Taz

Incredibly rude!

 

How was the situation handled by the host?

He noted the table number on a little pad he was carrying and took me to a different table.

I did, indeed have some "interesting" moments as a solo last week. Here's a couple of "highlights"...

Standing in line to board the plane from Detroit to Quebec City, a bit of polite conversation took place with two women traveling together who were in line behind me. One of the women said "aren't you going to wait for your husband to board with you?". I smiled and lightly said "if I have one of those, it's news to me". Their next comments where total SHOCK that I was going to LEAVE THE UNITED STATES ALONE!!!! I very calmly said, "It's Canada. They outlawed cannibalism a couple of years ago. I'm sure I'll be fine".

I attended the repeat cruisers brunch on-board. When the host attempted to seat me at a 6 top with one other couple already seated, the woman of the couple vehemently refused to allow me to be seated there, saying that they would not dine with any solos, only other couples.

As I've said before, comments and actions such as these are a reflection of those who make those comments, but I really wish people would THINK before some of the things they say come rolling out of their mouths.

I am currently on Veendam. The announcements that were made yesterday about formal night last night said only that ladies were to look "elegant" and men were to wear coats. No mention at all in any of the announcements of ties being required. I have any time dining and went to the dining room aroung 7:30 PM. I saw very few tuxedos, long gowns or cocktail dresses. Most men were wearing business suits with women wearing LBD's or dress slacks.

I've traveled extensively on my own, mostly for business, for many years and prefer it that way. My first solo (and only second ever) cruise is coming up this weekend. The only thing I'm a bit apprehensive about is dining. The line I'm sailing with is known for it's older demographic and I know it to be true as I cruised them previously with a friend. I'll be doing anytime dining later in the evening and don't mind dining with others, but absolutely do not want to be sat at the (for lack of better phrasing) "widows and widowers" table. I'm sure it'll all work out as ships services tells me I can easily arrange for a "mixed" table and eating later tends to appeal to a bit younger group, but still a bit of butterflies remain. As for those people who make the "aren't you brave" or "you poor thing, all alone" or "are you looking for a man" comments, those are all met with the same reaction; my finest stink eye, followed by a very sweet "I beg your pardon, why do you say that?".

No photos. No way, no how, no exceptions.

No roommates. Unless someone like Mark Harmon is available, but I'm pretty that's not going to happen. :)

No spa treatments. I have a great massage therapist at home and she charges much, much less.

Greetings! I'm Kathy - a retired finance geek in my early 50's. I'll be taking my second cruise and first solo on HAL's Veendam starting in Quebec City on August 31st. I traveled extensively for work on my own and find that I just prefer it that way (unless, of course I could get Mark Harmon for a roomie!) I've been a bit challenged finding active shore excursions ( I am NOT one to just ride around on a bus looking at stuff), but have gotten great suggestions for bike rentals, hiking paths, etc. from other posters. Looking forward to a fabulous time!

I have a lanai booked for my upcoming cruise and am a bit concerned about some of the comments I've read regarding smokers on the deck. Specifically, is smoking allowed on the lower promenade deck on Veendam? From what I can see on the HAL website, it says "Outside Decks" with "Sports Deck" and "Observation Deck" (where the ship has one) as bullet points below. I read that as those 2 places being the outside decks where smoking is allowed. Can someone clarify this for me?

For a 14 day Alaskan cruise tour I took 3 pairs of shoes. I wore my Merrell hikers and packed a pair of Cole-Haan woven leather loafers and a pair of black leather heels.

Don't sweat the small stuff. And never think that the people who post on this board are representative of your fellow cruisers.

 

Go and have a great cruise. The only thing to concern yourself about is having a wonderful time.

Thank you!!! I'm taking my first cruise ever in June - Alaska, southbound. After years of wearing suits and heels to work and having to dress up for corporate functions, I just don't do it anymore and have been silently planning to just skip anything requiring "formal" attire. I've got a black cocktail dress with dress flats and that will just have to be good enough.