The good and the bad of going solo

[Mademypoint]

Good - You will never run out of people to meet. Since seating for breakfast and lunch in the dining room is random you will be seated with whoever is in front and behind you in line. Every single person I met introduced themselves and said where they were from which is the best ice breaker I can think of because it's almost impossible to have nothing to say about it.

 

Bad - If you want a drink and go there alone sit AT the bar. If you go and sit at a table at ANY bar the servers will take their time before they come over and if you arrive and wait and then see a group of four appear the servers hair will still be blown back by the speed at which he arrives at the table from his/her hiding spot. If you sit at the bar you will receive the bartenders undivided attention and he will not keep you waiting. When I complained to one of the managers about how annoyed I was at how I was being treated he called a meeting with the staff and someone actually said that they were guilty of it and that they were sorry. I have to believe this is a corporate mandate to focus solely on large groups and that if one person sits down they can wait, maybe it's because they want to see if someone is joining you are maybe it's because they feel the tip is too small? In any event, it continued until the end of the cruise so just be aware that the bar itself is better!

 

Good - If you don't like your dining room table you can be moved. I was moved FOUR times, not because I did not like my table mates but because I still don't know who they were! The first night, on deck 5 nobody showed up and I was told they would move me the next night so I stuck it out. The next night they moved me for formal night (nothing like being all dressed up and all alone) and then those people did not show up. The next night I was promoted down to deck 4 but that table had a lot of empty seats and without anyone to my left it was going to be difficult to have a conversation with the couple clear at the other end. Then they moved me to deck three and there were ffive other people with two empty seats which was fine except on the third night nobody else showed up so I moved to another table with three other young couples and they insisted that I stay and eat with them the last three nights so I did. With all the seating information in the computer (ages, date sailing reservation was made) it's easy for them to see where the vacancies are. I understand there is a need to spread out guests when the ship is over 200 passengers short of capacity but it's not going to work if you spread them too thin.

 

Good - Inside's are perfect for one person. I used to cruise with my husband in suites so I wondered how I would like it but in all honesty it was perfect for me. Sure I would have liked to sit on my balcony and read, but by not having it, that forced me out of the cabin a lot. My last cruise with him in 2009 was not as much fun as the one in 2007 because we did not know he was already sick with metastatic lung cancer and he was just not feeling well a lot of the time.

 

Bad - If you don't meet anyone on the ship who invites you to go on excursions and you don't want to go on one it's not cheap to get off the boat and hop in a taxi to go around St Thomas or Samana. It is however, an awesome opportunity to see what a quiet ship is like!

 

So, there is no reason why anyone should be uncomfortable about going alone, but just be aware of some thing that I encountered.

[wwinfl91]

I agree that solo cruising can be difficult at times but in my case I met my current companion on my first solo cruise and we are leaving on our second cruise together late this month. We met when we attended the Texas Hold-em tournament the first sea day of the cruise and went on excursions together and got to know each other. She had been a widow for 4 years and I had just lost my wife 6 months earlier so she was giving me a lot of good advice. We then communicated via email for 4 months before we decided to go another cruise with separate cabins and then we began talking on the phone nightly (thank God for free long distance). After that cruise and 8 days in Rome we have another cruise booked starting late this month and have visited each others homes and met each others relatives.

 

I guess what I am saying is wonderful things can happen on a solo cruise at times.

 

I hope your next experience with a solo cruise goes better than the last one. You didn't mention what cruise line you were on but I did mine on HAL where I didn't experience some of problems in the bars but did have similar issues with dinner seating.

 

Hope you have a great next solo cruise.

[mrobstad]

I never had those dinner issues on the Epic. At the happy hour, groups formed for dinner. I don't think I would enjoy solo travel any other way. NCL got it right. As for cabs, I went to cab stands and just asked folks headed in the same direction if I could share a cab. Worked out fine....or else I was lucky!

[elbodans]

i think that the key for bar service is eye contact (this works for hailing a cab, too.) if you look the bartender in the eye--even from across the room--they will come over sooner rather than later. my 'bad' issue with bars (and clubs/lounges) is the inability to get up briefly (say, to use the restroom) and then return. that's possibly my biggest issue with solo cruising...and solo travel in general!

 

my first, most recent, and only solo cruise was on NCL, and i found that it was VERY solo friendly. but then i'm fine with getting dressed up to go 'out for dinner' with myself. ;) i like being seated alone, as i frequently dine alone in 'the real world'.

