Advise needed from solo cruisers

[Ms. T]

My cabin mate may flake on our cruise & not go...Can't find anyone to take their place.

Little nervous about going solo.:eek:

Not sure if I should go alone (security issues) or just cancel my cruise :( :confused:

 

What's your experience cruising solo...the good & bad experiences welcomed

[Lois R]

My cabin mate may flake on our cruise & not go...Can't find anyone to take their place.

Little nervous about going solo.:eek:

Not sure if I should go alone (security issues) or just cancel my cruise :( :confused:

 

What's your experience cruising solo...the good & bad experiences welcomed

 

Hi, I have been sailing solo for 10 years and I LOVE IT:D:)...

I feel very safe and have never had any security issues and would

urge you to go and have a wonderful time!

Heck, If I didn't go solo? I would never go...and that is not an option

for me......I am totally addicted to cruising and try to sail 2-3 times

a year! (Yes, all solo)! I have lived on my own for almost my entire

life...sharing a cabin? No thanks....I love my own space too much to

give it up.

Cancel? NEVER:)......go....go and have a blast!

[crusinpsychRN]

Solo is the BEST! You do what you want when you want to. A single seat in the theater is easy to find even if you go late. Usually you'll get seated with other solos in MDR.

 

One issue that's been brought up on this board is how to get suntan lotion on your back--answer is use spray stuff. Not a big problem.

 

No one to have to share the bathroom with.

 

Quiet.

 

Don't worry, have a blast!

 

You might want to see the Maitre d' and ask if he can put you with other solos. MDR opens for those requests about 1:30 or 2.

[Ms. T]

Hi, I have been sailing solo for 10 years and I LOVE IT:D:)...

I feel very safe and have never had any security issues and would

urge you to go and have a wonderful time!

Heck, If I didn't go solo? I would never go...and that is not an option

for me......I am totally addicted to cruising and try to sail 2-3 times

a year! (Yes, all solo)! I have lived on my own for almost my entire

life...sharing a cabin? No thanks....I love my own space too much to

give it up.

Cancel? NEVER:)......go....go and have a blast!

 

Thanks for the advice....I really want to go but my heart is heavy.

But I'm trying to declare the cruise as my "New independence" cruise

my heart hasn't caught up to my head yet :(

[Lois R]

Thanks for the advice....I really want to go but my heart is heavy.

But I'm trying to declare the cruise as my "New independence" cruise

my heart hasn't caught up to my head yet :(

 

Ahhh...once you get on the ship? I bet you will feel differently:)

It is so awesome:D

[Calmcat]

Solo is the BEST! You do what you want when you want to. A single seat in the theater is easy to find even if you go late. Usually you'll get seated with other solos in MDR.

 

One issue that's been brought up on this board is how to get suntan lotion on your back--answer is use spray stuff. Not a big problem.

 

No one to have to share the bathroom with.

 

Quiet.

 

Don't worry, have a blast!

 

You might want to see the Maitre d' and ask if he can put you with other solos. MDR opens for those requests about 1:30 or 2.

 

That is so funny, because JUST TODAY I was wondering how I was going to put suntan lotion on my back, as I am cruising solo next week! Thank you for that great idea. I will also stop by the dining room as suggested.

:cool:

CalmCat

[Scrapnana]

Are you worried about security on the ship or in ports? If it is in ports, go on a ship sponsored excursion so you will not be alone. I wouldn't worry on the ship.

 

Go - you may find that solo cruising is the best!

[Calmcat]

Are you worried about security on the ship or in ports? If it is in ports, go on a ship sponsored excursion so you will not be alone. I wouldn't worry on the ship.

 

Go - you may find that solo cruising is the best!

 

No, for me personally, I'm not worried about security. I'm looking forward to the adventure of it all, and the magic that happens when you go with the flow. Ha ha, no pun intended.

I am on a cruise excursion out of Freeport. In Nassau, I am somewhat familiar with the island as I vacationed there 2 years ago for a week.

