Need help selecting my first cruise (solo traveler)

[Chatteress]

Hi everyone. I have never cruised before and need some guidance in selecting a good cruise line for solo travel. I am a solo female traveler who has a valid passport and has traveled solo previously. I have visited the websites of a few lines (Carnival, RC, Norwegian, Princess) and found myself overwhelmed by the options. I am looking to book a cruise for July as a birthday gift for myself and would prefer the cruise to be 5-8 days in duration as I will likely need to fly to the port. Here are some of my interests/perimeters:

 

1. Cost - Which cruise lines are more affordable for solo travelers?

2. Sea Days - Which lines offer an abundance of activities such as spa, classes, games, shows and dancing?

3. Social - Although I am comfortable doing activities solo, I would love the opportunity to meet/interact with other travelers

4. Age - I am in my late 30's so I would like a cruise that tend to attract folks around my age (although I can easily make friends with younger/older folks).

5. Dining options - Which lines has the best food that is included with the fare?

6. Embark port - I would prefer a cruise that embarks in the US or Canada as I'm not comfortable with flying overseas.

7. Ports - I am mostly interested in Eastern/Southern Caribbean, US and Canadian ports (I don't feel ready to fly overseas to Europe but maybe one day)

 

Any suggestions would be helpful or at least point me in the right direction. Thanks :)

[PeaceLoveCruise]

Welcome to the boards!! I traveled on Holland America for my first cruise alone when i was in my early 30's and met some wonderful people. I noticed you didn't check them out yet. They are so great.

 

Activities: so much to do inboard! Spa day , classes of all sorts, board games, bingo for prizes, library, piano bar, sunning, swimming, shopping, casinos... Etc. never bored on a ship!

 

More later...

 

 

 

 

 

PeaceLoveCruise

[PeaceLoveCruise]

All dining is included with the fare. Usually a ship with have a specialty restaurant for reservations. At formal dining, you can sit at a table with many interesting people. It's an assigned table, so you pretty much have friends there for the week.

 

Shore excursions are another great way to meet people. It's also a nice way to see a port without missing really special stuff.

 

Do you like to snorkel? Scuba! Shop? Photography? Food? What would you look for in a port?

 

 

PeaceLoveCruise

[Essiesmom]

All dining is included with the fare. Usually a ship with have a specialty restaurant for reservations. At formal dining, you can sit at a table with many interesting people. It's an assigned table, so you pretty much have friends there for the week.

 

Shore excursions are another great way to meet people. It's also a nice way to see a port without missing really special stuff.

 

Do you like to snorkel? Scuba! Shop? Photography? Food? What would you look for in a port?

 

 

PeaceLoveCruise

 

This is very misleading. There are ships where all dining is included, but they do not have specialty restaurants. Some lines have many specialty restaurants where an upcharge is required...NCL comes to mind.

On every line, there is ample food included in the fare. I have cruised a lot, and never paid extra for food. I also travel solo a lot and never consider what the ship may offer a solo when booking. I book for itinerary or ship, or convenience. Some lines give no fare concessions to singles. Others offer a few single cabins (NCL Epic). Celebrity sometimes has discounts for singles, 150% of fare. But usually, you just have to expect to pay double.

Years ago, a cousin asked me how I could stand to travel alone (she was to timid to try). I told her is was 100% better than not going at all. EM

[Chatteress]

Welcome to the boards!! I traveled on Holland America for my first cruise alone when i was in my early 30's and met some wonderful people. I noticed you didn't check them out yet. They are so great.

 

Activities: so much to do inboard! Spa day , classes of all sorts, board games, bingo for prizes, library, piano bar, sunning, swimming, shopping, casinos... Etc. never bored on a ship!

 

More later...

 

 

PeaceLoveCruise

Thanks for the welcome. Yeah ... I haven't checked out Holland America so I'll do that. :)

 

All dining is included with the fare. Usually a ship with have a specialty restaurant for reservations. At formal dining, you can sit at a table with many interesting people. It's an assigned table, so you pretty much have friends there for the week.

 

Shore excursions are another great way to meet people. It's also a nice way to see a port without missing really special stuff.

 

Do you like to snorkel? Scuba! Shop? Photography? Food? What would you look for in a port?

