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Introvert Thinking of Solo Cruising... BUT


ZenZeta
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...I am not impressed by the Solo cruiser options. I see that Norwegian has "studios" available for those traveling solo, but I am not thrilled about the prospect of sleeping in a sardine can with no windows.

 

Also, the whole "lounge" setup seems to cater to my more extroverted counterparts. I don't want to be "encouraged" to mingle if I'm not in the mood for crowds (most often than not).

 

So, what options does a single cruiser who prefers lots of alone time with the luxury of putting my feet up on a balcony have?

 

Could I possibly book a cabin for two and my "companion" get sick right before the trip and I travel alone?;)

 

It's so frustrating that singles still get treated like lepers (pay more for less people? WHY?!?!?

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You generally won't need to pay more to sail alone than you would pay in total for the same cabin for 2 people. It might be the same amount. Sometimes with some special deals it will be more, but often if you see a price advertised online like that, if you call you will be able to get that same price for a cabin to yourself. At least, with Celebrity I'm told it works that way.

 

And if you look around, particularly just after final payment date (75 or 90 days pre-cruise depending on the line, I think) or in the last few weeks before the cruise if it isn't selling well, you can often find excellent prices and lower "single supplements"--you might only pay 150% of what each person in a cabin would pay to have the cabin to yourself. I once got a 110% supplement on Royal Caribbean though I haven't seen that again in the last few years.

 

There's no reason to book a studio if you don't want to do the group stuff--I feel the same way so I book a balcony cabin so I can sit out there and read all by myself! :) I'm definitely an introvert--I don't hate people but I do prefer them in limited doses!

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There is no end to the available options for solo cruisers....... You have the same options as those cruising with others. It'll cost you more though, because you're keeping them from selling another spot, but there are many places where it won't cost you double.

 

You can look for specific sales for solo travelers, but you kind of have to hope you want to go where they're offering sales. And look at Crystal... They have lower shuffle supplements" virtually all their voyages, usually about 35-40 % for a balcony cabin. It will look more expensive at first glance, but ouf you remember it's virtually all inclusive and it's a luxury product, it might not seem so bad once you run the numbers. They teat solo passengers very well, which is too day they treat them no differently than anyone else

 

 

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I would look at other lines .NCL also charges for most of its decent restaurants. You will not get any lines balcony for much less, if any, less than 100% add on. Best deals are Insides. If you are not into fun and games consider Princess or Celebrity. Over 70? try HAL. Fun/games go CCL or RCL. Cruise off season too.

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I agree with "look at other lines"........I have been sailing solo for close to 15 years now and have never cruised NCL

and the studio concept does not appeal to me at all. As they say, different strokes for different folks.:) There are many

folks who love NCL and love the studios.......and I say good for them.....it makes them happy.

 

I prefer a normal sized cabin and if I want to meet people I go to activities offered or find a bar/lounge and I feel very

comfortable meeting people in those venues. Also, depending on the itinerary, I may do a tour/excursion and meet

people that way too.

I usually book a window or balcony and I am happy with my choices. As for the price, I look for a total price that is

within my budget and if it is, and it something I want to do, I book it. I don't feel like anyone/anything is making me feel

"like a leper". I was on a cruise last month over Superbowl Sunday and met some really nice folks but also had "my time"

on my balcony. I was in the theater to watch the game with hundreds of others and had a blast in there too.:D

 

I LOVE cruising solo and my next one is booked for August......from Barcelona to Rome and circumstances are allowing

me to sail my first "Luxury Line" going on Silverseas and can't wait:D

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I've sailed solo on rcl, MSc, Princess, and ncl. With the exception of a studio on ncl, all of my solo trips have been in a balcony paying anywhere from 25-100% supplement, but sometimes even 100% supplement is cheaper than "solo" rates so keep an eye out for regular balconies. MSC is currently less than 600 for a solo balcony for this may and June. I'm leaving in a few weeks on Anthem- this time I got a solo balcony and think it was very nicely priced.

 

I guess what I'm saying is, don't limit yourself to solo rates. There are tons of options out there for the solo traveler and more and more coming with each new build. Enjoy :)

 

 

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Y I'm definitely an introvert--I don't hate people but I do prefer them in limited doses!

 

I COMPLETELY understand. Two hours is my max when it comes to a large crowd. At that point, I literally start to "glaze over". Now, a one-on-one conversation with someone interesting? I can't shut up!!!:D

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I've sailed solo on rcl, MSc, Princess, and ncl. With the exception of a studio on ncl, all of my solo trips have been in a balcony paying anywhere from 25-100% supplement, but sometimes even 100% supplement is cheaper than "solo" rates so keep an eye out for regular balconies. MSC is currently less than 600 for a solo balcony for this may and June. I'm leaving in a few weeks on Anthem- this time I got a solo balcony and think it was very nicely priced.

