Have you sailed solo on Princess?

[elycelynne]

If so, and if you've had traditional dining, what has been your experience on how well Princess does assigning your tablemates? I don't necessarily need to have only singles or solos at my table, but having requested a table for six I would hate to think that they might do something like sticking me with a family of five.

 

I assume that I could request a change from the dining room manager if that happened, but I'm hoping that they wouldn't do that to me in the first place.

[ghgeckos]

Well I wasn't solo but booked with a friend. We used anytime dining and enjoyed the company of many different people each night by sharing a table.

 

 

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[hpeabody]

I sail solo. I prefer early traditional dining and ask for a large table when I book the cruise. Only 1 time was I seated with a family and did end up getting changed because they requested the table to themselves, LOL. Typically my dining mates are couples and other solos mix. If you opt for anytime dining when you arrive tell them you want a large table to share. Usually you will be seated with those you are standing in line with unless they already have a single seat they need to fill. If you are unhappy, yes you can see the Maitre'd and ask to be moved or change to Anytime. I have never had any real issues with dining, other than early is just a bit too early these days being 5:30 or 5:45.

[kruisey]

I go early traditional and request mixed table of eight.Just take it as I find it.

Been with couples,singles, and mixed.Most times good experience.You get to know them and likewise. Were as in 'Anytime' it can be "getting to know you" every night.There again could be another single on board that one arranges to meet at meal times and enjoy other ship board activities .It up to you..a nice smile always helps...:)

[Hav2cruise]

I would check your roll call

there might be a single on there or a couple you can sit with

 

Tom

[TracieABD]

I just completed my first solo cruise- and I wrote a live from all about it. I did talk a lot about dining.

 

Here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2326900

 

Happy to answer questions!

[Thrak]

Never sailed solo but have had a solo traveler at my table. We booked TD and had a table for 6. There were 3 of us, one couple, and a solo man. He was a frequent cruiser (widower) who always sailed solo. We liked him and found him interesting.

[DrivesLikeMario]

I've sailed solo a few times with Princess and with other lines as well. You never know who you'll be seated with - sometimes neat people, sometimes not.

 

In the beginning, I made the mistake of going with Anytime Dining. I had to explain my situation every night to different table mates and that got old. Everyone wanted to know why I was traveling solo, why my DH couldn't go, "is he crazy?", "are you crazy to go alone on such an itinerary", etc. I got all kinds of "interesting" questions. I felt grilled at every meal. I learned my lesson and found that traditional dining is the way to go. ;)

 

Usually I find it's just much easier to just eat in the buffet for dinner especially if it's a port-intensive itinerary. Food isn't that big of a deal for me, but if it is for you, go with traditional dining and if you find your tablemates aren't what you're comfortable with after the first night, just get your table changed.

[elycelynne]

I've sailed solo a few times with Princess and with other lines as well. You never know who you'll be seated with - sometimes neat people, sometimes not.

 

In the beginning, I made the mistake of going with Anytime Dining. I had to explain my situation every night to different table mates and that got old. Everyone wanted to know why I was traveling solo, why my DH couldn't go, "is he crazy?", "are you crazy to go alone on such an itinerary", etc. I got all kinds of "interesting" questions. I felt grilled at every meal. I learned my lesson and found that traditional dining is the way to go. ;)

 

Usually I find it's just much easier to just eat in the buffet for dinner especially if it's a port-intensive itinerary. Food isn't that big of a deal for me, but if it is for you, go with traditional dining and if you find your tablemates aren't what you're comfortable with after the first night, just get your table changed.

 

Yes, the repeated introductions do get very old after awhile. The only advantage of Anytime Dining is that you don't have to stick to a set schedule. It's probably just me, but I find buffet dinner by myself to be kind of depressing. However, I might change my tune if I'm ever on a port-intensive cruise where I get back late from excursions and don't feel like putting too much effort into dressing for dinner.

