what's it like onboard if your single?

[Lovely other]

well it looks like i'll be cruising alone this year. just wandering what the options are for someone like me. i'm quite shy so not likely to plonk myself in the middle of things ...will it be lonely ?

[Toad]

I have been on a couple of cruises by myself and found them to be wonderfully relaxing. I read a lot, but enjoy having company when I am ready for it. It is also nice to have others to go on excursions with, and when I wanted, to enjoy a meal with, so I think you will be fine.

[Lovely other]

i don't tend to do organised excursions as i'm happy finding my own way around plus i find them too expensive for me, but someone to have dinner with is always nice. Don't want to be the sad one reading a book at her table for one ...

[RuthC]

You do have to put yourself out there to some extent if you want to meet people.

I highly recommend fixed seating, at a table of 6 or 8, so you will have the same group to get comfortable with over the course of the cruise. You are likely to get along with at least some of the people.

Join in activities that you enjoy. Go to trivia, or join in the various competitive sports, like the golf putting.

If you like to go to the show, don't be afraid to ask if an empty seat is vacant, then sit down and chat a bit with the people there. Same thing with lectures, if there are any on your cruise.

If you go to a lounge, sit at the bar instead of a table. There are others to chat with at the bar.

[Lovely other]

i can see your point ruth. i guess it'll just be a case of adjusting a bit. i wouldn't have chosen a cruise for just myself (i'd have gone hiking or something) but as it was originally for two i thought it would be fun. best not join in the golf, my idea of where i'm aiming the ball and where it is actually going is always so far off that it becomes hilarious. people often ask me why i don't use the golf course that i live next to ..if they saw me hit the ball they wouldn't need to ask :p

[Scrapnana]

i can see your point ruth. i guess it'll just be a case of adjusting a bit. i wouldn't have chosen a cruise for just myself (i'd have gone hiking or something) but as it was originally for two i thought it would be fun. best not join in the golf, my idea of where i'm aiming the ball and where it is actually going is always so far off that it becomes hilarious. people often ask me why i don't use the golf course that i live next to ..if they saw me hit the ball they wouldn't need to ask :p

 

Hey, your golf could be quite a conversation starter!

 

Seriously, have you joined your roll call? I'm travelling solo on my next cruise but I already know a great group of people. We've planned excursions and arranged for another solo cruiser and me to have the same table for dinner.

[luvcruisn']

You do have to put yourself out there to some extent if you want to meet people. I highly recommend fixed seating, at a table of 6 or 8, so you will have the same group to get comfortable with over the course of the cruise. If you go to a lounge, sit at the bar instead of a table. There are others to chat with at the bar.

 

 

I had a fixed table for 6 on one cruise, and it dwindled down to 3 or 4 most nights, as one couple found some friends on the cruise, and ate with them, and the other fellow would eat with us sometimes, but not always. A table for 8 might be better, although I have often asked for a table for 8, and been put at a table for 6.

 

I did open seating this past cruise, and found out that to be fairly sure of being seated with others, I needed to be in the dining room no later than 8:30pm, or I would most likely be eating alone.

 

I do concur with what Ruth said about sitting at the bar. In the Queen's Lounge, while sitting at the bar, I met the most people of all on this past cruise.

[travelnap]

I always travel solo when cruising and have found HAL to be a very friendly place to cruise solo. I agree with Ruth, the more you put yourself out there the more meeting people and interaction with others will take place. I usually do ship excursions so you can meet people on those activities. I also join in the trivia and other ship board activities and have always felt welcomed by the other passengers. I also read a lot, but I am still old school, I prefer an actual book over an e-reader. I usually dine with the Any time dining and have always felt welcomed when joining a new table in the MDR.

[Dog Drool]

I am about to go on my 3rd solo HAL cruise. I am an introvert so the first one was hard but had a great time.I do the any time dinning eek Meet lots of nice people usually find a group and plan on dinner with them for the rest of the cruise. I go to listening to music mostly sitting at a table but chat with people at the next table or have people join me.

 

One of th best things about HAL is the staff They know you and seem to keep an eye on the solos . Always a hi even off ship. Feel safe like someone would notice if I was missing.

[Watson's aunt]

Hi

 

I also am about to go on my 3 rd solo cruise. Ask for large table I like a six. Depending where you are going Sea days port days. I love being outside. Walking around the out side of the ship. There are things to do on board I do not do most of them. (my two Cruises were to Alaska) If you don't like your table mates ask to be changed. When eating at lido just ask to join a table. If you are sitting alone some one will ask to join you. Do not sit in your cabin. Go up to crows nest if not at bar sit at a table someone will join you. Also the do have two solo meetings if on a 14 day cruise. Join your roll call

 

 

Mary

[Typhoon1]

Everyone is different. Some seem to have had a fantastic time.