 

I guess what I'm saying is, don't limit yourself to solo rates. There are tons of options out there for the solo traveler and more and more coming with each new build. Enjoy :)

 

 

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Good to know! I'm going to start researching solo supplements! Thanks!

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I COMPLETELY understand. Two hours is my max when it comes to a large crowd. At that point, I literally start to "glaze over". Now, a one-on-one conversation with someone interesting? I can't shut up!!!:D

 

I'm exactly the same way. I also do a lot of presentations for work and I am just fine with them--or in meetings, even in a large group, where I'm not at all hesitant to participate. It is draining for me, though, and in social settings I am much happier with one or two or three other people than a larger group.

 

One of the beauties of solo cruising is that you can be sociable if you want to and fellow passengers tend to be very friendly and welcoming, but you have that quiet cabin all to yourself (or you can go to a show, the buffet, or whatever and be anonymous in the crowd) when you would rather just be alone with your thoughts. :)

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I have done 2 solo cruises. The first was on MSC and I booked thru a "well-gnome" agency and paid for both beds in an oceanview and they upgraded me to a balcony. It was lovely! 2 months ago I booked a sweet deal on an inside with NCL, paying 150% iof the discounted rate. Total for the cabin before the taxes was $269 for a 5 day cruise.

 

Those solo cabins look like hell. Shop around. On the exact same boat you can often find a traditional inside cabin for less money. And it's bigger. Don't be afraid to bypass the perks and book a guaranty cabin. They are a LOT cheaper and really, how much booze are you going to drink? Two people in a room? No brainer- get the regular room and the booze package. Solo or non-drinker? Get the GTY and roll with it. Much nicer price.

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...I am not impressed by the Solo cruiser options. I see that Norwegian has "studios" available for those traveling solo, but I am not thrilled about the prospect of sleeping in a sardine can with no windows.

 

Also, the whole "lounge" setup seems to cater to my more extroverted counterparts. I don't want to be "encouraged" to mingle if I'm not in the mood for crowds (most often than not).

 

So, what options does a single cruiser who prefers lots of alone time with the luxury of putting my feet up on a balcony have?

 

Could I possibly book a cabin for two and my "companion" get sick right before the trip and I travel alone?;)

 

It's so frustrating that singles still get treated like lepers (pay more for less people? WHY?!?!?

 

Are you able to do last minute cruising? If so then I highly suggest NCL, you can get a guarantee inside, ocean view or balcony for extremely low price. I check daily on cruiseplum, if something dirt cheap comes up, I book it.

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I have done a lot of solo travel, including international, and, like you, I'm also an introvert. I went on my first solo cruise back in 2012 on Carnival, and I'm going again on another one this December. Last trip I got a good rate for a balcony, but this trip I had to stay with an inside as the rates weren't so good. My favorite place is up on the Serenity Deck relaxing. A cruise is nice for introverts because we can join in with others if we want to, or can easily stay to ourselves and relax in peace.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Sorry for the absence... work calls!

 

So, it sounds like I may be able to find a good deal on a "non-solo" room with a balcony by shopping the last minute deals? I'm OK with that.

 

Silly question: where do I find information about the solo supplements? I don't mind paying extra for the peace of mind.

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I like solo cruising. I have done family cruising, friend cruising, and working as a personal babysitter on a cruise ship. I have done more solo cruises than anything else. I am going to be trying out the solo cabins on the Epic in three weeks but this will be my first time in an inside cabin. I am a little worried about it but with the money, I saved I have booked a few spa appointments and upgraded dinners. My last few cruises have been casinos at sea balcony rooms so I am a little nervous about this inside thing. I figure if I don't like the solo rooms I will know better for next time!

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i actually am one who loves the studio cabins on NCL but if you can do last minute NCL often has balconies for no solo supplement. Two weeks ago it was $869 canadian for the balcony so maybe around $700 US. Other weeks the prices go up before sailing, all about supply and demand. I often try for a last minute if i can swing it.

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Sorry for the absence... work calls!

 

So, it sounds like I may be able to find a good deal on a "non-solo" room with a balcony by shopping the last minute deals? I'm OK with that.

 

Silly question: where do I find information about the solo supplements? I don't mind paying extra for the peace of mind.

 

Good morning, I would suggest calling whichever cruiseline you looking to sail and get the information from a rep. (pricing,

location of the cabin, etc.). And yes, you can also do a "mock booking" and put 1 in the space for how many people are

sailing.....that should also give you a total if you are booking on line.

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Interesting thread....

I have been an "introvert", for all of my life, and now, finally, I've found that I have a lot more enjoyment, trying to be an "extrovert", and cruising solo has given me great opportunity to do just that...

