kanadakid

Thanks for the heads up - I think Margaritaville and a bit of shopping in the compound will do nicely for this stop.

On 10/25/2022 at 10:34 AM, mjc702 said:

We stopped and checked it out during our visit to Falmouth last week. It was a lot smaller then we had anticipated. Probably about 70 pool side lounge chairs, which fill up very quick especially if there are 2 ships in port like during our visit. Nothing remarkable to report, drinks were reasonably priced, we just enjoyed a few Red Stripes, we did not get any food while there. We really only hung out for a little bit and then just returned to the ship as it was extremely busy in a small area. If we return, we will most likely either stay on the ship if we don't find an excursion that peaks our interest.

I did an afternoon at M'ville on Turks & Caicos and they had a large lazy river that you could swim/float around.  Curious to know if there's anything like that, and if its within walking distance of the port?

On 12/26/2022 at 9:19 PM, willcan said:

What ship was this about?

Was on Caribbean princess earlier this summer and yes free unisex sauna and steam. Pretty busy the entire cruise when I would go at varying times. Let me know if you have any other questions. 

Thanks for the feedback LTC - Just booked so it's...Full Steam ahead!

On 12/3/2022 at 7:17 PM, willcan said:

Any idea why it's only clothing optional for 2 hours a day?

Traditional bathing time in the morning for Japanese men followed by relaxing nude in the rotembro (Japanese bath of super hot water) where men congregate and have a chin wag.

On 10/4/2022 at 12:07 AM, Lovetocruise38 said:

Was on Caribbean princess earlier this summer and yes free unisex sauna and steam. Pretty busy the entire cruise when I would go at varying times. Let me know if you have any other questions. 

Thanks LTC - Heading out to see in mid Jan for a 10 day stint to Panama

On 10/26/2022 at 10:36 PM, MN Cruiser Dude said:

Just was on the ship.  The sauna and steam room were very popular at times.  Lockers, drinking fountain and showers were all great.  The steam room was insanely hot.  Sauna is moderate size and had 8 guys in it.    It was a very nice setup.   Front room has large changing area with combo lockers, wrap around bench, towels and Straight head was a second room with 2 showers to the left, one to the right.  There is a middle wall that blocks views to the sauna and steam room.  Steam room has a frosted door and the sauna has a tinted door that is transparent.   Attendants clean the area and check the sauna temps throughout the day.  I will def cruise on that ship again.  Bring water!

Thanks for the heads up! Cruiser Dude - Love a nice workout and then to take the steam.

3 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Your frustrations are coming in loud but not clear.  I am going to try to answer a few of your concerns (that have been well documented on many threads).

 

YOU do not need to have a phone (unless traveling to Australia).  YOU can take all of your documents with you to the port and someone will check you in.

 

YOU can print out your luggage tags by signing in to your web based Personalizer.

 

YOU can ask for a old fashion cruise card to open your cabin door.  Big Brother won't be watching you then.  But neither will YOU get the benefits of the medallion (different from Medallion app).

 

I hope you will enjoy your cruise once on board.

 

Tx Cr8tiv1 for simplifying it for us newbs 🙂  When you mention missing the benfits of using the MED, would there be any hardship with dining?  I was hoping to prebook my anytime dining with a shared table of other guests each night I'm not concerned if its the same people/wait staff as Im fairly happy to mix n mingle - but want to ensure that declining the medallion will not create any big barriers that way.  Thanks, much

4 hours ago, sultan_sfo said:

 

Hope any of these ANTI-MEDALLION folks do not plan to take a cruise to Australia -- even a port call.

 

To apply for an Australian ETA, one is required to use the Australian App and scan info etc.  One does have the option to apply for  an Australian VISA instead of ETA, pay $150, and get an approval in 3 to 4 weeks instead of 10 minutes for an ETA. It is time even for the older folks to change attitudes because other cruise lines will soon go to the Medallion route. Sorry if this post offends a lot of posters.

4 hours ago, wowzz said:

And breathe! 

Perhaps you could edit your post. A few more sentences and a couple of paragraphs would help.  

Just too difficult to read as posted.

