cruise alone?

[bettina]

Any women over 50 cruise with balcony cabin? Have to pay full price? Feel safe on ship and off ship? Thanks for any info!

[wales4ever]

Just booked a cruise for my mum for next may - she will be 76

[ARCruisinNana]

I have cruised solo many times including TAs. The usual price is not quite double since you only pay port charges and taxes for one. Sometimes you can find specials with only a 10-75% surcharge. This week's Tuesday sale had several sailings on Allure and Oasis with the solo price only 110%. I've always felt safe and book excursions through the cruise line or excursions organized by those on the Roll Call.

[superduper123]

Any women over 50 cruise alone? Pay full price for balcony? Feel safe on ship...and when you get off at different ports?

I am not 50(yet). I have cruised solo twice. Definitely feel safe on the ship. But I am cautious when in port, and don't venture too far alone. I don't necessarily feel unsafe, I'm just not adventurous to wander a foreign land on my own. I think if I did a ship's excursion or tour I would be fine with that.

That is just me and my comfort level.

[monn_a]

I'm turning 50 and have been cruising solo for about 7 years. Always feel safe on the ship, I do ship excursions unless I sign up for something with people on the roll call. I have ventured out on my own in ports but not often. There's a lot of freedom in solo cruising and I've met a lot of wonderful people (mostly other solo cruisers), some I cruise with from time to time.

[RevSmith]

I cruise alone, and have many friends that cruise alone. I feel very safe on cruises, and when I am in port. I go on at least 8 cruises a year and some times as many as 26. In port I don't wear expensive jewelry, don't carry a purse or money packet, don't have a camera or anything that anyone would want. I am aware of who is around me, and I don't go places that have been deemed unsafe. I drive a scooter, where a cowgirl hat and have a ball. May life always be this good.

Rev

[xxoocruiser]

Any women over 50 cruise alone? Pay full price for balcony? Feel safe on ship...and when you get off at different ports?

 

Been doing it for over 25 years. It's my preferred way to cruise.

 

If by full price you mean a 200% single supplement. No I generally never pay 200%. Rather I continuously check the website for cruises that the single supplement comes to 150% .

 

Feel just as safe on ship as at home . Generally speaking as far as the ports go there no more or less safe that back home. You have to just use common sense and follow your instincts. Beside you often meet people on the ship that you can go ashore with .

[RevSmith]

Oh I forgot, I'm 68 almost, 69, but if you counted Chinese, I am already 69 and don't mind a bit.

[sassy_mrsjay]

Im 40 and planning something for just ME.I would feel safe but careful in port Go for it!

[MERCE4]

Any women over 50 cruise with balcony cabin? Have to pay full price? Feel safe on ship and off ship? Thanks for any info!

 

Hi Bettina,

 

I had a balcony stateroom a year ago on a 12 day Mediterranean cruise on Serenade OTS. Always felt safe. Cabin steward very attentive. Great cruise. Did whatever I wanted, when I wanted. Made some lasting friends, too.

 

You can find lots of info on the solo cruisers forum here

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=373

 

Ann

[momzcruzing]

Absolutely! I'm early 60's and went on Brilliance to India as a solo. The friends I made in the CL and at dinner were wonderful. I was such an oddity that they seemed to feel sorry for me and invited me to parties, specialty restaurants and on private tours as their guest. I have never laughed so much or enjoyed a cruise more.

 

I encourage you to go for it! I am trying to ditch the family and friends who I usually cruise with to do it again. :)

[katydyd]

I'm only 45, but I've done a lot of solo cruising. I've always felt safe, and love to do it. I venture out a good bit in port by myself, but I follow the same safety rules as I do when I'm home and doing things by myself.

 

I find, generally, that the crew tend to be even more attentive when they know I'm a woman travelling solo.

[George C]

RCCL has some great rates for singles over 55 for inside room, our mother-in-law traveled with us a few times

[Robinola]

Just a couple of pointers, as I have sailed many times solo, from early young til now.

 

Honestly, I prefer an inside cabin (sorry to offend anyone, but I usually book a handicap room because it is super big and I love the huge shower). Feel much safer with an inside, and I am on deck ALL DAY!

