Single mid-late 20's/early 30's cruising

[danilynn17]

Does anyone in this age range cruise alone?

 

I'm a (newly) single 24 year old about to graduate law school, and I feel a strong urge to get away. I'm also trying to figure out a lot in my life so I'm thinking about going at it alone.

 

Does anyone have any tips or suggestions?

 

And this is also a last minute, impulsive sorta idea.

 

Thank you, any advice is appreciated!

[Triode]

I can only offer my experience based on three cruises thus far. One 3 Day on Princess, one 6 Day on NCL, and one 7 Day on Holland America. I chose all three because of Sailing Date and Destination, not with meeting someone in mind. I have seen singles on all three cruises, but not too many actually traveling alone. The girls in the 20's to early 30's group were almost as a rule either traveling in pairs or with a parent, usually mother, but in two cases with a father. I do not pay attention to single males, but have been made aware of a few due to dinner table assignments or shore excursions. FYI, I qualified as "Early Thirties" on my first voyage four years ago.

 

I have had a thoroughly good time on all three cruises. I have always found a great group of people. Yes, even on Holland America, but there were not nearly as many singles as on Princess and NCL. Even then, they were in the minority, but I did not to let that stop my having having fun. Each cruise has been better than my last, but the last one might be hard to beat. If you are reasonably outgoing and have a good attitude going in, you can have a blast. As has been noted here before, you might be disappointed if you go expecting to meet "The One." If you do decide to try it, then I do suggest taking part in the on-board activities. Some are goofy to some, but if you pick the ones that you think the set of people you are looking for might like, you might meet some. Even if you do not, you will certainingly make friends. Having people recognize and remember you around the boat can do away with any feelings of being lost on a big ship. I won $250 Large in a Bingo game on a cruise last year, and what seemed like a couple of hundred people seemed to know me. All over the boat, for two days, people were calling me by name. I suggest picking shore excursions carefully as well. You might want to wait to book some of them after you get on board and meet a few people. Nothing sucks as bad as finding someone you would like to spend time with then finding out you are booked on different shore excursions. You could just bail on something you have already booked, but that can be very costly. If you pick the more active or adventurous variety, I believe that you generally find the younger set. For example: Kayaking, Snorkeling, Bike Rides, and physical type things (If you are physically active) rather than the bus or boat tour type activites. I am not suggesting that you do things you do not like or passing judgment on anyone's idea of fun. Pick what YOU like, but keep in mind that the younger folks tend, at least, to be more adventurous.

 

I am sailing again in four months and just know I will have a blast. I can't wait. Reading all of the excitement on this site gets me fired up and ready to go.:D

 

Good Luck and Happy Sailing.:)

[Classynfun1]

I'm 26 and cruising solo for 22 days in the Mediterranean and Europe! People our age most definitely cruise solo. I can't wait...I leave in 4 days for Venice!

[SoCalgirl]

I took my first solo cruise at 31, and am now 34 and going on my 3rd solo cruise. I love it! I enjoy getting to know the people at my dinner table, and always meet someone nice to talk to on a shore excursion if I choose to do so. During the day on the ship I can do what I feel like and enjoy some quiet time on deck or in my cabin, or join in the activities and get talking to people. There are always plenty of people to hang out with at night in the bars and public areas. I feel very safe by just taking a few simple precautions like not giving out my cabin number until I get to know someone well enough. My last solo cruise, I made friends with a couple of other single gals around my age and we have stayed in touch and traveled together since then. I always enjoy the opportunity and cannot wait to leave (I leave on the 5th on Carnival Valor). It's been two years since I cruised solo (went with my dad last year) and I am looking forward to the relaxation and lack of stress.

