QMG

Just now, QMG said:

Kat:  go to Zillow and you'll  see an empty lot where the house was built a few years ago. 

Check Sanger, TX 76266.  thanks for your fun exchange.

I'm resolved to a set of activities at home.  Dull!  ZOOMING all over the place. YouTube is a staple.  Studying Jazzzzzzzzzzzz. Waiting for local venue to reopen. Sorted thru office books, purged 1/3.  All is finished with putting all in order.  Started emailing with a Pen Pal in Korea

Puttering in the back garden.  The persimmon tree is loaded.  Quincy

Kat:  go to Zillow and you'll  see an empty lot where the house was built a few years ago. 

Check Sanger, TX 76266.  thanks for your fun exchange.

I'm resolved to a set of activities at home.  Dull!  ZOOMING all over the place. YouTube is a staple.  Studying Jazzzzzzzzzzzz. Waiting for local venue to reopen. Sorted thru office books, purged 1/3.  All is finished with putting all in order.  Started emailing with a Pen Pal in Korea

33 minutes ago, Host Kat said:

 

Quincy,

 

You are most welcome!  

 

So glad to hear you are researching and to have you aboard the Cruise Critic message boards!  

 

So many times newbies to cruising do not research first. They board thinking it will be like "Love Boat" or some other TV show or movie. There are lots of dos & don'ts with cruising as well as traditions. However, many of those traditions are going by the wayside now due to cost containment by the cruise lines and the changing lifestyles of the passengers. And who knows what the new normal of cruising will be due to COVID-19.

 

I Googled Sanger, TX and I see it is way up yonder toward Oklahoma. The driving instructions from here say  Total distance: 327.89 miles Estimated Travel Time: About 5 hours 7 minutes in current travel conditions

 

Host Kat 

Puttering in the back garden.  The persimmon tree is loaded.  Quincy

Kat, thanks for your reply.  I've been YouTubing, pestering Princess Cruises and reading Cruise Critic.  I've booked a mid-ship with a balcony just in case we are sequestered.  Set to sail 10.21. 

MY sister lives in Sanger, TX.  Quincy

As a new solo cruiser what special tips do you have on discovering these deals. thanks Quincy

I'm a new solo cruiser and it is very expensive with Princess.  Do have input on how to discover deals?  I'm based in SF.  The Panama cruise is very enticing.  thanks Quincy

Dear Mike and/or Nick:  thanks for info.  I've researched a ton of stuff to do in San Diego and LA so I think I'll be busy.  I'm single and traveling solo AND do not expect any extraordinary events.

Puzzled and anxious regarding situation.  Currently on double lockdown.  Health and disturbances in street, unfortunately, it is uncomfortably close.  Trust you are bothered with former only and heat.  Quincy

Daniel LL, why not consider a SINGLES cruise.  I know a female who met her future husband who as it turns out lived very close to where she did.  Quincy

9 hours ago, hallux said:

Sorry, these fragments don't work well for us.

 

That's a cruise itinerary?  Long Beach is synonymous with LA as far as cruising and is more often than not the beginning and end of the cruise, it's where Carnival's cruise port is (the other is in San Pedro, NCL and Princess).  Is this only a 3-4 day cruise with stops in SD and Ensenada?  Are these just cities you want to see while cruising? 

 

Do you want to see city sights?  Are you comfortable with self-guiding a tour, would you prefer the "safety" of a ship excursion?

 Hallux:  Sorry for the confusion:  PC cruise 3/22 to 3/29 SF to Ensenada with stops at Santa Barbara, LA, San Diego, MX.  Independent touring.  Have been researching online via best 10 sites, chamber of commerces, public transportation, YouTube.  Will appreciate your input.  Quincy

On 1/27/2020 at 4:26 AM, hallux said:

 

But which ports?  Neither you nor the OP has indicated a particular itinerary that is planned or general region that is desired.  Without that info we can't make any specific suggestions.

Long Beach, LA, San Diego, Encenada.  thanks.  Quincy

4 hours ago, perditax said:

Virgin Voyages has “solo insider” rooms running about +/- $1100 all in for five nights, especially in fall. 
 