 

It is so easy to make friends on a cruise ship, by participating in all the organized cruise staff activities, as well as attending the solo traveler's get-together each evening...

NCL's at the Studio Lounge (open to all during the social hour), is especially enjoyable...:)

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I'm in between being an introvert and extrovert. While I love hanging out with people I know and comfortable with, I do wish I had more opportunities to cruise without " the need of having someone" holding me back. Additionally I LOVE being able to do my own thing and not have to wait for other people. I am cruising with a friend of a friend in a few months, and not sure if I have the boldness to cruise alone. I'm 27, female I would love to find a short cruise later this year to go on. I feel like if I was 5-10 years older I would care less but I'm not that bold yet. I also wasnt down for the NCL solo cabins either. Ever since I started cruising it has always been balcony or window at least. I can not do inside cabins. Maybe I'll gain the courage to go solo on a cruise one day..

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i actually am one who loves the studio cabins on NCL but if you can do last minute NCL often has balconies for no solo supplement. Two weeks ago it was $869 canadian for the balcony so maybe around $700 US. Other weeks the prices go up before sailing, all about supply and demand. I often try for a last minute if i can swing it.

 

Twice I have done NCL solo. Both times I got inside rooms (not studio cabins) at 25% and 45% single supplement, OceanView was offered on the second cruise for only $50 more. And on the first cruise a woman I talked to got her Balcony room for only $150 more than my room. Note: Both cruises were on the NCL Epic.

 

Also lately I have been checking the NCL website and have noticed that often cruises than are a week or less ahead in time can sometimes have big discounts that the same cruise later does not have. So check the NCL site at-least twice a week and if possible even more often if you can do a cruise on short notice.

 

Example: looking at the NCL site right now Norwegian Getaway is leaving for 7 day on



    • Apr 16 - 23, 2017
      SUN - SUN

      • CA$1 672
         
         
         
      • CA$601
         
         
         
      • CA$802
         
         
         
      • CA$1 872
         
         
         
      • CA$3 612
         
         
         
      • CA$2 407
         
         
         
      • CA$6 424
         
         
         

Notice the first price is for a studio room, the second for an inside room but the third is for an oceanview room. The fourth is a balcony but I would be happy with just the oceanview myself, and still will save vs getting a studio room.

Edited by Earl Colby Pottinger
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Sorry for the absence... work calls!

 

So, it sounds like I may be able to find a good deal on a "non-solo" room with a balcony by shopping the last minute deals? I'm OK with that.

 

Silly question: where do I find information about the solo supplements? I don't mind paying extra for the peace of mind.

 

Hi

I'm leaving tomorrow on the Royal Caribbean TA to Southampton. I am going solo for the first time, I don't know what to expect but I am planning on having a good time. :)

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Hi

I'm leaving tomorrow on the Royal Caribbean TA to Southampton. I am going solo for the first time, I don't know what to expect but I am planning on having a good time. :)

 

Wishing you a BIG BON VOYAGE:)....I hope you have a wonderful cruise:)

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  • 1 month later...

I have always cruised alone and, like some of the previous posters, am quite introvert and am happy with my own company. The last few cruises, my TA has priced up occupancy of a single balcony cabin ans opposed to single use of a double balcony cabin. To my surprise the single occupancy of a double cabin was cheaper every time. Moral: don't always assume that a single cabin is going to be the cheapest option.

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1ST TIME SOLO AFTER CRUISING AS COUPLE

 

I am an elderly lady whose husband has died recently. We just loved cruising and were very happy doing our own thing. We usually asked for a two top late dining and were pleased with our choice. DH had Parkinson's and it was a social ordeal for him to eat with others as he was very slow and shaky. So eating alone together was the best choice at the time.

 

However I am quite extroverted and love to meet people and chat, share experiences, etc. Our children encourage me to keep on cruising. I have to remind them that cruising solo is almost as expensive as cruising as a couple and sometimes more. Also my income is now lower as DH'S pension has been cut. Nonetheless I do intend to book a cruise but have no idea which line would be the best bang for my buck. Help please.

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  • 2 months later...

Sorry for you loss. As far as cruise lines if you can handle cruising on the same line as before and you have some kind of status start there. Consider that most of the time it will cost the same now as it did when you went with your husband. If you do not think you are ready for the same cruise line look for an itinerary that you are interested in within what you want to spend. If you do not mind inside cabins go mid ship all the way around. I sleep so good because it is dark, peaceful and if there is weather I feel like I am being rocked to sleep. The insides tend to be less expensive. I also do not spend that much time there because I am always out somewhere out on the ship so I get lots of outside time. I hope you are able to find something that makes you happy so that you can combine it with your other great cruising memories. Good luck.

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