[TessM]

I've sailed solo on Princess numerous times and I dine traditional. Luckily, I've never been seated with "bad" tablemates. I usually ask for large tables (8+) to increase the odds of having interesting conversation.

 

I've never requested to be seated with other solo passengers although you should be able to put in such a request - either thru your travel agent or a Princess rep if you reserved directly with Princess.

 

btw, I'm agree with you about avoiding buffets but really because I want to be waited on. I can serve myself at home.

[susancruzs]

I sail solo with Princess all the time, most recent a TA plus Baltic returning May 12th. I had an awesome table, ten of us, 3 couples and 4 singles. One gal was on for the TA only otherwise the 9 of us were together for 25 days. Some couples were in and out doing other things but several of us were there every night. It was one of my better dining experiences.

 

I've always done traditional because I don't want to try and fit in with any time diners plus reintroduce myself 25 times! Once I get through the, yes, I usually cruise alone, yes for over 30 years and yes Princess is my preferred with RCI being 2nd! Many people don't understand the alone factor, I prefer it, works best for me.

 

I've cruised 28 times, 6 cruise lines, and once I asked to change tables, a good track record. I don't do the buffet, on my recent cruise I was there maybe a half dozen times, for a bowl of fruit, never a meal. For lunch sometimes Alfredo's, otherwise a salad in the IC. I don't eat in the dining room for breakfast or lunch, just dinner.

Edited June 15, 2016 by susancruzs

[benanjerry]

I have sailed solo twice with Princess. Both times I had traditional dining. On the first cruise my tablemates were a charming couple from Scotland, about 20 years older than I was. We had a great time and corresponded for several years. My second cruise I was at a table for eight with an elderly couple and their daughter and her spouse, all of whom took great pains to display their wealth and "superiority". We might have been OK but the other two at the table were loud, brassy women who had no idea how to behave in a formal setting. It was too much for me trying to bridge the gaps. I ate most meals at the buffet - not a problem for me since I dine out alone frequently. It actually worked out well because it was an Alaskan cruise so very port intensive and it was easy to have a meal in my slacks and sweatshirt after a busy day out and about. This fall I am on a 20 day Caribbean and selected Anytime Dining, although my guess is I will often use the buffet. I like to read while I eat, but am also pleased to have people join me when tables are scarce. Most cruisers are interesting and part of the value of travel is the interaction involved in getting to know others. And you can always ask for a table for two in the MDR if you want to enjoy the service but not the stress of a crowd of strangers. As a previous poster noted, a friendly smile works wonders. Have a marvelous time!

[DrivesLikeMario]

If it helps, one of the best ways to meet people when you're traveling solo is in the organized games like trivia, putting competitions, etc. I've met some of the neatest, most interesting people that way. It helps to be doing an activity.

 

Have a great time! :)

[riclop]

If so, and if you've had traditional dining, what has been your experience on how well Princess does assigning your tablemates? I don't necessarily need to have only singles or solos at my table, but having requested a table for six I would hate to think that they might do something like sticking me with a family of five.

 

I assume that I could request a change from the dining room manager if that happened, but I'm hoping that they wouldn't do that to me in the first place.

You can ask for a change or eat in the buffet.

[elycelynne]

If it helps, one of the best ways to meet people when you're traveling solo is in the organized games like trivia, putting competitions, etc. I've met some of the neatest, most interesting people that way. It helps to be doing an activity.

 

Have a great time! :)

 

I usually do trivia and make it known that I'm looking to join a team. I've had pretty good success that way.

[redeye84]

I cruise solo most of the time. Almost all of mine have been with Princess out of Australia - Dawn, Sea, and Sun, (which don't have anytime dining) and last November on Diamond. On the last few cruises the traditional early dining table on the Dawn and Sea were all solo cruisers which I thought was great. We were all in the same boat (no pun intended). I prefer traditional dining as opposed to anytime, which I was assigned on the Diamond. I changed to traditional because I've had good luck with table mates except for once when I had to request a change and also as mentioned you don't have to go through the introductions with different people every night that you will probably never see again. But some people like that so whatever suits you.

