taylorna

7 hours ago, HenkNetherlands said:

I've cruised twice with NCL now, once on the Bliss, once on the Dawn. Both were an absolute pleasure thanks to the crew, and super friendly and engaging fellow passengers. I haven't seen any problems with drunk passengers, my guess is because people aren't trying to hit the drink limit like on Carnival and RCL, because there isn't one on NCL. + both cruises were a week or much longer so you'd have to pace yourself if you want to make it to the end of the journey, unlike the 2-5 night party cruises.

I've cruised on RCL at least 20 times now, so I get all the free drinks I need.   I have looked at NCL many times when I get the email about "5 free at Sea" deal, but every time once I start booking and select the 5 free, the price jumps astronomically, making it far too expensive imo.

20 minutes ago, Judyrem said:

Thanks for the kind words Fiona,  I am on Adventure of the Seas RCI.

I was solo on Adventure a year ago for the Snowbird Migration 13 night, and made several friends that I've seen since then too.  Met up with one lady in Seattle prior to an Alaskan cruise this past May,  one of the fellas picked me up from the train station and took me to the port, and one of the ladies was on that same cruise.  The first step can be daunting, but once you take it you will feel so liberated,  trust us!!!   You aren't really alone when you're on a cruise.....

Nancy

1 hour ago, BJs mom said:

  

I totally get it, I'm doing my first solo on February 1st after doing over 30 cruises.  Not going to go into details but life changes and since I've always loved to cruise off I go to a new adventure.  Sure I'm a little nervous but excited as well.  Bet we end up having a wonderful time!!

I completely understand your angst.  My very first solo cruise (my 4th cruise), was a transatlantic....  I was quite anxious, but it was so very liberating!

15 hours ago, h20cruzer said:

quick question. I have jumped on several of the bargins people have post here. My question is how do you find these  good deals? Do you look through every saling on every ship? if someone could give me some tips I would appreciate it.

Norma

There is a certain social media site that has group pages devoted to these specials.   You may want to search there?   (against CC rules to be more specific)

1 hour ago, sandycruzr said:

If anyone finds a good deal on a

solo cruise on Royal could you please post it?   I need to cruise...😀

Grab one of the caribbean cruises that had to change itinerary due to Cuba issues... they're really cheap!   I just booked a B2B 5 night on Majesty - 10 nights total for ~ $800

9 hours ago, counsdr said:

I’m on Adventure OTS solo in August. It’s $589 or similar for 2 inside cabin, but $1278 or similar for a solo. It’s so frustrating to have to pay double to cruise solo.

Is that $589 per person for 2 in cabin?   That would make more sense.   At least we get double points!

1 hour ago, LIZZIED1951 said:

 

Nancy,

 

please check times available for the train as train as I believe it only runs in afternoon.  I think there’s a bus for the morning.

 

I plan to attend the M & M - when will we know where & when?  Will be my first time to attend one of those get togethers!

 

 

It's usually the first sea day, often day 2 or later.  There will be a notice in your cabin on day 1, not to worry!

And per Amtrak's schedule online, there is a train at 7:45 arriving Vancouver at 11:45.   should be good?

Nancy

14 hours ago, Lois R said:

Hi Nancy, I am not on the cruise but I have taken the train from Seattle to Vancouver before. It is a lovely ride with some beautiful scenery

Hi Lois, and thank you for your input!  I know I will likely take the first train early, to insure no issues with boarding, but it will be quite the experience, I'm certain. Are you from that area?  

Nancy

8 hours ago, LIZZIED1951 said:

Nancy, I look forward to meeting you on the ship!  I’ve heard the train from Seattle to Vancouver is wonderful.  I couldn’t get enough extra time for that so I’m flying into Vancouver & back home from Seattle.

I’m looking forward to fun  & relaxing cruise!

I believe it is the only time that Royal will be doing anything longer than 7 days, so am very excited about this!!!  Hope to see you at M&M?

Nancy

2 hours ago, LIZZIED1951 said:

Any solo cruisers going on Ovation of the Seas on 5-13-19 in Alaska?  Leaves from Vancouver sailing 11 nights and debarking in Seattle.

 

 

I'll be on it!  Going to Seattle first, then taking the train to Vancouver...

