DSJ28 Posted March 31, 2021 #3601 Share Posted March 31, 2021 On 3/29/2021 at 2:10 PM, farmersfight said: I saw your other post about this in the "POST Single supplement/Solo bargains HERE" thread (which I replied to). Again, congrats and I hope she sails! Hi Mr Awesome Future Cruise guy! I am trying to get my list to be half as glorious as yours. I've scheduled two trips after my solo, both with friends. I'm looking forward to them, but this solo trip feels...I don't know... special. Like I've got a date with my favorite person...ME!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmersfight Posted March 31, 2021 #3602 Share Posted March 31, 2021 2 minutes ago, DSJ28 said: Hi Mr Awesome Future Cruise guy! I am trying to get my list to be half as glorious as yours. I've scheduled two trips after my solo, both with friends. I'm looking forward to them, but this solo trip feels...I don't know... special. Like I've got a date with my favorite person...ME!! "Mr. Awesome Future Cruise guy", wow, thanks (I'm blushing). All my future booked cruises have been made possible by me being retired (all that free time on my hands), my decision to make cruising my RAOC (retired activity of choice) and me being addicted to ships. Well, I recently booked cruise #12 & 13 (Ovation OTS). Cruise #14 (Ovation OTS from Honolulu to Vancouver) is "on my radar" and will be booked as soon as RCI opens up the booking calender out that far. Thanks again for the compliment regarding the length of my future (booked) cruise list! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSJ28 Posted March 31, 2021 #3603 Share Posted March 31, 2021 3 minutes ago, farmersfight said: "Mr. Awesome Future Cruise guy", wow, thanks (I'm blushing). All my future booked cruises have been made possible by me being retired (all that free time on my hands), my decision to make cruising my RAOC (retired activity of choice) and me being addicted to ships. Well, I recently booked cruise #12 & 13 (Ovation OTS). Cruise #14 (Ovation OTS from Honolulu to Vancouver) is "on my radar" and will be booked as soon as RCI opens up the booking calender out that far. Thanks again for the compliment regarding the length of my future (booked) cruise list! Excellent! Well deserved retirement time, I'm sure! Which cruise are you most looking forward to? I see you have two transatlantic trips planned. There's nothing better than sea days to me - so of course, this is on my short list for 2023. I want to fly to Europe and cruise home. I've reached a point in my career where I can take 3 or 4 weeks off if I plan far enough in advance and with limited access for urgent business matters. After this first solo trip, I'll know better if I am comfortable doing a TA solo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmersfight Posted March 31, 2021 #3604 Share Posted March 31, 2021 (edited) 16 minutes ago, DSJ28 said: Excellent! Well deserved retirement time, I'm sure! Which cruise are you most looking forward to? I see you have two transatlantic trips planned. There's nothing better than sea days to me - so of course, this is on my short list for 2023. I want to fly to Europe and cruise home. I've reached a point in my career where I can take 3 or 4 weeks off if I plan far enough in advance and with limited access for urgent business matters. After this first solo trip, I'll know better if I am comfortable doing a TA solo. I have 2 TA's planned? Wow, I need to go back and look at my list; I've lost track, lol. As far as the cruise I am most looking forward to; I'd have to say the last one I booked- the Ovation OTS B2B (which will become a B2B2B). 10-day NZ cruise followed by a 17-day TP from Sydney to Honolulu. Now I need to get from Honolulu to Vancouver (the cruise that is "on my radar"). Edited March 31, 2021 by farmersfight 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summerstravel Posted April 8, 2021 #3605 Share Posted April 8, 2021 Solo cruised booked on the Norwegian Joy out of Jamaica on September 11 2021. My 4th cruise was cancelled from a US port so I am going to try something different. This will be my first solo cruise and first time in Jamaica. I plan on staying a few nights in Jamaica pre cruise. The prices are really good for this cruise so I booked a balcony. Tracie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmersfight Posted April 8, 2021 #3606 Share Posted April 8, 2021 20 hours ago, Summerstravel said: Solo cruised booked on the Norwegian Joy out of Jamaica on September 11 2021. My 4th cruise was cancelled from a US port so I am going to try something different. This will be my first solo cruise and first time in Jamaica. I plan on staying a few nights in Jamaica pre cruise. The prices are really good for this cruise so I booked a balcony. Tracie I think we're on the same frequency Tracie, as I recently booked the Norwegian Gem out of Dominican Republic on September 12, 2021. Again, same as you, this will be my first solo cruise and I booked a balcony. Here's a difference; I'll be staying 4 nights (vice a few) in the Dominican Republic pre-cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTVCRUISER Posted May 27, 2021 #3607 Share Posted May 27, 2021 Just booked the Koningsdam Dec.5 2021 out of San Diego to Mexico 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastcat Posted May 27, 2021 #3608 Share Posted May 27, 2021 Oh, so many changes… to my great amusement, there is only one cruise I had booked for