skipperanne

The next big solos excursion is MSC Divina out of Canavaral on October 17, 2021.   There was (is?) a great deal upgrade to balcony at the same rate as an inside.  At this point I know of about 40 solo travelers on this cruise.   7 day, followed by a four day.    Destinations are nothing exciting,  two days at their private Island,  and Cozumel on the first week,   nassau and private island in the four day. .   being back on the seas is what is important.

4 minutes ago, GTVCRUISER said:

Sunset onboard the Norwegian Sun     October  2015

Is that the forward of the observation deck?  i loved the SUN in Alaska.

Now that I am on my computer, and not my phone,  I cannot find the original post.   But here goes anyway:   NCL and solos.    On the large ships,  they have the studio cabins and a lounge,  if the group fits in the lounge,  evening gatherings are in the lounge.   The acoustics in those lounges are not created for large groups,  so it can be loud and uncomfortable.  However that is where the planning and sign ups happen.    On the smaller ships there is a hosted meet up in one of the bars / lounges.   From there,  it depends upon who your host is,  some are great, some not so much.    The least I have had them do is to make group dinner reservations for the group of solos.   So if what you fear the most is eating alone,  they've got that covered.   Then they may make group reservations for the evening shows,   usually forward port seating.   On the larger ships:  group laser tag, or group excursion on the go carts.   They will help us get space for group games on sea days.   Overall,  i have had a positive experience with being a solo traveler on NCL,  each time I travel it seems that I learn there is more they can and will do for us.    In my experience unless a "hosted singles group". is also on board,  this is solo traveling,  NOT singles / hook up. traveling.

All of that being said,  I am a small ship kind of person,  so when I ventured to MSC,  I chose the Armonia.   One of their smallest and oldest ships,  though she has been enlarged.    I found a hosted solo travelers group the first night I believe it was between the two show times,  but maybe before the early show.    The other solo passengers on the Armonia during my two cruises were mostly young.  like in their twenties, early thirties;  my being twice their age and disabled,  could not really keep up with the activities they were planning,  however,  i found that the staff,  knowing i was traveling solo would always stop and talk with me,  introduce me to each other, and to other solo travelers they had met during the week.   My table was all solo travelers, so that worked well the first week.   The second week I had "fantastica".  which included "free style". or "anytime". dining at a smaller restaurant.   I was introduced to a solo traveling french woman,  and we took several meals together.   I hadn't spoken that much French in 45 years.   It was both great and challenging.   The staff still made a point of stopping and speaking with me when I was out and about.    There were also several gatherings it seemed:   Cruise Critic,   the best hosting I've ever experienced,  Voyagers' Club. (returning sailors),  and a Black Card gathering.    That's three of the seven days on board!!   If there were more,  I didn't go.    I enjoyed the shows,  mostly musical as there were so many different languages spoken on board.    My only complaint about the Armonia was there seemed to be a dirth of public lavatories,  especially handicapped lavatories.   

4 minutes ago, farmersfight said:

 

Thanks. As I mentioned before, I think NCL's Waterfront was a great idea. Having the windbreaks make it even better, so as you said, you can sit out there in cooler weather. Now that I think about it, I believe the Carnival Dream had the same type of windbreaks up on the adults-only "Serenity" (I guess Carnival's version of NCL's "Vibe" but without the extra charge).

 

On a side note, what's your opinion about the go-kart tracks and laser tag on select NCL BA & BA+ class ships? I'm not sure if Bliss has the go-track and laser tag or not.

Yes,  Bliss has the go cart track and the laser tag.     The laser tag was fun,   The go carts,  most people wanted to do it,  but they didn't particularly enjoy the experience,  and didn't want to do it again.   It's a great "come on"  but in fact not the best use of all of that space,  in my observation.

I did studios on Bliss and on Epic,   I also did a balcony on the Epic.   The bed in the studio on the Epic is larger than on the Bliss, and makes the room just a bit too tight for me.    The Bliss also had virtual windows which was quite cool.   Epic had changing color lighting which was simply annoying imho.   I was back to back on the Epic,  which is how i was able to switch to a balcony.   It was lovely.  The employee who took me to my new room said if it was her stateroom she would never leave it.   I was pretty sick that cruise  (asthma)  so didn't leave it very much in fact.   The smoke that permeates the Epic made it a ship I will probably not cruise again,  though it had a fantastic crew.

People really like the bar in the solo lounge on the Epic.   On the Bliss,  a waiter came and took orders, so it was one, or two drinks each during solo meeting.    While on the Epic,  the bar was open for two hours,  and you could keep ordering as you pleased.   Like the rest of the ship;  the Epic Lounge was kind of dark.   Neither lounge had good sound absorbing qualities,   it go too loud to hear the person next to you all too often.

