runner2013

Hi all,

I'm interested in cruising on the Breakaway the end of Sept but it looks like all the studio rooms are gone. If I book an inside room will I still have access to the studio lounge? Honestly that's one of the main reasons I want to try the Breakaway and if I can't get in I will have to think about changing when I go.

Thanks

Patty

Hi all,

As my title says I've (mostly)been a cruiser of Royal in the past, but their prices lately for solo's are through the roof. It's looking more and more likely I may have to expand my horizons and branch out to other cruise lines from now on.

I'm very interested in a 7-day Eastern Caribbean trip in September on the Getaway. I'd also love to book a studio room. They look pretty cool and I love the idea of the singles lounge.

I've been looking at all the deck plans, dining venues, etc for the ship which seem pretty interesting and I'm sure there will be plenty for me to do as a solo so I'm not overly concerned with being alone.

I'd like to hear from my fellow solo's who've sailed her how your experience was.

Did you meet anyone to 'chum' around with, or eat dinner with in the singles lounge ?

Did the ship itself have any type of daily activities listed in their Freestyle magazine you could attend?

Would you sail on her again?

Since I'm used to Royal, which doesn't really seem to be very solo friendly as far as activities or get togethers go, I'm hoping there's more to do on the Getaway.

I've sailed on the Norwegian Sky so I'm somewhat familiar with the way they do things if that makes a difference.

Any advice or tips greatly appreciated

Thanks

Here's a thought.

If cruise lines choose to sail with empty cabins that also means less people spending money in ports or on excursions. That means less for those areas that depend on tourism as a way to survive. Have to wonder if they lose enough money will they start putting pressure on the cruise lines to do something to get people back on board??

I like this. You won't feel like an idiot for paying much more for a similar cabin that gets discounted after final, and the ship won't be as crowded.

 

But what I think happened is that people got tired of the games and decided to start booking after final. He's trying to close off every loophole there is to get a cheaper price. Not sure if it will work as people will just stop booking or go somewhere else.

 

I wonder if this ends the ggg sale for other than 3-4 night cruises.

He did say the only place where it may not change is the shorter cruises. 2-4 nights . His reason being many people choose the shorter trips last minute and it may work to Royals advantage.

Hi all,

Booked this trip as a Christmas present to myself. Anyone else going?:)

Patty

Hi Annie,

Lots of people book their cruises months to years in advance. I suggest you search around for something that interests you, and once you book a trip, join the roll call on these boards.

I usually lean towards Royal Caribbean but I've read there are other lines which may be a bit more solo friendly to choose from.

The best thing to do is keep an open mind when looking around and see what works best for you. :)

Glad you enjoyed your first solo cruise. Welcome to a new addiction :D

Hi all,

Just got back from a cruise in Tampa and wanted to comment on the shuttle service my hotel used. The hotel itself was fabulous but the shuttle company, Veterans Limo, was horrible.

This is what happened to me::

I called the hotel when I landed in Tampa and they called the shuttle service to come and get me.

After several more phone calls and waiting an hour someone finally showed up. The driver was very apologetic, saying it was the owners lack of management/communication which causes a lot of their issues. I just let it go, I was on vacation so no big deal.

The next morning when the front desk called them again to bring me to the port for my cruise, the driver was under the impression I was going to the airport, and since everyone else on the bus WAS going there I had to go along for the ride. Again no big deal, I left very early for the port so I knew I had time to spare. After leaving the airport he says we are on our way. Well he gets a phone call and then informs me there's a change of plans and we have to go back to one of the hotels to pick up other passengers going to the port. Again, no problem still had lots of time .

Now we get to the hotel, he separates everyone into two groups. Those going on Vision of the Seas and those going on Brilliance of the Seas. He decides to take the Vision group(probably because there were more of them meaning more in tips) and tells me I had to get off since I was a Brilliance person. He drives away and we all get into our bus and head to the port with a much more organized driver. We finally make it there much to everyone's relief and begin our days in the sun.

When the cruise ended since I had a voucher for the shuttle I called to let them know I was there and it took another hour for them to show up. (Thankfully I was staying an extra night at the hotel before flying home so time was not an issue). Now I've just given up any hope of this being a smooth ride so I settled in for a mystery ride . Half way there he tells me we are picking up folks at a nearby hotel for the airport. Thankfully he takes me to the hotel first and along the way asks if I need them the following day for the trip to the airport. I quickly refused saying I already had alternate means of transportation.

When I mentioned what happened to the front desk associate while checking in she quickly acknowledged they weren't the most reliable service in town. Makes me think I'm not the first person to have issues with them and probably won't be the last.