Lolz - you could just scroll on by

On 9/27/2022 at 3:22 PM, Kay S said:

You are the lucky ones.

I am sailing mid Jan and understood that I could only be "green-lined" 45 days prior to cruise putting me at Dec 27 - Is it possible to do so earlier - Do i need to be green-lined to book my dining?  getting a bot nervous reading all of this.   Thanks much

Cruising in Jan to Panama Canal (Colon) as well as stops in Dominican Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Jamaica.  My agent provided me with a link to a list of numbers for all Embassies, Consulates and suggested it is my responsibility to ensure that all Visa requirements etc. are met prior to cruising.  Seems like a lot of legwork and hoping to gain knowledge from others' experience to these ports.  I did see on another post that there is a $40 Visa requirement for Bermuda (I'm not stopping there) and dint see anything else. Has anyone else been on this particular run in the past year and could offer some advice?

14 hours ago, wesport said:

I lost my partner in February, and am now face with cruising solo after 44 cruises together. I have booked 2 Celebrity with no single supplement, and one Princess with no single supplement. Seabourn also has select cruises at 1.5 the rate for solos. Being 5 star on HAL our preferred line, they just double the rate and am really not sailing on them at this time. 

Just booked Carib Princess in Jan with no supplement as well and a pretty good deal.  First time aboard Princess so hoping for the best

On 10/4/2022 at 12:07 AM, Lovetocruise38 said:

Was on Caribbean princess earlier this summer and yes free unisex sauna and steam. Pretty busy the entire cruise when I would go at varying times. Let me know if you have any other questions. 

Thanks for the feedback LTC - Just booked so it's...Full Steam ahead!

Curious to know if Princess' "Caribbean Princess" has free unisex steam and sauna. Says the Fitness Ctr is free but can't seem to find this out by reviewing ship Info. I know it said there is a quieter vibe aboard with a slightly older crowd so wouldn't mind that, but lack of access to relax in the steam would be a deal breaker for me.

On 2/7/2022 at 5:44 AM, Jayo1 said:

Hey all, 

 

I’m looking at booking a solo cruise around may in the med on NCL Epic. The thing holding me back is that I’ve never cruised before, never travelled alone, and am worried that although I’d get along with people of any age, I’m going to be kind of stuck without anyone else around age, and possibly struggle to relate with people. I’m active, quite fit (personal trainer) and will

be hoping to get on some really great active-ish excursions whilst also enjoying the relaxation, food, party, culture and general entertainment. 
 

Am I barking up the wrong tree here?

 

What kind of demographic will I find in the solo lounge, and will it realistically mostly be people 40 or 50+?
 

Thanks!

I bit and went solo 4 yrs ago in my forties and had a great time; Wound up onstage with the talent singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"; got picked to play Deal or No Deal and won $70, and got up during open mic comedy night and told a slightly off-colour joke guised as a Canadian folklore story, Lol and played (and won) a "Ship on a Stick" trophy from Carnival Freedom for their 80's trivia. I also met up with folks off ship - sharing rides, buses, tours etc and had a great time.  You'll do swell. 

On 4/13/2022 at 4:28 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

No!  Drink first; food second.  If it's the reverse, the food will have cooled.  

I dont mind luke warm food as i got quite used to that on the Indian continent. Guess its a matter of personal pref.  I would  be inclined to join them if there is even a single seat there, and hope it doesnt make things Aaaawkward - but thats just me 😉

On 9/24/2022 at 3:26 PM, neverlaysup said:

Just my personal opinion, if the price of a 7 day cruise in Aqua is more than $400 more than a regular balcony, I will pass. It is cheaper to buy a spa pass and I would take the extra cash and specialty dine. Of course with Aqua now including the "All Included" package, you will need to figure out that value in the price difference as well.

Curious to know if the Fitness Ctr has access to steam or sauna, or if that's just part of the spa pkg, and if so hw much a Spa pass would be?  Do they sell them by the day or just the whole cruise?  As a newb, I would be interested to check it out, but not sure that i'd use it more than once or twice during the week.