 

I put a door jam rod in the door.

 

Do NOT be overly friendly to anyone, including staff. That's tough for me, but you have to be understated not to draw any undue attention to yourself as a solo.

 

Absolutely do NOT go venturing off by yourself anywhere. I have learned my lesson the hard way. Cab drivers trying to rob me, people trying to steal the jewelry I was wearing, and others, well, it goes on and on. And this was over the last many years. TIMES HAVE DEFINITELY CHANGED! Things are NOT safer, they are LESS safe, right? So...yes , I will continue to cruise solo, but am extra cautious as these times go on, and try to be more conscious of my surroundings.

[Virtopia]

I'm a young pup (30) but I really enjoy sailing alone and will be doing it in a few weeks on the Jewel; I'll also be flying in two days early and spending some time exploring San Juan.

 

I never feel unsafe when I'm cruising. I guard myself properly when I'm in port, whether with an excursion or just wandering around and when I go to the departure city a day or two early, I also make it a point to get back to my hotel before the sun sets.

 

Go for it and have a great time! :D

[KJL53]

I have traveled solo on 10 cruises and I love it. I usually pick the best priced cabin. I use my Diamond plus discount for a balcony and look for savings certificates for oceans. I feel very safe walking streets alone. I stay where the tourists are. I do ship excursions and ones planned through the meet and mingle groups. I have traveled 2 ta's to and from Europe, Alaska, New England,Caribbean and Pacific Coastal. At 55 I went bare back on a horse in a stream, rode ATV's, went snorkeling, whale watching and on a Segway down Lombard street in San Francisco.

My husband doesn't like cruising and I love it. I am now doing 12 cruises a year on my own.

I have met some wonderful people and have been able to meet up with them on some cruises. Just came back from Australia, New Zealand, Bora Bora and Hawaii.

Go for it, you only live once.

[superduper123]

I have traveled solo on 10 cruises and I love it. I usually pick the best priced cabin. I use my Diamond plus discount for a balcony and look for savings certificates for oceans. I feel very safe walking streets alone. I stay where the tourists are. I do ship excursions and ones planned through the meet and mingle groups. I have traveled 2 ta's to and from Europe, Alaska, New England,Caribbean and Pacific Coastal. At 55 I went bare back on a horse in a stream, rode ATV's, went snorkeling, whale watching and on a Segway down Lombard street in San Francisco.

My husband doesn't like cruising and I love it. I am now doing 12 cruises a year on my own.

I have met some wonderful people and have been able to meet up with them on some cruises. Just came back from Australia, New Zealand, Bora Bora and Hawaii.

Go for it, you only live once.

Wow, awesome! My husband doesn't cruise either. So I imagine I will continue to go to the same ports over and over again within my comfort level (Bermuda, Bahamas.) Don't ever see me doing South America or the Mediterranean by myself. Eh, not to mention I probably can't afford it anyway. :eek:

[JosieCat-MN]

Absolutely do NOT go venturing off by yourself anywhere. I have learned my lesson the hard way. Cab drivers trying to rob me, people trying to steal the jewelry I was wearing, and others, well, it goes on and on. And this was over the last many years. TIMES HAVE DEFINITELY CHANGED! Things are NOT safer, they are LESS safe, right? So...yes , I will continue to cruise solo, but am extra cautious as these times go on, and try to be more conscious of my surroundings.

 

OK, you're kind of freaking me out here. I am going solo in October, and did plan to catch a cab in Nassau to the Atlantis Casino. Could you be more specific about cab drivers trying to rob you. Do I need to worry about getting into a cab by myself.

 

I mean I already plan on being cautious. My sea pass, license, and credit card will be in my small cross body bag. My cash will go in my bra :)

[mpoole3]

I'm (28) and cruise solo at least once a year, never feel unsafe. Also, as previous said look for solo rates from 110%-150%. I stay away from that 200% rates.

 

Please be sure to check out the solo cruises section on CC.

