bluebelle2010

Is there a specific PCR or antigen test to take for travel. The clinic that has a free test near me has a PCR test that says *not for travel*.  I think that probably has more to do about payment, correct?  If I HAVE been exposed to COVID and take the free test, that one should suffice, correct?  I'm sorry but this has confused me!! 🤪

We just need to be fully vaccinated but not boosted in order to sail, correct?  Has anyone done the video assisted COVID test with Optum through Princess?  Is the virtual visual supervision through Zoom, FaceTime, or ??.  I'm trying to get this info to reassure my travel mates.  Thank you!!

 

35 minutes ago, barefoot cruiser said:

January was my first time on MSC.  I had mixed feelings.  I am sure you have read up a bit on the MSC board, so you will be prepared for some of the differences.  I was fighting getting sick the whole time I was on ship (coming from the NorthEast and having so many friends and neighbors with it, not totally surprising), so I think some of my mixed feelings were underlying not feeling 100%.  I had connected with a lot of people via a social media group, as well as the roll call on cruise critic, so had a "group" that I hung out with most nights.  I had a lot of fun, despite not feeling 100%.  I had an inside cabin and found it plenty big enough (how often are you in there), and had a wonderful room steward who made me feel very welcomed and taken care of.  For what ever reason, I had the hardest time navigating this ship.... i was forever going the wrong direction or on the wrong side (after 9 cruises, I found this very amusing, i have never had such issues 🤣).  The pizza and pasta are definitely high points in the buffet area (this from someone who is not a pizza fan 😮).  Something to note, you can order a la carte at the sushi restaurant which has an amazing view and not have to do the tasting menu.  You can also order sushi here when it switches over to the disco later in the night.

Do stop back and let us know how it goes...and start taking Airborne now!

Thanks...I'll definitely report back!

2 hours ago, Debbborra said:

I'd worry more about norovirus. At the risk of sounding germophobic, I suggest buying wipes that will kill norovirus. Regular wipes don't! I buy sono wipes because they cost less than the clorox non bleach hydrogen peroxide ones. Wipe down all the cabin surfaces. Put the remote for the TV in a baggy. 

 

Then take reasonable care and have fun. 

Thanks for the tips!  I will look for sono wipes.  Great advice about the baggie for the remote.  My sister just sent me this and it has your good advice and some other items to consider as well:  https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=3738&et_cid=3312705&et_rid=184819969&et_referrer=boards_a 

4 hours ago, NSnJW said:

Bluebelle,

Late Janurary this year I had a shore excursion to the rainforest in Puerto Rico and walked around in San Juan.  The earthquakes were at the opposite end of the island and I didn't see an effect.  There may have been some, but I didn't see it.

I saw some evidence of the hurricane but the island was quite beautiful.

Thank you for letting me know.  I went to look at excursions, but they aren't showing now because it's too close to the cruise.  I'm thinking I might take my own snorkel gear (minus fins), just in case there is some fabulous snorkeling opportunities along the way. Looking forward to finally seeing Puerto Rico!

 

1 hour ago, barefoot cruiser said:

I just went solo on the Divina a month ago.  say hi to mel"Sid" at the coffee bar.

 

I think following safety protocols, maybe Airborne to up your vitamin count.  Avoid touching things like banisters unless need to, railings, slot machines...and elbows to push buttons😂

I think caution is always good,that said, at this point they are screening pretty heavily, so unless I was in the Asian areas I would feel safe with a little more stringently following protocols.  Where are you going?  My concern would more be ports being cancelled because of the health scare, so mentally deciding you would be okay with not going to ports ahead of time might be a good prep.

 

Most of all remember,have a great time!

I will definitely be visiting the coffee bar! 🙂  I've never been on MSC before so it will be a new experience for me to be on a totally unfamiliar cruise line. I'm looking forward to the change. This cruise goes from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico first, which I'm thinking may not be a great stop due to the earthquakes that have hit there recently.  The next stops are Philipsburg, St. Maarten, St. John's Antigua and Barbuda.   I haven't been to any of these locations, so hopefully we will still be able to stop there.  This is a specialty cruise that will have a health related focus with lots of guest speakers on board for nutrition, exercise, etc., so hopefully the speakers will not be cancelling!  Thanks for the good advice and also the reminder about the Airborne!!  

It looks like I may be solo cruising as my cruise mate is concerned about the Corona Virus and is likely cancelling.  Anyone else going on the MSC Divina out of Miami on 2/21/2020?  Also, anyone have any opinions they'd like to share on air flight or cruise travel during this time?  I'd be interested to see how others feel in that not a lot is known at this point about the virus.  I feel that if I am in general good health and follow safety precautions in regards to hand washing, etc., I should be OK (*fingers crossed*) 🙂

 

 

Hi ~

 

I definitely saw him on a Princess cruise ~ I'm pretty sure it was either Panama Canal or Hawaii if that helps narrow it down. Such a great performer!