[World Traveler 81]

I'm 24 and I cruise solo often. Most of my friends won't spend a load of cash on a vacation.... so I leave them at home. :-)

[AirWARRIOR71]

Well, to put it mildly, I went on a cruise with a buddy of mine that is definitely of the redneck-lets drink till beyond stupid and keep drinking-variety. Needless to say, after his 34+ (NOT EVEN LYING) beers before midnight of the first day out...it became a single/solo cruise for me. I am not worried in the least to cruise alone after the experiences I had on this cruise. I virtually only shared a cabin with my buddy who bellied up to the bar from sunrise (whenever he woke up) till whenever he was finally able to figure out which cabin his key fit in. I don't wanna be crude but the word "cockblock" came to mind whenever he came around and I might be talking to a female, whether just as a friendly conversation or maybe a little more interest involved. I can name several times and instances where a fun conversation ended due to his approach and antics. I can't blame them for deciding to leave the area...but I guess I have learned my lesson on that note. Regardless...if you are single and outgoing, a cruise is unlike any other adventure/vacation/outing I have ever been on. It's like people go way outta their way to meet new people or make new friends. I can remember several different groups of ladies and guys that would include anyone that wanted to have fun in their good times. I hafta say my experience is purely Carnival related. The general impression Carnival leaves is that of a more layperson type experience as cruises go...not too snooty and nice and relaxed...yet still has the formal nights and excellent service most all cruise lines have come to be known for. I would suggest from reading on this board if you planned on going on a cruise alone...opt for a 7 day or under cruise...maybe start with a 3,4, or 5 day to get an idea what to expect. Best lines for the ages of 20's to 30's would be Carnival or possibly Royal Caribbean but I have a preference to the FUN SHIPS. Also, if any of you single ladies would like to enjoy a cruise in the september timeframe, I am planning a september 17th or 26th 5 day cruise on the Inspiration (Carnival) going to Grand Cayman and Cozumel out of Tampa. As far as airfare, I have found great rates from my personal favorite airline, southwest...both into Tampa and for those peeps liking Port Canaveral...Orlando as well. Just my $.02 worth. BTW I am a single 33 male getting ready to end military (usaf) service in the next few months.

 

Gary in Ohio

 

Carnivale (3/88...was all of 16)

Fantasy (5/05...33 and hooked for life)

Inspiration (sept 17th or 26th/05 supporting my new habit...lol)

[toothgirl]

I went on a cruise solo in March 2005 and loved it. However didn not meet many singles on the cruise, but I've been told I chose the wrong cruiseline. I went on Sun Princess, and later everybody told me I should've gone on Carnival. But, I have no regrets, I had an awsome vacation and met some lovely people, and now I'm booked for my next cruise on Princess in March 2006. :)

But on the cruise I went to, I was the only single person on board I think, and the only people my age(I'm 26) onboard were the crewmembers! I went to the announced singles-get-together, and I was the only one that showed up!!! lol Oh, well, like I said...I still had a great cruise, meeting someone nice just would've been the cherry on top!

Kristin

[SerenadingSarah]

Hi, Gary! Thanks for all of your input about solo cruising! I'm going on my first cruise alone next month...9-25 on the NCL Majesty to Bermuda. Your tips were helpful, thank you. I'm 33, too, and prior Air Force as well! ('94-98) SO much we have in common. ;-)

 

-Sarah

[vcbedon]

sounds like carnival is the cruise line to choose for singles. do you all have any preferred destinations? my best friend and i are going away sometime in december, we've never done a cruise. so here we go...

[Reese88]

vcbedon-

 

I just got back from a five-nighter on Carnival Inspiration. Left out of Tampa and stopped over in Grand Cayman and Cozumel. The trip was most excellent. Cozumel, as many will attest to, is great. The ship was good too. I've been on Carnival Fantasy to the Bahamas before and it was so-so, but this one was far better. The people on board were great and liked to party and have fun. I spent LOTS of time in the casino and by the 3rd day or so people all over the ship were saying 'hi' to me and stopping me to chit chat etc. A lot of the employees knew me and that made it fun. Granted, it was because I spent so much time at the tables but it was so fun. Everyone was loose and just having fun. For background, I'm 28 male and not a crazy loud-mouthed person...so even if you are a bit more reserved I think you can have lots of fun on this ship. I'm thinking of going in December and wanted to try something different but since I had so much fun on this ship I want to go again. Good luck and let me know if I can provide any detail for you or your friend to help your decision.

