Oceania vs. Crystal Symphony, etc. as solo-friendly?

[marilano]

I'm considering (very last-minute) a northern Europe cruise this summer and would like to take a luxury or premium line and have a cabin with a balcony or verandah. I've gotten info. for August cruises on both Oceania and Crystal, with very similar prices for similar cabins, with either a reduced single supplement or some other kind of discount. I've done a lot of research, including on the forums here, and a lot of people seem to think that Oceania isn't very solo-friendly (and, fyi, I'm a woman over 55) and that Crystal is much more so. Those aren't the only two lines I would have considered initially, but at this late date, since I can only travel during the summer, my cruise options for luxury or premium travel this summer seem limited. Lots of premium or luxury cruises to cooler regions (northern Europe, British Isles, Canada, etc.) are already either sold out or only have a few cabins left in bad locations (e.g., across from the laundry or elevators). Since I'm a light sleeper and value quiet, I really want a nice cabin, especially if I'm spending a lot of money. Any opinions about solo-friendliness of Oceania vs. Crystal--or other similar lines--would be most appreciated. If I decide there aren't enough available options THIS summer, I'd postpone to next summer, so general advice about solo travel on luxury and premium lines (to Europe or Canada) would be helfpul. Thanks. marilano

[Mura]

I haven't traveled solo (although I may have to in the future because of DH's vision problems) but I personally don't think that Oceania is hostile to solo travelers. On many of our cruises they have scheduled get-togethers for solo travelers. On our first O cruise a woman we dined with early on went to such a meeting and invited a gentleman to join her for Valentine's Day, and they became a couple. (Unfortunately I don't know if that relationship continued but given that she lived in the UK and he lived in California, probably not!)

 

But on Oceania, at least, it is easy to meet other people by telling the staff at the entry to the Grand Dining Room that you would like to share. Likewise, when booking a specialty dining room you can say that you want to share.

 

The best bet is to sign up for your Roll Call and meet people who on your cruise in advance. When I was setting up the Meet & Greet on a Marina cruise a few years ago I realized that a gentleman was traveling alone, so I invited him to join us for dinner one night. He'd already found a lady friend on his own, and we had a lovely dinner for four.

 

If you are traveling along probably the best way to find friends before the cruise is on the Roll Call.

 

Mura

[StanandJim]

Crystal has many more organized "single activities", and a structured single dining program with a table in their main dining room specifically designated for single travelers. That said, I found their specialty restaurants to be extremely intimidating even as part of a couple (and we're from Manhattan!). I'm not saying that Crystals' food isn't World class, but their restaurants are exceedingly old school and formal.

 

Oceania is far less structured in general, and has a do your own thing ambience. Passengers often organize their own private shore excursions on Oceania (almost unheard of on Crystal), as well as other "take the bull by the horns" activities such as self organizing games tournaments (Bridge, MahjJong, pinochle, scrabble, and most recently Words with Friends).

 

What I'm saying is that on Oceania, we don't always wait for the Cruise Director to organize our days.

 

So, if you're a person who would appreciate structure, I'd recommend Crystal, but if you are the type who prefers to make your own fun and connect with others when and where you please, I would suggest Oceania.

Edited June 8, 2015 by StanandJim

[ChatKat in Ca.]

With Crystal being more structured, I think it might be more comfortable if you are not someone who can be alone. That said - I think the people on Oceania are extremely friendly.

 

We were just on a Tauck Tour of Australia and out of 35 people, about 8 women were solo; There were some women in their 50's 60's and 70's. They paired by by age and there were a group of 4 who became tour buddies. The others remained solo. We often invited the solos to join us to do things and enjoyed their company. I recommend chatting up singles and couples if they are open to making new friends. You never know who you might meet.

[Travelcat2]

I have also heard/read that Crystal has an excellent program for solos. I have a friend that sails Crystal frequently because of this program. She always has a wonderful time.

[rhohea]

I am a woman who has cruised solo on Oceania approx. 6-7 times in the last 7 years and never had a problem mixing with other passengers. (Due to family reasons my DH & I have had to either take separate vacations or it meant not having a vacation).My husband has also cruised solo on "O" and has never had a problem finding people to mixed with.

On most of the cruises, usually during the first couple of nights the Social Hostess organises a dinner in the Grand Dining Room and invites all the solo cruisers to attend pre dinner drinks in one of the Bars for 1/2 hr then dinner in the Grand Dinning Room.

It is a great way of meeting other solo passengers. It is in no way pushed or meant to be a place to try to match people up together. Normally there is the Social Hostess + 1 other Officer as well as the invited solo passengers who have accepted the invitation.

In my experience the majority of the solo passengers are woman 50+.

They send a written invitation to your cabin and you then either accept or decline.

I usually book shared tables at the specialty restaurants. When dining at Terraces (Buffet) I normally sit at a table for 2 and am often invited to join other tables when they notice I am on my own.

You will find that the crew will pay special attention to passengers who are solo and this makes you feel welcome and not alone.

Please don't think twice about cruising solo on Oceania. You will have a great time and book again before leaving the ship.

 

If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

 

Rhonda E:rhohea23@yahoo.com.au

Edited June 8, 2015 by rhohea

[marilano]

Thank you to everyone who has posted so far for the very helpful replies and information. I've been reassured about Oceania as a good possibility for solo women travelers. Any additional replies are still welcome, of course. marilano

[sbhtax]

Just a quick addition. If you like to dance, Crystal has ambassador hosts that are always available during dance times. The are professional gentlemen whose main objective is to escort the unaccompanied ladies to the dance floor.