As a solo, I have enjoyed all of my cruises on Princess and HAL. I find little difference as to how solo cruisers are accepted. The ambiance on HAL suits me more than Princess. But, if the itinerary and price is right, I would book a Princess cruise. I am, in fact, considering the re-positioning of Sapphire Princess in the Fall of 2018 from Southampton to Singapore. The itinerary is good; the price is not.

Thanks for the perspective on HAL. That's good news to hear! WOW ~ that repositioning cruise looks amazing. So many great port stops!

Most of my solo cruises have been on HAL. I did one solo on Princess and enjoyed it very much. I found the lines to be more similar than different. HAL will often offer a discount to solo cruisers on inside and outside cabins; Princess is pretty much 200%, but they do give double points.

 

Roz

Thank you! I'm looking to go somewhere early summer and don't have the courage to fly overseas solo yet...I'm working on it, though. There aren't many cruises for Princess other than Alaska, a destination which I've been to many times. I found some HAL cruises that intrigued me involving Bermuda and New England so I'm considering taking the plunge ~ flying across the US and onto a new cruise line. The next step after that would be an overseas trip. I'm glad to know HAL is similar. I bought the minimum amount of Carnival stock so that is why I am considering HAL. Thanks for your insight regarding the ships!

I recently took my first solo cruise as well. It was wonderful!!! What helped me were the friendships I made in advance with my fellow shipmates using the Roll Call area of this forum. We planned a Meet and Greet, off-ship excursions, a evening meal at the Crown Grill, etc. I become friends with a woman who was traveling without her husband and we did a lot together on the ship and met for most meals. She didn't want to go to the shows, so I went alone and I was surprisingly comfortable doing so. There are many people who attend alone even if they aren't traveling alone. I enjoyed the balance of the R&R and socializing.

 

I wish you the best on your new chapter.

Almost all my cruises have been on Princess. My last cruise was my first time solo and it was wonderful. I've been on Princess enough that it always feels like home when I step on board. I'm looking to plan another cruise and was wondering about HAL for solo cruising. Is HAL equivalent to Princess re food, entertainment, age group, etc.? Thanks in advance!

Hi all....I am 69, and single, and I have cruised with my mother on 27 cruises. She passed away last year, and I am now going solo. I have taken a couple of cruises since, but I did know several people aboard, whom I had the pleasure of teaming with at trivia games. I had dinner most nights with these same people, so I didn't exactly feel like a true solo cruiser. I always join in the CC Roll Call Meet and Mingle activities, so sometimes 'know' people there.

 

On my last cruise (on the NCL Breakaway, from 15 to 29 January), on a few nights, my friends were dining in specialty restaurants, (they had the dining package), so I decided to go to the Solo Cruiser's meet in the Studio Lounge to see what that was all about. I am so glad that I did. It was hosted by a member of the cruise activities staff, who introduced people, arranged group dinner's, shore excursion's, and conducted games right there in the lounge. At the end of the social hour, I went to the dining room with the group, who by the way were some wonderful people, and enjoyed their company for a few dinner's. I kind of wished I could do that for the remainder of the cruise, but I had already committed to dinner's with my old friends (married couples).

 

On my next cruise, on the NCL Gem, 21-31 October, I will be truly solo, and hope that I meet some nice people in their Solo Cruiser's meetings. :).

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your mother and travel partner all in one. That is a good review of NCL ~ it sounds like they do things right for solo cruisers. Good luck on your future travels!

One day I will be able to do a TA......BUT until that time I do what I can do:D......as for the $, I understand your point.

I would normally never have been able to book this..but some of my circumstances have changed I am able to do it.......lets hope it is all what I have heard about it.;p

I hope it is a wonderful cruise for you and hope you post updates after your return...enjoy!

Good morning:).I have flown to Europe before so it is not new to me. My itinerary is

Barcelona

Palma De Mallorca

Ibiiza

Porto Mahon

Sardinia

Portoferriao

Livorno

Ending in Rome

 

The first 4 stops are SPAIN, the other 3 are in Italy......Livorno takes you to the Florence and Tuscany area of Italy.

Hi Lois ~

That sounds like a FANTASTIC cruise! I think I could get over my aversion to fly far with that itinerary. What is the length of your cruise?

I have sailed out of different parts of California multiple times........I love it:).......but that is not bad really. My next cruise is

sailing from Barcelona...so that is a 9 hour flight;)

That's a LONG flight!! What is your cruise itinerary for that trip? I think I will have to work up to a flight like that ~ maybe I will try Ft. Lauderdale or New York first. :) It looks like a handful of ships still leave from Galveston...

I'm happy you enjoyed it and successfully met the challenge you gave yourself!

 

 

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Thanks! My next challenge will be flying out of California to catch a cruise ship! This will be fun to plan and open up so many more options!

 

Welcome back and I am glad you had such a good time:)....sailing solo is so awesome. As for sleeping well,

I always sleep well on a cruise.....whether it is the motion, the relaxation, the lack of stress, or all of those things

combined, I sleep better on a cruiseship than I do at home.

