islndchica

I've sailed RCCL before - Serenade of the Seas, but I had company. I enjoyed the ship, especially the outdoors decks, the food was decent, and the service was excellent. The crowd was a bit older in general, and night time activities seemed to screech to a grinding halt by 11. Never did feel the need to pay for any extras, because the basics were all reasonable. I did some excursions through the ship, and, while a little pricy, were well-organized. Would I have been comfy alone? I don't know. My friend and I tried joining others for dinner. After 2 table attempts, and a little old lady that my friend almost brought to tears by accidentally conjuring up memories of her late husband, we decided we were each others' best company.

It seems like the Epic is the more solo-friendly ship, but 3 things seem to come up as issues with multiple ppl.

1. The seeming need to pay for everything that's worth it on the ship -- food/shows/etc

2. The smokiness and inability to avoid it

3. Lack of openness and general crowding of common areas/lines/long waits

Anyone have any input on those issues?

Neither line is a foodie line.........

Really "exceptional food" would be on the high end luxury lines.........

those that are the smaller ships and very $$$$. Most of the Mass

Market lines do have "specialty restaurants" where the food would be

better than in the Main Dining room though. They are extra money

but many are excellent.

 

As for other things? I would suggest checking out the roll call for the

cruise you end up picking......it is a great way to meet other people:)

i figured that I wouldn't be getting my foodie fix on a big ship. I looked at some of the more luxurious lines, and realized pretty quickly that I may have a harder time meeting people closer to my age. That being said, I'd be disappointed if my food wasn't edible. So I was wondering which has a better reputation.

I get the feeling from the forum that Epic's specialty restaurants are pretty decent (but there's a charge). I just wonder how I'd get around dining alone in them.

I have cruised solo three times and thoroughly enjoyed it. Cruise ships are relatively safe and welcoming for solos.

 

As for choice of ship I would go for one with fixed/traditional dining, as I like to meet companions for my evening meal, so that would rule out NCL.

 

I'm sure if you 'go with the flow' and join in with activities you will have a wonderful time.

 

PS sit at bar not at a table, nothing like being greeted by name and barman making sure there is enough of your favourite tipple (doesn't have to be alcoholic) to make you feel at home.

Which line did you go with?

So, I've been putting off a Europe trip because I've been waiting around for company. Since this has yet to happen, I've decided to bite the bullet and take a cruise alone.

I'm looking to go the 1st week of Sept, and I'm torn between a Western Mediterranean cruise on NCL Epic or RCCL Liberty of the Seas. I was hoping I'd get some input to help me with my decision.

A little about myself:

- I'm 32 years old

- I'm a total foodie

- I love to dance

- I enjoy meeting new people, but I'm a little nervous making the first step

Anyone have any experiences they can share or recommendations that may help me with my decision. Cost is an issue, but I'm willing to pay the single supplement on RCCL if I think I'll have a better experience.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!