Cloud9 Bob

I tried ot about a week after I booked and got an immediate confirmation reply that I was in the running.

I have two solo cruises on the Scarlet Lady and will tell you that you have picked a perfect line. The fact that they have many solo insider rooms is indicative of their dedication to solo cruising. You can do as much or as little with others as you like. With the exception of Gunbae, you will be seated by yourself, but there are always tables around you to chat with if you'd like. This is assuming you don't meet people and alter your reservations to dine with others (which is certainly an option). You can choose to interact or just look at your phone and enjoy your own company. You can do as much or as little with others as you want. Nobody forces or judges you. I've never done the solo meet ups, but it may be an option for you. Go and have fun, you will love it. If I can help more, just ask.

You might also try to speak to a manager during the time when they are closed and level with them about your desire to experience the restaurant, but have anxiety issues. Everybodys different, but you may just find someone that will bend over backwards to accommodate you. With rare exceptions, most staff I've met on my 2 Scarlet Lady cruises have been very concerned that I have a good time. FWIW, I have avoided Gunbae for some of the same reasons you mention.

I believe my cabin on TSL had an ESPN feed.

Once you've been on TSL, you'll get a good chuckle while thinking "What was I nervous about?" It may actually be the most "sane" ship you've ever been on...except maybe for the late Scarlet Night pool party!

You will find that the crew is more interactive with the sailors than on some other lines. They get free perks (ie. wifi) and can mingle with the guests more. They get to eat in the same restaurants, etc. They're happier and you will be able to sense it. That staff "military hierarchy" is downplayed on VV. I even ran into the Captain just as he was finishing lunch and we had a great conversation about the Calabria region of Italy and also the ships radar arrays. 🙂

I chose to skip Gunbae, as all of the other restaurants were more interesting to me. But to be totally honest, the sitting with strangers aspect didn't particularly work for me. Don't get me wrong, I love talking to others on a cruise...just not while I'm eating. You see, whether I like to admit it or not, I feel a need to be "on" when talking to others as I would HATE to ever appear rude or disinterested to anyone. Combined with dinner, I wind up not enjoying either. Now I separate the two and fully enjoy both.

The adults only aspect. Getting the hot tub all to myself. Getting the best seat in The Wake at dusk…twice. The food and presentation at Test Kitchen (except the fishy, ceviche like scallops) 😆

Sorry to hear your experience was less than stellar. Test Kitchen was my favorite. So much so that I had dinner there twice in five days. Tried the regular and the alternate menu. Service was top notch too. I hate to hear anyone didn't enjoy their vacation. 😔 k

I really thought your review was well witten and spot on and I totally agree with you, except for two minor points. Social Club hours for me, were not an issue and (former NY'er here) I found the pizza to be the closest thing to a traditional NY style pie that I have ever tasted on a cruise ship. 😊

No, it wasn't quite that bad. I watched the video and decided I didn't want to go to my muster station, so I didn't. I got a knock on my cabin door at around 9 PM. It was Captain Giovanni himself !! He threw a velvet hood over my head and I then found myself in the ships chain locker. I was there for hours with nothing to eat but day old sushi. Next cruise I'll be sure to attend muster. I can still taste that fish.

The ship docks near town, but I would definitely book an excursion. I did the one through VV where you ride the cable car and also get lunch. It was great. We had a nicely air conditioned small bus of about 20 and it even had wifi. Our guide was very interesting and enthusiastic. It was reasonably priced too.

I got to the port at around 12PM for a 1:30 PM line. After giving my bag to a porter I sat on one of the round concrete bollards and read my book. Two or three port employees (in VV uniforms) asked me at different times if I'd like to take the shuttle to Bayside. I just said no thanks, I'm a local and have been there more times than I care to. They were all polite and just went and asked someone else. That was about it. As a matter of fact, one was very cool and hung out talking to me for awhile. His name was Yakov and showed me pictures on his phone that he took on opening day when Richard Branson was there.

Bayside is nice to see, but IMHO, not on embarkation day. I like to UBER to the port and sit my fat butt down and read until my time is called. If I have to worry I’ll be late getting back, I wouldn’t enjoy either experience.

The short answer is yes, you will fit in. Have a great cruise!

If they let me eat in The Wake dressed like this, your husband will have no problem. 🤣

It's not a party ship, but you can do as much or as little as you like. Nothing forced...nothing judged. Just good food and a really nice atmosphere. The crew is happy and you will be too!

I had deck 14 just under the gym and it was a little noisy in the morning when people wotked out lifting (and dropping) weights and also when the DJ was working...but quite quiet at all other times. That said, I would prefer 13 or lower next time. Internet basic was fine for casual Whats App phone calls with video but would not trust it for Zoom...especially if it were client related. Don't let any of this deter you....you will love it!

I'm with you. Do you do small roller luggage or backpacks or both?

I can't believe this thread is still going strong...😆🤣😂

If all they had were burgers/fries I would have skipped it. I think they should up their game at Bimini. Of course the food needs some sprucing up, but IMHO, the curry chicken was different and fun and the rum cake was a welcomed finish. I would definitely eat there again, but some diversity would be appreciated.

That you are going to have a great time!

Do they still have the Too Early area?

Nice job....brought me right back. 😊

The best part for me was the pro roller skater 😝