I know it’s not the heavily discounted, longer, balcony deals some are looking for, but it also includes all gratuities, all food (no upcharge dining), soda and water, social media wifi, group fitness. 
 

There are 7-day Mediterranean and France/Ibiza cruises in later 2021 for sub $2000 for the solo insider rooms. I see some in September 2021 for $1600 all in.

I paid 1444 for 7 nights without gratuities, speciality dining, drinks, fitness.  seems good to me.  Quincy

On 11/30/2019 at 2:39 PM, Tropical Fish Biz said:

This is so encouraging as I'm taking my first solo cruise in February on Princess.  I became a widow early this year and cruised often with my husband.  After months of grieving, I realized I don't want to give up nice vacations and the ocean is my happy place.  I was a little hesitant to book, but now I'm looking forward to it.  In fact, someone was trying to arrange to come with me, but it fell through and I'm a little relieved!  The down side is having to pay for 2 but I got a pretty good deal.  It wasn't until after I booked that I realized I'll be on the ship over Valentine's Day...not the best timing on my part, but it will be fine.  Thanks for the tips on this thread.

Just do it.  2/14 is my birthday.  Every year I get cards, if not enough I display cards from past years.  I'm certain you have plenty of memories from past years.  Happy sailing. Quincy

On 1/10/2020 at 8:19 AM, HappyValley3 said:

Since my husband doesn't like cruising and my small circle of friends can't go this time, I'm thinking about going alone.   I know I will be just fine while on the ship, but my biggest concern is being alone and safe in ports.    Need some experiences to help me decide.

Happy Valley,  For over 30 years I've been going solo:  NYC and WA DC standard tourist stuff plus London and Paris same.  Chile, Turkey and MX a bit more adventuresome.  Would I go there now, probably not, but politically times were different.  SF to MX is my first cruise.  The ports:  Long Beach, LA, San Diego and Ensenada.  Several folks are looking forward to shopping at Walmart in MX!  Not me.

The trick is to know what you are doing, where you are going.  If you don't, fake it.  Several books have been published on women traveling alone.  You may wish to read up, do YouTube research.  Go and have a swell time.  Quincy 

12 hours ago, Safety Squirrel said:

I travelled solo on the Island Princess - September 16-October 7th through the Panama Canal.  Roll call was not active.  The daily patter published a solo gathering one evening in the bar by the Theater (think it was the Wheelhouse??).  Anyway - when I went --there were mainly groups.  A Princess rep saw me and asked if I was looking for the solo gathering. She then introduced me to two ladies who were not there for the meeting but were travelling together.  I enjoyed my time with them.  (They were trying to visit each bar and have every drink at least once - I saw them again on the ship and they said they were having a great time trying the various beverages -- just not my style).  Next night I went down  -- no Princess rep and no solo travellers that I could tell.  Tried a third night and gave up.  As Dancer Bob said -- seems to be lots of families & cliques.    

 

I am a little older than other posters on this thread but like to join in on activities.  As for dining -- I usually have set dining and have had some good and bad experiences.  Some couples have asked me to join them in their daily activities and others just talk at dinner about day's activities.  I also do not talk about religion, politics etc.  I have only asked twice to change tables - once when a man was very obnoxious and rude to everyone at the table and the second time when I changed from late to early dining.

 

If you have not joined your roll call - that is a good place to start.  I have met some very nice people on roll calls and I am still in touch with some of them.  

 

There is also activities like Trivia, Bridge, Mahjong etc. where you can meet people.- and some excursions.

SS Canada, How did you enjoy your Panama cruise?  This 7 pm cruise from SF to MX is a test cruise.  The Panama Cruise looks so interesting.  Quincy 

On 1/20/2020 at 1:57 PM, ICEX21 said:

I will be 39 when I take my first (solo) cruise. Truth be told I'm a little nervous as I've never been on a cruise before and doing my first one on the QM2 on a transatlantic voyage can be a little daunting.

Hopefully everything goes well!