 

i hope that you enjoy your next solo cruise knowing what you know now. i know that i will (though i've still not figured out a way to deal with the whole restroom thing. i'm thinking of making a little laminated card that reads 'BE RIGHT BACK' to place on my bar stool or lounger!)

[gxchan]

i think that the key for bar service is eye contact (this works for hailing a cab, too.) if you look the bartender in the eye--even from across the room--they will come over sooner rather than later. my 'bad' issue with bars (and clubs/lounges) is the inability to get up briefly (say, to use the restroom) and then return. that's possibly my biggest issue with solo cruising...and solo travel in general!

 

my first, most recent, and only solo cruise was on NCL, and i found that it was VERY solo friendly. but then i'm fine with getting dressed up to go 'out for dinner' with myself. ;) i like being seated alone, as i frequently dine alone in 'the real world'.

 

i hope that you enjoy your next solo cruise knowing what you know now. i know that i will (though i've still not figured out a way to deal with the whole restroom thing. i'm thinking of making a little laminated card that reads 'BE RIGHT BACK' to place on my bar stool or lounger!)

 

I like the BRB card idea and I'd use it at the pool to save my lounge but I haven't had any difficulty at bars, even really crowded ones. I leave my drink on bar and either put a napkin on top of it (a universal sign of I'm coming back) or let the bartender know I'm coming back. The few times someone has "taken" my seat but I just mention to them that I was at the bathroom and they move. Also, if you are chatting with others at the bar, they will hold you place.

 

Happy cruising!

[gxchan]

Bad - If you want a drink and go there alone sit AT the bar. If you go and sit at a table at ANY bar the servers will take their time before they come over and if you arrive and wait and then see a group of four appear the servers hair will still be blown back by the speed at which he arrives at the table from his/her hiding spot. If you sit at the bar you will receive the bartenders undivided attention and he will not keep you waiting. When I complained to one of the managers about how annoyed I was at how I was being treated he called a meeting with the staff and someone actually said that they were guilty of it and that they were sorry. I have to believe this is a corporate mandate to focus solely on large groups and that if one person sits down they can wait, maybe it's because they want to see if someone is joining you are maybe it's because they feel the tip is too small? In any event, it continued until the end of the cruise so just be aware that the bar itself is better!

 

Good - If you don't like your dining room table you can be moved. I was moved FOUR times, not because I did not like my table mates but because I still don't know who they were! The first night, on deck 5 nobody showed up and I was told they would move me the next night so I stuck it out. The next night they moved me for formal night (nothing like being all dressed up and all alone) and then those people did not show up. The next night I was promoted down to deck 4 but that table had a lot of empty seats and without anyone to my left it was going to be difficult to have a conversation with the couple clear at the other end. Then they moved me to deck three and there were ffive other people with two empty seats which was fine except on the third night nobody else showed up so I moved to another table with three other young couples and they insisted that I stay and eat with them the last three nights so I did. With all the seating information in the computer (ages, date sailing reservation was made) it's easy for them to see where the vacancies are. I understand there is a need to spread out guests when the ship is over 200 passengers short of capacity but it's not going to work if you spread them too thin.

 

I'm glad you are adventurous enough to cruise solo and know it could be difficult after cruising with your DH. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

I haven't had the same experience as you have with servers not approaching me to take my order when I sit at a table in the bar. In fact, frequently they beeline to me before I can even think about what I want to order. Maybe it was the cruise line you were on or just that particular ship, especially since a crew member admitted the behavior.

 

As for the MDR, you may want to consider on boarding day going to the MDR and asking the manager if there is a table of singles/solos. If so, ask to be assigned to that table. It has been my experience that most singles/solos go to the MDR each night so the table will always have people you can enjoy the meal with.

 

Happy Solo Cruising!

[surfsidemary]

"my 'bad' issue with bars (and clubs/lounges) is the inability to get up briefly (say, to use the restroom) and then return. that's possibly my biggest issue with solo cruising...and solo travel in general!"

 

This is the only problem I have encountered with solo travel. A traveling companion is useful for "You stay with the bags while I ...."

 

A "be right back" sign would work in a bar on a ship, but it definitely won't work to leave my bags unattended in an airport while making a trip to the restroom or to find a luggage cart. So I lug everything around with me since the alternative is to cause an airport evacuation.

 

Has anyone found a workaround for airports?

