Freaking out a little!

[Vigorosity]

So my cruise leaves on Saturday and I’m supposed to go with my friend. She’s sick and it’s to the point of her possibly not going. We were supposed to already be in Florida. I know that I’ll make the boat, either by driving last minute or booking a flight tomorrow. But going on vacation alone would be a totally new experience that I’m not sure I’m comfortable. I’m just freaking out....so if you have any advice or experience on cruising solo or something!

[schazzy]

If y'all have insurance, illness is usually one of the reasons that qualifies for a full reimbursement of the covered cruise costs. Y'all could cancel and get your money back and re-book for a later date after she's recovered from her illness.

 

I've never cruised solo before, so I can understand that it's daunting to think about spending a week with a few thousand strangers all by yourself. If you do go it alone, one thing I can suggest is to ask to be seated with a group table at meals in the MDR, at least then you wouldn't have to dine alone, and it would give you a chance to meet and chat with some of your fellow passengers, and maybe even make a few cruise buddies (we've always made a few on our cruises) and that could make it feel a little less lonesome.

 

Whatever you decide, I wish you well, and I hope your friend gets well soon! 

Edited November 9, 2018 by schazzy

[Vigorosity]

3 hours ago, schazzy said:

If y'all have insurance, illness is usually one of the reasons that qualifies for a full reimbursement of the covered cruise costs. Y'all could cancel and get your money back and re-book for a later date after she's recovered from her illness.

 

I've never cruised solo before, so I can understand that it's daunting to think about spending a week with a few thousand strangers all by yourself. If you do go it alone, one thing I can suggest is to ask to be seated with a group table at meals in the MDR, at least then you wouldn't have to dine alone, and it would give you a chance to meet and chat with some of your fellow passengers, and maybe even make a few cruise buddies (we've always made a few on our cruises) and that could make it feel a little less lonesome.

 

Whatever you decide, I wish you well, and I hope your friend gets well soon! 

 

We don’t have insurance. But even if I did, I already have the time off work. I’m not worried about the money as much as just going alone. I know I can have fun...it’s just so crazy to think about. I never thought this situation would arise. 

 

 

Thankfully, I have fttf. And have pre booked as much as possible. I’ve traveled quite a bit...but being a young woman alone means I’m gonna have to be way more cautious. I’ll definitely check on the dining assignments. I guess that’s might be the most difficult part!

 

Thanks for your kind words!

[SkyMaster]

I cruise SOLO more often than not, simply because my wife has a little business, and it's very difficult for both of us to leave it.  Cruising SOLO is amazing, in that you can do what you want, when you want, and there are very few difficult decisions to be made.  You can ask the Maitre'd to seat you at a table with other SOLO cruisers, (no, they are NOT trying to "hook up", just enjoy the company at dinner).  You'll make fast friends, and if you want, you'll find others who will enjoy your company at the shows, etc.  Cruising SOLO is, IMO, the best way to "decompress", and just enjoy total relaxation.....

 

"SKY"

[NCTribeFan]

I love to sail solo.  My favorite is to sail solo but have other cruise friends on the ship, but if I don't, I'm just fine.

 

I've been single for many years and since my DD graduated college (and then got married), I'm often solo.

 

You can do as many things with other people as you choose, or you can (maybe) find somewhere relatively quiet and sit and read.  Your choice.  Your timetable.

 

For me, the best part about being solo is you get to observe.  When you're with others, you spend all your time chatting and often don't notice what's going on around you.  When you're on your own, you can people watch.  You can really see just how hard the crew and staff are working when you aren't distracted by your friends.  I really enjoy that part of solo sailing.

 

Even when solo, I always meet great people on the ship.  I've never had anything other than a great time, whether completely solo, solo with friends on the ship, or sailing with my daughter or a friend sharing a cabin.  It's all good!