 

I recently spoke with a lady whose husband died a few years ago, she cruised alone, and thought she was out of place, since the rest were all coupled.

 

I guess, it really depends on the individual. One never knows, you might find your next soul mate on a cruise.

[Chelly]

well it looks like i'll be cruising alone this year. just wandering what the options are for someone like me. i'm quite shy so not likely to plonk myself in the middle of things ...will it be lonely ?

 

Cruising solo on HAL is great! You will love it. Smile, be friendly and don't act terrified, even if you really are....:D

[Taz]

I just boarded my first solo cruise this morning and so far it's gone just swell. Starting with my flight into the port city yesterday (on a small commuter jet where just about everyone was enroute to board the ship) the woman of EVERY couple I've met has said either "oh you poor dear" or "you're so brave"' while clutching the arm of their husbands when they found out I'm cruising solo. I fully realize that it's a sign of their own insecurity, but quite frankly, I find it rude and insulting. I have a couple of snappy comebacks in mind that may very well come tumbling out of my mouth sooner rather than later, but for now the manners my mama taught me have prevailed. Other people's insecurity won't stop me from having a great time.

[Chelly]

I just boarded my first solo cruise this morning and so far it's gone just swell. Starting with my flight into the port city yesterday (on a small commuter jet where just about everyone was enroute to board the ship) the woman of EVERY couple I've met has said either "oh you poor dear" or "you're so brave"' while clutching the arm of their husbands when they found out I'm cruising solo. I fully realize that it's a sign of their own insecurity, but quite frankly, I find it rude and insulting. I have a couple of snappy comebacks in mind that may very well come tumbling out of my mouth sooner rather than later, but for now the manners my mama taught me have prevailed. Other people's insecurity won't stop me from having a great time.

 

LOL! I hear the "You're SO brave" at least twice every cruise. After that I often hear "Wish I had the courage to do it". I sometimes reply. "Try it, you may never cruise with a spouse/partner/friend again, and just imagine having a cabin ALL to yourself!!":D

[Chelly]

i just boarded my first solo cruise this morning and so far it's gone just swell. Starting with my flight into the port city yesterday (on a small commuter jet where just about everyone was enroute to board the ship) the woman of every couple i've met has said either "oh you poor dear" or "you're so brave"' while clutching the arm of their husbands when they found out i'm cruising solo. I fully realize that it's a sign of their own insecurity, but quite frankly, i find it rude and insulting. I have a couple of snappy comebacks in mind that may very well come tumbling out of my mouth sooner rather than later, but for now the manners my mama taught me have prevailed. Other people's insecurity won't stop me from having a great time.

 

enjoy!!!

[NoWhiners]

I just boarded my first solo cruise this morning and so far it's gone just swell. Starting with my flight into the port city yesterday (on a small commuter jet where just about everyone was enroute to board the ship) the woman of EVERY couple I've met has said either "oh you poor dear" or "you're so brave"' while clutching the arm of their husbands when they found out I'm cruising solo. I fully realize that it's a sign of their own insecurity, but quite frankly, I find it rude and insulting. I have a couple of snappy comebacks in mind that may very well come tumbling out of my mouth sooner rather than later, but for now the manners my mama taught me have prevailed. Other people's insecurity won't stop me from having a great time.

 

that's the spirit :)!! Don't let them get to you, go out and make your own fun.

 

Enjoy your cruise

ML

[maxie99]

You do have to put yourself out there to some extent if you want to meet people.

 

I highly recommend fixed seating, at a table of 6 or 8, so you will have the same group to get comfortable with over the course of the cruise. You are likely to get along with at least some of the people.

Join in activities that you enjoy. Go to trivia, or join in the various competitive sports, like the golf putting.

If you like to go to the show, don't be afraid to ask if an empty seat is vacant, then sit down and chat a bit with the people there. Same thing with lectures, if there are any on your cruise.

If you go to a lounge, sit at the bar instead of a table. There are others to chat with at the bar.

i so agree with ruth c ive been on many cruises by myself, and sitting at the bar is a great way to meet people, young and old, and the bar staff treat you real special, joani

[maxie99]

I am about to go on my 3rd solo HAL cruise. I am an introvert so the first one was hard but had a great time.I do the any time dinning eek Meet lots of nice people usually find a group and plan on dinner with them for the rest of the cruise. I go to listening to music mostly sitting at a table but chat with people at the next table or have people join me.

