Solo Cruiser's Roll Call

[taznremmy]

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!!

[debenson0723]

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.

[OctoberLace]

On 3/29/2021 at 12:27 PM, aVacation4me said:

All time best cruise was solo to Alaska! A little 70th birthday splurge, aft concierge cabin on Celebrity Solstice. I loved it, was treated like royalty. as far as dining, there were many options...could sit alone at my window side table, ask to be seated with a random group, eat at the buffet, or choose room service. I ate many meals, by choice, on my (larger than those beside mine, 2152) balcony...yes, food was hot when it arrived. Loved the buffet for breakfast and sometimes lunch because of the variety, but dinner on the balcony or MDR was the best (MDR with and w/o the company of others). I was welcomed by the small groups on the Juneau whale watching tour and on the sea plane tour in Ketchikan. Dining with new groups was always a good time, and I was often invited by those I sat with to have drinks with them afterwords. Staff was the best, catering to my every whim, such a pleasure! I met with the concierge manager and we got along so well he sent me flowers and chocolate covered strwberries, and the young man even escorted me to my seat for dinner one evening, where two ladies my age sitting nearby were obviously jealous, one uttered, "well, la de dah." (their reaction was very satisfying, thank you). Loved that I went where I wanted, when I wanted, and best of all, could keep my cabin cold, which I prefer. Embrace the solo trip, smile at everyone, and for timid folk, I guarantee the solo trip will be a great experience.

I'm so glad you enjoyed your Solo Cruise for your 70th Birthday, as I'm about to do the same. I'm booked on Celebrity Edge doing the Eastern Caribbean at the end of October in one of their Single Infinite Verandah cabins.  My late husband and I cruised the Southern/Eastern Caribbean many times, so it's familiar territory, and I can focus on enjoying the sea.  I even treated myself to a 7 day pass to the SEA Thermal Suites.  

[coastcat]

3 hours ago, OctoberLace said:

I'm so glad you enjoyed your Solo Cruise for your 70th Birthday, as I'm about to do the same. I'm booked on Celebrity Edge doing the Eastern Caribbean at the end of October in one of their Single Infinite Verandah cabins.  My late husband and I cruised the Southern/Eastern Caribbean many times, so it's familiar territory, and I can focus on enjoying the sea.  I even treated myself to a 7 day pass to the SEA Thermal Suites.  

Could you please report back on the Single Infinite Veranda experience? I have one booked on Edge for next March. I'd also love to hear about the thermal suite; I'm a big fan of the NCL version and wonder if the Celebrity version is also worth the money.

[Joanne G.]

On 6/24/2021 at 8:20 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.

That is my biggest concern - meals, especially dinner.  I have several solo cruises booked in 2022, so I better figure out what I want to do for meals.   

 

A couple of the cruises are on NCL, which has no fixed dining times.  And my most recent experience on NCL is that they no longer ask if you want to share a table.  Even if I said I would like to share, that would only work if others coming to eat at the same time also made that request.   The last thing I would want would be to be put at a table with a group who did not request others to join them.   I would rather eat alone in my cabin than feel like I was unwelcome in a group.

 

The other couple cruises are on Carnival.  My travel agent put me down for anytime dining, as that's what my sister and I have done for years.   For my solo cruises, now I think I should change that and request a big table, though I never liked the too-early or too-late choice for fixed dining.   

 

My cruises are next year, so I have time to think about it - and perhaps to make some connections on the roll calls.   

[coastcat]

1 hour ago, Joanne G. said:

That is my biggest concern - meals, especially dinner.  I have several solo cruises booked in 2022, so I better figure out what I want to do for meals.   

 

A couple of the cruises are on NCL, which has no fixed dining times.  And my most recent experience on NCL is that they no longer ask if you want to share a table.  Even if I said I would like to share, that would only work if others coming to eat at the same time also made that request.   The last thing I would want would be to be put at a table with a group who did not request others to join them.   I would rather eat alone in my cabin than feel like I was unwelcome in a group.

 

The other couple cruises are on Carnival.  My travel agent put me down for anytime dining, as that's what my sister and I have done for years.   For my solo cruises, now I think I should change that and request a big table, though I never liked the too-early or too-late choice for fixed dining.   

 

My cruises are next year, so I have time to think about it - and perhaps to make some connections on the roll calls.   

Regarding NCL - there is a staff-hosted solo gathering every day. It’s not limited to ships with solo cabins! If there is sufficient interest, the host will arrange a reserved table & time at one of the MDRs. They may also set up group outings to evening shows. The gatherings would also be an opportunity to connect with others and perhaps arrange group dinners at the specialty restaurants. 

[OctoberLace]

On 6/26/2021 at 12:16 PM, coastcat said:

Could you please report back on the Single Infinite Veranda experience? I have one booked on Edge for next March. I'd also love to hear about the thermal suite; I'm a big fan of the NCL version and wonder if the Celebrity version is also worth the money.

Absolutely, Coastcat!  I'm quite interested to see how I like the Edge and the Infinite Verandah as well.  As for the Thermal Suite, I had a pass to the Holland America Thermal Suite on a Panama Canal Cruise and really enjoyed that.  The Edge version has so much more, so I'm sure I'll make good use of the 7 day pass.

