Thinking of going solo ! Thoughts ?

[Ascott318]

I have been on 18 Carnival Cruises most of which as been with hubby. I recently returned on very stressfull cruise taking 76 yr old Mom on Splendor. I am thinking of going back on the 21st solo as hubby doesn't have vac until May. I really could use some me time. I was unable to sit by the pool, go to the beach,or really do the things I wanted . Any thoughts on this ? Hubby is nervous about safety and some health issues I had. I survived a brain aneurysm last March and am a miracle as Drs tell me. He is just nervous something may happen to me,but I feel I could really use the R&R.

[k2excursion]

Based on any health concerns, have you considered looking at just going to a beach-front hotel somewhere, such as Panama City Beach? The Flamingo hotel has some great rates this month, and it's beautiful, and right across the street from Gulf World Marine Park. I would highly recommend that (or another spot) as a safer alternative to a cruise, because of the health concerns. I went there in 2012 instead of a cruise, and I totally loved it! I loved seeing the animals & watching their shows, then relaxing on the beach & the hotel property for a few days.

 

I understand that a cruise may be more up your alley, but I also understand your husband's concerns about your health. Even if you are financially covered with travel insurance on the cruise, he would still want to be there for you in case anything happened. So it's a tough call.

[RubyGold]

I'd say just go for it!

 

You'll most likely meet people on the cruise to hang with.

 

As far as health goes, go get a check-up before travel and keep the medical centres number near.

 

If you let a medical concern take away all of your independence, you will end up not doing anything by yourself. (Unless of course, you're at an immediate danger of a medical emergency)

 

I've never cruised solo, but it's on my list. Maybe we should all do our solo's on the same cruise so we will have someone close by 'just in case'?!!

[tonic67]

I would do it in a heartbeat.

 

I miss doing things solo since I had a child and got married. Never thought I would but I do.

 

I often go on 2 or 3 day retreats, but if the opportunity for a solo cruise came up, I would do it.

 

Health concerns.....get a quickie checkup fro doc, and smile.

[calliopecruiser]

I agree that a beachfront resort, solo, might be a better solution for you now. Your health issues are obviously real, and a real concern for your husband......you might be able to get the "me time" and beach or poolside relaxation you need while making your husband more comfortable that you are closer to medical attention should it be necessary. I'm sure a lot of his fear is about you being in the middle of the Caribbean should you need emergency care, and I think it's reasonable for you to consider a compromise with him to help allay his worries. He almost lost you once (not an exaggeration), and so I understand his worries.

[AmoMondo]

I'd personally get medical advice first. If there are concerns then being based in a single resort may avoid a medi vac at sea. That said being on a cruise solo is far more sociable than on a land based holiday solo and if you are careful about your itinerary so you're not going to be days away from medical assistance, it could also work out fine or even better than a land holiday.

 

Travel/medical insurance may be another consideration.

Edited February 10, 2014 by AmoMondo

[elycelynne]

ARE there resorts (AIs more specifically) that make a solo traveler feel welcome? I've heard that we solos generally get less than cordial treatment and are looked upon like we have three heads or something.

[calliopecruiser]

ARE there resorts (AIs more specifically) that make a solo traveler feel welcome? I've heard that we solos generally get less than cordial treatment and are looked upon like we have three heads or something.

 

My experience is that I was really treated no differently solo in an AI resort (even a "couples" resort like Club Med) than I was solo on a cruise......yes, there were some people who looked askance and made rude comments, but no more on land than at sea.

[CruiseGirlKS]

Go for it! :)

[LandlockedCruiser01]

My experience is that I was really treated no differently solo in an AI resort (even a "couples" resort like Club Med) than I was solo on a cruise......yes, there were some people who looked askance and made rude comments, but no more on land than at sea.

I very strongly disagree. I once ended up solo at an AI, and was treated very poorly. Mostly by other guests, but by the casino workers as well. One time, when I was heading back from the dance club, a security guard pulled me aside, and walked me to my room through an employees-only area. He explained to me that a bunch of guys (other guests) were following me and looked like they were going to jump me. I'll give that guard credit for being very respectful and professional. It was at an AI in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

 

Maybe there are solo-friendly AI resorts, but I don't care to waste money on trying out for myself. See above paragraph why. I found cruising to be very solo-friendly, and intend to stick to that. Even though I did get negative remarks about it, they were very few and far between. I had no trouble making friends or finding women to dance with, despite my solo status being quite clear to people around me.

[Ascott318]

I decided to go for it,purchased insurance. Told husband if something happens to me just tell them to throw me overboard. Lol I have appt with brain Dr tomorrow am,I am sure all will be fine. No really after effects of aneurysm other than short term memory once in a while. Not bad just forget stupid things.

[Lois R]

Good for you:), hope you are feeling better and I also hope you

enjoy the "my time" you will get going on your own;)

I have been cruising solo for 11 years now.....it is the only way I sail

and I love it.:D

 

As for the AI, I went twice many years ago (in the mid 90s).....I went

solo on those as well. And FOR ME? Cruising beats the AI hands down.

On the ship? It is so much easier and I feel much more comfortable:)

 

Again, wishing you a wonderful cruise:)

[cruzn buckeye]

Seriously, this is not one of those "I have a friend who" questions that am actually talking about myself. i really do have a friend, who has health issues and wants to do a cruise. Unfortuneatly, his time does not match the same time I have off, so he can't cruise on the same one that i am on. He has 60 percent blockage in a coronary artery. he takes meds for it. At least that is what he has told me. He said doc says cant do surgery until 70 percent blocked. So, because he is 60 percent blocked, he is concerned that something may happen to him at sea. He is widowed and usually cruises with his son, but his son can't go this year. So... he was asking me, since I have cruised so often, about the safety on a ship...and medical facilities if a breakage would occur. I don't really know what to tell him. Will it be safe for him to go solo? Would he be taking too big of a chance to cruise? Can the ship handle such emergencies if it were to happen?