Converted to cruising

I’m booked on this on Britannia so hope it’s going 🚢. Will follow the new rules or new way of cruising with a positive attitude and intend to enjoy it. Hopefully the weather will be kind but not worrying too much as we’ll be in safe hands and going south it should soon improve and we should be okay after Madeira. Also it’s the end of October so the hurricane season should be over..... But in this topsy turvey world at the moment who knows 😄

Thanks.....will definitely watch that 🙂

As a solo cruiser I have to agree with Denarius about the dining aspect. I love sharing a table with others and it’s one of the reasons I enjoy cruising so much. I can eat alone at home so I certainly don’t want to be doing it on holiday. Hopefully by the time October comes things will have been eased enough and steps put in place to overcome some of the challenges ahead. I’m still staying positive and will just see what happens. 

I’m booked on the TA on Britannia on 23rd October. I’m staying positive and keeping everything crossed that it goes ahead. It might be very different onboard but if it’s the way forward so be it. Until you try it you’ll never know. 😊

Thank you for this.....much more interesting 😄🛳

Hi. I often travel solo on cruises and much prefer Freedom dining. It is much more flexible and you can meet different people if you wish, or meet up with new friends who you may meet along the way during the cruise. It was a bit daunting the first time I did it but I love it now. I usually join the  Roll Call and also have joined in on the solo table for the afternoon tea in the restaurant. I hope you enjoy yourself.....of course it will be different but stay positive and you will meet some lovely new friends. 

Thank you.....I’m 70 in October 😫 so was hoping to get a few in before then 😆. Hopefully next year will bring an immunization jab so I’m canceling my 70th this year due to Coronavirus and staying at 69 until next October 😆. Stay safe and hopefully this is not the end yet for cruising for you and all of us seniors.  

Me too.....2nd one. Ist  one Covid 19.😷 2nd One itinerary change 🙁

I managed to get through on 22nd March....day of original cruise. I got a refund for the cruise and shore excursions last week (24th April) on the separate cards I’d paid on and the outstanding deposit they owed me I received today (1st May). It took a while but they are getting there. It’s a difficult situation and it’s not only TUI who are taking a while to sort out the refunds (see other forums). I’m sure everyone will receive their refunds eventually but it’s understandably a worrying time. Hope this answer helps. Stay safe and well everyone . 
Olwen 😊🛳

Hi. I’m booked on this cruise this year (23rd October) so really hope it goes ahead. I’ve been on Britannia before but not done a TA. I’m on the roll call for this so if anyone else is going please join in. Stay safe everyone.

Booked for Discovery Pride of Panama and Secret Shores for 29/12. Should have been on Explorer 2 now but will rebook when refund arrives for same next March. Something to look forward to 🛳🙂. Stay safe and well everyone.  

Yes I’ve had my next 2 cancelled too 🙁 but will be looking forward to rebooking as soon as possible. Stay well everyone 🛳🏖😊💞

Solos because not all solos are single.....just my opinion 😊

Hi. When I was on Explorer 2 earlier this year I could only get Chardonnay by buying a bottle. The bars didn’t have Chardonnay at all even if I upgraded. The house wines were fine if you like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon so I just went on the cocktails 🍸 😂. 

I was in 5037 single outside on Explorer 2 in April. Nice square window and quiet, convenient position. Have booked it again for the Caribbean next year. It is a double cabin but one of the ones allocated for single occupancy. 

👍🏽..... found it on the Second attempt. Thank you.....that’s me on the hunt now 🚢😆

Having trouble finding either TUI or Marella on search page.....🤔🤔

I was on Explorer 2 in April 5037 single outside..... lovely cabin with a window. Booked on Discovery single outside deck 3 and there are only 15 in a row all of which have windows not portholes. Research is essential and always ask the question on these or other forums.....they are a great help. As for the pricing.....it’s an unfortunate downside of solo cruising but it’s the same with holidays, hotels etc. I do wish that this could be addressed and made fairer especially as more and more people are requiring solo travel for all sorts of reasons but I’ll not hold my breath 🥴😆. Happy travels to all solo cruisers.....just ensure you get your money’s worth 🚢🎉🥂🍹

Thanks for this heads up. Looking to book for New Year 2020 for a big birthday 🎂. Caribbean here we come 😊

Hi. Going solo on Marella Explorer 2. 22/03/ 2020.  7 Shores & Paradise Islands. Good price and all inclusive. Just been on the ship and it was lovely so looking forward to the sunny Caribbean 😊🌞🚢

Back from Mediterranean Adventures on Explorer 2 and all was good. The ship is lovely and has been refurbished very tastefully in my opinion with something for everyone. The only thing that I found a bit disappointing was the choice of food in the MDR in the evenings as the menu has been very downsized but you could ask for anything that you wanted (2 starters or a starter as a main course) but overall it was all a bit bland and repetitive. However there was more choice of eating places ( some extra charge) to choose from so that helped to make up for it. Chardonnay wine could only be bought by the bottle and was not available by the glass either A.i or premium. The house wine was okay though or you could have Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon by the glass at any of the bars or restaurants. The shows were varied and I didn’t attend them all as some didn’t appeal but I enjoyed the ones I did. There was quite a lot going on throughout the day and evenings so you should find something to suit all tastes. It can be a bit chilly in some areas but I have found that on other ships too. The staff, as always, were excellent in all areas. I would definitely book on the ship again. This is only my opinion and I’m sure there will be differing views but just go and enjoy your cruise as I did. 😊

Will do. Will try to answer any questions too when I get back 👍🏽🛳😊

On board now on Mediterranean Adventure. Having a ball 🚢🥂. Great ship . Going to book another for later in the year to Caribbean. 

Hi. Will post on here when I get back re Explorer 2. I’m on deck 5 outside cabin but don’t know which cabin yet. May well book one for the  Caribbean cruise when I’ve sussed them out in April/May. Will definitely be up for that drink and will have even sampled all the bars by then too!! 😆

Wee Magoo...... I’ve also booked on these 2 cruises on 24th November but am flying from Manchester  and am  really looking forward to it. I’ve cruised before and love it so I’m sure you will get hooked too 🚢😄  I’ve also booked on this ship for the Mediterranean Adventures cruise on 23rd April so I’ll let you know what it’s like. I’m sure it’ll be fine 👍🏽😊