happycruiser7

On 3/28/2024 at 11:32 AM, Rewind said:

There is a news station reporting that Royal will also use Norfolk for Vision of the Seas:
https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/cruise-chaos-royal-caribbean-carnival-cruises-from-baltimore-will-now-port-in-norfolk-ginny-maurer-cruise-planners-talks-travel-insurance-for-cruisers/83-2f8cc024-f92c-4133-9205-bce513f63ef3

 

I wish Royal would release a statement to those who have cruises booked directly.

They did. There was an email sent out. 

On 3/8/2024 at 10:59 AM, LisaLisa87 said:

I'm in the early stages of planning a short cruise with my sister to celebrate her 50th birthday later this year. I have mostly sailed with Royal in recent years, but I think Celebrity could be a good fit for us. I'm looking at a 4-night sailing on Reflection, either Key West/CocoCay or Key West/Bimini. She'll need to fly to FL the day before and can't get away for longer than 5 days. A few questions:

 

1. We would likely book an Aqua Class room as my sister is a spa person. Should we anticipated crowds in the Persian Garden? I've had day passes for the thermal suite on other lines in the past, and it was sometimes difficult to do the things I wanted to do (especially the heated tile loungers).

 

2. What do you think of Blu? We're both trying to eat healthier these days, but not at the expense of selection or tasty food. How long should we expect dinner to take there?

 

3. I've read about All Included, but I can't decide whether it's the way to go. We'll definitely want a beverage package and WiFi regardless. Currently, the cost of AI for the two itineraries we're looking at is around $86/person/day. That seems borderline in terms of savings. It's also hard to compare since I won't be able to see the a la carte cost of the drink packages until I've booked.

 

Thank you for any insight you can provide!

 

Photo of us from our last cruise together

I don’t think $86/day is bad. Keep in mind AI no longer includes gratuity only Classic Drink Package and Wi-Fi so that may be more in line with what you’re looking for and at a discounted rate than purchasing separately. I haven’t been in Aqua before but I’ve been looking at cruises myself and gratuities for aqua I believe would be $23/day. For a 4 day cruise that’s nothing but just something to keep in mind. 

3 hours ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Celebrity does not have credit cards in all countries 

No they don’t. 

On 2/15/2024 at 6:22 PM, TrueCruiseaholic said:

From the new Power Up Points survey, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and SilverSea may have status matching.

 

What do we think that would entail?

 

With the point structure difference between Royal and Celebrity would suite guests from Royal cruise on Celebrity to get to the next status faster?

 

Would an inside stateroom cruiser sail on Royal in order to become Pinnacle Club faster?

 

Would Celebrity be inundated with Royal cruisers of all tier levels?

 

Does SilverSea have multiple tiers to match Royal and Celebrity?

 

Also, Royal Caribbean Group really wants everyone to have their credit card. 😉

 

I think from my understanding they’re going to or want to combine loyalty programs. 
 

they all have credit cards and Princess pushes a little bit too but they don’t do additional points as their sailing rewards are different than the way Celebrity does it

No. You should be able to get a key card once onboard. Princess does offer MedallionPay in select shops in some ports. I believe you get 5% cash back in the form of onboard credit if you use MedallionPay vs a credit card. It’s also just kind of fun to play games on the walls with the medallion. Personally for me it’s a game changer but I also like the idea of Ocean Now and the Medallion App. I get it’s not for everyone. 

Looking at a trip on MSC Magnifica (end of April early may) and need some opinions. I would be going as a 30 year old solo traveler and generally sail Celebrity or Princess with the occasional Norwegian. Is it similar to Royal Caribbean in terms of attractions? I know it’s a family line but I do prefer more adult activities and passengers and don’t need the big water slides or rock walls. Are there adult only areas? Is it worth the money?

Any and all information, thoughts and opinions about the food, ship and or the line are greatly appreciated. 
 

thank you!!! 

9 hours ago, EDVM96 said:

Considering the Caribbean instead of the Emerald is not the best idea. 😄

Part of it is cost. Emerald for 10 days as a solo traveler with cost of cruise, airfare, hotel, Princess Plus, Lyft, and luggage will be a little less than $3,000. Which for solo isn’t that bad. I found an Enchanted but I’ve been the places it goes before and would prefer a longer trip. I’m just getting so many mixed reviews that I don’t know what to consider.

So I’m booking a cruise this week and the trip I’m highly considering is on Emerald Princess. What are peoples thoughts on the ship?
 

I sailed on Discovery back in September and highly enjoyed it.