 

I just did a last-minute 5-night sailing solo.  Loved it.  Will do 11 nights in December with cruise buddies (but my own cabin).  Doing 14 nights transatlantic in the spring with my daughter as my cabinmate.  Three different cruiselines.  Three different situations.

 

Go and enjoy yourself.

[evandbob]

I'm sailing solo this w/e out of MIA, maybe my 15th or 20th time, so it's not a big deal for me.  Plus, being a guy, I don't have many of the issues that newbie solo women travelers might have - I've read enough comments in the solo threads to realize there are gender differences in the approach to solo travelers.

 

Relax, take a big breath, and put one foot in front of the other.  You can have a great cruise simply by relaxing - or you can be miserable and anxious if you go feeling tense or worried.  Like most things in life, it's our usually attitude about stuff that determines how we view the outcome.

 

BTW, Carnival sent out an email that boarding for the Magic this weekend will be delayed by one hour.

[five.]

49 minutes ago, SkyMaster said:

You can ask the Maitre'd to seat you at a table with other SOLO cruisers, (no, they are NOT trying to "hook up", just enjoy the company at dinner).

The way you worded that, I have to ask. Do you think wording it as SOLO vs SINGLE makes a big difference?

[evandbob]

It does in the CC threads, as well as with most of your fellow cruisers.

 

I've never had to ask, and being a guy, wouldn't think to ask.  It was something that just happened.

 

Although there was one cruise where I was the only guy at a 10 top......

Edited November 9, 2018 by evandbob

[SkyMaster]

6 minutes ago, five. said:

The way you worded that, I have to ask. Do you think wording it as SOLO vs SINGLE makes a big difference?

No, not at all.  It's just that in my experience, SOLO is the way a person, sailing by him, or her self is referred to?  I don't think there is a single bit of difference....

 

"SKY"

[Joebucks]

5 hours ago, schazzy said:

If y'all have insurance, illness is usually one of the reasons that qualifies for a full reimbursement of the covered cruise costs. Y'all could cancel and get your money back and re-book for a later date after she's recovered from her illness.

 

Be careful with that advice, "illness" is very vague. You aren't going to get your money back if someone has a cold. Often, "illness" is a cover for "I don't want to go".

 

I say don't sweat the solo cruise! Maybe it ends up being more fun, maybe it ends up not being your thing. The alternative is you not going either. That would be no fun. Enjoy this time you get!

[BellaSweet]

Just take a deep breath and start preparing. Take some books, some things to do..plan ahead. Make a spa appointment or 2.

 

I think travelling alone is overwhelming at first for anyone..  I was 18 when I got on my first flight and travelled alone. I was terrified..but I handled it and had a really great time. And I can't tell you how proud of myself I was. I learned a lot about myself.

 

You can do it. 

[Essiesmom]

I have traveled solo a lot.  Not just on cruises...around the world.  Now I travel with my sister.  But many years ago, a cousin asked me how I could handle traveling alone.  My response was 'It's 100% better than not going at all!"  EM

[scrotser]

Also, if you haven't already, look for your cruise roll call here or on FB.  You can meet many others who might be in the same boat (haha... see what I did there..) as you! 🙂

[Vigorosity]

Thanks for everyone’s responses! I’m coming around to the idea of being solo on this vacation. I’m still disappointed....but I have always loved adventures and this is definitely one. 

 

Looking on the bright side...I’ll get my own cabin and a bigger bed. I can decide whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it. I can meet new people easily and have done so in the past. And now I have an hour and a half flight instead of driving 13 hours! Trying to be as positive as possible. 

[dreadpirate3]

I hope you have a great time on your cruise.

[LuckyStar]

14 hours ago, Vigorosity said:

So my cruise leaves on Saturday and I’m supposed to go with my friend. She’s sick and it’s to the point of her possibly not going. We were supposed to already be in Florida. I know that I’ll make the boat, either by driving last minute or booking a flight tomorrow. But going on vacation alone would be a totally new experience that I’m not sure I’m comfortable. I’m just freaking out....so if you have any advice or experience on cruising solo or something!