Nancy

5 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

Then why not Diamonds too? Emerald?

Diamond and Emerald never got this in the past??

I'm assuming that this topic is related to the new "Key" status available for purchase?  I'm wondering if this applies to certain ships in the fleet as well, does anyone know?

Wow, 7 cruises for next year ... I hope you thoroughly enjoy them. I'm looking at 2 cruises ... Panama Canal half or full transit and Northern Europe including St Petersburg. Both still in the early planning stages...:)

That's amazing! Panama is on my list, hopefully 2020, I'll be in St. Petersburg the end of July next year.

Many Royal ships have solo studios, even with balconies, and are adding more on refits - Mariner just got finished and they added some. I have b2b on her in January 2019 AND 2020, also have studio on Ovation for Baltic next July.

Nancy

As a solo cruiser from Australia, I can safely say that we solo Aussies get NO benefits whatsoever, thanks to regional pricing...just to start with. And there are no advantages to booking early or late either. Meeting Americans on board, I have to shut my ears to the fantastic deals and prices available to them when we start talking. I've also found that the NCL studios are a rip off too, having just sailed with "Norwegian Breakaway" to the Baltic, where the fare saving was non-existent and the solo studio almost claustrophobic.

 

I am fortunate to be able to afford one moderately priced cruise a year, and that also includes a long haul flight (24+ hrs) in order to reach the departure port in Europe or the UK. After a couple of horrendous shared holidays with friends, it's not worth the risk to try doing that again, so I cruise alone and always have a ball, but must stick to the Main Dining Rooms and always book private tours via CC roll calls, in order to save money.

 

Am looking at a Celebrity cruise in May next year to Iceland and Ireland (my first with that line). Does anyone know if they have a solo group on board, as I've found with most other cruise lines? It's always nice to have company for dinner so this aspect is very important to me as a solo cruiser. Would appreciate any advice.

 

Many thanks

Fran in Sydney

I've read many posts from Aussies and Brits as well, that the pricing for them is outrageous and that's a shame.

I started cruising solo last year after my divorce, and am quite hooked! My first was a TA from Barcelona to Florida, and I was very anxious about it, but soon found it to be the most therapeutic and enlightening trip of my life. I generally stick with RCCL line, and as a result have really accumulated points quickly. So that's another plus. I recently booked an 18-night from Australia/NZ/South Pacific/Hawaii for 2020, I got a studio balcony for a steal, now just need to find flights.

Nancy

Life is what you make it

I've done over 20 cruises with Royal. About 14 solo. Never received an upgrade. I don't believe they value solo travellers. I am tired if seeing couples I know get upgrade after upgrade when they have a lower loyalty status, while I pay more and have never gotten an upgrade of any sort.

I've read many posts by D+ and above cruisers who have never gotten an upgrade of any kind. I don't think it's that we are not valued?

Nancy

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.

I've cruised solo with RCCL a few times, and have had crew members join us at the solo lunch. We've had fun getting to know them as well as fellow solo passengers. Next up for me is Snowbird Migration in October, then have a b2b Caribbean, Alaska, Baltic, Med and a TA for next year - you can't take it with you!!

Nancy

Hello, new here and wanted to chime in on the "budget" thread. I generally shoot for around $100 per day like most of you here. I recently scored an 18-day Australia/NZ/South Pacific/Hawaii for $2200, and that is a studio balcony on Ovation. Have Alaska, Baltic, Med and a TA for next year. I have a bad habit!

Nancy

I'm 61 and going on my first solo cruise in August ... really out of my comfort zone as it's a fly cruise and I've never flown for over 15 years. Decided I'm not getting any younger so might as well just get on with it and enjoy the experience !!

You sound just like me! I'm 62, and took my first solo cruise last November - a TA from Barcelona. It was therapeutic and I loved every minute of it (once my bags showed up!) . I've taken 3 so far this year, going on the Snowbird Migration in October, and have 7 lined up for next year.

Life is short and you can't take it with you!

Nancy

I have a friend on this cruise, and she's been texting about it. She called security as the woman's screaming woke her up. She saw the men fighting on the balcony and shouted at them to stop.... a nightmare for all involved. Praying for everyone affected by this.