges are made by a European bank.  Therefore, your credit card company may assess fees to convert your charges from Euro to USD.  We recommend that you bring a “no fee” credit card for international transactions.  Many banks offer this option. Your final bill may be paid with cash (USD or Euros), travelers’ check or credit card (Discover not accepted).

The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC); however, US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica. Bring smaller bills like $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. The bills will need to be in good condition as they will not be accepted if they are ripped or torn.  You will most likely receive your change in the local currency.

The currency used in Nicaragua is the córdoba (NIO) – it is sometimes referred to as a peso. US dollars are widely accepted in Nicaragua and can be used to pay taxis, hotels, restaurants, and stores.

Exchange Rates: The exchange rates for both currencies fluctuate often. You may find the current exchange rates in the financial sections of newspapers and on the Internet. You may also find a number of websites by typing “foreign exchange rates” in your search engine. One website is: xe.com.

ATM machines will dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards.  They are conveniently located in San Jose but not in any of the other post calls on this cruise.

Credit Cards: Many vendors do not have access to a credit card machine outside of San Jose.  We generally recommend that members bring $300-$500 based on their lifestyles to allow for local taxis, shopping in port and any off-ship dining.  Most charges such as cocktails, excursions and and tips for the crew are able to be placed on your shipboard account and charged to your credit card.

We generally recommend that members bring $300-$500 based on their lifestyles to allow for local taxis, shopping in port and any off-ship dining.  Most charges such as cocktails, excursions and and tips for the crew are able to be placed on your shipboard account and charged to your credit card.

A passport is required for travel to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Be sure to confirm that your passport is current and will be valid at least six months after your return date. If you do not have one or need a new one, contact the State Department Passport Office in your area immediately or visit their website.

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.

Non US Citizens are responsible for verifying their own required documentation for this tour.

Our affordable Premium Memberships allows solo travelers the ability to have Your Own Space™️️ for a lot less so that you never have to share. Review the special Premium Member rates on the Book Now page. You may join at the same time that you purchase your vacation or click here to learn more and purchase your membership.
Roommate matches are available by request if you already have a traveling companion. Contact us at 877-SOLO-TRIP to speak with one our teammates to make your reservation.

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.

The Star Clipper is a true Clipper Ship, reflecting its proud heritage in every inch of its polished brass and gleaming charm. Star Clipper is a modern small ship in every way, created for adventure-loving passengers looking for the tradition and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships but with the comforts and amenities of the present day. She is 379 feet long and carries 166 guests in pampered comfort, over 36,000 square feet of sails. Sixteen sails billowing in the wind.

The Star Clipper features open-seating dining in an elegantly appointed dining room, delightful indoor and outdoor Tropical and Piano bars, and an Edwardian-style library where a Belle Époque fireplace glows with a warmth that reflects the friendliness and enthusiasm of Star Clippers’ hospitable officers and crew.

Each cabin is an ensuite upon itself with its own private bathroom. While cabins vary in size, location and price, all include many important comforts:

– Private Shower with ample, fresh, hot water
– Private Bathroom Facilities with full size toilet
– 110-volt U.S. current for electric devices
– Sufficient wardrobe space including under bed storage for luggage and lots of hooks to hang clothing and towels.
– Daily Steward Service and nightly turn-down service
– Television, DVD player, phone, thermostat control, private safe, hair dryer

Public Space Includes:

– Air Conditioned Dining Room with Sea Views from Every Table
– 2 outdoor swimming pools (dipping)
– Plenty of outdoor deck space to lounge, sun, watch the sails billow, admire sunrises, sunsets and star gaze
– Observation Lounge
– Piano Bar
– Tropical Bar
– Library
– Crow’s Nest – Challenge yourself with a climb to the top!

No! Just relax and laze about and leave the sailing to Star Clipper’s professional crew. But if you wish to learn the ropes, the crew is more than happy to have you help hoist the sails, take a turn at the wheel and even enjoy classes on knot tying, the stars, or navigation.

