SteelMagnolia9

I’ll post a review of the Cumberland River Cruise when I return. Hope you’ll have a review or some comments after your American Revolution Cruise next week.

I’ve not been on the Northwest Pioneers Cruise, but I was on the Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise (with three friends) which is a few days less than the one you are considering. It was outstanding, loved the history, ports and scenery. There is a series of locks on this cruise. We went in early October 2015.

I booked this week the Cumberland River Cruise for September, St. Louis to Nashville, Queen of the Mississippi. Anyone been on this cruise? Going to visit family in Nashville for a few days at the end of the cruise.

Sooo, two ACL cruises this year. Going with a friend on the Hudson River cruise at the end of October (booked onboard last Sept.)

Didn’t really plan on going on two this year, but there was a decent discount on the Cumberland River Cruise, so decided to do it since I could also visit family.

5 hours ago, Oceansaway17 said:

Oh yes I am fuming and it is not right to treat solos this way in my opinion.

I called about a cruise out of Southampton UK for 2 weeks trip to Norway and Iceland for July 2019.

Their interior rooms that are available are just not available to a solo traveler.  Nothing the agent could do.  hmm really.

 

So when you call and they thank you for your business, eventually you just might find out how thankful they ARE NOT.  I mean a solo pays double anyways so it makes no sense.

 

Oh and of course always with Princess, their hotel packages for London are never available.  They seem to book less that other lines and never have them even for a year out,

 

So with their mean policies and issues with London hotels, I will give up on this cruise line.  

I hope those interior rooms stay empty and would serve them right for losing money.  

OP - I booked a Baltic Heritage cruise as a solo in May 2018 for this coming May 2019 b2b with a Norwegian Fjords cruise. I was waitlisted for the Princess pre-cruise two night hotel package in London in May 2018, a full year in advance. I waitlisted and finally cleared the waitlist in February 2019 right before final payment. I was told by my Princess Vacation Planner that there are spaces held by TA’s which eventually have to be released if not sold to their clients and that is the reason why I was waitlisted. 

My Baltic Heritage cruise is now completely sold out and interiors and ocean views are sold out for my Norwegian Fjords cruise.

Call Princess back and request a Princess Vacation Planner to assist you (mine helped me immensely in planning my two cruises and all the logistics).  If you are told no interiors are available for singles, ask her/him to speak with a supervisor to request that a cabin be moved out of inventory for you. Exceptions sometimes can be made.

Wishing you all the best.

I usually enjoy Anytime Dining for the flexibility both in time, dining venue and whether I feel like sharing a table. I’ve had good experiences with Anytime Dining and usually obtain good information on upcoming ports from more experienced cruisers at dinner. 

I decided to try traditional dining on another line last fall on a 7 night cruise and found myself alone one evening at a table for 10. There was never a full table on any evening. The first night we had 7. There were usually 3-5 of us every night. No guarantee there will consistently be others at your table if you decide to share.

I was on the American Spirit on the Puget Sound & San Juan Islands cruise in September 2018. It’s a small ship (possibly the smallest ACL ship). Perfect, though, for navigating the waters around Puget Sound & San Juan Islands. There were 71 passengers onboard and I think I met and talked with everyone. 

On 2/18/2019 at 9:51 PM, jklc123 said:

We are also thinking about booking the Hudson River cruise. Which of the ships would you recommend?

I, along with a friend, am booked on the American Constitution for October 2019. We selected this ship as it is new, with a few more public spaces/lounges. 175 passengers. 

I’ve been on the American Star twice on two different itineraries and enjoyed it, it is smaller and older with less passengers than the Constitution. The price point for the Hudson River cruise on the Star is a bit lower. That is always a plus.

I’ve not been on the Indepence, so can’t comment on it beyond what is stated on the ACL website.

On 1/12/2019 at 11:37 PM, puli said:

If you could only choose one  Pacific Northwest cruise would you opt for this cruise over the Columbia River one?

Difficult question as both are wonderful cruises. If you enjoy history (Lewis & Clark), the Columbia & Snake River cruise would be a great choice. You also go through a series of locks on that cruise. Puget Sound & San Juan Islands was a more scenic cruise. 

Just made final payment on 14 day Princess Baltic Heritage cruise departing May 4th. Then a b2b Princess Norwegian Fjords cruise departing May 18th (final payment not due until March). Longest time solo on a cruise ship for me.

7 hours ago, txwriter said:

I am having a dilemma.  I am trying to decide on my very first solo cruise.  I have only been on two cruises.  The first when I was a teenager was back in 1990 and the 2nd was last summer.

 

I hated the first cruise, but I LOVED the 2nd one.  I think part of the reason I loved the 2nd one so much was I was in Alaska, but I also noticed this ships are so much better with much more to do now.  (There was NO teen programming when I went on my first cruise, so I was bored out of my gourd on sea days).

 

I am single without kids, and I usually travel with my mom.  She and I have very similar likes and dislikes, and I enjoy her company.  Plus, I know she won't be able to travel forever, and I like to take her on trips when I can.