CalmCat

:cool:

[selma]

My cabin mate may flake on our cruise & not go...Can't find anyone to take their place.

Little nervous about going solo.:eek:

Not sure if I should go alone (security issues) or just cancel my cruise :( :confused:

 

What's your experience cruising solo...the good & bad experiences welcomed

 

 

How often in daily life do you get a day, a full 24 hours where you have to do nothing. And the whole 24 hours you can spent focussing on and only thinking about yourself. Only doing what you want, including doing nothing if that is what you feel like? Eat what you like, sleep when you like, do whatever you want with no need to compromise with others around you?Now do that times the amount of days the cruise is long.

 

THAT is why I travel solo, including cruising, extensively. Just me, myself and I. I love my friends and family, but I also love myself and do very well on giving myself time to pamper myself and no need to compromis any wish or desire simply because there is no travel companion. :)

 

Safety? Not a factor that should stop you. It can be a factor to take some precautions, just like you would at home when out and about alone. Normal sane stuff like not being alone in a dark unlight area. Some destinations can be less safe, whether solo or in a group. Some might be a bit more risky solo. Doing your homework will help you out in all those cases. Identifying what you might need to be aware of and how to weigh risks, what you can do to reduce them to something you feel comfy with.

 

Having said all of that? I travel solo a lot as stated, am female and have a severe disability. I've done loads, seen loads, solo. Never ever been any real problem or "asking for it". It's just like it would be when travelling with two; accessing what you might need to be aware of and go from there.

 

Enjoy! But be warned, you might love it too much. ;)

[FireMedT]

 

One issue that's been brought up on this board is how to get suntan lotion on your back--answer is use spray stuff. Not a big problem.

 

 

I think I need to practice my self suntan spray application skills! I ended up with half my back getting fried. Another day I set the spray bottle on the counter in the bathroom, reached behind my back facing away from the sink and began spraying my back as I wobbled side to side and up and down. I would not suggest this as by the time I was done the bathroom was full of suntan spray fumes and the counter and floor was very slippery! :mad: I ended up asking one of the waiters on the beach to spray my back and told him that he didn't have to touch me!

 

Thanks for the advice....I really want to go but my heart is heavy.

But I'm trying to declare the cruise as my "New independence" cruise

my heart hasn't caught up to my head yet :(

 

Ms. T, I was in a similar situation as far as having a heavy heart. I kept looking at the Carnival website 2 or 3 times a day and kept putting it off and putting it off. Missed sales that could have saved me money. The only thing holding me back was my insecurity and self doubt. Finally, I decided to do it and booked it and felt excited. A few hours later and up to the day of the cruise I was nervous. What am I going to do on my own? What will I do on shore? What about dinner? And on and on.

 

But once the day came and I got on the ship, everything changed. I wasn't nervous anymore. As I sat on the lido deck in the back of the ship having a drink of the day and a slice of pizza texting my friends "see ya when I get back!" I realized that a cruise was what I needed. And from there it was a great experience. I learned that I could do zip lines even though I don't like heights. I learned that I could scuba even though I'm a little scared of being far from the surface. I learned that I can go to shows and activities and sit at a table full of strangers and make conversation. That cruise did a lot for me and my self esteem.

 

My advise is to go! Go and have fun. Go and do what you want. Just GO! Get away from whatever is bothering you and get a change of scenery. Book a few shore excursions or research the ports and see what you can do on your own. Shore excursions are a great way to be in a group and even meet people. You don't have to be surrounded by people all the time. Sometimes you may want a few hours on your own. I used that time to reflect and think about what I want to change in my life and where I wanted my career to go. It's ok to be alone on a cruise. You don't have to go and get drunk and stay up until 3am at the nightclub every night. Unless that's what you want. And that's the point, do what you want!

 

I'm sorry for rambling but I put off traveling for a long time because I didn't have someone every time I wanted to travel. So I always made the excuse of going when I met someone special. Well, I stink at keeping gf's so now I travel on my own. Don't put off travel because you are alone. You'll miss out on a lot. :)

[Twinkstarr]

I started cruising when I was in HS with my mom(dad self employed and she got tired of him not committing to a vacation, so she figured it would be fun for us).