 

[elbodans]

"my 'bad' issue with bars (and clubs/lounges) is the inability to get up briefly (say, to use the restroom) and then return. that's possibly my biggest issue with solo cruising...and solo travel in general!"

 

This is the only problem I have encountered with solo travel. A traveling companion is useful for "You stay with the bags while I ...."

 

A "be right back" sign would work in a bar on a ship, but it definitely won't work to leave my bags unattended in an airport while making a trip to the restroom or to find a luggage cart. So I lug everything around with me since the alternative is to cause an airport evacuation.

 

Has anyone found a workaround for airports?

 

 

in airports/bus stations i do end up schlepping my stuff around with me. but then i travel VERY light. the only time i've used more than a backpack was on my most recent cruise--and in retrospect, i could have gotten by with a backpack for that, too (NCL is VERY causal--i had no idea!)

 

the 'be right back' card should have the words written in several different languages. i think i shall make one for my next trip!

 

though when cruising, as is mentioned above, it is often possible to get someone near by to watch your plate/drink etc. i even allowed a very nice older couple to watch my actual BAG for me whilst standing in line for disembarkation. but then--where were they going to go with my stuff, right? ;) (plus i wasn't getting onto a plane afterwards, so there were no security issues.)

[Mademypoint]

I have NO issue at the bar at all, it's just when sitting around the ship. I was on RCI, Explorer of the Seas that goes out of Bayonne which is about an hour from my house.

 

I'm a very social creature so no matter where I am, I'm not shy so the issue is not meeting people or looking them in the eye. The bartenders are fun, entertaining and great people to get to know because they all have different stories about where they are from, how long they've been on the ship, etc. I love sharing stories with them because chances are I've been places that they have not and, well, since they are usually so far from home, they are areas they have interest in.

 

In some cases you do NOT see the staff and it's only after a four top sit down that you see them because they can't get there fast enough.

 

I traveled solo for business many times over the years and I guess if I'm going to just have a drink I ALWAYS sit at the bar and there are usually people around. In most cases, I wait until I am ready to leave to use the bathroom, or go before I arrive. Maybe it's just a subconscious thing I have always done? If I do sit down at a table, it's generally to have a meal, and if I have not paid the check yet that's one way to guarantee nothing will happen and I will usually tell one of the servers I will BRB.

 

Stacy

[Jimsgirl]

As a very senior lady, I am not happy sitting at the bar.

 

Have found that the waiters do rush to serve a 3 or more sooner than they come to me.

Dining is hit or miss, always ask for table of 8-10, usually get a six, and find that the others are either "in a relationship" or a group of friends travelling together, as they are often 20 years younger, they do not ask me to join them.

 

I manage to do things solo, but wish that the MD' s could sit like with like, notjust consider us as warm bodies to fill up a space somewhere.

[Lois R]

I just returned from sailing solo (think this was my 34th or 35th?) I would

have to count back...but anyway, reading the original post a couple

of times...good and bad? When I cruise? It is ALL good:):D:) and it

is always solo:)

[kitty9]

I just returned from sailing solo (think this was my 34th or 35th?) I would

have to count back...but anyway, reading the original post a couple

of times...good and bad? When I cruise? It is ALL good:):D:) and it

is always solo:)

 

I can't agree MORE. Every cruise I've taken has been great. Of course, there were some kinks, as with all things in life, but overall, cruising is wonderful.

 

Good to have you back, Lois. How was the ship?

[Lois R]

I can't agree MORE. Every cruise I've taken has been great. Of course, there were some kinks, as with all things in life, but overall, cruising is wonderful.

 

Good to have you back, Lois. How was the ship?

 

Hi Darcie, thank you:) Eclipse is lovely. I think you know this cruise

was the replacement for my cancellation back in Sept due to Dad's

passing:(....well, I have to say I did a lot of relaxing. I ate, drank,

read and slept (alot). I wish I could have done a b2b on her....but

this week there is a major group of "The American Girls" theme so

better that I came home;)

[Tinkerbellcgy]

Welcome back, Lois, and I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise.

 

I've been waiting for your return to read about your thoughts on Traditional vs. Select dining. Care to reveal them? :D

[Lois R]

Welcome back, Lois, and I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise.

 

I've been waiting for your return to read about your thoughts on Traditional vs. Select dining. Care to reveal them? :D

 

Hi stranger:)...oh...I will start a thread since I feel like I have

hijacked the OP's thread.....:eek:...that was not my intention.