 

Reese

[jpmaximus]

Well i'm a 29 year old guy from Virginia Beach and i'm still searching for "that girl". I need a vacation bad and i got a great deal on a single rate for a cruise. I will be sailing the INSPIRATION on April 29th as a single cruiser. I'm hoping to meet a nice female to spend time with. I hope you have a great cruise!

[kristacpa]

I just booked my first solo cruise as well...and I truly believe I should have done it sooner. I travel solo for work, and since I prefer longer cruises (9-14 days)...it's tough finding others to tag along.

 

We had three single women sharing a TINY cabin on my last cruise...I'm thrilled to think about all the space that will be mine. I'm also hopeful that a few kind words to the Maitre'd will ensure a pleasant dining experience.

[afairbro]

Well i'm a 29 year old guy from Virginia Beach and i'm still searching for "that girl". I need a vacation bad and i got a great deal on a single rate for a cruise. I will be sailing the INSPIRATION on April 29th as a single cruiser. I'm hoping to meet a nice female to spend time with. I hope you have a great cruise!

 

Ah, jpmaximus, too young and too soon. You sail a week before me on the same ship. (BTW, I am 43).

[wrp96]

Well i'm a 29 year old guy from Virginia Beach and i'm still searching for "that girl". I need a vacation bad and i got a great deal on a single rate for a cruise. I will be sailing the INSPIRATION on April 29th as a single cruiser. I'm hoping to meet a nice female to spend time with. I hope you have a great cruise!

 

Sorry I didn't see your posting earlier. I'm 28 years old, female, and have gone on 2 cruises by myself. Come join us on the Jewel of the Seas next February.

[karisma99]

Hi All,

I also have problems getting family and friends to travel with me. They are either short on cash or vacation time or our schedules just don't mesh. I am 29 years old and am truely addicted to cruising. I live in Miami, so being so close to the port is an even greater temptation. LOL!

 

Maybe we should all get together for a group cruise? Anyone interested?

 

Take Care,

Patty :)

[mikesteg]

I started at 32 or 33, and at 36 have 9 cruises under my belt with 2 more booked (see below), and 2 more philosophically committed. That group on the Jewel is tempting also but I doubt I'll make it. I wish I would have started cruising at 24...

 

BTW, for figuring things out I strongly recommend sitting on the back of the lido deck in the morning with Boston's "Walk On" medley on the MP3 player. Very uplifting, but somewhat meditative and focusing with the wind noise blocking out all other noise and nothing but the water in front of you.

[susiemoss82]

great thread! I'm also a sf - 24 - going on my first cruise with a friend (took a year to find someone to say yes to a vacation!!). It is difficult finding people to travel with and sometimes the singles prices are way too much. I live in Boston and am taking the majesty to bermuda on 9/10. It's encouraging to hear of others taking solo cruises and having positive experiences.

[sag1804]

you should wait a week and come down to FL and get on the sovereign. It is going for cheap!!!:)

[GeorgiaGent]

Having just gotten back from a trip on the Carnival Valor, I can say that it is so very easy to meet folks, and other singles. I am by no means a loud or always a "life of the party" guy, but I can say that even the reserved people can meet others and have a great time. I know I was surprised (it was my first cruise as a single) at just how friendly people were and just how many I talked to.

 

I can just say that in my opinion Carnival seems best for the singles crowd of the 20's-30's. I met a wide variety from all walks of life too. Made for a great trip.... now I just need to figure out when and how to get on another...:D :D

 

And to the other two in the military.... one more proud Air Force member here... (89-current) so hats off to you!

[pk1_efc]

Hi all,

 

Has anybody been on RCCI Voyager of the seas?

If so, what's it like, and are there any singles on board? :confused:

 

I'm meeting up with family on the 25th November in Miami and have my own cabin. They are doing the transatlantic cruise from Barcelona, as well as the week cruise from Miami!

[npb]

I won a sales promotion of a Mediterranean cruise in late May 2007. Any thoughts about the number of single women 25-35 on this cruise. Paul, I will be on the Voyager. Please post when you return. Thanks

Keith