Climb the mast (with safety harness provided) to one of the passenger lookout crows-nests and get the most spectacular view ever!

As little or as much as you wish. This is your home away from home for the week, so you may sunbathe, jump off and swim or float, kayak, read, socialize, party, dance, lead, follow, participate in group games, steer the ship, enjoy sailing related classes, sleep on deck under the stars, play board games, exercise, or just sit and take in the beauty of the ship, listen to the wind in the rigging and the waves lapping against the hull. You are the master of your day! This is not a “if it’s 1:00 p.m., there’s bingo in the Lido” kind of an experience. Come prepared to be interesting and interested.

Yes! A Complimentary Watersports Program Includes Water-skiing, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Sunfish Sailing and Snorkeling. Equipment is provided by the cruise line on a first come, first served basis.

Most of the day is spent in port exploring the ports of call. Excursions and activities vary from port to port. Wildlife viewing, hiking, snorkeling, island tours, beach BBQs, sunbathing on pristine beaches and more.

Explore the excursions offered by Star Clippers and share your ideas and intentions with all of our fellow travelers on our private, singles only chat.  Note that you must be logged in to enter.

Wednesday, December 27: Singles Travel International has included a Signature Experience while in Playa Panama. “Palo Verde National Park & Wildlife Refuge, River Safari & Sabañero Experience”.  Therefore you do not need to select an excursion on that day.

Sunday, December 24: We recommend joining our group tour to Manuel Antonio National Park in Quepos.  Add “Manuel Antonio National Park Tour” by clicking Book Now and check out, prior to November 15, to be included.

All other Star Clipper Excursions are reserved once we board the vessel. Your Singles Travel International Concierge will take your orders on the ride between Arenal and the ship on December 23rd and make all your reservations for you once onboard.  If you are not on our Pre Cruise package, send us your choices prior to departure and after chatting with fellow members and we’ll include you in our service.

Prices are subject to change at any time but generally cost $50 and up.  All excursions purchased onboard, not in advance, are billed directly to your shipboard account.

Yes. Coffee, tea and juices are available at all meals on a complimentary basis. Drinks are reasonably priced at €2.50 for a beer and €3.50 for a glass of wine. Blender drinks are under €10.  At the time of publication, the US dollar was almost equal to the Euro.

Singles Travel International has also included a Private, Singles Only Party with Complimentary Open Bar and Hors d’oeuvres (on our second or 3rd night on the cruise) as well as a Complimentary Glass of Wine with Dinner Every Night!

Smoking is permitted in designated areas at the Tropical Bar and on Sun Deck. Candles, matches and lighters may never be used in your cabin.

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 30 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 arrive, our Singles Travel International Concierge is waiting to meet you at our Hospitality Desk or Welcome Event.

Our “Baby Boomer” vacations cater to singles in their 50s and 60s but you will often meet singles ranging anywhere from 45-75. 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 ratios or ages.

We recommend that you meet the members of the Singles Travel International Community online where you may view and interact with members via “Who’s Going” on every trip page. This is the best way to find out exactly who will be on your vacation.

We also invite you to join our 50+ singles community when you are not on the road, before and after your vacation @ www.SingleLife.Today. Membership and most events are free and when you upgrade to Premium, you’ll have access to our live, virtual tours to exotic locations plus save $1000s of dollars on Your Own Space™.

Costa Rica in December has great weather. Because it’s the end of the rainy season and the start of the dry season, the entire country is lush and green.  Costa Rica is warm in December, especially in the coastal regions. Generally, the average temperature in the coastal areas is around 30°C (86°F), while in the mountains, it’s around 18-22°C (64-72°F). Expect high humidity levels.  It will be perfect weather for enjoying the gorgeous beaches along the coast!

