Cruise line recommendation needed for returning passenger

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

Greetings! After a long Great Recession related hiatus, I am returning to cruising (7 Days RT Seattle to Alaska) in May 2011. I'm not a newbie but I might as well be given all the new ships and refurbishments, so I'm looking forward to the research side of it. However, I am a bit skittish considering that my last two sailings (on Holland America) were dreadful, to be kind. I won't bore you with the details because it's water under the bridge, but I'd like to avoid a repeat if possible. The main issue, generally, was loneliness, thanks in part to the doing away with traditional seatings in the dining room; which played a big role in attracting me to cruise vacations in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy solo travel, even on cruise ships, but I still need contact with other people and dining was one way to make that possible. But it sounds like it's here to stay n not going away, so maybe I'm just burned out on HAL and need a change.

 

A little background: I'm single, 41 years old, modest financial means (ie. cruises are never to be taken for granted), gay (not important but might as well be upfront; and no I would not at all be into gay themed cruises; I'm not into the scene), personable/extroverted, very light drinker, enjoy low key entertainment (a few trips to the casino, an occasional show), and I'd enjoy meeting someone special; not at all required--the pick up scene would be a turnoff, but a line that attracted some singles would be a nice change of pace.

 

A few things I must have: nice staterooms, comfortable beds (HAL's were heavenly), full room service breakfast menu (if possible), and electronic docs (some lines were experimenting with this the last time I sailed, it's possible they all do it now).

 

My choices are as follows:

 

Golden Princess

Sapphire Princess

Celebrity Infinity

Rhapsody of the Seas

 

No flames please about the dining. I realize many people love it and I'm not knocking it, it just ain't for me. My main beef was HAL forcing me into open dining when I had a confirmed seating from the time I booked; something I suspect they did BECAUSE I was a solo.

[Texas Tillie]

I've cruised with HAL 3 times to Alaska - 2007, 2009 and 2010 and have had fixed seatings every time. HAL certainly does have fixed seatings - early and late - sorry you weren't able to get it on your past 2 cruises. I always would want fixed as I am a solo cruiser too. I also did a Princess cruise to Alaska in 2008 and I can tell you that they don't have full breakfasts available from room service except for full suites (mini-suites are not full suites).

 

If you haven't been to Alaska, you'll find that what is happening off the ship is much more important than what's happening on the ship. You need to do a lot of research on the ports, the glaciers, etc. The problem with the Seattle round trips is that there are 2 days - first and last - where you'll be sailing outside of Vancouver Island in the open Pacific - it can be very rough out there. This past June was my only Seattle round trip (HAL Oosterdam) and on the way back we had 20 foot seas and 60 MPH winds!!:eek:

 

I'd suggest that you post any questions you might have about Alaska cruising on the Alaska board under Ports of Call here at Cruise Critic - there are many knowledgeable Alaska cruisers there.

 

Good luck!

[Lois R]

Hi:) I am a Celebrity cruiser and they offer Traditional dining as well as

what they call "Select Dining".

I have also been on Infinity before and she is a lovely ship...then

again I love all the Celebrity ships:D

I also enjoy Traditional Dining and request it with a large table

on every cruise. Never had a problem before. Been sailing with

Celebrity for 7 years now and I leave for another cruise on Sept 5th:D

 

I am off to work....if you need more help, I will check in this evening;)

[zoncom]

Hi Poseidon, I am retired longtimecruiser who also prefers Celebrity. Usually cruise w. my BF but also solo. Did 14N on Masdam last year. Not one passenger said hello to us, food bad;some even reheated in buffet. Did Transatlantic on Ruby recently. For me it was too big. Felt like one of the masses. Did Celebrity Constellation as solo last Winter as solo. I was beautifully treated, great food as always. Singles table too, just ask when/if you book.