Roz

Mine only had one question.

For my river cruises, I haven't been able to find fares on my own that were better than what I could get thru the cruise lines. Their fares were MUCH better. It doesn't hurt to price them out and compare. I always buy 3rd party insurance.

@bubbulz, good for you for stepping out there and trying something new. I've found solo river cruising even easier and more enjoyable than solo ocean cruising. The small number of passengers makes it easier to get to know people and find like minded passenger to dine with and hang out with in the lounge. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's passing.

I recently booked a 14-day Alaska cruise while on the Noordam. I used to not choose a specific cruise and just buy the FCD. HAL has upped the ante so it was worth it for me to make a decision onboard. I got $125 of OBC for an inside cabin vs. $25 if I waited. The deposit was only $100 and I got to pick the cabin I wanted. I like those aft square K cabins on Main deck.

@cjcruiser27, I used a TA. She was the one who turned me on to Uniworld after she came back from one of their cruises and raved about it. She booked my flights thru Uniworld. I couldn't come close to their fares on my own. The agency she works for is a full service agency and she was able to arrange pre-cruise tours for me in Budapest and Amsterdam.

That's a rather condescending remark. So cruising is only for the elites?

I get rather annoyed when people badmouth Carnival, as I've done some great cruises with them. As some other posters have pointed out, you have to be selective. My last cruise pre-Covid was a 13-day Panama Canal full transit on the Carnival Miracle. Very adult passenger mix but very high energy. One of my best cruises. HAL cruisers may not want to hear this, but my best Alaskan cruise was an 8-day on the Carnival Miracle. It was the last cruise of the season, mostly adults, and absolutely perfect. The day we spent in Glacier Bay was stunning. I've never been so up close to the glaciers. The 12-day Hawaiian cruise I took on the Carnival Spirit was also a great cruise. On my most recent Noordam cruise, I mentioned my Panama Canal experience on Carnival to another cruiser. He asked me why I wanted to be on a ship with 800 kids. Most families can't afford a 13-day day Panama Canal cruise on any line. I'd be surprised if there were 8 kids on the cruise, let alone 800.

@bennybear, I got off the Noordam on Oct. 8 and thought she was in great shape. Booked the 14-day Alaskan cruise on her for next September. Granted, the ship doesn't have a Tamarind restaurant.

@cjcruiser27, I've done 3 solo cruises on Uniworld and like @Lois R, had an excellent time.

I've found HAL's hotel prices to be ridiculously expensive.

@BillderBo, I've not found good fares from Nashville using HAL air. I'd rather just book on my own if the savings is only a few dollars.

Masks do not prevent the transmission of Norovirus. In fact on my last cruise 2 wks. ago Noro wasn't even mentioned. It used to be a hot topic with protocols in place.

That was my experience on the Noordam 2 wks. ago.

Hi Lois. They will probably add Rhine and Danube cruises once we get into 2023. I remember you posting about your first river cruise because it was around the same time period as mine. I did a cruise from Budapest to Passau at the end of the season in 2015. I'll be joining you in retirement on Nov. 30. I've served my time and paid my debt to society. 😁

Jacqui, Noordam - 17-Sept-23 - 14 day Great Alaskan Explorer Thank you!

More will be added as the year progresses. The link has the spring tulip cruises

More will be added as the year progresses. The link has the spring tulip cruises.

I posted this in the River Cruising forum. As promised, here are Uniworld's 2023 Solo Savings: 2023 Solo Traveler Savings | Current Offers | Uniworld River Cruises

As promised, here are Uniworld's 2023 Solo Savings: 2023 Solo Traveler Savings | Current Offers | Uniworld River Cruises

What are your choices of HAL ships for Alaska in 2023? Based on the information you've provided, I think any HAL ship could work for you. I would base my decision on itinerary, month, and fares.

That is a A LOT of charters! Pent up demand? I'm guessing groups that had charters scheduled in 2020 and 2021 have re-scheduled them.

To add to what @tupper10 just posted, medical and evacuation coverage isn't adequate under HAL's policies IMO. I purchase 3rd party insurance. A good place to start is Insure My Trip where you can compare policies. Purchasing a private policy within 14 days of booking will also cover pre-existing conditions.

What cruise line are you sailing? Where does it dock in Paris?

Try this: HAL Restaurants and Beverage Menus | Roger Jett Photography (rogerjett-photography.com)

I've done 17 solo cruises on HAL starting in 2003. Sometimes I meet other solos, sometimes not. Depending on ship and itinerary, HAL's fares can be solo friendly (less than 100% supplement).