 

 

PeaceLoveCruise

I wrote my post late last night and forgot to include my favorite activities :o

 

Activities that I enjoy: Shopping, photography, food (especially ethnic, unusual and gourmet cuisines), games/trivia, dancing, social activities/meeting others, learning new things, shows

 

Activities that I am not interested in: Sports, water activities (don't swim), wine tasting (don't drink), party atmosphere/college crowds

 

I'm glad that there are plenty of food options that is included with the price although I would not mind occasionally venturing into a specialty restaurant to splurge if it is unique enough. I just want to have plenty of options and not the same ole stuff day in and day out. Yeah .... That would be not so great for my waistline though :o

[Chatteress]

This is very misleading. There are ships where all dining is included, but they do not have specialty restaurants. Some lines have many specialty restaurants where an upcharge is required...NCL comes to mind.

On every line, there is ample food included in the fare. I have cruised a lot, and never paid extra for food. I also travel solo a lot and never consider what the ship may offer a solo when booking. I book for itinerary or ship, or convenience. Some lines give no fare concessions to singles. Others offer a few single cabins (NCL Epic). Celebrity sometimes has discounts for singles, 150% of fare. But usually, you just have to expect to pay double.

Years ago, a cousin asked me how I could stand to travel alone (she was to timid to try). I told her is was 100% better than not going at all. EM

Amen on the bolded comment - Some folks that I know think I am crazy for wanting to travel solo but what are my other options without a travel partner? Everyone's priorities are different and it is usually a matter of other people not having the time or money to travel so should I just deprive myself of the joys of traveling just because I don't have a travel partner? :rolleyes:

 

It's too bad that cruise ships usually require singles to pay extra as there are likely solo travelers out there that would consider cruising if the cost was comparable to what other travelers pay. They are truly missing out on a market. This is one of the reasons that has held me back from cruising but with some itineraries, I would pay less on a cruise versus a land trip because the "hotel", food and entertainment is included along with the transportation. I would only need to pay airfare, excursions and other extras.

[kitty9]

Welcome!! I'm also a solo cruiser, having done more that 30 cruises literally all over the world. Once you try solo cruising, you'll be hooked.

 

I do see a couple of challenges for your cruising date. First, many ships are now deployed to either Alaska or Europe, so your choices are a lot more limited. And second, you're cruising smack in the middle of hurricane season, something that could impact your cruise. Just be aware of those things. If you could postpone your cruise until late fall, you'll have a LOT more choices.

 

My favorite lines as a solo are Princess and Celebrity. I think they do a great job with solos. I've been on nearly every line out there and think they have much better food and service than other lines. My personal opinion is that lines like NCL, Carnival, MSC and RCI serve food that's OK, but more like banquet food. If you go on a line that has specialty restaurants, you'll find absolutely excellent food. On Celebrity, they have four specialty resturants on their S class ships that are as gourmet as you can find at sea. And their main dining room food is a cut above other lines.

 

Nearly every ship will have a ton of activities, and you won't be bored. And a lot of those activities are group things, so that's a great way to meet people. Also, for your first cruise, go with a line that has traditional seating at dinner (that leaves NCL out). That way you'll have an assigned table for dinner and you'll start meeting people from the very first night. Some solo cruisers don't like dining alone, and that's what could happen if you cruise on a line that only has open/freestyle dining.

 

If you have any other questions, please ask.

[diane.in.ny]

If you are willing to wait until the Fall, from NY to Canada is a nice option.

 

If you are willing to go a bit earlier, try for early June before school lets out.

 

As for cruise line, I think I would recommend Princess.

[Chatteress]

Welcome!! I'm also a solo cruiser, having done more that 30 cruises literally all over the world. Once you try solo cruising, you'll be hooked.

 

I do see a couple of challenges for your cruising date. First, many ships are now deployed to either Alaska or Europe, so your choices are a lot more limited. And second, you're cruising smack in the middle of hurricane season, something that could impact your cruise. Just be aware of those things. If you could postpone your cruise until late fall, you'll have a LOT more choices.

 

My favorite lines as a solo are Princess and Celebrity. I think they do a great job with solos. I've been on nearly every line out there and think they have much better food and service than other lines. My personal opinion is that lines like NCL, Carnival, MSC and RCI serve food that's OK, but more like banquet food. If you go on a line that has specialty restaurants, you'll find absolutely excellent food. On Celebrity, they have four specialty resturants on their S class ships that are as gourmet as you can find at sea. And their main dining room food is a cut above other lines.

