ScubaCruiserC

2 hours ago, Worksheet said:

Both groups appeared to be mix of family and friends.  Interestingly, bot had their travel agents in tow.  Wife never got Covid.  I felt achy w/sore throat 2 day.  Felt fine, but lethargic tail end few days in Frankfurt.

Thank you for being a considerate responsible person.  I wish you many future healthy cruises.  

9 hours ago, vjblk said:

I am going on my first solo cruise over NewYears on HAL. My sister passed away in July. She was my best friend and travel buddy. We traveled alot and cruising had become our favorite vacation. I really didn't want to give up traveling and with the encouragement of friends, I decided to book this trip. It's a ship I've been on and an itinerary I've done before. Figured familiarity would help ease into solo travel. I used to travel for work sometimes so flying and staying pre cruise should be okay. Not sure how a whole week will go. But I figure I won't know until I try.  It's not always easy for me to talk with strangers but I have always found cruisers to be a friendly bunch. Looking forward to this cruise.

Sorry for your loss.  Wishing you a fantastic cruise.

49 minutes ago, imola said:

Oh no.  We are in a suite next month on the Radiance I am hoping it is better since we are there 23 days. 

I like Serenade well enough.  Liking a ship is really subjective.  They did some upgrades in 2017 and also redid some public areas recently.  

We chose not to copy the rude behavior of the chair hogs.  Of course that usually leaves us without a good lounger, but with our integrity intact.   The chair hogs neither know nor care about our choice.  So is life. 😜 

Hardest on ship is not having someone to “guard” my chair, table, drink and/or food while I return to buffet or need to exchange towels or go to washroom.  Hardest while visiting port is not being able to sample more local food and drink as I hate having to throw food away.  

Wishing Florida well and wishing Ian weakens rather than strengthens.  

On 7/8/2022 at 8:31 PM, HealthCraig said:

 

I know, I know. This sounds so pathetic, but I just got off a 4 night cruise on RCI Independence. It was my first solo cruise. I want to preface by saying I had fun and would do it again. However, the longer I was on board, the more lonely I felt. Again, I know that sounds pathetic. I’m not the type of person who’s afraid to talk to strangers, but I did have a hard time trying to make conversation. It seemed everyone around me were with family and/or friends, which is what I expected. I even went to different mingling activities, all of which were duds. No one showed. So, what are some tips you all suggest to combat the weird feeling of being alone while surrounded by thousands of people? I’ve got another solo cruise coming up in a few months and now I’m nervous if this happening again. 

Wow.  You really had bad first experience.  I am sorry for that.  My experience has been different (also on RC ships).  I usually meet people by engaging them first. Sharing dinner tables, sitting at the bar, standing in lines and joining in ship activities all provide opportunities to meet people.  The meet and mingles haven’t been stellar, but I have met a few this way.  On port days I try to join a walking tour group and have met a lot of solo/independent travelers this way.  You could also use your particular cruise forum to organize your own stay of meet-up; such as card players, board game players, wine drinkers, book exchange people, what ever your interests are.  If you get that “weird” feeling look to the  people smiling and laughing which will probably make you smile as well.  Then remember sometimes you are your own best company.

On 7/16/2022 at 8:13 AM, Lois R said:

Sounds like you had a TERRIBLE cabin attendant!!!!!! I would be speaking with Head of Housekeeping if someone yelled at me😲...........

Definitely report this cabin steward.  Unacceptable behavior.   I am shocked.

On 9/3/2022 at 6:01 PM, spleenstomper said:

This is true. I find wherever I go, the same 6am people are out and about.

On 9/19/2022 at 9:54 AM, Seniorsailors said:

I am so grateful for the generous comments and advice on how to return to cruising for newly single solo sailors like me. So many kind ladies have shared their personal  experiences. I am not real confident, but now I look forward to putting my toes back in the water. I have a lovely balcony cabin booked at the last minute while I still had my nerve; I will bring a book and a nice wrap for evenings and have my designated cocktails at different lounges. Thank you so much.

Sail on, Sister!  Although I still have my husband I travel solo as well.  At first I was frightened, but once I found my courage I discovered I could enjoy my own company, I could enjoy seeing places on my own and I could find new friends when I wanted.  After each new adventure I became more comfortable and I’m sure you will too.   I noticed solo travelers gravitate to the free (pay/tip as you see fit) walking tours at port so if I feel like being with a group I join one.  Also attending meet-ups on ship can introduce you to your ship mates. 

Is there a newer 55+ forum?  This one seems inactive for some time.  

Is there a newer 55+ forum?  This one seems inactive for some time.  

21 minutes ago, islandwoman said:

My buddy and I are booked on a Viking Danube river cruise in October 2023.  Until a few days ago, there was a note on their website about low water levels.  Now it's gone.  I hope that's because low water levels are no longer an issue.

Why do you call yourself "ScubaCruiser"?

I am a SCUBA diver.

Thank you for that info about the Danube.  Viking is the company I am watching because I am more independent as far as “excursions” go.  Hubby and I are also scuba divers so we are as likely to book a land-based dive trip as a cruise or other land travel.  I also travel solo.  The world is an amazing place and there is so little time!

14 hours ago, wikoffclan said:

Single gratuities and single port fees and taxes.

As RC solo very recently I can confirm this.

When cruising solo I have been using the RC discount for second cruiser.  Really wish they had a solo cruiser discount or that they had a second cruiser cruises free like they have kids cruise free deals.  I really am more itinerary-driven when choosing so I’ll go regardless.  

We sailed on Symphony and she was lovely and a nice concept, but SO big.  We definitely prefer the older and smaller ships experience. We will probably try Spectrum, Odyssey , Wonder and maybe even Icon just for the experience and if the itinerary is right.  

On 9/12/2022 at 10:26 AM, islandwoman said:

 

On 9/20/2022 at 6:06 PM, Mary229 said:

3 + a river cruise this year, next cruise ASAP.   Next booked cruise is February 

I have been cruising, oceanic, and a happy to be back cruising.   I think the river cruises sound lovely.  I am concerned about all the low water levels though so I have postponed river cruising for now.    Side note:  islandwoman.  💗 the trunkfish 

On 9/6/2022 at 10:12 PM, SPacificbound said:

I suggest both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

 

We booked our first cruise in 2013, booked Royal Caribbean out of Sydney to Hawaii. We were flying to New Zealand and then Australia, and not being a fan of long flights, decided to try a cruise coming back. I figured we would either love it or really not. I was hooked before we ever pulled away from Sydney, DH not as in love as I, but we have spent some time at sea. 🛳️

 

 

Congratulations on your 30th anniversary cruise!

Did you  (I know your DH would not) enjoy the Trans Pacific enough to recommend it to others? I am considering this and also a TransAtlantic.