 

[PhD-iva]

I just booked a classic state room on Uniworld’s 10 August 2021 highlights of eastern Europe river cruise. They currently have a sale that waives the single supplement for selected 2021 cruises. Sale ends 30th of June. From what I could see, it’s double the single pricing on sailings that are on sale, but that’s half off the regular prices. In the end, a single pays half of a regular double occupancy fare (I hope that makes sense). 

[jimdee3636]

3 hours ago, PhD-iva said:

I just booked a classic state room on Uniworld’s 10 August 2021 highlights of eastern Europe river cruise. They currently have a sale that waives the single supplement for selected 2021 cruises. Sale ends 30th of June. From what I could see, it’s double the single pricing on sailings that are on sale, but that’s half off the regular prices. In the end, a single pays half of a regular double occupancy fare (I hope that makes sense). 

PhD-iva:

It sounds like you've hit what I call the Cruiser's Trifecta: an itinerary you like, on a cruise line you like, for a price that seems reasonable. 

Too often, cruisers focus only on the price or on the percentage of the single supplement. A cruise is not a bargain if the itinerary bores you or the cruise line isn't the right one for you.

Have a great time! You'll soon be making your packing list.

Jim

[MorganClark]

On 6/26/2021 at 1:16 PM, coastcat said:

Could you please report back on the Single Infinite Veranda experience? I have one booked on Edge for next March. I'd also love to hear about the thermal suite; I'm a big fan of the NCL version and wonder if the Celebrity version is also worth the money.

 

I'm booked on Celebrity Edge in a SIV on Oct 2nd. I'll let you know how it was.

[VOYOV]

I'm french solo cruiser on Radiance of the seas 24 dec 21 , 

Any time dining , I hope large table to share .

First on RCC 

 

[MorganClark]

2 hours ago, VOYOV said:

I'm french solo cruiser on Radiance of the seas 24 dec 21 , 

Any time dining , I hope large table to share .

First on RCC 

 

 

Christmas cruise, nice. From what port and where is the cruise going? I'll be on a Christmas cruise as well; Mardi Gras (Carnival), Dec 18-26, 2021 out of Port Canaveral, Fla.

[Martha_74]

Adventure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Sept. 11 2021

 

My first cruise alone and my first cruise since 2016.  I cruised a lot before that, on Cunard, Celebrity, RC, Windstar, MSC, but have not done anything since my husband passed away four years ago.  I have missed being on the ocean and I LOVE RC, so am really looking forward to this trip!

 

 

[VOYOV]

16 hours ago, Martha_74 said:

Adventure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Sept. 11 2021

 

My first cruise alone and my first cruise since 2016.  I cruised a lot before that, on Cunard, Celebrity, RC, Windstar, MSC, but have not done anything since my husband passed away four years ago.  I have missed being on the ocean and I LOVE RC, so am really looking forward to this trip!

 

 

Hello Martha , surely you will spend a very good cruise on Aventure of the Seas .

My husband passed away two years ago , the last cruises we made together  were Antartica and Canaria Islands on Celebrity , such good moments !

We have to live again , after all these sad monthes .

Christmas and New Year on a cruise , alone ...... I hope meet new smiling  faces , new islands and a new ship, sure a good cruise !

 

[samsnj]

On 7/1/2021 at 4:05 PM, Martha_74 said:

Adventure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Sept. 11 2021

 

My first cruise alone and my first cruise since 2016.  I cruised a lot before that, on Cunard, Celebrity, RC, Windstar, MSC, but have not done anything since my husband passed away four years ago.  I have missed being on the ocean and I LOVE RC, so am really looking forward to this trip!

 

 

You therefore should enjoy your solo cruise and probable meet other solo cruisers along the way !

[MorganClark]

On 7/1/2021 at 4:05 PM, Martha_74 said:

Adventure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Sept. 11 2021

 

My first cruise alone and my first cruise since 2016.  I cruised a lot before that, on Cunard, Celebrity, RC, Windstar, MSC, but have not done anything since my husband passed away four years ago.  I have missed being on the ocean and I LOVE RC, so am really looking forward to this trip!

 

 

 

Hi Martha. I'm going solo on Adventure of the Seas in a couple of weeks (July 17th). My condolences  about your husband but it is good that you are getting back out there on the ocean. I am new to the solo cruising world but I can tell you, of all the cruise lines (as far as booking cruises go), RCI (and Celebrity) are the most "solo friendly". That's why the majority of my first 8 cruises booked are with RCI.

 

I'll break in the Adventure of the Seas for you for your Sept 11th cruise...

[cruiseelady]

Hi everyone. I am going on MSC Maraviglia August 6-9th solo.  I missed cruising so much and the price was amazing for this cruise.  So I went ahead and booked it today.   

[GTVCRUISER]

Just booked Koningsdam ,7 nights departing October 10, 2021 out of San Diego , Pacific Coastal Cruise 

[coastcat]

After cancelling MSC Divina in October and NCL Bliss's Christmas week cruise, I've got four 2021 cruises booked: NCL Encore in August, Majestic Princess in September, and the pairing of Carnival Radiance (3-day) & Navigator OTS (4-day).