Thanks! I was a little worried as it was my first cabin without a balcony due to a full ship and no movement on the wait list. I did have an oceanview window, but I was a little concerned that I might feel claustrophobic. I didn't at all, so I actually conquered two things ~ both the solo cruise and the non-balcony room. This was a great discovery as it makes cruising much more affordable, thus more cruises!!!

Thank you for all the replies! I am now back from my first solo cruise...and I LOVED it! I LOVED having my own cabin and being on my own schedule. I slept so good. I met my CC group on the sail away and sea day M&G's and struck up friendships that will last beyond the cruise. We met for lunch and dinner, on ship shopping and pal-ing around, off ship excursions, etc. Our CC group did a Crown Grill gathering for dinner one night and 12 of us attended. I likely wouldn't have eaten there alone, so that was a plus. Sometimes I went to shows alone, but didn't feel that I stood out as many people go alone even if they aren't traveling alone. I'm so glad I extended out past my comfort zone as a whole new world of travel awaits!!!

I appreciate the advice and tips. I'm heading out on February 25th solo...I think! My sister may be joining me. Anyway, it is a short cruise (7 days) ~ LA to the Mexican Riviera, so I think it will be a good cruise!!

Thank you for all the work you did getting this on line!!!! This helps the cruise excitement build even more!!

It went fast - I saw it on the forums last Thursday and the dates, price and itinerary were perfect so I booked and by last night the deal was gone. Glad I found out about cruiseplum - three different ways to search for good solo deals.

 

 

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So are you on the February 25th cruise on the Ruby, or was that in reference to an earlier post? I was able to get on the waitlist and got a cabin ~ so happy about that! Not my first choice (or second or third) for the cabin I was assigned, but I'm thrilled to be going on the cruise and have my fingers crossed for an upgrade call! :)

I agree!! I appreciate all the comments, tips and different perspectives. Oh, and I loved the Mark Twain quote above ~ I need to put that on my fridge!

 

As it turns out, I have a must attend event in Southern California on Saturday evening, March 4th. There just so happens to be a cruise ending on that same day and the distance between the cruise port and the venue is about 50 minutes away. The cruise is a 7 nights on the Ruby Princess, so I think this is meant to be! I think this is a perfect length cruise for my first solo venture.

Well, BOO! It is sold out, but I think I still have a chance if I get on a waiting list!! :)

This has been a very interesting discussion. You will notice that many of the solo cruisers are mature women. That says something about our adventurous spirit.

 

 

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I agree!! I appreciate all the comments, tips and different perspectives. Oh, and I loved the Mark Twain quote above ~ I need to put that on my fridge!

 

As it turns out, I have a must attend event in Southern California on Saturday evening, March 4th. There just so happens to be a cruise ending on that same day and the distance between the cruise port and the venue is about 50 minutes away. The cruise is a 7 nights on the Ruby Princess, so I think this is meant to be! I think this is a perfect length cruise for my first solo venture.

I'm 55 (F) and have done 2 transoceanic cruises solo, and in each I had a great time. As someone said, a lot will depend on your personality and lifestyle.....if you're comfortable with your own company, if you've ever traveled anywhere alone before, etc. I had several times solo before (both in and out of the country) and can easily strike up a chat with someone or be comfortable doing things by myself.

 

I am not one to say that I prefer traveling alone but I sure prefer it to staying home alone, so I've never let the prospect of traveling solo keep me from traveling. Take something that you like to do solo (books, knitting, sketching, sudoku, whatever), so you have it if you want it. You might find you never do it.....or you might find that your favourite thing to do is find a quiet chaise lounge and read while listening to the waves. The beauty of traveling solo is that you can do what you want, when you want (with a few exceptions like the muster drill on cruises). Don't feel you must go to the M&G or galley tour (or whatever) if you don't want to, but know what's available in case you do. Then play it by ear, relax, and enjoy yourself.

 

One tip I wish I'd known the first time I sailed solo (which was 20 years ago).....if you are given a table at dinner with others and don't find them terribly interesting, be sure to ask that you not be seated there again, even if the Maitre D' want to seat you there (because it's a solo's table, or there's only one vacant seat, or it was your assigned table etc). Don't be afraid to ask to be seated elsewhere.

Thank you ~ you made a very good point when you stated that solo traveling was not the preferred method of travel, but an alternative to staying home and not cruising. There are so many beautiful places to see and the time to see them is now when we are able to.

 

We went on a cruise once and chose the fixed dining. We had dinner with the same family of four for the entire trip and there were some difficult language barriers that never seemed to get any easier. As nice as they seemed to be, it began to feel a bit uncomfortable over time. Since then, I have enjoyed the flexibility of anytime dining and choosing to share a meal with a large table of new people each time. I have always enjoy the conversations and they have often lingered long past the meal, so I guess it is the newness of not having a friend/family member there with me as a buffer that I just have to work through as I move forward as a solo traveler.

 

Thanks to everyone who has commented. With each response I have learned something new. I can see now that there is actually very little holding me back from this ~ time to plan my first solo cruise!!