 

Nearly every ship will have a ton of activities, and you won't be bored. And a lot of those activities are group things, so that's a great way to meet people. Also, for your first cruise, go with a line that has traditional seating at dinner (that leaves NCL out). That way you'll have an assigned table for dinner and you'll start meeting people from the very first night. Some solo cruisers don't like dining alone, and that's what could happen if you cruise on a line that only has open/freestyle dining.

 

If you have any other questions, please ask.

Thanks for the suggestions ... Due to work, I am limited to July and December as I can't afford to take time off during the Fall (A lot of the major hurricanes have occurred during the fall months so I feel that July is a safer bet but I could be wrong).

 

I actually liked the flexibility of NCL's freestyle cruising as I hate being tied down to a certain time for dinner. I'm ok with eating alone if that end up being the case. I am actually leaning towards booking on the NCL's Gem doing the Bahamas in late July but I'm still researching my options.

[Chatteress]

If you are willing to wait until the Fall, from NY to Canada is a nice option.

 

If you are willing to go a bit earlier, try for early June before school lets out.

 

As for cruise line, I think I would recommend Princess.

I would LOVE to take my cruise in June but unfortunately, I have obligations that limit the dates that I can travel. Although the fall seem to have better itineraries, it is the busiest season at work and I cannot afford the time off then :(

[dreamr]

From what you've said in this thread, you sound a bit like me. I'm also in my 30s, have no problem traveling alone, and I like to experience new things and meet new people, etc.

 

It's because of that reason that I booked the Norwegian Epic. It seemed to have the most in way of entertainment, parties, etc. Plus, it also has the "studio" rooms, which do seem to run cheaper than paying for a non-solo room.

 

One of my friends decided a month or so after I booked a studio room that she wanted to go with me, so I changed to a standard inside room to share with her... but what she doesn't know is that I am fully intending to book another cruise for sometime next year where I can stay in a studio. :P

 

Anyway, if you haven't looked at the Epic yet, I'd look into it. I'd suggest you look at the November 10, 2012 sailing... but I noticed you can't go in the fall. :(

 

P.S. My birthday is also in July. lol

[Chatteress]

From what you've said in this thread, you sound a bit like me. I'm also in my 30s, have no problem traveling alone, and I like to experience new things and meet new people, etc.

 

It's because of that reason that I booked the Norwegian Epic. It seemed to have the most in way of entertainment, parties, etc. Plus, it also has the "studio" rooms, which do seem to run cheaper than paying for a non-solo room.

 

One of my friends decided a month or so after I booked a studio room that she wanted to go with me, so I changed to a standard inside room to share with her... but what she doesn't know is that I am fully intending to book another cruise for sometime next year where I can stay in a studio. :P

 

Anyway, if you haven't looked at the Epic yet, I'd look into it. I'd suggest you look at the November 10, 2012 sailing... but I noticed you can't go in the fall. :(

 

P.S. My birthday is also in July. lol

Nice to meet a fellow July baby :D Yeah ... I was attracted to the Epic but they are all in Europe (Western Mediterranean) in July and I'm not ready for the overseas flight just yet. I'm an experienced solo traveler but 6 hours from LA to NYC got me stir crazy last summer so I'm not sure if I can handle 5-6 extra hours on the plane (plus it seriously adds to the overall cost). Maybe later.

 

Well ... I finally booked my first cruise through Royal Caribbean where I'll be doing the NE and Bermuda in late July. The price with the single penalty was reasonable and I like the itinerary. I was originally thinking of doing the Bahamas trek through NCL but I did not care for the excursions and the cruise itself was more expensive. I'll have to update everyone once I return from the RC trip. :)

 

Thanks everyone for your help :)

[vivavegas]

Welcome to CC! I'd recommend the Norweign Epic as they generally have single rooms lower single rates. I would pick a time before school is out to avoid some of the kids. Your meal are included in the cruise fare unless you visit the speciality resturants. Have fun on your cruise!

[calliopecruiser]

This is very misleading. There are ships where all dining is included, but they do not have specialty restaurants. Some lines have many specialty restaurants where an upcharge is required...NCL comes to mind.

 

That's also misleading.....there are several lines where all food, including those at specialty restaurants, is included. Those would be the all-inclusive luxury lines like Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Seaborne, or Oceania.

 

Crystal has another advantage for solo passengers, which is are very reasonable singles supplements (starting at 25%). Yes, I know the Epic doesn't charge a singles supplement for their studio cabins, but I would never choose to stay in a 100 square foot inside cabin......not my idea of a vacation.

