Best cruise option for a single, 30 year old straight guy from the Bay Area?

[mdy]

Hi everyone, I was sitting at work last week and I realized I can't remember the last time I've been on a real vacation. I have some vacation weeks and money saved up and I think I want to go on a cruise. I turned 30 a few months ago and it sounds "adult" and fun.

 

About me: I'm pretty active and I'd want access to a gym while I'm on the boat. I don't drink or gamble so bars and casinos aren't a big deal and I'm not a Jersey Shore nightclubber at all or anything but I will dance. What I want is to be able to work out in the morning, then spend the rest of the day in the sun, swimming in a pool, reading a book on a deck chair, hanging out on a beach or two and just relaxing. I'm pretty low key but I don't want it to be boring. I'm trying to avoid the "booze cruise" and packs of children at all costs. Oh, I want to get a massage, too, I've never had one.

 

I've done some basic research and it looks like something like Norweigan Epic with a studio room is the best option for me. But it looks like they only sail out of Miami. Not too big a deal to fly there but is there anything comparable on the West Coast? I definitely want a private room.

 

My budget is around $2000 for everything and I'd like to do a week long trip. I'm thinking either June or July because of vacation scheduling at work (I'll also likely have law school starting in August).

 

Any tips?

[queenofcruzin]

Hi mdy, sorry you haven't received a response earlier, I have to tell a single guy on a cruise is the best person to be on a cruise. As a single gal on cruises a single guy was the hardest thing to find. I wasn't just looking for a "hook up" or whatever, just company. I have cruised solo or single about 15 times and I love it! I recommend that you choose a ship that still has traditional dining available, because eating alone on a cruise is tough. If you are a single traveller the dining room will probably place you at a table with other singles, if they don't ASK! It looks like in June and July the ships that sail out of the West Coast go to Alaska, on a general basis the Alaskan cruises have more "older travellers" and families, since school is out. For the experience you described I recommend flying to Florida and going on the Epic or choosing a Royal Caribbean ship. The only drawback I see with the Epic is Freestyle dining, don't get me wrong, one of my co-workers just flow to Miami today with his family, and is sailing the Epic tomorrow and I would love to see and sail that ship, but I wouldn't recommend it for a "Single." Any other questions you might have, please feel free to ask. Just my humble opinions....LOL

[outerspaceguy]

I've got similar demographics, and have cruised solo lots of times.

 

If you've never been up north (Alaska), it's worth the trip. Do a one-way cruise (vs a roundtrip): I like the one way Southbound. Last year Princess did both Hubbard and Glacier Bay on the Southbound voyages (but not the northbound ones); Celebrity and RCI do Hubbard as well.

 

If you are wedded to a specific date or ship, book early. If you don't really care, waiting to book until 30-90 days out can result in big savings. Celebrity and RCI typically discount solo supplements for selected sailings on Tuesdays (< 90 days out). Shoulder season is cheaper than the height of summer, and it also means less kids (since school is in session, etc).

 

If you have never thought about it, you might want to think about doing the Panama Canal. I did that in Dec 2009 (15 days: San Diego->Miami).

 

If you want a Caribbean atmosphere, that can work as well. Lots of islands and options to choose from.

 

Each cruise line fits in a different place on the "elegant/mature/fun" curve. For example: would you rather spend time at a Smithsonian lecture learning all about the geology of the areas you are visiting, climb a rock climbing wall, or stand in line with a bunch of kids for the waterslide? Are you a morning person (because some lines basically end their daily programming options around 10pm) or a night owl (other lines would be better choices). Each is a different cruise line, and offers a different product.

[micheleb1219]

Hi Mdy,

 

I'm a 35 yr old female and married, but have been cruising since I'm 14, and have gone on 14 cruises.

 

Some thoughts:

 

Every ship nowadays has a gym and spa so whichever ship you choose, you'll be fine.

 

If you are looking for sitting in the sun, by the pool, your destination should be somewhere warm, such as the Caribbean. Alaska IS beautiful, but it will be a different experience. Although the surrounding natural beauty is breathtaking, the weather is not conducive to sun bathing, etc. And as mentioned before, the average cruiser will be a bit older. A group of 11 of us went this past July, including 3 of my single girl friends, there were not many other solo/single male contemporaries.

 

I recently learned of the studio rooms that the Epic is offering, and I think it is a great option for the solo traveler. (Otherwise, you'll be paying double.) I was reading about the ship and it sounds like fun.

 

Another suggestion is the Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean). Both leave from Florida. These are also large ships which offer an array of activities, and should have a nice mix of age ranges, etc.

 

I believe Carnival does cruises from Long beach but you might encounter more of the booze cruise environment, especially on a short cruise...(3 or 4 nights). But I can't say for sure because I've never done one of these.

I don't think there is anything comparable to the Caribbean.

 

Whatever you do, be sure to join one of the Cruise Critic roll calls and hopefully there will be a mix and mingle to attend. It's a great way to meet people at the start of the cruise. Also, many ships will offer a singles get together nightly.

 

With your budget, you should have many options.