1 hour ago, farmersfight said:

 

Me 2. I'm very curious and intend to look in to booking one of RC's solo balcony cabins (on either Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum or Odyssey OTS).

I am sure the solo balcony rooms are lovely.   I really like Royal Caribbean as a cruise line,  and to their credit;  they have a few solo rooms,  but they don't really know how to deal with solo travelers if you show up at a dining room for a meal other than dinner,  they are very confused.   They expect you to eat elsewhere if you are alone.   I found this very off putting.   I would sail with a "solo group"  on RC again,  or with friends and / or family,  but strictly solo,  it was a bit tough.    Though as alone time it was wonderful   (I had a double balcony to my self).

1 minute ago, farmersfight said:

 

As a future (hopefully sooner rather than later; come on covid vaccine!) solo cruiser, I really give credit to NCL for their studio cabins, studio lounge, dedicated ship staffer for solo's, the daily solo m&g in the solo lounge, etc).

 

I'm just not sure about those tiny, interior studio cabins (although I do like the fact that they are in an exclusive area, on multiple decks and up high, forward). I'm probably spoiled, but I think "I gotta have me a balcony", lol.

 

My game plan will be to look for no/discounted solo supplements on balcony cabins on the ship, itinerary and length of cruise I want. NCL will still be in the mix and as I understand it, if I'm a solo in a regular balcony cabin (not in a studio), I will not have 24 hr access to the studio lounge but will be invited to the daily solo m&g's in the studio lounge. I'm o.k. with that.

you have that right.   The solo lounge on the Bliss was lovely,  i was less impressed with the one on the epic,   and if i can afford to,  i always prefer a balcony.

14 hours ago, farmersfight said:

 

Wow, another CCL veteran! For me, I've cruised on Carnival Ecstasy (twice), Carnival Sensation and Carnival Dream. Carnival Ecstasy and Sensation were out of Galveston, TX and the Carnival Dream was out of Civitavecchia, Italy.

 

Q: did you sail as a solo on those Carnival cruises? I've gotten the impression that Carnival is not too solo friendly (i.e. no studio cabins for solos, no solo lounges or programs, no staff assigned to solos, etc).

my solo experience on Carnival was not so great.   I'm thinking I will give them another chance,  but MSC,  and NCL do a much better job of including solo cruisers.

9 minutes ago, GTVCRUISER said:

Carnival is not my favorite cruise line , I have cruised with others 

wow,  that is an older Norwegian Card!    You certainly have cruised often,  top level in many cruise lines.    I'm sure you work hard to be able to do those cruises.   I have only been on a few of those lines.

6 hours ago, barefoot cruiser said:

I am 6 days away from my cruise.  My nerves are up, I think because it is a new cruiseline for me, so don't know what to expect in a few areas.  But hey it will be a cruise, if I don't like my dinner mates, I can go eat in the buffet or ask to switch tables. Not sure why this makes me nervous, I have never had an issue, I have always had great tablemates!

 

At least the snow threat for my flight looks minimal!

 

Melissa

I too will be on my first MSC cruise in a few days.    I am nervous as reviews seem evenly split between splendid and horrible.   We shall see what the sea holds for this trip.   Good luck,  I'm sure you will have a fantastic time.

On 3/10/2018 at 11:10 AM, norway olin said:

 

This explanation makes a lot of sense

Except it isn't true,  i've been on b2b sailings and both have the same color tag.

On 11/13/2019 at 11:21 AM, squick64 said:

 

 

 

I'm doing this next year! How was it? Do you have any recommendations as far as the ports?

I did this cruise and had an excellent time.   Many of the ports were changed, but there was a great group on the ship, and we had a very good time.

58 minutes ago, balkor2 said:

Let us know 🙂

Am about to go on Anthem and will see who and what there is there

I went on the Anthem OTS  two years ago.   It is a beautiful ship.   I never met up with other LGBTQ folk, that I knew of,  nor any other solo travelers. . .  though they must have been there as there are a few solo cabins on the Anthem.

Enjoy!!

Headed off on the MSC Armonia on January 13,   would be happy to know if there will be any kindred spirits on this sailing.   I don't know much about MSC,  so I am finding out on my own.

9 hours ago, thatspodcastingjim said:

Norwegian Gem vs Norwegian Bliss for Solo Travelers

 

Hi everyone. Solo traveler, going on my 2nd cruise, and debating on NCL Bliss vs NCL Gem.

 

I wanted to see if anyone had any solo experiences on either.

 

A little about myself. I prefer shows/entertainment over what's the best food. I'm more likely to go to bed really late and enjoying nightlife than waking up early to see the sun rise. Age 36

 

I had previously been on the Breakaway and had a GREAT time on my first cruise, which was also a solo cruise. I really enjoyed the solo get togethers. Does Gem have those?