 

 

-Michael

[kc320]

OK, you're kind of freaking me out here. I am going solo in October, and did plan to catch a cab in Nassau to the Atlantis Casino. Could you be more specific about cab drivers trying to rob you. Do I need to worry about getting into a cab by myself.

 

I mean I already plan on being cautious. My sea pass, license, and credit card will be in my small cross body bag. My cash will go in my bra :)

 

You will be fine in Nassau...most of the time the cab driver's there try to "load" up the van or cab so you will most likely end up in a group anyhow.

[kc320]

I've cruised solo several times...sometimes in a balcony...sometimes just an ocean view...I've also traveled solo to Vegas, Washington DC & will be going to Niagara Falls, Ca in Oct...

 

I leave my valuables at home...keep my money & personal items close to me...and keep aware of my surroundings...I research where I am going & what I plan to do ahead of time either here on CC or Trip Advisor...it is a great help with finding any area's to avoid...

 

Yes...bad things can happen on a cruise or other vacation...they can also happen right in your own home...I'd rather travel & be aware than to sit home worrying about what "might" happen...

[138east]

Ask your question about Nassau on the ports of call board. I didn't go to Atlantis, but it seemed to me that at the pier they were filling cabs up with folks going different places, so sharing a ride is a good option. I didn't feel uncomfortable in Nassau - I did a short walking tour downtown by myself.

 

Personally I can't imagine wearing any kind of jewelry off ship except my cheap watch. I take my sea pass card, photo ID (in my case a passport card because I'd rather lose that than a driver's license), one credit card, and a small amount of cash in my pockets. I know I look like a tourist, but I don't want to look like a well-heeled tourist.

 

I always try to make friends on the roll call and join private excursions if they are planned. I've also organized excursions - it's not that difficult to do. I've met a lot of solo 50+ women on my cruises and we have had a great time.

[nanwel]

I am 65, have been travelling on cruises and land for 10 years solo. and been very fortunate to never have a problem.

I try to be aware of my surroundings (had to have the person on the door look for me when I arrived and there was rioting there). But was told the tourist are our income - you are not the problem, and most locals will help you if you need them.

I always take a balcony - I am cannot been in a closed room!! If I want to talk to people, never find that a problem, if I want to be alone I sit on my own balc.

If you go on a long walk alone, and want to get back to the ship, I suggest you go to any hotel lobby and ask them to get you a taxi (tip them $2 to do so) they usually have a taxi waiting for them to call.

If you need to look up where you are on a map, try to be in a very public place so you are not a target. if you do not feel safe in an area, get out of there! But get the OMG look look off your face! They are not watching you unless you draw attention to yourself!

Been to Nassau, alone for 4 nights - walked all over,no problem. Taxi was fine too.

Found they group you in NY from hotel to airport - works for me - got to talk to nice people.

I never take a large amount of cash - put a little in my pocket, and take 1 ccard, sea pass and a photo of my drivers lic and passport.

I have been on many c lines, and never had any problem with staff - they are trained to be as friendly or buisness like as you want - up to you!! They are usually too busy to spend a lot of time in your room visiting - I love to eat breakfast in my room, so after breakfast, i go for a walk. The room is almost always made up when I return.

Relax, people travel single all the time, and really, nobody cares!

[cynt]

I did my 1st solo in July 2013. LOVED IT! As everyone else said use common sense. If something doesn't feel right get out of there! I booked excursions through the ship just for safety reasons. I usualy cruise with family or friends and book excursions thru local vendors online. So it irked me to pay the cruise excursion prices but i looked at it as safety is priceless.

 

I kept cash, CC, seapass card, ID in my bra and other stuff in my cross body bag.

 

Go and have a BLAST!!!

[monn_a]

You will be fine in Nassau...most of the time the cab driver's there try to "load" up the van or cab so you will most likely end up in a group anyhow.

Exactly don't be scared, it's fear that makes you not be aware and makes you a target. You just have to always be aware. I've been to places that people always warn you about (alone) and I have yet to have a problem. The worst thing that has every happened was I was approached for drugs in St. Maarten and Nassau. In St. Maarten I was on a segway tour and they approached everyone in the group...:)...just said no and they moved on