 

I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any questions.

 

 

 

 

Hi everyone, I was sitting at work last week and I realized I can't remember the last time I've been on a real vacation. I have some vacation weeks and money saved up and I think I want to go on a cruise. I turned 30 a few months ago and it sounds "adult" and fun.

 

About me: I'm pretty active and I'd want access to a gym while I'm on the boat. I don't drink or gamble so bars and casinos aren't a big deal and I'm not a Jersey Shore nightclubber at all or anything but I will dance. What I want is to be able to work out in the morning, then spend the rest of the day in the sun, swimming in a pool, reading a book on a deck chair, hanging out on a beach or two and just relaxing. I'm pretty low key but I don't want it to be boring. I'm trying to avoid the "booze cruise" and packs of children at all costs. Oh, I want to get a massage, too, I've never had one.

 

I've done some basic research and it looks like something like Norweigan Epic with a studio room is the best option for me. But it looks like they only sail out of Miami. Not too big a deal to fly there but is there anything comparable on the West Coast? I definitely want a private room.

 

My budget is around $2000 for everything and I'd like to do a week long trip. I'm thinking either June or July because of vacation scheduling at work (I'll also likely have law school starting in August).

 

Any tips?

[morrieb1]

Hi everyone, I was sitting at work last week and I realized I can't remember the last time I've been on a real vacation. I have some vacation weeks and money saved up and I think I want to go on a cruise. I turned 30 a few months ago and it sounds "adult" and fun.

 

About me: I'm pretty active and I'd want access to a gym while I'm on the boat. I don't drink or gamble so bars and casinos aren't a big deal and I'm not a Jersey Shore nightclubber at all or anything but I will dance. What I want is to be able to work out in the morning, then spend the rest of the day in the sun, swimming in a pool, reading a book on a deck chair, hanging out on a beach or two and just relaxing. I'm pretty low key but I don't want it to be boring. I'm trying to avoid the "booze cruise" and packs of children at all costs. Oh, I want to get a massage, too, I've never had one.

 

I've done some basic research and it looks like something like Norweigan Epic with a studio room is the best option for me. But it looks like they only sail out of Miami. Not too big a deal to fly there but is there anything comparable on the West Coast? I definitely want a private room.

 

My budget is around $2000 for everything and I'd like to do a week long trip. I'm thinking either June or July because of vacation scheduling at work (I'll also likely have law school starting in August).

 

Any tips?

 

I think the Carnival Splendor out of Long Beach is a great fit for your age and what you want in a vacation. They have an excellent gym - an adult only pool and hot tub area and a

"Serenity" zone to relax in the sun with no one under 21 permitted. They do an excellent job of seating solo diners together at dinner (though as someone else has pointed out - a young single man is in great demand on a cruise), and they have a more active disco/night life than I've found on Norwegian or Royal.....though I haven't cruised the Epic yet.

 

You could manage it all for less than 2k if you watch your onboard spending.

 

I did a quick check and it looks like in June it would run you about 1500 for an inside cabin to yourself and combining that with the lower airfare it should be about equal, if not a bit less than the Epic for that timeframe. You won't have the issue of paying extra for specialty restaurants, bars, or entertainment - and if you like you can bring your own non-alcoholic beverages which would also help keep your costs down.

 

Em

[outerspaceguy]

I think the Carnival Splendor out of Long Beach is a great fit for your age and what you want in a vacation.

 

Personally, I'd reco against both Carnival and _any_ cruises to Mexico. Be sure to check the state dept's website to read up on the countries you will visit....

 

As to cruise lines: Your demographics are similar to mine: I like Celebrity and RCCL, personally (but I prefer Celebrity). I was on Princess several years ago, and hear that they have upped their game since then.

 

P.S: Is the Splendor back in service yet?

[morrieb1]

Personally, I'd reco against both Carnival and _any_ cruises to Mexico. Be sure to check the state dept's website to read up on the countries you will visit....

 

As to cruise lines: Your demographics are similar to mine: I like Celebrity and RCCL, personally (but I prefer Celebrity). I was on Princess several years ago, and hear that they have upped their game since then.

 

P.S: Is the Splendor back in service yet?

 

It is sailing without passengers now - I believe it goes back in service next week. If one goes by the state department website it generally means that no one would cruise anywhere but Alaska and perhaps the Eastern Caribbean - Cozumel is a staple of the Western Caribbean just as PV and Cabo are for the Mexican Riviera. As the state department website says " Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations."

 

Royal and Celebrity are both great cruise lines - but I don't think it would be possible to manage a June/July seven night cruise/airfare to Florida solo occupancy on either for the 2K the OP wanted to spend.

[outerspaceguy]

The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations."

 

As someone who actually lives in a border state, call me unimpressed by their results thus far. For example, their "major tourist destinations" including Acapulco and Rocky Point, are not (by my definitions) anywhere near sufficiently safe.

 

As far as Mexico goes, I'd consider it only if I left the ship to do a ship excursion or otherwise (for any exploring at shops or etc.) stayed within walkable, visual proximity to the ship at all other times. And at some Mexican ports (principally Acapulco), I would not get off the ship for any reason whatsoever.