 

So sorry about your friend.  Let us know what you do.  I haven't sailed solo but I'd do it in a minute.  My sister and I sailed together last April and we were not together all the time.  We got back together for dinner.  Dinner alone is the only thing that would be daunting.  I love the MDR. 

 

EDIT: Note to self:  read until the end before responding.  Have a great time!

Edited November 9, 2018 by LuckyStar
More info

[ricew001]

I have traveled by myself a lot for work. I live in NC and I've been to California for work by myself several times and did some harbor cruises alone. I know they aren't a "cruise" but same principle. I was far from home and knew no one.

 

DO IT! You will love it. You can do whatever you want to do whenever you want to do it!!!!! Isn't that the ultimate vacation perk? LOL!

 

I find myself making friends and talking to people so easy on the cruise. Every cruise we've done we've met people we hung out with and made plans with for the rest of the cruise.

 

Spa activities are often done alone so you can do those. Sleep late. If you don't want to eat alone in the MDR, treat yourself to room service.

 

We went to the Piano Bar every night on our last cruise and there was one lady there by herself every time. I think she just came by herself because she said it was her bachelorette cruise. I guess her friends wanted to do something different.

 

go for it. Have a fabulous cruise and please report back to us!

[Jazzykatt]

I know it can be scary but going alone isn’t such a terrible thing. I had a friend bail out on me about 20 years ago and I ended up going alone. It was a carnival cruise and I ended up meeting my now husband on that ship.   Love interests aside, I did meet another girl on the first day who was in the same situation as I was. To this day we still remain in contact. I’m an avid reader so I didn’t mind going solo. Bring lots of books and maybe have yourself seated at a mixed table for dinner times. People are usually very friendly when they’re on vacation. Best of luck and I hope you have a great time.

[Anyislandwilldo]

We met a woman who chose to go solo on her cruise because it gave her much more freedom to do the things she wanted to do.  I hope all works out for you and have a great cruise.

[riclop]

Cruising solo is not bad at all.

[sgttami]

I love going solo on cruises.  No one to worry about except ME...

 

ENJOY!

[GTO-Girl]

We met a lady on our last Royal Cruise and she chooses to cruise solo a lot. She said her husband doesn’t want to come so she goes by herself, books a junior suite to get triple points and had a ball!!

[Drose716]

I've never technically cruised solo. But I did 2 cruises with just myself & my kids who always have their own lives on board. The first was fairly boring. But it was a 4 day January cruise to the Bahamas & not a popular sailing obviously. I still met people to chat with & had a great time.

 

On the second I met the man who is now my boyfriend of 2.5 years on night 1 at the casino bar. 

 

Since, we've been on 3 cruises together. We've met other people & couples to hang out with on every one. Take the plunge! If you're a social person, you'll make friends. 

 

 

[dolfndreams]

About half of my cruises I went solo and while the first felt a bit awkward I quickly realized how amazing it can be. I agree people are friendly on the most part if I wanted to chat.  Excursions it doesn't matter if you are solo or with someone. Never felt I was out of place either with Carnival or external operators. We all go as a group anyway and people were friendly.

 

I've been travelling with family the last year of so and have to admit I am almost hoping someone will cancel so I can enjoy that cabin to myself and do anything I want without worrying about the other person:)   Both solo and with company are great, but there is something wonderful about a solo cruise and just having total freedom to relax or be involved.  

 

And nothing like that cruise cabin to yourself..

 

Hope i t works out and you find you enjoy it as much as other solo travelers. Check out the solo boards for some encouragment also. It has some great people with great ideas.

[just4cruzin]

I can't believe no one has suggested this, but for a nominal fee of I think $100, you can transfer the booking from your friend to another person.  For $100, it's amazing how many friends you might have who would want to go.  I can't vouch for solo cruising, however this is another option.  Good luck and hope your friend feels better.