Planning first solo cruise - please help

[jamislandbaby]

Hello everyone,

 

I just went through a horrible breakup 2 weeks ago. In an effort to get over the demise of my relationship and to take back control I want to go on a solo cruise to the Caribbean. As I recently started a new job, I was thinking of going away sometime in either December or January. I'm thinking of doing Carnival because it's the "fun ship" line and I want a cruiseline that has plenty of activities. So my questions are..... (1) Is there a particular ship that you all would recommend? (2) If anyone here has done a solo trip, what was it like the first time you went cruising by yourself? and What are the pros and cons of doing a cruise solo? TIA.

[LibratPDX]

I have *only* cruised solo, I can't even imagine sharing that small cabin with anyone else ;p

 

To be honest, the first time was a little surreal. I like Your Time Dining but usually go when the Main Dining Room opens; they will usually ask if you want to be seated with others or solo, but since the tables are about 10 inches apart you're really not going to be alone if that is your choice.

 

I like the flexibility of doing what I want when I want, even if that sometimes means going to my cabin to watch a movie. Look at the Fun Times and join in some games; I like trivia games but there's also the beanbag toss and a treasure hunt among other things.

 

My favorite ship is the Carnival Breeze (even after cruising on the new Vista). I can't think of any cons to cruising solo unless dining alone bothers you.

[SkyMaster]

The lovely, and talented Mrs. Jones and I sail SOLO about 90% of the time, due to our "small business", and scheduling conflicts, but it all works out EXCELLENT! I suggest booking either early, or late seating for dinner, as they usually seat the SOLO cruisers together at a BIG table, and that makes for some excellent conversation, and lots of new friends. As noted, you can do what you want, when you want, without having to satisfy someone else, who might not like what you want to do. For instance, I LOVE the big shows, and the musical entertainment, but the lovely, and talented Mrs. Jones prefers to go to the casino. NOT my cup of tea. :rolleyes: Whatever you do, go aboard with a positive attitude, and you'll enjoy a GREAT cruise, and new friends.

I can't really recommend any particular ship, as I've enjoyed them all. Perhaps "Dream", as I've had a great time recently aboard that one.

 

"SKY"

Edited August 7, 2017 by SkyMaster

[cocoaloco]

You will love solo ! Been on a bunch of solo cruises and they are the best! Now you all with partners don't go getting all jealous - but just imagine: Do whatyawantwhenyawantifyawant.

 

The dining is great but if ya do not wanna play just go to the lido buffet and you will see 20 people just like you and you all can join up or not.

 

The ship does NOT matter. Pick the time and itinerary and price that work for you. I've been on the Vista B2B and just off the Fantasy. All are wonderful.

 

Enjoy the warmth of the sun, the aroma of the sea, the feel of the sky and then let your spirit fly !

[winddawn]

Hello everyone,

 

I just went through a horrible breakup 2 weeks ago. In an effort to get over the demise of my relationship and to take back control I want to go on a solo cruise to the Caribbean. As I recently started a new job, I was thinking of going away sometime in either December or January. I'm thinking of doing Carnival because it's the "fun ship" line and I want a cruiseline that has plenty of activities. So my questions are..... (1) Is there a particular ship that you all would recommend? (2) If anyone here has done a solo trip, what was it like the first time you went cruising by yourself? and What are the pros and cons of doing a cruise solo? TIA.

 

Sorry about your break-up. Under your circumstances where you want lots of singles activities, I'd suggest checking out vacations to go dot com slash singles cruises dot cfm. Under their list of hosted singles cruises, you'll likely find something that fits your circumstances.

 

I've cruised solo lots of times, but prefer just cruising solo to participating in the "plenty of activities" you mentioned. Solo cruising can be very enjoyable for certain people, but if you're looking for single activities, you won't find that in mainstream cruises that are targeted to couples and families.

[tidecat]

If you're flying to your cruise, I would recommend sailing out of Port Canaveral on either the Sunshine or Magic. The Magic will be newer, but the ships have basically the same amenities.

 

Port Canaveral has a number of services that will arrange the ground transportation from the Orlando (or Melbourne) airport to the cruise terminal. You may be able to find cheaper alternatives than the bundled services, but the convenience of having the hotel and ground transportation booked together can be worth it.

 

I echo the sentiment about dining in the main dining room. Get to know your table mates. Also check on the roll call section here on Cruise Critic and on Facebook for groups for your sailing (just search the ship name and date); Facebook groups are especially good for planning meet-n-greets.

[mr.cool]

My second cruise was a solo cruise. At the last minute, I booked solo because non of my friends wanted to go with short notice. On this cruise, I only had the solo feeling for the first few hours till dinner. At dinner, I sat at a table full of singles. From that moment on, it was a great time. As long as you are open to meeting people and just having fun, you will not regret going solo. It was one of my best cruises. I am still friends with people I met on that cruise. I highly recommend solo for anyone.

[atlarki]

Hello everyone,

 

 

 

I just went through a horrible breakup 2 weeks ago. In an effort to get over the demise of my relationship and to take back control I want to go on a solo cruise to the Caribbean. As I recently started a new job, I was thinking of going away sometime in either December or January. I'm thinking of doing Carnival because it's the "fun ship" line and I want a cruiseline that has plenty of activities. So my questions are..... (1) Is there a particular ship that you all would recommend? (2) If anyone here has done a solo trip, what was it like the first time you went cruising by yourself? and What are the pros and cons of doing a cruise solo? TIA.

 

 

 

I suggest you try Norwegian Cruise Lines. Most of there newer ships have cabins designed for one person, meaning you won't be paying extra for traveling solo. Vakations To Go (intentionally misspelled) has a singles cruise for New Years on the Epic. As of a few weeks ago they had 165 singlEs going. I am not associated with them, but I will be on the Epic for the last 3 weeks of this year.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Aggiebuttercup]

Kudos to you for planning something just for you right now. I took a V T G singles' cruise after my divorce- it was a lot of fun. I became friends with a woman my age from my hometown, and we've cruised together since then. The advantage of those cruises is that a) they will assign you a roommate if you want so you don't pay the singles' supplement, and b) there are lots of activities specifically for the group.

 

You may want to price several cruises and see which ones are less expensive to have one person in a room.

[evandbob]

There's a whole thread on solo cruising in CC's Special Interests section. Don't confuse solo and singles cruising though.

 

I've sailed solo maybe 2/3 of my sailings and always had fun. I enjoyed Carnival as well as NCL's solo studio cabins.

 

For dining, I always picked late and have been seated with other solos on Carnival, while NCL offers group dining arranged through their solo cruise specialist when anyone interested meets in the solo studio lounge.

 

One can do excursions solo or with some new found friends at your dining table. You can hang with other cruisers or enjoy solitude, your choice. It's empowering.

[CoW mAn]

If anyone here has done a solo trip, what was it like the first time you went cruising by yourself? and What are the pros and cons of doing a cruise solo? TIA.

 

It was pretty awesome, actually. I recommend you consider dining with strangers in the Main Dining Room, I often meet some fascinating people there...

 

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