Single Parents

[tmli]

I decided to take my ds (9) on the Miracle sailing Sept.18th. We have travelled solo numerous times to Disney world as my ex would never travel with us and thought we would try something different. I must say it is a little different travelling as a "true" single parent as opposed to travelling with a dh at home.

 

I am glad I found this board and particularily this thread. I am hopeful there will be other single parents travelling on our sailing but either way I am sure we will have a great time!

 

Any other single parents on the miracle Sept.18?

[Darthtater]

I was widowed very unexpectedly in April and have two sons 9 and 12. I introduced my husband and the boys to cruising in 2004 for our 25th anniversary and they had a blast. We had planned an Alaskan cruise with my whole family this year and after he died, we decided to go on the cruise. It was hard at times because I missed him and we had planned many of the excursions together, but we all had a wonderful time.

 

While on the ship, I thought back to a promise that he and had made to the kids that we would take them to Hawaii. I am a very confident traveler, but I was worried that if something would happen to me while we were driving and flying all over the islands, who would be there for the boys? It kind of hit me then that a cruise is perfect for single parents. There are all the things you have mentioned, there is no packing and unpacking when you go from island to island, and there is somebody who knows who you are and expects you to return from your excursions. They would also know what to do with the kids if something happened to me. There is peace of mind in that.

 

We booked on the Pride of America for July of next year, but now I am moving our cruise to the CC POA cruise in June so that I will actually know some of the people on the ship and will have some dinner and partying friends! (I must say free style dining is nice when on your own with kids because you can go to the different restaurants when the mood hits you).

 

I can't wait!

[JLT]

My daughter, husband, and I had a land trip planned when he died. She and I went and it gave us a wonderful chance to be together. (She was already married). We reminisced about other trips, cried together, and became closed than ever.

 

Jean

[NanNik]

Hi, I M A Single Mom Of A 15 Year Old Daughter. I Have Cruised On Carnival Last Year With Her And We Had A Great Time. This Year I Am A Little Worried Because We Are On The Rcl Mariner & I Don't Know If They Have That Many Singles. Any Word?

[NanNik]

Join The Mariner On 8/28 -

[mitaxi]

NanNik - Just off the mariner 7/10- I'm a single parent and took my twin 17 year old sons. This was our 2nd cruise, also have done some land all inclusives. Didn't find many singles onthe Mariner, I kind of stuck with the group of people ( mostly couples) that met on cruise critic thread.

WOuld love to find other singles for the evening company - just can't go to the shows, casino, etc. a single, But I love the peacfulness on the balcony so we will crusie again

[tpear3]

I am single with a 15 year old daughter and 9 year old son. My daughter has decided she'd rather stay home with her friends so I will take my son on the 1/14/05 Caribbean Princess cruise. Now, we won't really be alone because we are joining Grandma and Grandpa--but even they need some alone couple time!! Glad I found this thread:D

[BalletDad]

2 daughters (14/13) and I are leaving on the Pride on 8/21.

 

Pretty thin response to my roll call thread but it may be a predominantly So Cal boat and we all know how we are about getting excited about things :D

 

Docs came the other day....this isn't a dream!!

[cruzbabe]

My 10 year old DS and I are sailing on Caribbean Princess next week. Anyone else?

[Darthtater]

Tell me how the trip on the Pride goes. My boys (9 and 12)and I will be on the CC Pride cruise on June 10, 2006.

[BalletDad]

Planning on posting a review when we get back. For some reason this boat doesn't seem to get as much attention as it's siblings.

[ginamaddog]

just booked my 4th cruise...only one was with my husband....honeymoon cruise...the rest are all me(now divorced) and my kids....and usually extra kids too....I love going on vacations with my kids especially cruising because we all get to do what we want....(just usually make sure we have dinner together)

[chicagochas]

I never meet the single moms. Come on and join roll call. Destiny 03/26/06

[jshawnh]

How come when I'm cruising I never meet any of these single dads :(

 

I am a single dad, and the kiddos and I are going on our 5th cruise in March. I wonder the same thing about the single moms.

 

Mabe we could set up a single parent cruise or something.

 

I always hope to meet a nice lady to dance with, go to the coctail party or something like that. And the "singles" activities an the ship seem geared toward the young college crowd. I stopped by the single mingle once and just left really quick. I just turned forty, and was definately out of place there. What can we do?

 

Shawn

[lanie67]

I think that sounds like a great idea. My daughter is 14 and I am going on a cruise this October without her, but was considering a March '07 cruise with her and I. (Before I turn 40 next year) :D

 

Think anyone would be interested?