 

And then... someone posted a graphic of the NCL restart dates. Oh look, Bliss is returning to service at the end of October on the Mexican Riviera route. Prices aren't bad and I do have a CruiseNext and some leftover FCC... but no, that would be silly, right?

 

Now I have five 2021 cruises booked.

[MorganClark]

4 hours ago, coastcat said:

After cancelling MSC Divina in October and NCL Bliss's Christmas week cruise, I've got four 2021 cruises booked: NCL Encore in August, Majestic Princess in September, and the pairing of Carnival Radiance (3-day) & Navigator OTS (4-day).

 

And then... someone posted a graphic of the NCL restart dates. Oh look, Bliss is returning to service at the end of October on the Mexican Riviera route. Prices aren't bad and I do have a CruiseNext and some leftover FCC... but no, that would be silly, right?

 

Now I have five 2021 cruises booked.

 

Dang @coastcat! I was tied with you at 4 cruises booked in 2021 (Adventure OTS in a week, Celebrity Edge 10/2, Oasis OTS 11/7 & Mardi Gras 12/18) but you just went ahead of me by booking your Norwegian Bliss cruise. Do I need to book #5 to regain the tie? Hmmm... 🤔

[ericfromri]

4 hours ago, coastcat said:

After cancelling MSC Divina in October and NCL Bliss's Christmas week cruise, I've got four 2021 cruises booked: NCL Encore in August, Majestic Princess in September, and the pairing of Carnival Radiance (3-day) & Navigator OTS (4-day).

 

And then... someone posted a graphic of the NCL restart dates. Oh look, Bliss is returning to service at the end of October on the Mexican Riviera route. Prices aren't bad and I do have a CruiseNext and some leftover FCC... but no, that would be silly, right?

 

Now I have five 2021 cruises booked.

why did you cancel Divina?  im on her for 56 days b2b starting in november.

[coastcat]

4 hours ago, ericfromri said:

why did you cancel Divina?  im on her for 56 days b2b starting in november.

I didn’t want to deal with the MSC protocols. I’ve also decided to hold off until I’m Platinum on NCL (which I think will happen after completing the September transatlantic) in order to get that status match by MSC. 

 

Divina looks like a splendid ship, though. Please let us know what you think! 

[ericfromri]

8 minutes ago, coastcat said:

I didn’t want to deal with the MSC protocols. I’ve also decided to hold off until I’m Platinum on NCL (which I think will happen after completing the September transatlantic) in order to get that status match by MSC. 

 

Divina looks like a splendid ship, though. Please let us know what you think! 

ok, did a 21 day back in 2019 on divina and it was just ok  status matched me to diamond so i know what you mean, the benefits are pretty good.  got a very good price for 56 days b5b so i made it part of 209 days b2b to  get over the last 1 1/2 years boredom

Edited July 10, 2021 by ericfromri

[coastcat]

4 hours ago, MorganClark said:

 

Dang @coastcat! I was tied with you at 4 cruises booked in 2021 (Adventure OTS in a week, Celebrity Edge 10/2, Oasis OTS 11/7 & Mardi Gras 12/18) but you just went ahead of me by booking your Norwegian Bliss cruise. Do I need to book #5 to regain the tie? Hmmm... 🤔

LOL!

 

I had decided that yes, it would be silly to book the Bliss cruise. And then I when I got the daily mail, there was an unexpected refund check (pre-paid services on a car I traded in earlier this year, forgot all about it!) which was about the same amount as a Studio plus beverage/dining package gratuities.
 

Clearly the universe wanted me to take the Bliss cruise. 
 

Slightly bummed that I won’t be on the March Edge cruise in a Single Infinite Veranda. Very happy that I’ll be on the January Edge cruise in an aft balcony for about $600 less. Oddly enough, flights to Fort Lauderdale are also significantly cheaper in late January than during Spring Break, go figure…

[MorganClark]

1 hour ago, coastcat said:

LOL!

 

I had decided that yes, it would be silly to book the Bliss cruise. And then I when I got the daily mail, there was an unexpected refund check (pre-paid services on a car I traded in earlier this year, forgot all about it!) which was about the same amount as a Studio plus beverage/dining package gratuities.
 

Clearly the universe wanted me to take the Bliss cruise. 
 

Slightly bummed that I won’t be on the March Edge cruise in a Single Infinite Veranda. Very happy that I’ll be on the January Edge cruise in an aft balcony for about $600 less. Oddly enough, flights to Fort Lauderdale are also significantly cheaper in late January than during Spring Break, go figure…

 

I'll be on Celebrity Edge in a Single Infinite Veranda (SIV) on Oct 2nd. I'll let you know how it was. I'm also booked on Celebrity Apex in Dec 2022. Eventually, I also want to book the Celebrity Beyond. Btw, Beyond is supposed to have 32 SIV staterooms! Apex has 24 SIVs and Edge has 16 SIVs.

Edited July 10, 2021 by MorganClark