The QM2 adventure sounds wonderful!  I suspect you will have a superb time!  Quincy - my first 7-night solo is coming up soon and I'm all excited.  quincy

11 hours ago, LandlockedCruiser01 said:

OP, your question is really vague.  What type of "best advice" are you looking for?  Is it suggestions for itineraries to go on or sites to visit?  Is it cabin selections, activity choices, and dining ideas?  Or is it psychology-type advice, like coping skills for lonely moments?

 

We're a friendly bunch here, but we also prefer to give specific advice, rather than shoot blindly.

thanks landlocked.  I'm in SF Bay Area - so need cruise . . . hits on port spots would be appreciated.  I've researched and have lists for independent exploration.  Quincy

12 hours ago, runner2013 said:

HI all,

I'm looking at a week long solo trip next Feb on the Caribbean Princess. I've been on Royal and Norwegian and wanted to try another line for comparison.

If anyone has been on her, or a sister ship, i'd appreciate your thoughts and input about how it was.  I'm 52 years old, and a bit more on the relaxed side- don't need crazy activities or to be running all over the place 24/7- but do enjoy meeting people and trying new things.

Thanks

PC offers a book discussion group.  You may wish to call 800/774-6237 if interested.  Quincy

5 hours ago, chars said:

So my husband and I are platinum, having many cruises under our belt, together.  When we cruise we always are fine doing our own thing and I have even done some excursions on my own.  I am a teacher and looking into a spring break cruise.  My husband does not want to take the week off as we are going on a Bermuda cruise in the summer.  So I am thinking of doing my first solo cruise.  He is concerned about something going wrong and me being all alone.  How does everyone handle this?  I guess I can get the wifi package and keep in touch with him that way.  Any advice on how I can assure him that it is safe?

Chas, 2/14 is my birthday.  90% of my travel is as a solo female over the past 3 decades.  The standard trips:  NYC, Washington DC, I live in the SF Bay Area and have been all over including up and down the coast.  London, Paris were fairly standard, Chile, Turkey, MX less so.  I think/feel it is a matter of attitude and good sense.  Know what you are doing, where you are going.  Several books have been published on solo, female traveling as more and more women are . . . I've had zero problems.  This will be my first cruise.  The largest challenge is what to see at each stop.  You are the one who needs to feel comfortable first.  Go girl.  Quincy

1 hour ago, AdventureJes said:

I always thought the idea of doing a solo cruise was intriguing, and I just gave into it and am so excited! I've already started reading everything I can on this board as well as other websites and can't wait!  I'll be going from Rome to Venice in June and decided to stay in hotels for a few days both before and after my cruise. I've never been to Europe so I'm a bit nervous about that, but I figure as long as I get informed ahead of time it shouldn't be a big deal. I've traveled quite a bit for work and have extended some of those trips to play tourist so this shouldn't be that much different. I figure if I was content in New York City going to dinners, shows and exploring on my own, Italy can't be that much different... or so I hope. Happy to be joining you all 🙂

Adventure Jes and fellow solo traveler, I've been to NYC for a theater, opera, museum fix for 2 weeks, also toured museums and sites in DC.  Had fine experiences both times.  Did a lot of exploring on foot everywhere I've been.  London and Paris more of same - standard tourist stuff.  Chile and Turkey and Mexico were far more adversuresome!  Tramped about and used busses and trains.  Each adventure was extensively researched.  PC will be my first cruise!  I'm developing lists of places I want to visit in each port, far many more than will fit into the time allowed.  Each time I travel I'm aware of how focused I'm on seeing and doing I miss opportunities of interacting more with people.  Have you signed up for the Meet and Greet?  Quincy, SF Bay Area

thanks Howard.  Quincy

11 hours ago, mef_57 said:

It may also depend on how comfortable you are in your own solo skin.  If you land travel on your own, you know to be independent and have a good day regardless of other's input.  If you meet others to share your day with, all fine and dandy, but as there is no guarantee that sailing is going to be gregarious to a solo traveler, plan on being your own best friend this trip.  Hit the ports on your own - they are used to having independent travelers - or join a tour.  Sign up on your Roll Call here and there are bound to be other solo people signed on as well.  If there is a Meet and Greet scheduled for on board, go to it.  