I know Emerald is older and I’m probably just overthinking at this point I just want to know what peoples opinions are of it before I officially book it. If not I’m considering a trip on Enchanted or Caribbean Princess. 

if it helps I’d be looking at interior or obstructed ocean view for a cabin. 

On 7/29/2023 at 2:17 PM, mnocket said:

Not Carnival - but maybe Royal Caribbean.

 

I've been wondering if the so-called "Premium" cruise lines are now proving to be less profitable than the "Mainstream" brands - hence all the changes that bring the Premium brands more in line with their Mainstream brethren. Perhaps the Premium and Mainstream brands are destined to become nearly identical with the only difference being one it targeted more to adults and the other families with children?  Just a thought.

I mean Royal Caribbean does own and is the sister line of Celebrity and the new president of Celebrity is from Royal Caribbean if I’m correct. They’re absolutely making changes to the line and some of it does seem as though they’re trying to strengthen ties between the 2 lines. So it makes sense. I think Celebrity is still better than Royal Caribbean. 

51 minutes ago, aungrl said:

I was typing my response, above, as you were typing this.  So, obviously, "good advice not needed" from me, but it was too late to recall it.  🙂  

You’re fine. I am going to use your advice. They know I was considering going anyway. It was just a matter of pulling the trigger. 

10 minutes ago, Prometheus1 said:

Happycruiser7 just do it. A few years ago my travel partner was unable to go on a cruise we had been planning, so I thought I will just go solo. My husband and family were so upset I was going solo that I added a family member. We went on the cruise, it was fun but the whole time I kept thinking, I wish I had gone  solo and then I became a little angry that I as a 50+ women was not able to travel by myself on a cruise. Fast forward, I have a cruise booked for 2025 and I am going solo- that's the end of it.

Just go, have fun, people on Princess are very nice, lots of solo travelers. Be smart, go with your gut if you are unsure at times. As other people have suggested, join a roll call for your sailing. Get an internet package so you can keep in touch with family if that makes you feel better. 

I have made a decision to go. Wednesday I’m calling my travel agent to book. 

1 hour ago, mom says said:

You are 30 years old but still feel the need to ask for parental permission before doing something? Are you still living at home or dependant on them financially, which would infer such an obligation? No need to answer- it was rhetorical. Time (far past time IMO) to cut the cord. Dont ask your parents; tell them. Go and enjoy your independence. You've already been on enough cruises to know how to connect socially with your fellow cruisers when you want to.

 

I was travellling internationally, and living a couple of thousand miles from home by my mid 20s. Both of my daughters were the same. In fact my elder daughter had done more travelling than I had before she was 30. Be smart. Be prudent. Live your life.

I do still live at home. I have some visual issues that prevent me from driving so I do rely on them for things like transportation and while it wouldn’t hinder my ability to travel i do feel an obligation to consider and factor in their feelings considering they do a lot for me. I would love to move out and am trying to find a job that would help me financially achieve that. I didn’t go through a rebellious phase and while they think I’m capable and trust me I’m trying to break out of being sheltered and be independent. 

3 minutes ago, GlitterFemme said:

I have my first solo cruise coming up later this year, so I can't speak directly to that yet...but it sounds from your post like you want to go alone, and you can afford to go alone, and you think you could have a good time alone. It sounds (and forgive me if I've misunderstood your post) like the only problem is that your parents don't approve, and the friction from that is leading to your doubts. And frankly, it's not up to them. You're an adult, and if you want to go on vacation alone you get to do that. From what you've said about what vacations with your family are like it sounds like it would be a refreshing change of pace.

I love traveling alone and getting to set my own itinerary, do my own research, make my own decisions about how I spend my time and money, and not have to stop and negotiate any of it with anyone. If that sounds good to you I strongly encourage you to try it, regardless of what your parents think.

It's true that 10 days is a long time to try something, but honestly to me it sounds blissful. As long as there are shipboard activities you enjoy, or you can bring a good book, or whatever you like to do...how bad could it be? And afterwards you'll certainly know whether you like cruising alone and want to do more of it in the future.

Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you. 
 

I think the issue is more they think I’m jumping head first into something I’ve never done before instead of easing into it and that I may be happier if I go with someone else. I'm visually impaired (not enough to hinder traveling) and my anxiety also sometimes gets the better of me. So if there’s another person there (or even if my parents are in a different cabin) there’s someone who can enjoy the trip with me and help me if I get anxious. 
 

They’re just worried something will happen and are a little over protective. They’ve always been that way and I’ve always been the kind of person who needs their approval or I feel guilty doing something. My dad thinks I can handle it as does my therapist. 
 