 

I'll second the motion of joining activities such as trivia quizzes. You can have up to 6 people on a team so I just roam around until I find a table looking for for a bright person to join them. Unfortunately, they got me. But we had a great time because I just play for the fun of it and make sure I join a like minded group.

 

I have cruised twin share and it's okay but I prefer solo because because I have a whole stateroom to myself and I can do what I want whenever I want to so I guess I'm spoiled now. And I get my own bathroom! Of course it's more expensive because I pay the same as two people in the same stateroom. So I'm sure that must be a consideration for some people.

[Treven]

I always cruise solo, I don't want to share the cabin/bathroom with someone else, I'm somewhat an introvert. I eat in the anytime dining room, and also Horizon Court, about 50-50. Regardless of which, I eat alone; dinners, especially, are "me time". I want to sit quietly and go over what I did that day or plans for the next day, excursion or whatever. I also bring my iPad to read between courses.

Edited June 16, 2016 by Treven

[freshair8]

I travel solo and love it !! :)

I have anytime dining and I have been fortunate enough to sit with lovely people every meal...... yes, they all do ask the same questions of me.. why do you cruise solo.. are you lonely, etc. etc. I gladly answer their questions... its no problem.. they are curious of me, as I am of them.

We have alot of laughs and thats what cruising is all about for me... well, ok.. the ports too!! LOL :)

[mya603]

I cruised solo in Alaska last year. Did anytime dining. Loved it! Nobody asked why I was sailing alone. We just enjoyed the meal together and made small talk. But I did go to the meet and greet and met some great people that I dined with most nights. It was nice too. One of them was also a solo cruiser and the other were friends sailing together. But all in all I had a great time on the cruise and the pre-land tour. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

[KruzPrincess]

I've traveled solo with Princess several times. I don't like eating in the MDR much due to length of time it takes every night. I often go to the buffet and take a book with me. Sometimes I go to a specialty restaurant. If I do go to the MDR I go with Anytime Dining. I've always been seated with nice people. It does get tiresome explaining my situation several times, but people are just interested. I have met some really great people on my roll calls that I've dined with, as well. Sorry I can't help you with your question about Traditional Dining.

[kruisey]

I just completed my first solo cruise- and I wrote a live from all about it. I did talk a lot about dining.

 

Here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2326900

 

Happy to answer questions!

 

Just read your first solo adventure loved it.

A good sense of humor and laughter makes everyone feel good:)

[callmedeb]

I've cruised Solo on Holland America and am looking forward to my first solo on Princess next year.

 

I met a great group of people on Cruise Critic Roll Call before ever setting foot on the ship. We even pre-formed our trivia team, lol!

 

Even when I cruise with friends/family it can almost be like a solo cruise as we have varying interests. We'd come together for dinner and that's about it.

 

Cheers,

 

Deb

[kruisey]

I've cruised Solo on Holland America and am looking forward to my first solo on Princess next year.

 

I met a great group of people on Cruise Critic Roll Call before ever setting foot on the ship. We even pre-formed our trivia team, lol!

 

Even when I cruise with friends/family it can almost be like a solo cruise as we have varying interests. We'd come together for dinner and that's about it.

 

Cheers,

 

Deb

 

I met a very nice person on board but found out sooner than later that she preferred the casino and bingo.Not my preference.

Its nice to all meet up at dinner and talk about the days experiences whether on board or shore excursions.Enjoy this time.I remember the evening they had those fried banana's for one of the deserts .......;):D

[TracieABD]

Just read your first solo adventure loved it.

A good sense of humor and laughter makes everyone feel good:)

 

Thanks, Heather! I really appreciate that!

[lovevacadays]

I have sailed so.o once on Princess and had late, traditional. My table mates were great. There was a couple and then a brother with his two sisters. It was really nice.