I'm not the type to bad mouth any business for any reason, I understand things happen and sometimes you need to just go with the flow, but had I been on a strict time schedule I'm not sure I would have made it.

Has anyone else had issues with this company, and can you recommend another, more reliable shuttle service for future use? I definitely won't be calling them again.

Thanks in advance.:p

Thanks all,

As I said in my OP, this is a land vacation and not a cruise so I thought of putting things in my luggage and locking it. Wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not.

It's not a case of me being 'paranoid' as one person put it. It's just common sense of what happens in the real world and being ready for it.

I was thinking more of travelers checks vs. using my credit card but didn't know which exchange rate would be better?? After reading some of your responses it sounds like a credit card may be the way to go...

This is why I'm still researching my trip.. appreciate all the good advice, its nice to hear from those who've gone before me..:)

Another person who has travelled extensively and shared rooms with strangers. A lot on land base tours as they don't offer it so much cruising.

But I wouldn't have had the opportunity of seeing so many places if I had to pay the single supplement.

 

I have meet some wonderful people during my travels. I am pretty easy going and haven't had a bad experience so far.

 

I am also a mid level public servant whose colleagues think I am mad to spend so much on travel, but its what I want to do. I am not really materialistic. I have no car, and I don't spend a lot on clothing, going out to dinner regularly, shows, etc.

 

I have made a lot of friends through travelling, some of which we have travelled together since and others who live in my home town that I have met we get together for lunch or dinner every couple of months.

 

The key to sharing is flexibility, respect and having an open mind well that is my thoughts on it.

I've never shared a room with someone but would be open to it. I'm actually researching a land tour to Italy for spring of 2016 but I seem to have a big question about it. Maybe you could clear it up for me?

How did you handle the room safe issue? If I have money,travelers, passport etc I like to lock them in the room if I go out for a while. With two strangers sharing a room, how do you handle both of us needing to use it?

For me it's the chocolate chip cookies from the windjammer on Royal Caribbean.

I can't stop eating them once I start:eek:

Hi all,

After reading all the posting from solo travelers I am so glad I decided to give it a chance.

After ending a long relationship a few months ago(turns out it was for the best and we even still occasionally talk) I was afraid I would never have another cruise companion. Then it hit me,, I AM MY OWN COMPANION. I have a trip booked for Jan and April of 2015 which i'm very excited for. Although it will be different and i'll have to definately work on my 'reaching out to others' skills,(I tend to be rather introverted) I'm anticipating a whole new way of experiencing cruising.

It really does feel liberating to know i'm doing something I want to do with just myself, and how things turn out is squarely on my shoulders :D

Patty

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd come back and give an update about my cruising solo experiences.

After a spur of the moment Christmas cruise and the cruise in Jan of this year I've discovered I love cruising solo.

Now I understand what all the seasoned solo's before me mean when they talk about freedom.

I've done what I want, when I want, where I want, or done nothing at all and it has been fabulous.

I joined the roll call for my upcoming cruise next week and have an excursion planned one day with some very friendly ladies. I'm also meeting another solo cruiser for dinner the night before we leave in Tampa and we're planning on meeting for a sailaway drink on board.

I've also planned out some excursions by myself and which specialty restaurants I want to try. Maybe i'll have dinner company, maybe not, but I've discovered it really won't matter either way. I now know how much I love the whole experience and will keep on cruising solo if I want to go and can't get anyone to come with me.

Happy sailing everyone :)

Just booked Norwegian Getaway! I sail 4/11/15. Will be my 2nd cruise, 1st Solo. Kinda nervous, yet excited for some relaxation time away from work! Kinda last minute as booking a couple weeks earlier than planned was quite cheaper!

Have a great time Smiley. No need to be nervous. Once you step on board all your fears will disappear.

I'm on RC Brilliance leaving the same day from Tampa. My 3rd solo trip and it can't come soon enough.:)

I'll be on Brilliance as a solo in a few weeks and was concerned about this as well.

Good to know Giovanni's table won't be a problem..

I'm sailing from Tampa in two weeks and I've been told from several others who've already been it takes about 2 hours. You'll know when you get close because a lot of people seems to adapt the New Years Eve mentality and do a countdown of sorts. :)

I am not aware of there being a Best Western near the port of Tampa. There are two BW in the area: BW Bay Harbor and BW on Dale Mabry Hwy.

 

 

The Best Western Bay Harbor which is located on Rocky Point, not too far from the airport and where you will be staying. If so...... a ton of options such as Bahama Breeze on Rocky Point plus the restaurants in International Plaza and more.