Seasickness is seldom a problem on large sailing vessels. The wind in the sails prevents much of the rolling motion that may cause sea sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness or have experienced seasickness in the past, consult your doctor for a patch, an appropriate medication or natural remedies. Make sure to take your medication prior to sailing or feeling ill, or it may not be effective.

Singles Travel International notes that ginger used as an ingredient in many of the local dishes was a plus for keeping us from getting an upset stomach.

Currently, most airlines will allow you to check two bags, weighing 50 pounds each, for a fee. In addition you may carry-on one bag plus a personal item such as a purse or briefcase. Please check with your air carrier for up-to-the minute regulations and fees for checked baggage.

Note: Pack light! We recommend a soft sided or duffel type bag due to limited space in your cabin.

This week is super relaxed, no formalities! Don’t forget a light jacket or sweatshirt for night breezes when star gazing. If you plan on hiking, don’t forget a pair of sneakers or hiking boots, otherwise, bare feet and sandals are all you’ll need. The sun is stronger in Central America, closer to the equator, so make sure you use a stronger sunscreen than you’d use at home. If you must doll up and need to have your hairdryer and curling iron, electricity onboard is standard US 110 volts. Also bring, your contract of passage/Confirmation from Singles Travel International, passport and picture ID.

Packing Tips: Take only what you need; don’t over pack. Save room for souvenirs and purchases. Pack flat and full to avoid wrinkling. Bring wardrobe basics; mix and match around one or two colors. Don’t pack anything valuable, fragile or perishable, including prescription medications and travel documents. Label your luggage with an outside tag, and place an identification card inside each suitcase.

My Packing List: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.

– An open minded attitude and a ready smile!
– Soft sided duffle bag for easy storage and easy access (may be stored under your bed).
– Light jacket or long sleeve shirt for evenings on deck star gazing.
– Tevas or deck shoes for onboard (or barefoot).
– A pair of sneakers or hiking boots
– Sunglasses, sun block, sun hat or visor. Sun is much stronger on the water than on land, even when temps are cooler.
– A pair of binoculars.
– Light rain gear.
– Air freshener.
– Bug spray and Benadryl cream.
– Toiletries: all your daily essentials and a toiletry bag with hook for hanging.
– Drinking Swag (based on your personal needs):  keep drinks cool or hot with a Travel Coffee Cup with lid, Travel water bottle, Beer Coozie, Turvis (insulted) glass, small collapsible cooler.
– Beach towel if desired, not necessary. Pareo wrap for ladies.
– Be the life of the party! Being glow in the dark party favors.
– Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip plus legible written prescription in case of loss. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag!
– Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. You may want to bring along a written prescription for your eyewear in case of loss.
– Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, Neosporin or other anti-bacterial medication.
– Power strip for all your gadgets – most cabins have only one outlet.
– Travel alarm clock with illuminated face, especially for guests in an inside cabin.
– Small, Swiss Army type utility knife. Remember to pack this in your checked luggage!
– Travel journal/notepad and reading material.
– Small, basic sewing kit with a few extra buttons. Remember to pack scissors in your checked bag!
– Photography Equipment: Bring a sufficient supply of batteries and extra memory chips.

Travel Insurance is not mandatory, but, based on over 30 years of experience assisting singles in need, we highly recommend it. In addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation.

When selecting a travel insurance policy, we recommend that at a minimum you are covered for $50,000 for the medical services abroad and $500,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation. We also strongly recommend that the policy cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us, if you have not received your quote within 3 days, or CLICK HERE to go directly to Travel Guard and request a policy quote. It only takes a few minutes.

Questions and comments after you have reserved your vacation are addressed promptly when you send a message to us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

Your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information” including transportation and how to meet up with the group will be available on the YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS button on the left navigation bar on the trip site 21 days prior to trip start date.

Questions and comments after you have reserved your vacation are addressed promptly when you send a message to us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In an emergency after hours, please call us at 877-765-6874 and press 0. One of our friendly, experienced team members will call you back. 

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 US Customs on their official website, click here to learn more.