 

I would not visit Mexico if not on a ship excursion where someone external, reputable and responsible (like a cruise line) is monitoring the events.

 

But that's me.

 

Royal and Celebrity are both great cruise lines - but I don't think it would be possible to manage a June/July seven night cruise/airfare to Florida solo occupancy on either for the 2K the OP wanted to spend.

 

I guess my experience says differently. But noone can predict the future, and my dates are nearly always flexible, so that I can take advantage of those "Tuesday-only" deals when they pop up...

[Pee-ah]

Hi everyone, I was sitting at work last week and I realized I can't remember the last time I've been on a real vacation. I have some vacation weeks and money saved up and I think I want to go on a cruise. I turned 30 a few months ago and it sounds "adult" and fun.

 

About me: I'm pretty active and I'd want access to a gym while I'm on the boat. I don't drink or gamble so bars and casinos aren't a big deal and I'm not a Jersey Shore nightclubber at all or anything but I will dance. What I want is to be able to work out in the morning, then spend the rest of the day in the sun, swimming in a pool, reading a book on a deck chair, hanging out on a beach or two and just relaxing. I'm pretty low key but I don't want it to be boring. I'm trying to avoid the "booze cruise" and packs of children at all costs. Oh, I want to get a massage, too, I've never had one.

 

I've done some basic research and it looks like something like Norweigan Epic with a studio room is the best option for me. But it looks like they only sail out of Miami. Not too big a deal to fly there but is there anything comparable on the West Coast? I definitely want a private room.

 

My budget is around $2000 for everything and I'd like to do a week long trip. I'm thinking either June or July because of vacation scheduling at work (I'll also likely have law school starting in August).

 

Any tips?

 

My reco would be to check out sailings that interest you.. and then poke about the role calls to find out which one most appeals to you. I would pick out all the major lines and go from there.

 

We all have a our favorites and our biases... get a feel for each sailing and I'm sure that you will be happiest.

 

 

(ps.. I'm 44 and single and love being on CC... as i have found most people on board open to making new friends :) (enough so that even though i prefer to sail on my own (own cabin) i do have friends on my next two cruises that i meet on previous cruises. Im not very shy :p)

 

Have a great time.. after all you are on a ship

[jerry2457]

There are 2 companies that do hosted singles cruises and every year, at Halloween, they do one from the West Coast. Most times its via Carnival and these usually have a variety of age ranges of single people. Halloween is their most popular time as its low season so rates are lower but they offer a lot of benefits. Just google search singles cruises and you will find the Big 2 and they also offer age specific cruises, ie 20's and 30s group cruise. I think this will be your best bet and I have cruised with one of these groups many times. If you are willing to share expenses for a cabin they will pair you with a roommate of the same gender and age range. These 2 companies offer a cruise of different ships, departure ports and destinations but you can pick and choose what interests you. They also have their rates posted for single occupancy or double but the roommate matching is a free service for booking with them.

[melissaw8ts4u]

Hi everyone, I was sitting at work last week and I realized I can't remember the last time I've been on a real vacation. I have some vacation weeks and money saved up and I think I want to go on a cruise. I turned 30 a few months ago and it sounds "adult" and fun.

 

About me: I'm pretty active and I'd want access to a gym while I'm on the boat. I don't drink or gamble so bars and casinos aren't a big deal and I'm not a Jersey Shore nightclubber at all or anything but I will dance. What I want is to be able to work out in the morning, then spend the rest of the day in the sun, swimming in a pool, reading a book on a deck chair, hanging out on a beach or two and just relaxing. I'm pretty low key but I don't want it to be boring. I'm trying to avoid the "booze cruise" and packs of children at all costs. Oh, I want to get a massage, too, I've never had one.

 

I've done some basic research and it looks like something like Norweigan Epic with a studio room is the best option for me. But it looks like they only sail out of Miami. Not too big a deal to fly there but is there anything comparable on the West Coast? I definitely want a private room.

 

My budget is around $2000 for everything and I'd like to do a week long trip. I'm thinking either June or July because of vacation scheduling at work (I'll also likely have law school starting in August).

 

Any tips?

 

 

I just did my first solo cruise. I did leave out of the east coast. I had the same budget. I am 26 /f active and I had the best time of my life. I think carnival is great for our age range and again It is called the fun ship. I think no matter what cruise line you go on there will always be a demand for single men. But I took the 8 day out of ft lauderdale and I say this and mean every word. You will not regret your vacation. I dont think I ever want to go with my friends again and I went on 4 cruises before this one. And none can compare to the time I had each was different but man this had to be the best one. Just remember this saying if you dont have fun thats no ones fault but yours. So do everything you want! book shore excursion I met my cruisemate doing snuba we hung out the rest of the trip. I made a great friend and beauty is you dont have to talk or see them again unless you want. Book it !!!!! Grand Cayman is one of the pretty places tortula was amazing. I hope you have fun whatever cruise you decide to do!:D

this is all just my 2 cents lol