They’ve been invited to come it’s just not a commitment my mom can make with work at the moment. I’m looking to commit when she can’t. 

I tried to plan something with someone last year and they were flaky and put so many restrictions on the trip when they did none of the work and left me to do it all which isn’t a big deal but at that point I just started planning for myself. Something better just came up so I ended up on a different trip. I’m not opposed to having someone come but I kind of want some independence before I bring other people. 

1 minute ago, clo said:

Maybe book it and THEN tell your parents. BTW I'm 76. Go for it. And report back Please. 

I definitely will report back. They know I’m looking to book and that I found one. I’m the kind of person who needs their approval for things otherwise I won’t do something because I’ll feel guilty or bad the whole time. That’s kind of the reason I’m having trouble pulling the trigger and just doing it. I don’t rebel but I’m starting to feel like I need to do some things on my own.
 

I invited them to come if they wanted to but with work my mom can’t make any commitments too far in advance. The invitation is open though. They just think I’d be happier with someone or trying a half solo trip first. 

25 minutes ago, stinkyharriet said:

I did three cruises with my sister, the first in August 2022, so I’m still pretty new to cruising but I love it.  After out last cruise in October I decided to book a solo cruise.  I chose a 5 day cruise to someplace I’ve already been so that if I hated cruising solo I wouldn’t be miserable for an entire week, and going somewhere familiar was less stressful.  I ended up having a great time.  I sailed with NCL and they do the most for solo cruisers.  I went to the solo meetup on the first day and met many great people.  I went to dinner at a specialty restaurant that first night with three of them, ate in the MDR other nights (the solo host arranged for tables for the group) and did another specialty dining with some solos on the last night.

 

I never felt lonely.  I never had to think about what anyone else wanted to do or where they wanted to eat.  I enjoyed the cruise so much I booked another solo trip the day I got home.

Thank you. I’m looking at Princess and I think the trip I’m looking at is a 10 dayer but if I can’t find a shorter one with a similar price point I may consider that one instead. 

2 hours ago, clo said:

I've never cruised solo but I would highly recommend it for a first time solo traveler. You can have as much or as little interaction with others as you choose. Go for coffee - at a non busy time. The library. Sit alone at a meal. Or join others...or let them join you...if they ask politely. (I don't know you're gender but I'll say) You go, girl 🙂

You’re actually correct to assume I’m a female. Thank you. I think I’m going to try and give it a shot. I just need to tell my parents and just book it already. 

1 hour ago, cr8tiv1 said:

You are still a young (age/experience) cruiser.  I have done a couple of solo cruises (several around 40 and recently/older).  Comfort level will depend on how outgoing you are. how you deal with being by yourself, and how willing you are to start conversations with random passengers.

 

I have enjoyed each of my solo cruises.  Sometimes, it is just nice not having to coordinate activities with someone.  Having the cabin to yourself is also a nice perk.  

 

Join your roll call.  Don't be afraid to meet people on the ship.  Do be a little more cautious when in an unfamiliar port.  I remember once taking a bus to the center of a town in Costa Rica (I think it was San Jose).  Got off the bus, walked around the block, felt really uncomfortable.  Good thing the bus was still there...and I hopped on it.  Stick with ship tours (another story about going out on my own is too long and scary).  Get out of your cabin and roam.  

I generally meet people at the bars or activities on the ships and even went to the solo and single traveler meets on my last one. I’m not too afraid to meet people. I just want to feel independent. 

I know I have to be extra careful especially in ports I’m not familiar with. I wouldn’t venture outside of the port area or extremely far unless I was on a ship excursion with a creditable tour group. 

43 minutes ago, crystalspin said:

Whew, a lot of family dynamics here!

 

I think you've handled it well. You left them (or her) an option to do what they say they want -- to be along in a separate cabin. Only on your terms too -- you having chosen the cruise. If she wants to choose the cruise for your halfway solo, just say no, thanks.

 

What is the cruiseline? Most if not all have solo get-togethers, and will sit you with others (either all solos or mixed and different each night). Some have special solo cabins perhaps with a solo lounge area.

 

Also, you can join your Roll Call on Cruise Critic and probably "meet" other solos before you even leave home, arranging to actually meet at the Meet&Mingle gathering.

the cruise line is Princess. It’s an older ship so it doesn’t have a solo cabins.
 

 My family is very close. Im not against a halfway solo cruise with my family I just don’t know when that would be. my mom can’t make any commitments to a trip in advance with her job so when I have the opportunity for that I don’t know. With how hectic her schedule is going to be this year it could be in 6 months or more and by the time that happens I could not be able to get the time off. I don’t really want to wait to take a vacation this year and the price for a single passenger isn’t too bad. The further info season the more expensive it gets. 
 