It looks like you have one cruise at least under your belt, but if you aren't aware, there is a 'first time cruiser' forum to go have a look at for generic advice.

 

mef 57, thanks for your advice.  Roll Call has been particularly helpful.  Quincy

8 hours ago, coloradocruiselover88 said:

What is the best advice you can give to a first time solo cruiser?  Any regrets or any not to be missed things?  I have my first solo cruise in November 2020.  Thanks!

Hi Colorado Cruise Lover, I too will be a first time solo.  I have been doing research, lots on YouTube.  Especially enjoy websites:  Cruise Critic articles, maps of my ship, the 10 best things to do in xyz port websites and public transportation sites.  this is like recess, lots to do without the restrictions.  Quincy 

15 hours ago, Lois R said:

Just a note for those of you who ask about cruising solo, I am about to take my

umpteenth solo cruise and can't wait

 

This has a been a stressful last couple of months for me and it will be so nice

to sail away for a week.  Diagnosed with a positive mammogram--thankfully

they caught it early and I have already had surgery....when I return home from

this trip I will be starting a month of radiation treatments. I am thankful for the

Dr's though and I know this could have been way worse.....it was very, very

small and they got it all.

 

And for better news......I retired on Dec 31st--so this is also my first

"POST RETIREMENT" cruise

 

The cruising part...I have been sailing solo since 2003 and LOVE IT!

Doing whatever...whenever.....and this trip? Relaxing....eating, drinking,

napping,---- not necessarily in that order LOL...…….

Dear Lois R,  it isn't happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.  Congrats on your good news.  Have a swell trip.  Quincy

On 1/11/2020 at 6:01 AM, runner2013 said:

Hello all,

I've sailed solo several times and never had issues with feeling 'safe' in a port before. (very aware of the precautions a woman alone should be taking when traveling alone) I've been looking at a cruise from San Juan P.R. which is a new location for me, and wanted some input from other solo women who've flown in the night before, staying in a hotel overnight, before heading to the port the following day.

Have you felt comfortable talking with strangers for assistance or venturing outside the hotel?

I'm 51, with minimal knowledge  (enough to be respectful and polite) of the Spanish language.

Any advice as far as the airport, where to stay, taking taxi's or shuttles to from locations, etc, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Patty 

Patty, several books have been published for solo women travelers.  I'd read them as times have changed, more women are traveling alone.  I'd also check YouTube.  As for me I've been on my own in Chile, Turkey and Mexico and never had a problem.  I keep a low profile.  Everything from my ankles to wrists to neck is covered in navy, no jewelry.  Know where you are going, what you are doing at all times, if you don't fake it.  As far as asking for info, the clerk behind the desk and fellow American travelers are no doubt ok otherwise use your judgment.  All that being said go well prepared and have a good time.  Quincy

On 1/11/2020 at 7:29 AM, famoffiveinct said:

Hi guys, looking for any and all feedback as far as booking a solo cruise embarking/disembarking out of NY, NJ, or Boston in 2020! This will be my 1st solo cruise and 5th overall. The other four with the wife and kids. Time for Dad to have a cruise where Dad gets to schedule what he does on a cruise. We have done two with Norwegian and two with Royal. I would like to go Norwegian this cruise. Definitely a Caribbean cruise and 7-12 days depending on the best available deal. Also would prefer March or April. What cruise do any other solo cruisers have booked for 2020? I know only certain ships have studio rooms. My wife has always done all the cruise bookings so I will take all the help I can get!

Mr CT:  sailing solo:  the first question is what type and SIZE ship will best suit you best.  Where do you want to go?  Typically singles pay double!  Pick a good travel agent!  Costco has the best rates of any.  The tendency is the larger the agency, the greater the benefits.  You may want to find a group to travel with for a better rate.  Interview Mrs CT for more tips and tricks.  Have fun.  Quincy