 

 

Your friend could also be at the Best Western on Dale Mabry Hwy. If so, there is an Outback Steak House and a Carrabba's that would be located between your two hotels. There Westshore Mall and International Plaza are also within 2 miles of each hotel. They have many options to select from as well.

 

Dining Establishments at International Plaza: http://www.shopinternationalplaza.com/dining_entertainment

 

Dining at Westshore Plaza: http://www.westshoreplaza.com/dine/

 

 

 

 

.

Yes she's at the Bay Harbor location.. I'll check out the two malls you mentioned. Might be good for picking up any last minutes items as well.

Thanks

Hi all,

I may be sailing out of Port Canaveral in Sept and was researching shuttle services from Orlando Airport.

I found one called Goportcanaveral.com. They have a couple different options as far as transport. One is just the Airport to pier and back again after your trip.

Another is from Airport to hotel to pier then back to airport after trip.

The rates and hotel choices seem decent at well. I was wondering if anyone has used them and what your experience was?

I know there is also the Cocoa Beach shuttle service mentioned on these boards that seems to be highly recommended too.

Just looking for more than one option in case I can't be accommodated by the first choice.

Any help great appreciated.

Hi all,

I'll be flying in the night before my cruise staying at the Extended Stay America 1805 n. Westshore blvd in Tampa. I'm meeting up with a friend coming from somewhere else staying at the Best Western Tampa Port. Any recommendations for a decent place to grab dinner. Not something like a McDonalds but not the most expensive place either? Neither of us have car so we'll be taking taxis to and from the location.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Nope. I bring a glass of wine and my book and I'm good. :)

Crusin*Tigger I'm with you on this one.. wine, a good book = Heaven..

I'm doing my first solo soon and choose second seating in the MDR. I think the buffet would be a little more awkward sitting alone.

It looks like you've been on cruises before so you know what to expect. For the most part no one around you is paying attention to you since they are too busy worrying about themselves.

Don't be nervous, you'll have a great time.

I'm leaving April 10th for my 3rd solo trip and it can't come soon enough..

Have a great time

DH and I are separated, and have been for 7+ years. We have a DD who is 16 years old.

Clearly, I am the ONLY one who LOVES cruising.

For the past 3 years, we have all gone together.

This year, they don't seem into it.:mad::mad:

 

I found a good deal, for a single, inside, on the Sunshine. It's a 5 nighter, so I am thinking that's a good way to get my feet wet. Being a solo....:o

 

I consider myself outgoing, but then I start thinking about the MDR and sitting with a bunch of strangers, and I feel the anxiety building....:rolleyes:

 

Think I'll be OK?

 

Thank you in advance for all the tips and suggestions.:D

A 5 night is perfect for a first solo trip.. You should definitely do it. If dinner in the mdr makes you nervous try going to lunch or breakfast in there first. That may give you an idea of what it's like for dinner. If you don't like it you could always do the buffets.

Good luck and have a great time:D

I loved my first solo cruise last year and had a blast. Which is why I will be sailing my 2nd solo cruise in 18 days. But I am feeling nervous all over again. Has anyone felt the same way?

Are you nervous because you're excited or because you're afraid this trip won't live up to the first one?

You know what to expect now, take a deep breath and enjoy all the planning before you leave, you'll be ok. :D

Yeah, I think RCCL is trying to get everyone to buy a package. :(

How long do you think it will be before the cost of the drink packages go up to compensate for people buying them to avoid the higher prices of individual drinks. Only a matter of time

I roll all my clothes in the suitcase. Takes up less room and keeps wrinkles to a minimum. Unpack all clothes as soon as I can and if wrinkle releaser and/or hanging in bathroom doesn't work I just go wrinkled. :)

So I have been on 2 hosted singles cruises. First one I was matched up with another woman a couple years older then me. She was a bit of a challenge. She brought enough clothes for a 30 day cruise on our 7 day cruise but still washed the clothes she wore by hand in the bathroom and draped them all over the cabin to dry, even on my bed! We didn't click but the cruise was still great fun as I hung out with others from the singles group. I spent very little time in our cabin, and she did move her clothes off my bed when I came back to sleep at night. Second singles cruise my cabin mate was my adult daughter and we had a blast with the singles group on a Halloween cruise.

However, I am not afraid of a challenge, and if the situation arose again I would do the match thing again. Go for it!

Yamaha Dancer,

May I ask who, if either of you used the safe in the cabin for your valuables/money?. I always leave my purse passport extra money etc locked in the safe and would not want someone I didn't know having access to it.

Patty