[Mademypoint]

That's okay! I don't mind reading about your adventures! :)

[Lois R]

That's okay! I don't mind reading about your adventures! :)

 

Thanks:)

[tinaky1114]

I did my first solo cruise on the Carnival Dream earlier this year. I always sat at a table in the lounges and never had any issues with getting served in a prompt basis. One of the lounges that I went to on a regular basis knew me well and would ask if I would be having my regular drink or trying something different and always remember to bring me a glass of water. They were always so great.

[Mademypoint]

I honestly believe it is an order coming down from something higher because it was that way at every bar on the ship! It could have been "make sure tables of four are taken care of immediately" that they took to mean if it was NOT a table of four they could take their time. I waited tables years ago and the first thing I was told was to make sure that none of my tables ever sat without being greeted, even if it was to just say "I will be right with you".

 

And like I said, there was a meeting held with the staff and they DID admit to doing it so perhaps it just comes down to the fact they don't want to miss out on serving a larger group and they rotate tables?

 

 

[Virtopia]

I'm going on my second solo cruise in January and this one will be substantially longer than my first one (4 nights on RCCL Majesty vs 10 nights on RCCL Explorer).

 

I'm really looking forward to it and being able to relax for 2 days before we get to the first port and then 3 lovely days coming back.

 

I'm so use to being alone, so this will be no problem. I suspect on the 8th day I may start to feel a little homesick, but I'll be okay.

 

The only problem I really encounter on my solo trips is taking pictures. I LOVE getting great shots of myself and only a companion will put up with taking multiple shots to make sure I have a good one. A stranger is giving you one shot and then they are gone! LOL But I'm thinking of bringing a tripod with me, so we'll see how it goes.

[SMSACE6]

The good, actually the very good part of solo cruising for me is; having the stateroom to myself!, and better than that, having the bathroom available whenever you want it! and for how ever long you want it. Also, you can go to breakfast when you want or order room service when you want. If you are an early riser, you go! If you sleep late, you go late, or even have lunch as your first meal....nobody is pestering you to go up to the lido deck because they dont want to go alone. Also you can go to the shows you want, or to the casino when you want, for how long you want.

 

The down side of solo cruising is for me; ..... if you have fixed time dining, you have to show up that first night solo...and sometimes it works out, others it doesnt. If you are not alone...at least you have someone to talk to. Another downside of solo cruising for me is, taking tours at your port of call. I hate boarding that tour bus alone, and picking a seat on said bus, when others want to sit in pairs or groups.

 

I have however on solo cruises met some wonderful people on these cruises, sometimes at fixed dining, great matched folks at the dining table, and also even once as solo with anytime dining, lots of people nearby tables to talk to. have met some nice people on tours, and on the ships decks.

 

I like my cruises with friends and family, but I love my solo ones too. My solo cruises are totally stress free. I do what I want, when I want, so it is all great either way, and Im never lonely. JMHO:)

[surfsidemary]

"I hate boarding that tour bus alone, and picking a seat on said bus, when others want to sit in pairs or groups."

 

I actually like that part. Unless the bus is full, people generally assume I am waiting for someone and sit elsewhere. That enables me to focus on what's going on outside the window rather than being obliged to socialize. I socialize on the ship, but on excursions I want to pay attention to the tour. Also, when it's a long ride on a small bus, having two seats to spread out can be an additional benefit of being solo.

[SMSACE6]

thanks surfsidemary! I have never thought of it that way. Will keep that in mind next time :)

[Scrapnana]

I have never done a cruise by myself but plan on making up for this in a big way -- my first solo cruise will be around the world.

 

I have done many land tours through Europe and enjoyed them immensely and met some wonderful people. I've found that many people "take you in" as a single and I've had some great experiences. On one, I met up with a couple and their daughter (from England), a single mom and her daughter(from Ireland) and a couple (from Australia). The eight of us went everywhere together for three weeks and had a fabulous time. So, even though I am a rather shy person, I know I can meet people.

 

I also am quite comfortable by myself. I've been single for many years and am fine being alone. I agree with sparky8, having the cabin to myself, deciding what I want to do (if I want to do anything!) when I want is an advantage!

 

The worst part of going by myself -- the single supplement!

[travelnap]

surfsidemary, I agree with you. I almost always use the ships excursions and when I get on the bus I head towards the back of the bus, and unless the bus is completely full I almost always have an empty seat beside me. Its nice to have that seat to set things on and to be able to enjoy the tour.