 

 

 

 

I am a single dad, and the kiddos and I are going on our 5th cruise in March. I wonder the same thing about the single moms.

 

Mabe we could set up a single parent cruise or something.

 

I always hope to meet a nice lady to dance with, go to the coctail party or something like that. And the "singles" activities an the ship seem geared toward the young college crowd. I stopped by the single mingle once and just left really quick. I just turned forty, and was definately out of place there. What can we do?

 

Shawn

[montgomeryfamily]

There is a Cruise Critic group cruise on the August 19, 2006 sailing of the Caribbean Princess. I am the group leader. There is great group pricing, $25 pp shipboard credit (max two per cabin), a photo voucher, and some other freebies including some Cruise Critic stuff.

 

This is an Eastern Caribbean itinerary--St. Thomas, St. Martin, and Princess Cays. The ship leaves from Ft. Lauderdale.

 

While this is not a singles or single parents cruise, there are several singles booked on it already. I don't think that any of them are single parents, but I'm not sure.

 

We are going to have a meet and mingle and sailaway party. If there were enough singles going and interested, I'd be glad to put together a singles mixer. Also, if there were enough single parents w/kids, we could have an activity or party or something like that for them.

 

There is an opportunity to share shore excursions and to get together for other activities. Since this is a Cruise Critic group cruise, there is a separate board on Cruise Critic just for the group and participants can post there. So you could "meet" people in advance and even plan activities.

 

So this is a great chance to have that cruise you are talking about. If you are interested, then you need to contact me at kacruiser@ev1.net or post to talk about it.

 

Also, if you would like more information, includng pricing, click on the links below or email me at kacruiser@ev1.net.

__________________

[mitaxi]

I am a single mom who has taken my twin boys on several cruises, actually going on a 12 day Med. cruise in June as a graduation present....then I send them off to college and.......I have just booked a 5 day cruise for myself in September after they leave. I have traveled solo...but never cruised solo...and am looking forward to it...did book a balcony incase my compnay is the best I can find....lol

Wish there was more organized single cruises..

 

Michele

[hlsess]

I think that sounds like a great idea. My daughter is 14 and I am going on a cruise this October without her, but was considering a March '07 cruise with her and I. (Before I turn 40 next year) :D

 

Think anyone would be interested?[/quoteWe're doing a land trip this year- though we'd try something different.

[chicagochas]

We are doing Playa Del Carmen this August. It's a great place for pre-teen and up. Funky little hotels to big expensive resorts. Everything is in walking distance, and there are lots of road trips to fun places. But beware, 95% of the tourists are European so English is not spoken everywhere. It's fun, exotic, and kids of all ages have a blast.

[hlsess]

That is where we are going- to PDC- a place called IB Del Mar for spring break- can't wait -found out about a great little tour on this board-edventure tours- you may want to check it out- www.edventuretours.com We leave in about 4 weeks

[mitaxi]

Took my twin teenage sons to PDC summer 04....loved it!!! they loved it, I loved it..yes a lot of europeans...but my boys thought that added to the vacation..they made many friends they still keep in contact with...we did stay at an Iberostar (the Tucan) and it was perfect for us.

[kstrege]

I'm taking my two teenage stepchildren on the 2/26 Mariner of the Seas. We always did this as a family but after losing my wife to cancer last month we are doing it to "regroup" as a family. I'll admit I am a little apprehensive about it. I know the kids will have fun because that is what kids do. They have never had trouble finding something to do on the cruiseships. It's going to be very different for me. It would be nice to meet and talk to someone on the ship who has been through the same thing.

[hlsess]

So sorry for your loss- I am sure it will be fine-I know it will be difficult but try and have a good time and recall all the wonderful memories of your late wife.

[osupride97]

My two daughters, 19 & 13, and I will be going on our very first Carnival Conquest cruise on August 8th. This board has been a Godsend!! Most of my questions have already been answered.

 

I've been pretty worried about having to hang out alone, while the girls have all the fun. :( I am pretty shy, but have plans on breaking out of my comfort zone!

[ajk-123]

I know how you feel buddy. I lost my wife on the day you posted....Feb. 13. Spent 5 long months in the ICU trying to get healthy enough for a liver/small intestine transplant. I have 2 kids...17 yr. old daughter and a 15 yr. old son. My wife and I took a cruise in 1987 but the kids have never been on one. I thought it would be a good idea to do something different....start some new memories. We'll be on Mariner of the Seas on April 9th. Anyone else going then ??? Should be a nice distraction for all of us.

Art :) :) :)