 

One of th best things about HAL is the staff They know you and seem to keep an eye on the solos . Always a hi even off ship. Feel safe like someone would notice if I was missing.

dog, your so right about the staff--- once they know your single--they really treat you as family

[KNOT2L82SAIL]

Lovely other, I think you will enjoy your solo cruise. I have only done two, but totally loved both of them. Both cruises, I have had open seating at dinner. The first solo cruise, I met a wonderful group one night at dinner (2 couples and another solo)... and we got along so well that we agreed to eat together every night and had the same table. The second solo cruise, never met up with a great group for dinner, but met so many interesting folks. I do not recommend a table for 10, just toooo big and too hard to follow a conversation. Usually when you ask if a seat is taken, a conversation will start from there, whether it is out on the promenade deck, the lido, or a show. When not on a ship booked excursion, I never wandered too far from the ship. Better safe than sorry when alone. And your cabin will feel like a mansion...your own private mansion. You do not have to do anything. Just enjoy the cruise.

[PatsyAnne]

I just boarded my first solo cruise this morning and so far it's gone just swell. Starting with my flight into the port city yesterday (on a small commuter jet where just about everyone was enroute to board the ship) the woman of EVERY couple I've met has said either "oh you poor dear" or "you're so brave"' while clutching the arm of their husbands when they found out I'm cruising solo. I fully realize that it's a sign of their own insecurity, but quite frankly, I find it rude and insulting. I have a couple of snappy comebacks in mind that may very well come tumbling out of my mouth sooner rather than later, but for now the manners my mama taught me have prevailed. Other people's insecurity won't stop me from having a great time.

I guess the ones who think "you lucky dog" don't feel they should say it next to their husbands.;)

[cinnamon123]

:)hi everyone,

this will be the first time i'm going solo. i'm doing open dining so i can meet

all the people i can. plan on doing everything i can,trivia,casino blackjack, etc.

i'm a people person & i think everyone on a cruise is happy, right?

your only alone as you want to be.

i'll write a review when i get back in january. by the way, i'm a senior lady.

call me an optomist.

cinnamon123:)

[RuthC]

I guess the ones who think "you lucky dog" don't feel they should say it next to their husbands.;)

Two thumbs up. :D

[luvcruisn']

I usually do ship excursions so you can meet people on those activities.

 

Ship excursions are a good idea if you are travelling solo. I usually do independent excursions booked with the people on my roll call. One time, there were 6 couples and myself. I did feel a little out of place at mealtime on that one, and didn't make any friends within the group.

[cruisetrail]

what's it like onboard if your single ?

 

It all depends on what you are cruising for.

 

You are never alone on a cruise - you have the ship and the sea.

So there are always at least three of you.

 

You'll need the right ship, right time and right sea (or itinerary if you are interested in ports).

[TiogaCruiser]

I just boarded my first solo cruise this morning and so far it's gone just swell. Starting with my flight into the port city yesterday (on a small commuter jet where just about everyone was enroute to board the ship) the woman of EVERY couple I've met has said either "oh you poor dear" or "you're so brave"' while clutching the arm of their husbands when they found out I'm cruising solo. I fully realize that it's a sign of their own insecurity, but quite frankly, I find it rude and insulting. I have a couple of snappy comebacks in mind that may very well come tumbling out of my mouth sooner rather than later, but for now the manners my mama taught me have prevailed. Other people's insecurity won't stop me from having a great time.

 

To Taz and OP: you go girl!

 

Having only a little experience but having cruised both with DH and solo, for me either way its a good time.

 

Yes, as a solo there were awkward moments, especially since I am very married and DH wasn't able nor did he want to take that cruise (24 days off a brand new job- uh, no). We had a great rollcall and many excursions through that. Totally agree the HAL staff was even more welcoming and got to know those in the Lido and stewards always chatted in the afternoon or evening.

 

Had only a few rude comments- no big deal-(those comments are more telling about the speaker really) and one geezer who tried to pick up on me. (He would have had no idea I was solo as I had just stepped out on deck and for all he knew DH could have been right behind. And I was wearing a wedding ring).

(And it was settled so reflexively I was surprised).

 

Prior to leaving I had set myself a few goals and one I kept putting off was the MDR. Finally went on a formal night to have quail. I got a table alone and enjoyed it enough to do it again.