[Roz]

Since you have a long list of requirements, I would suggest working with a cruise specialist travel agent for your first cruise. Welcome to the wonderful world of solo cruising. I've done most of my cruises solo, on both Carnival and Holland America.

 

Roz

[mxs84]

Hi everyone, I am also a solo traveler and I am doing my first cruise with Carnival Miracle in September. It is the eight night Exotic Caribbean. I am so excited and am reading everything I can get my hands on. So any advice you have for first-timers is appreciated!

 

Mari

[Roz]

Mari,

 

Head over to the Solo Cruisers board. Lots of nice, helpful people there.

 

Roz

[PeaceLoveCruise]

This is very misleading. There are ships where all dining is included, but they do not have specialty restaurants. Some lines have many specialty restaurants where an upcharge is required...NCL comes to mind.

On every line, there is ample food included in the fare. I have cruised a lot, and never paid extra for food. I also travel solo a lot and never consider what the ship may offer a solo when booking. I book for itinerary or ship, or convenience. Some lines give no fare concessions to singles. Others offer a few single cabins (NCL Epic). Celebrity sometimes has discounts for singles, 150% of fare. But usually, you just have to expect to pay double.

Years ago, a cousin asked me how I could stand to travel alone (she was to timid to try). I told her is was 100% better than not going at all. EM

 

Actually, it's not VERY misleading. Snarky statement!!!! :rolleyes:

 

Yes, paying extra on a ship that DIES have a specialty restaurant should probably be expected.

[PeaceLoveCruise]

DOES not dies. ;)

[thebooler]

Norwegian Epic Western Med from Barcelona 1st July - 8th July visiting Naples, Rome, Florence/Pisa, Cannes & Marseille. Studio cabins for solo travellers. I'm looking forward to this one as its my 1st cruise as well.

[perkydebrajean]

That's also misleading.....there are several lines where all food, including those at specialty restaurants, is included. Those would be the all-inclusive luxury lines like Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Seaborne, or Oceania.

 

Crystal has another advantage for solo passengers, which is are very reasonable singles supplements (starting at 25%). Yes, I know the Epic doesn't charge a singles supplement for their studio cabins, but I would never choose to stay in a 100 square foot inside cabin......not my idea of a vacation.

 

I plan on cruising in one of the studio rooms eventually. Yes it's only 100 sf, but if it's only one person and if all you plan on doing in your room is primarily sleeping or changing clothes, then I don't see how it would be too small. Plus they have the private lounge for the studio cabins to use whenever you want.

[mxs84]

Thanks Roz!

[BlueEyedCubTN]

Good morning! First of all, a little about myself. I am 32 and live in landlocked Tennessee. I have a partner that is 46. We are very simple folk, albeit it seems very busy, with very limited income.

 

I know what I would love to experience aboard a ship, but my partner has a very different idea in mind.

 

If I had to guess, he would be a Carnival man. No dress code. VERY IMPORTANT no dress code. Formal is a 4 letter word. He also doesn't like crowds, which makes me wonder about Carnival.

 

Every time I start to dream about going on a cruise, my mind snapps back to reality and the plans are scrapped before they are started.

 

How does a person like me plan a cruise when there are SO many ships, and SO many cruise lines?

[Roz]

You're going to encounter crowds on all the mainstream cruise lines. As far as dress codes, all cruise lines have them. You may not have to dress formally, but in order to eat in any of the restaurants or dining venues, you're going to have to meet some basic dress standards.

 

What about cruising by yourself, since it sounds like cruising may not be your partner's cup of tea.

 

Roz

[perkydebrajean]

Take at look at NCL.

 

NCL does not have a formal night. They have a "dress up or not night' where the photographers will be out. But you don't have to dress up if you don't feel like it.

 

Also another good thing about NCL is the Freestyle dining. You eat when you want and where you want. No reservations needed. If you decide one night at 5:42pm that you are hungry, then go eat. If the next night you aren't hungry until 7:15pm, no problem. You don't have to set with the same people every night at the same time. They also have a place that is open almost 24 hours per day to get some comfort food such as hot wings and chicken strips.

 

They do have some extra fee restaurants on the ships that are smaller and range in prices from $10 per person to $25 per person. People will say that they purposely make the food in the main dining rooms crappy so that people will go to the pay ones. But then I guess it must be that way on most ships since a lot of the other cruise lines have pay restaurants too. So I don't believe it.