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Nisky18

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Posts posted by Nisky18

  1. Hi! :)

    Owing to a rather uselss husband and details that don't need going into, I now find myself a potential solo cruiser.

    Ive just had to cancel my Princess holiday to Norway (midnight sun / summer solstice) as they wanted me to pay 100% single suppliment fee.

    As it gets nearer to the sail date (June) and prices come down so they can fill cabins, do they start to relent on the whole 'be mean to single people' stance?

    Are there any good cruise agents anyone would recommend? Ive normally just bought through the Princess website, but if they are being anti single me, then thats out as an option.

     

    And failing all that, if Princess really are that mean - anyone have any recommendations for other cruise lines that are a little kinder?

    My opinion is put on a happy face and call Princess directly, hoping for a kindly representative. Figure out a budget for yourself and explain your situation, then ask "what can you do for me so I can take a much needed solo holiday with your wonderful cruiseline?" Then let them go to work for you.

     

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  2. 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!

     

    Carnival needs to offer some solo cruises out of Galveston! They used to.

    I was an introvert as a child, read lots of books, wrote in a diary, had an imaginary playmate. Then I noticed others were having fun but I wasnt. When I cruise I often engage strangers in conversation but I respect those who obviously prefer solitude. My unsolicited opinion is to call any cruiseline you'd like to book and tell the representative your preference. Let that person guide and assist you to have the best cruise experience for YOU.

     

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  3. Can you negotiate with the rep at the cruise line or a travel agent? For instance, I am paying double for a cabin, can I ask for onboard credit to bring my expenses down?

     

    Finding a buddy to travel with is hard, I know of a few friendships that ended on vacation, The only other alternative to not wasting money is to ask a person if they would like to cruise for free, It is still costly for the friend if there is airfare, excursions, etc.

    In my opinion everything is negotiable. I've had a lot of success dealing directly with the cruiselines. Depending on the rep you talk with, they know the bargains and options. Talking with them about your budget and your cruise likes and dislikes, will be helpful.

     

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  4. I am a recently widowed single man who hasn't cruised on RCL in several years. I booked a 12 day cruise

    on the Anthem for January, 2018. I would love to hear some first hand tips on dining options, reservation procedures and anything else you think would help me enjoy my cruise. I will admit I am a little reticent about

    the "single" thing, having always cruised with my wife in the past. I am a Diamond status member, and have booked a Balcony Guarantee cabin. I'm very grateful for any advise....Gary

    I understand how different and difficult this cruise will feel, after losing your soul mate and beloved travelling companion. Check the Cruise Critic boards, because I believe there are forums for you to communicate with other people in similar situations.Have a wonderful cruise. Bon Voyage.

     

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  5. I felt as if they were nockle and diming everything. I was disappointed in the food and the personality of the ship. Too many people for such tiny pools, the same food in different venues....and frankly, I decided free style isn't my thing. I cruised the Carnival Splendor in January 2014 and found the food terrific. Then I cruised Breakaway in September 2014 and disliked the food. As a vegetarian I found Carnival staff very accommodating and creative but not so on NCL. I unfortunately bought a future cruise certificate for $250 and have tobusebit by 2017 or 2018. I better figure that out.

     

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  6. Very good description of how I feel when I'm on my balcony...starting and ending the day with 'mystical' is perfection.

    Wish I could do it with only a window, but that just doesn't get me to my happy place.

    I agree. My balcony on the NCL Breakaway was great but too small. I preferred the Carnival balconys. Frankly, I don't like NCL but that's another story.

    I also get very 'messed up' without natural light - and who doesn't want to see the ocean when cruising! always try to choose the 1A portholes when available otherwise need an OV cabin (when solo). If travelling with family I do much prefer a balcony! :D

     

     

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  7. What is your views of Ocean View?

     

    The reason I ask is I am crunching the numbers for solo trips on Carnival and NCL, and while often there is a big jump in price from Inside to OV, on a few cruises the difference between the can be very small.

     

    With OV you not only get the natural light that some people seem to need, but if you forget to set your alarm proper you don't wake up a 10 am ready to take that 9 am excursion like what happened on my last trip.

    In my humble opinion let there be light. I need the ocean view to maintain the sense of sanity and calm that cruising alone doesn't always give me. There is something almost mystical when I can see the water, the sea life, a sunset or sunrise. There's great beauty in seeing those things while at sea ♡

     

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  8. I haven't been able to cruise since September 20q4 BUT I've always had success negotiating directly with a cruiseline rep. When I first call I chat about what I'm lookingbfor and try guaging the representative's personality and willingness to please. On occasion I'd ask for a supervisor but I always try staying in control of my needs and wants. It is remarkable looking back on some of the deals I've brokered. That said, I'm no miracle worker and there were times I chose not to cruise rather than feel I'd go broke accepting what I thought was an absurd amount during a traditionally slow cruise time.

     

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  9. Royal will release the Fall 2017 Caribbean schedule next week. I've read the deals can be good when schedules are first released. However, these last minute deals appear to be much better. I'm going to make a list of cruises and request the time off asking my manager for flexibility. I'll monitor the prices and jump at a last minute deal. Good thing I won't need a flight if I'm sailing from Florida.

    Thanks for the info.

     

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