this year that is still on the schedule. Of all cruises, it’s the weekend Carnival Radiance sailing - the one I booked just because I thought it would be funny to see how I coped with a weekend cruise. I was booked for the Jamaica debut of Joy but changed that in favor of the August 7 Bliss debut; a week later the Joy sailings were cancelled anyway. All my travel arrangements were refundable so no harm done (although not all the Joy passengers can say that, unfortunately). The current 2021 lineup: August 7, NCL Bliss to Alaska, Studio September 5, Majestic Princess to Alaska, obstructed balcony December 3, Carnival Radiance to Mexico, small interior December 6, Navigator of the Seas to Mexico, promenade view interior (I cancelled both the October MSC and Christmas NCL cruises because 2022 is going to be expensive…) 2022: February, Mariner of the Seas, western Caribbean, aft balcony March, Celebrity Edge to Eastern Caribbean, Single Infinite Veranda May, Carnival Magic, Eastern Caribbean, cove balcony June (lift & shift from 2021), Quantum OTS to Alaska, Studio Balcony September, NCL Prima inaugural transatlantic, Studio NCL FCC covers all the Bliss cruise plus a good chunk of the Prima one. I’ve got 2020 pricing on Quantum, thank goodness. Now, where the heck did I store my cruise gear? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Crew News Posted May 28, 2021 #3609 Share Posted May 28, 2021 Just found this thread and thought a Holland America Line (HAL) point of view might be helpful to those solos planning future cruises. I have been a solo cruiser since 2016 and find that my cruise time is filled with gathering information for my "Live from.the.." thread I post each day on the Holland America Forum. Armed with my portable scanner, I collect dining and bar menus, special events fliers, and Shops liquor price lists. Once in awhile, I will take my infrared thermometer to check minibar and Room Service food temps to factually contribute to HAL Forum discussions. My information gathering has brought a lot of interaction with crew members who remember me on subsequent cruises. It also earned me a thumb drive with more than 2400 HAL recipes. Paying the 100% solo surcharge of 100% on HAL is not enjoyable but necessary. The Carnival Cruise Line stockholders on board credit (OBC) is a nice plus when it is not shared with a traveling partner. After many HAL cruises and frequent interaction with the crew, I have learned a lot of tips to enhance my cruising experiences. My hobby and reason for cruising is searching for interesting-photograph subjects in ports so the ship is not my destination and needs only to be a comfortable respite when port photography is ended. That being said, a covered aft balcony where I can take photos of the scenery on both sides of the ship is a huge ship plus to me. The latter translates to fully-covered Deck 5 balconies on Vista-class HAL ships, especially in Alaska. I have met many solos through HAL roll calls who just want a good/relaxing vacation and the ship is everything to them. Solos can have amazing times even if they never leave the ship. Like me, add a purpose to seek information that you can share with others. Many spend their cruise time managing families and don't have the time to gather that a solo does. Keep a little notebook with you to record useful tips, amazing menu items, packing tips, etc. that you can share here on CC. Also record crew names so that if you see them again, they will remember you for asking their names. Drop a Comment card at the Front Desk as soon as possible (not at the end of the cruise). Their smile of gratitude will brighten your day. My most interesting dining event occurred at a large table with bot solos and couples. A solo Polish surgeon, covered in expensive jewelry (several rings on each finger, bracelets, and necklaces) admitted to cruising to meet her seventh husband. The previous six all died of natural causes. As a solo, I have learned to seize the moment to not only enjoy myself but to give a bit of advice to my fellow cruisers when I return. My upcoming cruises on HAL are Caribbean in both Nov and Dec this year, Pacific Coastal and Alaska April 2022, and Panama Canal Nov 23. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastcat Posted May 28, 2021 #3610 Share Posted May 28, 2021 1 hour ago, Crew News said: Many spend their cruise time managing families and don't have the time to gather that a solo does. I think that's one of the joys of cruising solo. I'm not coordinating schedules or making compromises. It's a chance to focus on doing things I want to do, including nothing at all. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted May 28, 2021 #3611 Share Posted May 28, 2021 8 hours ago, coastcat said: I think that's one of the joys of cruising solo. I'm not coordinating schedules or making compromises. It's a chance to focus on doing things I want to do, including nothing at all. I echo you 100%👍.....besides, in my case, I have nobody to travel with so it is really good I love going on my own! 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enyliram Posted May 31, 2021 #3612 Share Posted May 31, 2021 hi sailing solo on regal princess dec 4 2021. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gailellen12 Posted June 1, 2021 #3613 Share Posted June 1, 2021 I will be solo on the Viking Orion cruise around Bermuda that begins on August 3. I have done solos before so no problem. Teaching this year was quite exhausting - even though I am only part time. Looking forward to my time (planned and unplanned) on this luxurious ship. Gailellen12 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted June 1, 2021 #3614 Share Posted June 1, 2021 Hi Solos, it is JUNE😃 and so now I can say, I SAIL NEXT MONTH👍😃🙂 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midwestern Cruiser Posted June 7, 2021 #3615 Share Posted June 7, 2021 Just booked a HAL B2B! Great deal on Nieuw Amsterdam Feb 19 & 26 (buy separately). Hope I'll bump into some of you there :-} 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reeinaz Posted June 10, 2021 #3616 Share Posted June 10, 2021 NCL Breakaway 9/26/21 NYC to Bermuda CCL Horizon B2B 12/5 and 12/11 Miami to western and southern Caribbean CCL Conquest 1/17/22 Miami to Bahamas NCL Jewel 3/2/22 Panama Canal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
journeymore Posted June 13, 2021 #3617 Share Posted June 13, 2021 Celebrity Apex December 27th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTVCRUISER Posted June 15, 2021 #3618 Share Posted June 15, 2021 I am addicted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alviriv1 Posted June 17, 2021 #3619 Share Posted June 17, 2021 RCI Brilliance of the Seas - January 13, 2022. Looking forward to a relaxing trip with no kids or husband to worry about. Just doing what I want when I want, no schedules and no keeping up with other's needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted June 17, 2021 #3620 Share Posted June 17, 2021 29 minutes ago, alviriv1 said: RCI Brilliance of the Seas - January 13, 2022. Looking forward to a relaxing trip with no kids or husband to worry about. Just doing what I want when I want, no schedules and no keeping up with other's needs. Sounds like my kind of cruise too🙂 it is my way every time........LOL I have no husband or kids. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Malamel Posted June 21, 2021 #3621 Share Posted June 21, 2021 I’ll be on my 3rd solo cruise in a few short months! NCL Breakaway 9/26 to Bermuda, I can’t wait, it’s been 3 years since the last one! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebrownbook Posted June 25, 2021 #3622 Share Posted June 25, 2021 On 3/28/2021 at 10:09 PM, taznremmy said: I remember my first solo cruise. Pictures being taken, everyone seemed to be "coupled up"....It was definitely outside of my comfort zone. Now, I wouldn't cruise any other way. I have had friends travel with me, sharing a cabin; now when they say "can I come" my response is "sure.....but get your own cabin". To me, it is the perfect way for a solo person to travel to locations I would have otherwise not gotten to see. Enjoy!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebrownbook Posted June 25, 2021 #3623 Share Posted June 25, 2021 It's way out of my comfort zone. I live alone quite happily, but meals would be a sad time for me on a ship. Normally at home I eat in front of the tv or computer, but don't see much point of staying in my cabin to eat room service, and I am too shy to join others. Often the solo dinner events are empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taznremmy Posted June 25, 2021 #3624 Share Posted June 25, 2021 37 minutes ago, littlebrownbook said: It's way out of my comfort zone. I live alone quite happily, but meals would be a sad time for me on a ship. Normally at home I eat in front of the tv or computer, but don't see much point of staying in my cabin to eat room service, and I am too shy to join others. Often the solo dinner events are empty. Request a dinner table for 8. You will meet some wonderful, welcoming people. Others may be traveling solo also. Step out of your comfort zone…it has some great rewards! Good luck!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare debenson0723 Posted June 26, 2021 #3625 Share Posted June 26, 2021 On 6/24/2021 at 6:20 PM, littlebrownbook said: It's way out of my comfort zone. I live alone quite happily, but meals would be a sad time for me on a ship. Normally at home I eat in front of the tv or computer, but don't see much point of staying in my cabin to eat room service, and I am too shy to join others. Often the solo dinner events are empty. I used to be like that also but once I got out of my comfort zone it was well worth it. Not easy but you just have to take that first step. I will usually take a notebook, some light reading or a tablet to dinner. I figure why should I deny myself a nice meal just because I am alone? I just booked today a solo cruise on the NCL Encore to Alaska and am so excited. I want to do nothing but relax, look at the beautiful scenery, enjoy a few cocktails and dine in the specialty restaurants. If I meet someone on board to share a meal, that's great but I will be fine alone. Join the roll call for your cruise and make plans to meet someone on board. If you hit it off, invite them to dinner and even if that doesn't work out, it's only a couple of hours out of your day. I am going on a Barcelona to Athens cruise in November with a group of solo cruisers that I have met on my other cruises. We will do some things together and some on our own, which is typically what I do even when cruising with someone. I hope you are able to step out just a little...I think you will be pleasantly surprised. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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