 

For my next trip, I want to try a solo trip.  Mom won't be around forever, I like to travel, and most of my friends are doing their own things with their families. I am what someone else on this board called an extroverted introvert.  I like people, but I also like time to recharge my batteries and don't usually have a problem being alone.  So, I'm doing this cruise as a toe in the water just to see how I like these types of trips by myself.  To be honest, cruises seem like they'd be much easier solo travel than some other options.

 

One more thing:  I'm not a big bar fly, and I don't visit the casinos.

 

So, here's what I'm considering and why (date order so as not to give preference in any way).  I'd like feedback from those of you who have traveled solo.  Which would you pick?  Why?  Price is generally in the same ballpark for the fare, but each has either tangible or intangible perks. 

 

#1

Dec. 7-12, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Magic, 5-Night Very Merrytime Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

 

Pros:  I've always wanted to try a Disney cruise, I really like Disney and have not had a chance to do any Disney travel for some time, a friend of mine and her husband will be aboard this ship, so I won't have to be totally alone if I don't want to and they can help me navigate unknown factors, it's a Christmas themed cruise, and I LOVE Christmas, deposit is 50% off right now which is nice.  I hear the entertainment is outstanding, and the dinner rotation intrigues me. 

 

Cons:  I've not cruised Disney before, will there be too many kids? (especially in dining area), price is slightly higher but no incentives like OBC

 

#2

January 25-Feb.1, Princess Cruises, Sky Princess, 7 Day Eastern Caribbean

 

Pros:  Brand new ship!  I loved the Princess cruise we took to Alaska this past summer, price is less, travel into Fort Lauderdale more favorable than Miami to me, Princess beds were SO comfy, and I liked the room set up (though this one would be smaller since we had handicap accessible room for my mom), current sale offers $300 OBC, and I get credits for Captains Circle/loyalty program as well as small discount from being previous guest.

 

Cons:  More intimidating for first solo trip since no friends on board, will I sleep the entire time and become a hermit?  Unsure of onboard activities on less port intensive cruise (I can find information about the activities but not certain I'd enjoy them is what I mean--in Alaska it was all about the ports). 

 

One minute I'm 90% convince one way, and a little bit later, I'm 90% convinced the other way. 

 

 

I like Princess as a solo. I was on a 15 night cruise to Hawaii from San Francisco in May 2017 and there were plenty of activities on the sea days to keep me occupied. I was treated very well by my cabin steward and other staff as a solo. Loved the service on the ship (Grand Princess). I have two b2b cruises booked for May of this year with Princess, Baltic Heritage and Norwegian Fjords, both solo. 

I’ve not been on Disney.

Was anyone onboard the recent Colonial Christmas Cruise? Would love to hear about your experience onboard this holiday cruise.

16 hours ago, Ramjet1997 said:

The problem with so many of these boards, many of the readers are "cruise experts" who relish giving crap to people who try to provide other readers information which they may not be aware of.  You have seen a slew of these "experts" with their rude and non productive comments.

It’s off-putting and disheartening to see someone beat down on a travel board. I’ve seen this too many times. I’m done with CC for 2019.

On 12/24/2018 at 10:55 AM, DaveinCharlotte said:

SteelMagnolia9 - You said ship returned to Shilshole Marina the day before airport departure, so I assume that is where you took the taxi from.  That marina appears to be some distance north of Seattle downtown -- do you recall how long your taxi ride to the Sea-Tac airport took? 

It was no more than 30 minutes. It was a Saturday morning and traffic was light.

The reviews are mostly consistent both in this forum and in the general reviews for Freedom of the Seas. I am booked in 2019 and booked the cruise specifically for the itinerary which is port intensive. I have not been to any of the ports except for one. After booking, I have been reading the reviews, but I am keeping my booking for the itinerary. I did purchase “The Key” for this cruise. Looking forward to this cruise.

3 minutes ago, DirtyDawg said:

 

 Perhaps the ones dealing with flying in a day early and travel insurance were so nasty the Mods removed them. 

 

I don’t understand why some are nasty on a board that is supposed to be helpful. It drives many away and some may be hesitant to even ask a question. If the OP is reading this, I hope your holiday is full of joy wherever you are celebrating.

Be the spirit of the season!

3 hours ago, Jacksonic said:

I feel like I need to get my story out because I am fuming right now. Excuse the rant. 

 

I went on Serenade of the sea on nov 19th for my honeymoon with my wife. We were trying to stay active on the ship and on the 2nd or 3rd day of going to the gym and sauna, I was sexually assalted in the showers. Running out I mention in detail what had happened and the name of the perpetrator to spa staff, and what had happened. In a fluster I head back to my room to relax and try and cope with what had happened. Expecting a call to my room I hung about for a while longer and nothing. No call no follow up. End of the cruise rolls around and I mention it in my follow up survey. Royal Caribbean does an “investigation” and informs me that they cannot do anything because “spa staff did not tell guest services staff.” Noreen (the wonderfully helpless surveyor) also let me know that they will make sure that they remind staff to report these kind of things. So my honeymoon was fair to say ruined, and you will make sure to remind staff....... thanks that solved everything I suddenly feel better. #sarcasm. I will never sail with Royal caribbean again. 