 

Fast Forward to 2011, kids not really interested in cruising and DH thinks it is a good idea for me to take a little "mom time". Went with my sister, huge mistake, though she has always wanted to do Canada/NE. She has the appropriate nickname of Trip Killer(given to her by my Dad).

 

So of course I had to listen to DH say I told you so, next time go by yourself. Which I did and had a ball last November on the NCL Epic.

 

It was so great to do just what I wanted when I wanted. Now to figure out where I want to go next!

[Lois R]

Quote by FireMedT:

"I put off traveling for a long time because I didn't have someone every time I wanted to travel. So I always made the excuse of going when I met someone special. Well, I stink at keeping gf's so now I travel on my own. Don't put off travel because you are alone. You'll miss out on a lot"

Hi:).....just want to respond to your post.......

Since I am the female to your male;).....not that it matters.....but I

can relate......

I have not had anyone special for many years...it is the way life

turned our and I am fine with it. The difference is, I have been cruising

alone for 10 years and I love it:D..... no excuses for me to stay

home.

I so agree with your last sentence.....don't put off travel because

you are going on your own.....there is so much to see out there:)

[Calmcat]

Ms. T:

Back in 1999, I was going to spend a week with my boyfriend traveling out west in Arizona/Nevada. He called the day before and cancelled on me. :mad:

Our plans were to travel to Sedona, AZ, then the Grand Canyon, then to Las Vegas, in a week.

I went by myself. :p

And do you know what happened? It changed the course of my life. :D

When I arrived in Sedona, I felt strongly it was my new home. I stayed in Sedona the entire week and amazing synchronistic moments kept occurring for me. (It's a very magical place.)

I never made it to the Grand Canyon or Vegas on that trip. If my boyfriend had been with me, we would have continued on with our trip. Because I was traveling solo, I made all the decisions, on what was right for me.

After spending a beautiful magical week in Sedona, I went home and announced I was moving to Sedona, by myself. Said goodbye to the boyfriend, and I moved there 2 months later and lived there for 8 years! I'm back in Maryland now, and have no regrets. Go where life leads you.

There is a reason your cabin mate has flaked out on you.

Obviously, things happen for a reason.

Why not take the bungee jump and find out? And let us know about your adventure when you get back.

Happy travels,

CalmCat

:cool:

[Lois R]

Ms. T:

Back in 1999, I was going to spend a week with my boyfriend traveling out west in Arizona/Nevada. He called the day before and cancelled on me. :mad:

Our plans were to travel to Sedona, AZ, then the Grand Canyon, then to Las Vegas, in a week.

I went by myself. :p

And do you know what happened? It changed the course of my life. :D

When I arrived in Sedona, I felt strongly it was my new home. I stayed in Sedona the entire week and amazing synchronistic moments kept occurring for me. (It's a very magical place.)

I never made it to the Grand Canyon or Vegas on that trip. If my boyfriend had been with me, we would have continued on with our trip. Because I was traveling solo, I made all the decisions, on what was right for me.

After spending a beautiful magical week in Sedona, I went home and announced I was moving to Sedona, by myself. Said goodbye to the boyfriend, and I moved there 2 months later and lived there for 8 years! I'm back in Maryland now, and have no regrets. Go where life leads you.

There is a reason your cabin mate has flaked out on you.

Obviously, things happen for a reason.

Why not take the bungee jump and find out? And let us know about your adventure when you get back.

Happy travels,

CalmCat

:cool:

 

Great story:)

[Kakidoll]

i just did my first solo and loved it! No security issues or concerns whatsoever. What line are you going on? My suggestion is join a roll call and 'meet' a few people... it makes it even more fun cuz you see people walking that you already know!

 

btw.. lived in Balto/Towson for YEARS! Miss it so much!

and yes... GO RAVENS!:D

[Virtopia]

I was hesitant booking my first solo cruise, which is why I started with a 4 nighter. I had went on trips alone before then to New York, but cruising solo was something different.