If I take a vacation fairly early in the year and my family decides to take a trip later on I could still go but I can’t take all the time in the world off. I just want a trip for me this time around. 

I’m considering taking my first voyage solo and while I’m close to booking I’m feeling discouraged about going on a cruise alone. I’ve been on quite a few cruises with my family so this isn’t my first time overall or with the line in question. 
 

My parents and I generally all cram into a single cabin and they think I’ll have a better time with another person.
 

I’m 30 years old and on the one hand I want their approval so I can go without feeling guilty. I have some visual issues but nothing that would hinder my ability to cruise alone. My dad thinks I should go solo while on the same trip as them first so I’m somewhat on my own but not completely alone and have the option to have people to talk to during the day or at meals. 

On the other hand I don’t think I want to go with someone else. Company would be nice but I’ve spent so many trips feeling like I’m on top of someone else, fighting over storage for clothes or electronics, arguing over the bathroom, or having to worry about not waking someone else up when I come back from going out at night. It would be nice to have a cabin to myself, go where I want to go on the ship/in port and do things on my own timing.
 

I spend most of the time doing onboard activities or other things when I travel with my family and we end up arguing because I want to do something and they want to stay in the cabin or are on deck somewhere. 
 

I found a trip I can afford/works with my work schedule and I’m torn between wanting to go and having doubts or just not wanting to. My dad thinks I can handle it mentally if I did and seemed somewhat supportive where as my mother I don’t think wants me to go. I did invite them to come if it works with their schedules as it was the trip I wanted. 
 

I don’t want to spend the money and either be miserable/guilty and not enjoy it or not get a chance at a vacation because of work. At this point I’m so upset and frustrated that I don’t even want to go anymore. 

Does anyone have any experience with solo cruising or have any advice?

10 hours ago, tundra1 said:

Do a fake booking on Celebrity with two people in the cabin and then do the same room as a single.  See which costs more.  The latest rumor is that Celebrity is charging more for a solo cruiser in a cabin than for 2 regular cruisers in the same cabin.  Because of that, I would sail on Princess.

They all do that. There’s a singles supplement when solo cruising unless the ship has single passenger cabins which the newer Edge class ships do. Unfortunately they’re aren’t many and they go quick. The good news is celebrity is running a 75% off second passenger. I’m leaning towards Princess anyway. 
 

I may have company but I’m unsure at the moment. I’m torn between going alone and having a friend come with me. 

23 hours ago, SPacificbound said:

We have always been able to find a quiet spot on Celebrity. We have never cruised with Princess.

I love Celebrity and have yet to be on the Beyond/Apex but have been

on the Edge so I feel like the adjustment wouldn’t be too much. Martini bar is one of my favorite spots.  

1 hour ago, skynight said:

Caribbean is a nice ship. It's really an original Grand Class ship with an extra passenger deck and 500 additional passengers. The Emerald also has 3,100 passengers, but was built for them. If you are travelling with children then the Caribbean. It has a top deck water playground and family area. Emerald has more public space and does not seem as crowded.

It would be for a solo trip. I’ve been on the Grand class ships but it’s been 10+ years. I was just on Discovery and while it was a really nice ship and I did enjoy it there really wasn’t anywhere I could go that was quiet to just read or drink coffee. Does either Emerald or Caribbean have a spot that’s quiet and where someone could relax inside? 

Looking at a couple of Caribbean trips for April or May either on Emerald or Caribbean Princess. 
 

Anyone have a preference of one over the other? Thoughts? Opinions? Advice? Stories? 

Hey all. I’m looking to do a solo trip sometime this spring to the Caribbean and I’m looking ant trips either on Princess or Celebrity (kind of leaning towards Princess though). I’m not new to either line however I’ve narrowed it down to a couple trips. Princess trips either on Caribbean or Emerald Princess.
 

I’ve never been on either ship and I was wondering what people thought or if they have a preference of one over the other. I know they’re both older and we’re refurbished a few years ago. 

Do either ships have a spot inside that’s quiet? That’s the one thing I wasn’t a big fan of on Discovery Princess. I like a place where I can just sit and drink coffee somewhere outside of my cabin. 
 

I’m just getting back into Princess after a streak on Celebrity and I’m not against going back if someone thinks it’s a better line or ships (trips I’m looking at would be on Beyond or Apex) in comparison. 
 

Any advice, thoughts, or opinions are much appreciated.

21 hours ago, chubbypiggy said:

What is the cost of Crab Shack on the Discovery?  Thanks.

$35 I believe.