julesdb99

We are booked on a NCL cruise this August --- not sure if it will go or not. But it leaves out of Southhampton  and sails to Scotland, Norway and Iceland.  Check it out - the ship is the Norwegian Star - Aug 8-19.   

Yes -- It does happen!  My (now) husband and I met on a 27 day cruise from Rotterdam to Singapore aboard HALS Rotterdam in 2014.  We each were traveling solo and met at sailaway.  A somewhat whirlwind romance developed.   I made it clear that I wasn't interested in a long-distance relationship and I was not going to move away from the city where my elderly parents and all my grandchildren lived.   So... within a year he had immigrated from Canada and we were married.  We recently celebrated our 6th anniversary -- and you can probably guess our favorite activity...  Cruising of course! 

Can you get to Beijing by train from the cruise port?

We were in Dublin about 2 weeks ago.  They did allow taxies to pick up at the ship.  The ship also provided (for a fee) a shuttle into the city center,  but that would require a few blocks walk to get to the Mary Malone statue.  Just make sure you will be allowed to get off the ship early enough to make your tour time. 

Cant leave off "Sea Cruise" by Frankie Ford

Would you expect similar cool-ish weather in the middle of October?

I've learned to always check out the listings under "hostels" when looking for lodging -- especially when outside of the US. I do my research and look for the places that have private rooms (I'm OK with going down the hall for the bathroom sometimes). But so far we have never had a bad experience -- and have been mostly very pleased. We've found affordable lodging (that is safe and clean) in the middle of the interesting part of the city. I say -- if you can handle a little adventure -- go for it :)

We've found it easier to wait until you get to each port. It has been our experience that there is always an ATM or money changing booth right there. If we are just going exploring, we might get $20 - $50 in local money for those small snacks and souvenirs. For any sizable purchases we always use a credit card. Visa and MasterCard are pretty universally accepted. We always have two or three different ones in case one doesn't work for any reason. Make sure and call your credit card companies ahead of time to inform them of your up-coming travel plans.

I got my visa for India through BLS. I filled out the on-line form, included passport style picture and money order for $67 - and return fed-ex label - and sent it to the assigned BLS office in Houston by Fed-ex. No problem-- don't let people scare you. If you follow the directions you should have no problem. The web site lists the offices and which one you should utilize based on where you live. You can either go in person or handle it by mail (fed-ex recommended) The tourist visa is good for 6 months - so don't apply for it too early. It was nerve-racking having to send off my passport - but it was sent back to me in a timely matter with no problems. Hope it goes as well for you. (and have a great cruise! - I leave Monday for my 37 day adventure) -- Julie

Thanks for the information on the hotel -- I will check it out. Can hardly wait to walk along the beach. I'm like your son in that I enjoy walking whenever possible. I know I will wish I had more than 3 days in Singapore -- it sounds like a wonderful city to explore.

Thank you Widebay -- I will have 3 days to explore Singapore in Febrary at the end of my cruise. Can you recommend a reasonable-priced hotel near public transportation? I don't need luxury -- just a clean, safe spot to rest up between my adventures. -- Again, thanks for the list of things to do and see. I will definitely print it out and take it with me. -- Julie

I will be sailing on the Rotterdam in January. I always enjoyed the "refined" feel of the afternoon Tea. Can't wait (and the bread pudding - Yum!) I'll always remember having Tea one afternoon with a British lady. She went on and on and on about how HAL was not serving the tea properly - as only the British know how to do. Every time my husband and I had tea thereafter we mentioned that lady with a chuckle:) (love the memories)

Hello Neil - and fellow solo travelers -- I enjoyed my first solo cruises last spring (Neil- met you on the Norwegian Jewel) that I took a big plunge and will be going on a Rotterdam to Singapore cruise in January (37 days). I hope I meet as many wonderful people as I did on my earlier trip. -- Julie

Hello fellow solo travelers -- I just got back from my first solo cruises. I did LA to Vancouver on NCL's Jewel, then Vancouver to Seward on RC's Radiance. I had a great time -- though different from traveling with the hubby (he passed away a year ago). I met so many wonderful and interesting people and saw so many awesome sights.

Thoth and Lisa - I used to live in Hattiesburg -- many wonderful Mississippi memories. I'm a grandmamma too; I celebrated my 54th birthday on my recent cruise. The new friends I made on board made it so special-- with champagn, cake, and a special dinner. As I said-- so many wonderful people!

The only thing I didn't like was having to leave those new friends after 7 days and start all over, maybe a good reason to book longer cruises. --- Julie

Hello all - I recently booked by first cruise as a solo - HAL transatlantic for departs March 31. I am a 53 y.o. female. I lost my husband to cancer last

April. We loved to cruise together but I'm going to try it alone now - it will be very different, but I'm looking forward to meeting people who share my love for travel. Thanks to everyone who has written about their experiences. it has given me the courage to give it a try. :)