On 3/7/2022 at 6:48 PM, speedoguy1 said:

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a cruise. Just wanting to get away. The rates for single travelers during March seem to be pretty economical.

I assume almost any cruise I would take there would be some nice gay boys to get to know. Hopefully.

so now I’m trying to decide on the following cruise lines

Royal Caribbean,

celebrity

NCL

All three of them have very attractive rates for the week of March 19. Can leave either from South Florida or San Juan. Most difficult thing is finding good airfare to San Juan.

seems to all be expensive from the Midwest that week.  

 

which cruise line do you think would be best for a single gay traveler?

 

 

Id tend to pick the one with complementary access to the spa/fitness center, as a great way to buff up between meals and meet like minded men. Not sure which of these three might meet your needs as Ive just sailed Carnival and NCL

On 8/7/2022 at 9:54 PM, Chad_O said:

before I make any decisions...would there be dinner before any said rubbing?  I just want to know the parameters. 😉

There will be dinner at an appropriate dining room, If things go well, then a second dinner in the upgraded restaurant will be in order, or on order for room svc .. 🙂

And who knows - with the number of solo travellers hitting the Upper 49th by cruise ship you might get lucky and find someone to join you in a LTR At least you'll know that they share your love of travel, and at worst you might just get lucky and enjoy your cruise! 🙂

I too had been a Carnival Fan but struck out to do my first solo cruise on NCL in 2019 - amd had a blast. It is true that you have to enjoy putting yourself out there. I got conscripted to join one of the female singers from Broadway in NY on stage in singing a tune and managed to get picked to play "Deal or No Deal" and won ~ $100 and also joined the stand up comedy night in the bar.  I didn't know anyone so there was no concern about flopping, and no video evidence  Lol.  Met some great folks along the way and also a couple from my hometown. Joined other duos and trios for beach trips, walkabouts and excursions, and generally sat at larger round table dinners with 10-12 guests at each.  Met a whole array of folks and had a blast.  Would def not let going solo deter you from enjoying yourself!

Some of our new PPE/precautions including masks have decreased the common flu markedly, and I expect increased vigilance would have the same effect on other viruses. More protection rather than less.  I'm all in.

I feel you - I have been working for 30 years and nearing retirement. Clearly, like me, you enjoy living frugally and have put material growth right up there because you have created a preference to do so. It may seem hard to let go - so perhaps the best way is to make plans to travel in a frugal manner. Everybody finds their own balance between what concessions they are willing to make (if any) to save cash, while still doing the things they enjoy. Dinner at the Capts table might be worth it to you, and not for another person. If you and hubs are on the same page that makes life much easier. In NZ they do something called "Freedom camping" (car camping) and so i have travelled many parts of America again and again, living in a decent sized SUV, showering and swimming at YMCA's all over Nevada, S Florida; spending my days in Key West but saving the $450 US that it would cost for a room there. Point is every one has to find their happy place, but as time goes by, it becomes easier to do the math, and feel good about spending. As many here have said, you cannot predict the future and quality of life can change in a moment. I would rather err on the side of enjoying life, rather then sitting in a Nursing Home with a bundle of cash.

Eat all meals in MDR - breakfast esp. is enjoyed continental style on the pool deck after a brisk swim and before all the punters are up and out.

to buy the drinks package - I would rather disembark and imbibe on local spirits at a beach or cafe, then make my way back to the ship with my cooler bottle. Instead of soda I enjoy a mix of sweet tea and tart lemonade from the buffet area with lots of ice. Makes great bar mix!

3 minutes ago, fyree39 said:

Cruise Critic has one or two large agencies that advertise here (my most recent best deal came from one of these).  You can also find agencies specializing in cruises in magazines such as Travel + Leisure.  Talk to friends, family, co-workers about who they use and recommend.  You can also ask fellow cruisers once your on board.  

 

I actually used a method by another poster.  He has several favorite agencies and when he's ready to book he BCC's each of them all the booking information and asks for a quote, booking with the agency that offers the best deal. I might still book myself, but I'll always transfer the booking to an agency for the perks they offer.

Thanks!  I will check these two out for starters, and start Networking. 🙂