 

 

Jacksonic, it is not too late to file a police report on this and I encourage you to do so, so that a formal report is memorialized of what happened to you. You know the name of the perpetrator. Royal Caribbean knows the names (if you do not) of the spa staff that were on duty at the time of the sexual assault. There are still avenues that can be investigated. In some states, once you file the police report, you qualify for victim advocate services, which may include free counseling and other services.

You did report it immediately after to spa staff. I’ve worked with many victims of sexual assault in my career and it’s not unusual that you would be in shock and wait for follow-up after your initial report.

If you have an employee assistance program where you work, you may also want to consider contacting it for some counseling services, if available. 

Thank you for sharing this with us. No one would expect to be sexually assaulted in the showers on a cruise ship on their honeymoon. 

Just cancelled The Key at $24.99/day on my 2019 Freedom of the Seas cruise and rebooked at $19.99/day. Thanks to those who posted about the price reduction!

1 hour ago, josh.vincent.180 said:

With others describing the same as me, I am thinking we are going to end up getting the KEY for this trip so the lines arent an issue with events.

I’m going on the Freedom of the Seas in 2019 and based on the reviews about the ship both in this forum and in the review section of CC, I purchased The Key. 

On 12/15/2018 at 10:22 PM, eroller said:

Having ships built, registered, and crewed in the US by US citizens is not cheap.  They also have to adhere to US labor laws and hire US citizens.  It's much more expensive than FOC (flag of convenience) .

This is the reason. 

My dollars spent are supporting a U.S. business, employees and local economies along the itineraries. 

I’ve been on 6 ACL cruises and have #7 booked for 2019. They are an unique way to explore parts of the U.S. from its waterways that one doesn’t experience from a land trip. 

MomC, I’ve been on the itinerary you are considering and it was excellent (itinerary, excursions, dining and enrichment).

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

Keep looking - as with just about everything in the planner they may have discounts before sailing ($20 has been reported).

Thanks for letting me know. I’ll keep checking on it.

I finally decided to purchase The Key this morning offered at $24.99/day on my Freedom of the Seas cruise in 2019 from San Juan. 

Yes, recent reviews of the ship on this forum and in the general review section of CC on the ship have persuaded me that The Key would make my cruise more enjoyable. I’m going solo, so a small investment for me as I always buy the internet package anyway.

46 minutes ago, norway olin said:

 

My Radiance trip in April still lists the following:

 

"Carry-on bag drop off and delivery to stateroom. Drop-off located in main theater onboard and available until 1:30pm. Up to 2 carry-on bags per guest. "

I checked my cruise planner and it also states the carry-on bag drop and delivery to stateroom. 

Sad. Checking my cruise planner on a Sat. night. 

23 minutes ago, Cruisesfun65 said:

 

It's in the description for our sailing:

 

Summary of your benefits: 
• Priority check-in and boarding. Upon your arrival at the terminal, follow The Key check-in signage to your designated waiting area. 
• Early access to stateroom. To gain early entrance to your stateroom, you must go to your stateroom deck and present one of the following: SeaPass Card, confirmation of purchase, or Set Sail Pass. Early access to stateroom starts at 12:00PM. 
• Exclusive embarkation lunch at Chops Grille® - seating from 11:30am – 1:30pm. 
• Private hours at onboard activities including Rock Climbing, FlowRider and more. The private hours schedule will be provided at check-in. 
• Priority port of call debarkation. 
• Reserved priority seating at shows in the Main Theater, AquaTheater and Studio B. No reservations required pre-cruise or onboard. 
• VOOM ® Surf & Stream 1 Device high speed internet. 
• Choice debarkation with exclusive A La Carte breakfast from 6:30 am – 9:00 am.

Looks like the carry-on luggage drop-off at the theatre has been replaced with early access to the stateroom. 

Apparently, The Key is already being ‘tweaked’ since the OP’s post. The Key description on my planner adds/modifies:

Priority check-in and boarding. Upon your arrival at the terminal, follow The Key check-in signage to your designated waiting area.

Priority port of call debarkation. No mention of only applying to tender ports.

Reserved priority seating at shows in the Main Theatre, AquaTheatre and Studio B. No reservations required pre-cruise or onboard.

I checked my Cruise Planner and it is being offered on my cruise in September on Freedom of the Seas for $24.99. I would consider it for $19.99 as I always purchase an internet package, but will pass on it for now.

22 hours ago, DrivesLikeMario said:

 

Really?  I get asked that ALL the time when I'm by  myself.  Maybe it has to do with your age?  Maybe people assume that you're a widow/widower?  I get drilled with questions, especially in the MDR: 

 

"Why are you cruising by yourself?" 

"Can't your husband get the time off work?"

"Why doesn't he just go anyway?"

"Aren't you afraid?" 

"How do you handle it all by yourself?"

"Do you really go all this way on your own and even stay in hotels by yourself?" 

 

and so many more questions.  I usually go to the buffet now vs. being questioned like that at breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It gets old having to tell the same story over & over again.  It does help having traditional dining at least for dinner.

WOW! I’m surprised at those questions being asked. I’d have to assume the questioner(s) do not have much world/travel/work/life experience outside their own neighborhoods.