 

I came off that ship hooked with solo cruising and after my most recent experience on the Enchantment, I will be solo cruising from here on out. It's not that I didn't enjoy my company, but I've always said that I'm my best company and I realized on that sailing that I just prefer being alone when it comes to cruising.

 

I'm so looking forward to my next sailing which is solo and I'm already looking at a solo B2B for next October.

 

Do it and I promise you, you will be hooked - there's nothing like doing what you want, when you want and how you want. In my two solo cruises, I've never feared for my safety on the ship and if I didn't book a ship excursion, I became friendly with people in my roll call and joined private excursions with them.

 

I agree with those who said you can't wait to find someone to travel with - I did that for a bit of time and I'm glad I caught myself early. Atlantis was a destination on my bucket list that I checked off with my first solo cruise and I will always remember that if I waited on someone to go with, the moment wouldn't have been as special.

[zoncom]

Calm, Just be aware that your cruise price will probably go up if only one person occupies the cabin. Check it out prior to date of final payment .Happened to me once.

[wannabeavip]

I wanted to cruise when nobody else wanted to so I spent all of January reading about cruising solo on Cruise Critic and other websites. Got some good advice. In February I took the plunge, found a good deal, and booked. It was on Carnival and they charged me double. But I really always thought that somebody would join me and pay me back. Carnival said I had up to two weeks before sailing to add a roommate. Well I just got back from an 8 day cruise and I loved cruising solo. I DID EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED WHEN I WANTED TO FOR EIGHT ENTIRE DAYS! I have a long list of things I did that I could/would not have if I had had a roommate...among them, not rushing to be the first one off the airplane, trying the different kinds of cheesecake they offered every day, getting out of bed at 1:30 am to go to the casino, spending $30 on one game of Bingo, laying in the middle of the king sized bed and letting the waves rock me to sleep, keeping the tv on all night if I wanted on Ch 16 so I always knew what time it was, taking a long nap at 4 am on my balcony and letting the sun wake me up, sleeping until 1 p.m. on sea days, leaving the snoozing sign on my door for 24 hours straight, not going to the main dining room on dress up night because I did not feel like getting dressed up, using up all the closet space and being able to hang up all my clothes, leaving the room a mess if I wanted to, ...............I could go on and on. I even took work to do and had to force myself to work on it one hour per day. I usually did that while eating on the Lido Deck. When it was time to leave I said goodbye to my "little room" with sadness. Now even when I go with a group, I may just book a room by myself again. Worth every penny! Try it! You will love it.

[Faith77]

Cruising is my favorite way to travel solo. A great mix of social time and alone time and all I need to do is show up.

 

I am very security aware wherever I go and what I do on my cruises is do shore excursions through the ship (in Mexico and the PC--in Alaska and in NY-Canada ports I walked around on my own in some ports). I keep the dead bolt locked whenever I'm in the room. I felt very safe on the ship.

 

I am not the most independent traveler--I have not worked up the nerve to just go to a foreign country and travel on my own. But cruising is so easy. And I love being with the sea. I suggest you try it at least once. Faith

[don'tleavewithoutme]

As others have said, you are in for some great time of doing only what YOU want to do.

I've been married 40 years, have cruised twice with DH, twice with sister and multiple times with a gf. But my all-time favorite cruises have been solo - to Alaska, to the Baltics, and some coastals. I'm not-so-secretly planning when I can get away for another solo.

 

It's fun to be who you want to be - table mates will know only what you tell them, you can hide out and read a book or always find someone to visit with.

 

You will love it! :)

[kjrn79]

My first solo cruise was 2 years ago and it was absolutely the best vacation I ever had. As previous people have told you,you can do exactly what YOU want to without checking with or waiting for someone else. I ate where and when and what I wanted. I napped if I wanted. I got dressed up and danced with strangers. It IS easier to find a single seat for the entertainment. I called around with a woman traveling with her kids who were interested in different activities and another whose companion was only interested in the gambling. I felt fine in walking around Bermudas by?myself and enjoyed the excursions. I wholeheartedly agree...go for it!