 

I have to make a decision tomorrow afternoon (11/13) so I'm throwing it out there hoping to get some last minute replies from solo travelers that have done both. I have a courtesy hold on one but am strongly considering doing the one I don't have as well. 

 

Thank you everyone for your help with this!

 

 

 

I have sailed on the Bliss (Panama Canal Full transit). and on the Gem (many many times to the Caribbean).  The Gem is smaller,  does not have as many activities. (no laser tag, no go carts,  no huge water slides,    no solo cabins.   It does have a solo meet up each night, and what happens is more a function of the "solo host" than anything else.   On both ships they will set up dinner reservations,  sometimes show reservations.   The Gem does not have the full length broadway shows,   It has musical reviews, and smaller acts:  comedian, tribute bands, singers.    sometimes a hypnotist, often an aerial show.   That being said,  it depends what you are looking for.  More parties on the Bliss I would guess,  but that also depends upon who is on board.    I really like the spinnaker lounge on the gem,  it isn't as "busy" as the observation lounge on the Bliss,  not as big either,  and no food served there.   The Gem is generally my favorite ship,  however the grandeur of the Bliss is amazing.   and the decor is far more tasteful.

I will be going on one of these cruises soon but haven’t yet booked.  The price for January jumped $100 between the time the agent sent me the quote in the middle of the night and when I called at 9 am.  So watching prices right now.  

I guess the fact that we as LGBTQI+ people are essentially no big deal on most cruises has made this roll call less important to many people.   I still enjoy knowing that there are other LGBTQ people on a cruise and a friendly smile as we pass each other in a corridor..   That is why I always try to attend at least the first night of an LGBTQ get together while on a cruise.   I don't always make it,  and then it gets even more difficult to fine the other "members of the tribe" when they gather.

Hopefully these groups will continue,  and people will attend to at least be a touchstone for others.

2 minutes ago, redcardms said:

Hi, I am hoping to get some peoples thoughts on this.

 

I am a 56 year old recent widower. Even as a married person my thoughts were always on a same sex relationship. My  wife and I loved cruising and I am now considering a solo cruise.

 

Does anyone have any thoughts on which line would be the best for me to at least reach out to this community and possibly explore who I am and if this might be the right direction in my current life.

 

I am not comfortable at this time speaking to people I know, but am really curious if this is a good way to be more at ease.

 

I am not looking for any kind of relationship but more on getting some opinions.

 

Thank you

Not at all sure cruising is the best venue for such exploration, unless you are talking about a charter cruise.   I often travel solo.   I have and I have traveled with my lesbian daughter and her girl friend (I am a lesbian).   The gay get togethers are rather hit or miss.   Sometimes really great,  and sometimes I have never found the group.    The mass market cruise lines all seem generally gay friendly. . . .  as much as they are liberal friendly.    You will always find someone who is a problem,  especially if you look.    But mostly it is all very comfortable these days.   That being said,  almost EVERYONE in the gay groups is traveling as a couple.   There are usually far more men than women. . .  which makes being solo a bit easier.   I don't mind hanging with the gay guys at times,  and clearly i'm no threat.   Some groups have been really great,  some have been 20 people,  but mostly more like 8 or ten.   And as I said almost exclusively couples.   Norwegian has been the best for even having the gay group coalesce   (Friends of Dorothy. . .  meets at 6 or 7,  pm   check the Dailies).    I've not found the groups on Royal Caribbean nor on Carnival.   Good luck.

Some cruises have very active roll calls,  and others do not.   This only correlates to participant sponsored activities on a superficial level.    If you look at the daily news sheet for activities and are open to new experiences,  you should have a great time whether or not the cruise critic group is large.

Anne

Since there are so many responses to my OP telling me that NCL would ignore my letter, especially since I didn’t ask for compensation, thought I would let you know the conclusion. Got a response from NCL today. Not only did they address everything that I put in my letter to them, but they gave us a ridiculous (in a good way) credit towards a future cruise. Above and beyond anything I expected! SO and I were considering booking our next cruise on RCI and with one amazing customer service response, NCL has just procured lifetime customers.

Awesome. Glad things were done properly.

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Just as prices are dictated by the buyer, wages are dictated by the employee. If a particular job does not pay well enough for you do not take that job. Problem solved.

No it doesn’t even touch the problem. These are apples and oranges here.

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Tipping is a policy rooted in racism it should be abolished everywhere and people should be paid a living wage. World wide.

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Not sure. Sailing in a solo group November 3. On bliss

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Hi All

 

I have just booked my first solo on Quantum of the Seas. Do RCL do any special activities/meetups for solos?

 

Thanks

Floridaholic

They do not have a staff member assigned to the solo group. They do sometimes post gathering times, but it is hit or miss, I never met up with other solos except in the dining room and on excursions. And they said they had missed people trying to find meet ups as well.

There are tendered stops icy strait point was a tender. And others are if they are over booked.

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