Forget bars, awkward blind dates and fix-ups by well-meaning but clueless friends and relatives. Instead, meet the mate of your dreams aboard a Singles Travel International cruise. The upscale travel service has four singles-minded cruises planned for 2004.

New Year's Eve: Travel-happy singles can start the New Year right with a jaunt to the Mexican Riviera. The cruise, from Dec. 29, 2003 to Jan. 9, 2004, sails down the Pacific coast of California with ports-of-call in San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlan and Manzanillo. Beach-comb and sun during the day; at night, mingle at cocktail parties and, of course, a champagne-soaked affair on New Year's Eve. Adults-only cruise. Double rates begin at $1,499*, single-occupancy cabin only $1,599!

* Rates are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy in a non-oceanview cabin. Airfare, air taxes, port charges ($219), transfers ($25) are not included in the rates and are subject to change.

Bargain Hawaii: Come March, work on your tan as Royal Caribbean's "Legend of the Seas" embarks on a grand tour of Hawaii. With stops in Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Hilo and Kona, there?ll be plenty of opportunities for hiking through lush rainforests, strolling endless beaches, gazing into volcanoes, and learning to hula at a luau. From March 25 to April 5, enjoy 11 nights, all for a bargain rate of $1,765* including all taxes, plus airfare starting at only $163 from LA!

* Rate is per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom and does not include airfare. Air taxes, cruise taxes and government fees are subject to change and fares are subject to availability.

Majesty of the Norwegian Fjords aboard Cunard's NEW Queen Mary 2 from Southampton, England: And this summer from July 10-22, escape the heat with a tour of Norway's famous fjords aboard the grandest, most famous cruise ship of its era, the Queen Mary 2. The Queen Mary 2 features the cuisine of chef Daniel Boulud and the first-ever Veuve Clicquot champagne bar. Singles will sail from July 10-22, stopping in Geiranger, Aaleslund and Bergen, Norway, as well as Hamburg, Germany, Edinburgh, Scotland and Rotterdam, Netherlands. Rates begin at $2,918* plus airfare and taxes.

* Rate is per person, based on double occupancy in an inside, category D2 stateroom and does not include airfare, air taxes, cruise taxes ($220) and government fees ($26) and are subject to change. All fares are subject to availability..

About the Author

Singles Travel International: With over 20 years of experience in travel consulting, Singles Travel International provides worry-free travel that meets the unique needs of solo travelers. Every group is accompanied by at least one Singles Travel International escort who's available 24 hours a day to provide assistance or answer questions. Although a Singles Travel International trip is a terrific way to meet people, travelers can be as involved as they'd like in the tour activities, spending their time with the group or relaxing and exploring on their own.

Singles Travel International contact: Tammy Weiler, (877) SOLO-TRIP, (877)765-6874, or www.singlestravelintl.com.

Media contact: Beth Peterson, (708) 383-5989 or beth@petersonmktg.com