[COMBOY]

My cabin mate may flake on our cruise & not go...Can't find anyone to take their place.

Little nervous about going solo.:eek:

Not sure if I should go alone (security issues) or just cancel my cruise :( :confused:

 

What's your experience cruising solo...the good & bad experiences welcomed

 

I can understand your concern about safety, but cruising is by far the safest way for a solo female or male to travel. Cruise ship crimes are very low. There is always a possibility of being a victim of crime; however, I think your chances are greater at home then on a cruise ship. When ashore travel in groups and stay in the main tourist area. Don't wander off alone to areas you are not familiar with. Leave valuable at home or in the your cabin's safe. You should never be alone in your cabin with your cabin steward and use your no not disturb sign when you occupied your cabin alone.

 

I've sailed many time as solo cruiser and there is no better way to travel. Not only are cruise ships great vacations; they are perfect for singles. Just make sure you have traditional fixed dining at a large table. This way you are assured you will not dine alone. In the rare chance your table companions are not compatible ask the Maitr'd to change your tables which should never be a problem. Will you meet other people during your cruise? Sure. Get out of your cabin and participate in group activities. Yes, it might mean getting out of your comfort zone, but it's the only way to meet people. Let people know your are traveling solo and if you can join them. I've rarely had anyone say no. If they do - just move on. Yes, you will have some alone time - so bring something to keep you occupied - books, MP3, magazines, sewing, crossword puzzles, etc. Learn everything you can about the ship and ports and plan, plan, plan. There is so much to do on board you'd have to work hard at being bored. Don't focus on if you will or will not meet people. You will, but even in the rare situation you don't - you will still enjoy great food, shows, fabulous ports and a staff that is always friendly and accommodating. Just because you don't have anymore to travel with does NOT mean you can't do the things you enjoy. Life is just too short. I think the biggest fear solos have is the fear of the unknown. Most solos have a very positive experience sailing by themselves.

[LadyRR]

Hi Everyone - I have sailed solo for years and have enjoyed every one of them. My first solo trip was a Perillo bus tour in Italy - I was amazed at how many single women (single and/or married) were there - As nervous as I was, once I got to Italy it was great - then I tried solo cruising and haven't looked back. I love doing what I want, whenever I want - I can be alone or with people as I choose. I don't have to compromise my vacation for anyone else. I have also cruised to Europe alone and have met fellow travellers on the cruise message boards and for the first time last year, I went on private tours with those people, but I do mostly do ship excursions. The message boards are great and all kinds of activities are organized. I'm doing a TA in November with people I met last year on my first TA. And if I had any doubt about solo cruising, last year I went with my sister - whom I love dearly - and after a week, I was convinced that solo was the only way to go from now on. People can join me if they want, but I will always have my own room. I just watch the cost for deals to try to get as inexpensive as I can.

[georgia girl16]

My advise is to just do it. You will not regret it. I went on my first cruise a year ago and it was solo. I had the best vacation, therefore, I'm going again in 18 days!!!

[TiaJ9]

This is a great post! I am in the same situation. My travel buddy just cancelled yesterday (after flaking for the past few months) for a Greek Isles & Turkey cruise we booked in December. Of course I was very disappointed because this was my dream vacation and first to Europe. I had considered canceling the entire trip. Thinking it too expensive and too scary to do alone. I have done land vacations solo before, but not a cruise. These boards have helped me decide to go ahead and do it! As someone mentioned, there is a reason why she cancelled. After the crazy work whirlwind I will be in over the next few months...a solo cruise is probably just what will be needed! I work hard so I can enjoy new experiences like this, right? RIGHT!! :-)

 

Now my dilemma is do I stick with the original trip on RCI or try out NCL? Any thoughts from folks who have traveled both are welcome.

 

 

TiaJ9

 

First time solo cruiser - October 2013

 

December 2012 - RCI - Liberty of the Seas

August 2009 - Carnival

December 2000 - Celebrity - Millenium