TrachTraveler

I have no issue with hotels or taxis on my own.  Where are you cruising out of?  My last cruise was out of LA (San Pedro) but I actually stayed in Long Beach.  I took a shuttle from the hotel to the Cruise Centre but was the only passenger.  I had time that morning to walk over to the Aquarium which was fascinating.  When I’ve gone out of Miami I’ve met people on the shuttle from my cruise ship which is nice later on.   

To follow up from my original posting...I had a wonderful time on the Viking Star Panama Canal cruise over Christmas and New Years.  I went to the Solo Travelers Get Together the 2nd night (first full day of the cruise) and met some terrific people. A few of us then went on to have dinner together that night, and a few days later those of us who went to the Get Together were invited to dinner at the Captains Table with one of the educational speakers.  Throughout the rest of the cruise there were 4 or 5 of us who seemed to meet up regularly at the Explorers Lounge for pre or post dinner drinks.  A couple of them I am in touch with and will likely meet up with again in the future.  It was a different Christmas, but easier and less lonely than I had expected.

I didn’t decide to go on the cruise early enough, and booking for a single seemed to make options even less available, so was just in a guaranty veranda room...sure not complaining! 😀. It will be magic to escape the snow and cold and enjoy the cruise life.

Have no idea how the magic gets invoked...this is my 2nd Viking cruise, although my first Viking Ocean cruise.  Just happy to be the recipient of her benevolence!

After being outside in the snow tonight, I think I’d be happy anywhere, but this is my first time to get upgraded so extremely thrilled.  The next two weeks can’t go by fast enough!!

Thrilled to be upgraded from V2 to DV4. There IS an upgrade fairy! 

Oh I know there is no guarantee of an upgrade but I’m one of those confernal optimists! 😋

Feeling hopeful that I’ll get an upgrade too.  Am booked in V2 Gty for the Panama Cruise in December.

Thanks for your reply and encouragement.  

Just wondering if any other solo travelers have cruised over the Christmas/New Year holidays, particularly on a Viking Ocean cruise, and how they found it.  This is my 4th Christmas season without immediate family (only child, childless widowed orphan....not as bleak as that might sound!!!) and I’m trying to find my tradition, finding it awkward to fit into extended family’s traditions.or friends’ traditions.  

Solo travel whether cruising or otherwise has mostly been my norm.  As an only child I have been always comfortable with my own company.  Did 2 cruises with my late husband, and he was not a happy traveler.  Traveling with friends and family I’ve learned that people are either a journey person or a destination person.  Destination people are not good travelers, they just want to be there, but a journey person enjoys the whole experience.  (Sure there are moments that can be tedious in lines, but that’s still an option for people watching). No spouse or children to travel with and why stay home?

In the past 4 years I’ve been on 3 Caribbean cruises solo, and one Viking River cruise with friends, they were in their own cabin.  I have found people to chat with, but am happy to do my own thing.  I take a book, have my tablet, and enjoy my balcony.  

Because I have a tracheotomy people are surprised that i travel alone, but I have all the equipment and supplies I need with me.  I know my limitations and abilities and will not put myself, consciously, in a position to ruin my holiday and that of the group I’m with because I need to be rescued.  

Solo travel makes for meeting new people, seeing new places and creating memories.

As a Canadian, I too am interested in restrictions for non-American travelers. I had read that Euros or Canadian dollars were preferable to exchange into Cuban currency. Friends that travel frequently to Cuba gave me a link to Cuban travel, but not sure I would take any tours on my own.

Yeah I would eventually have thought of that googling thing!:) :D

I guess my main concern is how safe the neighbourhood is for walking alone. But, thank you, Cruisin Chick. :)

Hi... Finding it a little difficult to sort through the threads and replies, so sorry if this is a redundant question.

I arrive at the DoubleTree the day before my NCL sailing in early January, about 3-4pm. Will it be getting dark there early too? Traveling on my own, I'm wondering if it will be safe to walk around the hotel/harbour area that night? Am I better to just eat at the hotel or is there anywhere that would be safe to walk to and back? Would the CVS be the closest pharmacy to the DoubleTree, and how long a walk would it be? I don't walk very quickly! :) Thanks for your help.